Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries fishing report 9-29

[Fishing Report]

Anglers throughout Virginia and neighboring states want to know "how are the fish bitin'?" To provide some answers, more than 25 license agents, marinas, fishing guides, and bait shops have volunteered to serve as contacts for information on recent fishing conditions for primary rivers and lakes throughout the state. Sarah White, outdoor writer and regular contributor to Virginia Wildlife magazine, prepares this Fishin' Report from interviews with these contacts the week prior to publication of the Outdoor Report.

The Fishin' Report is only available as part of your free subscription to the Outdoor Report.

The rivers and lakes featured in the Fishin' Report are listed by VDGIF Administrative Regions so you can quickly locate the area in which you are most interested.

For regulations and conditions on saltwater fishing, visit the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) website. New Saltwater Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) Requires Angler Registration Starting January 1, 2011: The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) will implement a free state saltwater angler identification program as of January 1, 2011. Purchasers of annual Virginia saltwater fishing licenses do NOT have to register. The Virginia Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) will require unlicensed saltwater anglers aged 16 and older to register and receive an identification number annually. Adult anglers who fish for anadromous or marine species in freshwater must also register. There is no cost for registration. Online registration is available on VMRC's website. To register by phone, call toll-free 1-800-723-2728. For more information, visit VMRC's website or contact VMRC at (757) 247-2200.

The new 2011 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia (Fishing Regulations) book has been published and a copy can be obtained at the upcoming fishing and hunting shows, all license agents and Department offices. This publication not only contains the fishing regulations, but an extensive 'Let's Go Fishing' section, with information about major sport fish, public fishing lakes, major fishing rivers, and the trout stocking program. Also, you can find information about fish citations, state records, angling education programs, exotic species, and more." The Freshwater Fishing Regulations section, including the complete Trout Fishing Guide, on our website have also been updated for 2011.
Gathright Dam 'Test Pulse' to Increase Jackson River Water Flow September 28

Editors Note: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District announced last week that a 'Test Pulse' to increase the water flow in the Jackson River below the Gathright Dam in Allegheny County is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday September 28... Since this is our posting date for the Outdoor Report, we are adding the News Release from the USACOE here so as to provide background on this event and inform our readers of this situation and contact information to get updates on water levels and other effects of this test...

David Coffman, Editor

PRESS RELEASE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District
September 21, 2011

NORFOLK – State and federal agencies will use Gathright Dam near Covington, VA., to simulate a storm event on the Jackson River September 28.

The test pulse, conducted by the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, will begin at approximately 6 a.m. and peak at 3,500 cubic feet per second.

The agencies advise people to be aware of the river fluctuations that will be caused by the test pulse. The pulse is expected to raise the water level downstream in the Jackson River by up to five feet in some sections and up to three feet in the upper James River, but will remain several feet below flood stage. In some areas, the rate of the river rise may exceed two feet per hour.

The river is normally at a constant height and flow during this time of year.

Gathright Dam will gradually increase water releases from 240 cfs to a maximum of 3,500 cfs by 9 a.m. The maximum surge will last two hours, and at 11 a.m. releases will begin to gradually decrease, and return to 240 cfs by 2 p.m.

The controlled release will test whether the pulses effectively remove algae and improve water quality by simulating natural storm events that occur during the late summer and early fall. This natural variability is reduced by the operation of Gathright Dam.

A 3,000-cfs test pulse in August 2010 showed that the pulse raised dissolved oxygen levels in the river, scoured excess oxygen-consuming algae and "slightly improved" aquatic habitat of the Jackson River below Covington.

The pulses are part of a continuing Army Corps of Engineers feasibility study at the dam. The study will determine whether a change to current low-flow augmentation operations at the dam can improve the overall water quality and ecological resources in the lower Jackson River without affecting the existing fisheries in Lake Moomaw and the trout fishery below the dam.

For information contact: Pamela K. Spaugy
Deputy Public Affairs and Media Relations Officer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District
(757) 201-7059 (wk)
(757) 510-6398 (BB)
http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/BRAC
pam.k.spaugy@usace.army.mil
The Fishing Spot
by Chris Dunnavant, VDGIF Angling Education Coordinator

Greetings folks! My name is Chris Dunnavant and I am the Angling Education Coordinator and Director of the Angler Recognition Program here at VDGIF. My travels with the Agency as well as my personal fishing exploits have taken me all over the Commonwealth to experience great fishing and meet some really neat and talented people. In this new feature of the Outdoor Report, I will be sharing a variety of fishing information including fishing tips & hotspots, interviews, stories, program news and much more. I hope to pass along to you some of the wonderful opportunities afforded to me as an angler that may help improve your skills and at the least, provide some enjoyment. After all, Fishing is Fun!

Sharing the Joy of Fishing With the Starlight Children's Foundation

Two years ago I received a call from a representative of Starlight Children' s Foundation MidAtlantic asking about fishing opportunities for their group. Starlight MidAtlantic helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. She wanted to set up a fishing trip as an activity for the Richmond area Starlight families. It sounded like a special opportunity, but one I could not pull off on my own. I sent out an email or two to some of my friends and the response was overwhelming.

Now, two years and two events later, we have dedicated partners and volunteers in what seems to be shaping into an annual event. Fishing is held at a private residence in a pond loaded with feisty sunfish and numerous bass; food is donated by Supervalu Inc. of Richmond; cooking supplies, tables, chairs and volunteers come from Unity Baptist Church; fishing prizes are donated by Green Top Sporting Goods; various necessities are provided by Fishers of Men Tournament Trail along with a multitude of volunteers who donate their time to help the Starlight families enjoy the experience of fishing.

This most recent event had nearly 50 participants and everyone caught fish. It was a rainy day, but the weather didn't dampen the spirits of all who attended. The rain was not going to hold those children back, they were there to fish! Everyone enjoyed the fishing and grilled hamburgers and hotdogs for lunch. Each child received a rod and reel combo from Green Top and left with a big smile on their face. The volunteers were there to give and help the families, but reported that they in fact were the ones who really received and were blessed.

Isn't that really true? We take someone fishing or introduce them to the sport we love and we really benefit. How great it is to see the smiles and joy when a child catches that first fish or the laughs when they are biting on every cast or a big one takes the bait. It is also proof that they are having a lot of fun too.

Fishing is a fun and wholesome activity that is about more than just catching fish. It is about spending time outdoors, enjoying nature and building memories and relationships with friends and family. I still remember just about every detail of the fishing trips I was taken on as an early teen by an experienced bass angler and the trips with my dad and grandfather when I was a child. Each trip was a new adventure!

So I encourage you to take someone fishing in the next year. Young or old, it will mean so much to them and you, but also to the sport. Kids today are not naturally gravitating to activities like fishing – there are so many other options. Who supports fisheries, who takes a stand for the resource and the rights of anglers? - Anglers. Thus, it is imperative that we pass along the tradition of fishing to the next generation of stewards of our fishing resources. If you would like to join the thousands who have made a pledge to share fishing with others, take the Angler's Legacy Pledge. Interested in learning more about Starlight, visit their website.
Concession Closed at Clinch Mountain Fee Fishing Area

Effective August 13, 2011, the concession is closed at Clinch Mountain Fee Fishing Area in Washington County. Anglers may purchase daily permits at any license agent or online. Tom Hampton, VDGIF Lands and Facilities Manager for the Region 3 Southwest in Marion, noted, "Trout stocking and all other operations at the Fee Fishing Area will continue through September 30th. We regret any inconvenience that the closure of the concession for purchasing licenses and supplies may cause."

The Clinch Mountain fee fishing area (Tumbling Creek) offers put-and-take trout fishing with the added advantage that trout are stocked several times per week throughout the season. The fee fishing program operates from the first Saturday in April through September at Clinch Mountain. During the fee fishing season, a daily permit is required in addition to a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license. After the fee fishing season, these areas revert to designated stocked trout waters and a trout license is required instead of the daily permit.

The fee fishing area is located within the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area in southwest Virginia, about 7 miles west of Saltville. The area consists of approximately 7 miles of Big Tumbling Creek and its two major tributaries, Briar Cove Creek and Laurel Bed Creek.
New Boat Ramp Opened on New River at Ivanhoe

The latest of 216 public boating access sites managed or developed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is now open in Carroll County for hand-launched boats. Located just off Trestle Road near Ivanhoe, the site serves the New River. The facility consists of a gravel parking lot and gravel trail to the water's edge. Located on the north shore of the New River about one mile below Buck Dam and about four miles upstream from the VDGIF's boat landing at Austinville, the Ivanhoe boating access site should be popular with anglers wishing to fish from the shoreline or float to Austinville. The Ivanhoe Public Boating Access site is reached by turning east off of Route 94 south of Ivanhoe onto State Route 658 (Trestle Road). Continue on Route 658 under the New River Trail, and then take an immediate left to the boat landing. For information on fishing the New River, check the reports in the Fishin' Report- Sarah White's Notebook, or Visit the VDGIF website for New River fishing and boating access.
Gear up for Fall Boating! Wear your Life Jacket and Take a Boating Safety Class

Attention boaters, VDGIF has begun to phase in Virginia's boating safety education requirement. To find out more about the boating safety requirement, the rest of the phase-in for Virginia boaters, or to find a boating safety course, visit the Department's website.

Virginia's life jacket laws require that there must be one wearable (Type I, II, III, or V) USCG approved life jacket of the appropriate size for each person on the boat. All boats, except for personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts, must carry one USCG approved Type IV throwable ring or seat cushion. In addition, if you are boating on federal waters where the USCG has jurisdiction, children under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.

Review the article, "Does Your Lifejacket Really Fit?" in the Be Safe... Have Fun section.
Video Features Squirrel Skinning Quick and Easy and Panfish Preparation and Filleting

Another great DVD is now being offered at the VDGIF store, this one a double-feature: Squirrel Skinning Quick and Easy and Panfish Preparation and Filleting. If you want to learn one of the best methods we've seen for skinning squirrels, former Game Warden John Berry teaches it in detail on the first video. This video has been extremely popular to walk-in customers at VDGIF headquarters, and is now available for ordering on-line, VDGIF Outdoor Education Instructor Jenny West demonstrates various ways to prepare tasty panfish, including scaling, dressing, and filleting. Get both "how to" videos on one DVD for $8.00, shipping included. The DVD makes a great gift for sporting enthusiasts young & old.

Order your own copy today!
Got Pictures of Your Catch? Share Them With Us on Flickr!

How was your last fishing trip? Did you take pictures of your catch? Send them to us and share it with the world! Here's how:

Email your photos to us and we'll post them on our "Virginia Fishing" group on the photo-sharing website, Flickr.
Or, if you already have an account on Flickr, join the group and submit your photos. It's easy!

No matter how you send in your pictures, please remember to include the species, date, and location of your catch. If you know the length and weight, please include it.

Rules for submitting photos to the group:

Photos must be of fish caught in Virginia.
Photos must not depict unsafe practices.
Please do not publish personal information (last names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, etc.).
Please do include the species, location, and date of catch!
Only submit photos for which you have permission to post online. For example, any minor pictured must have documented permission from his or her parent or guardian in order to appear in the group. By submitting a photograph of your child, you are giving VDGIF permission to post the photo on the Flickr "Virginia Fishing" group.

The Memories Are Always Bigger Than the Fish

Buy your fishing license today.

Remember the excitement? The rush? A picture is worth a thousand words, but sharing the memory of catching that first fish with your family or friends is priceless. Why wait? Start your memories today and buy your fishing license.

Go to HuntFishVA.com, call 1-866-721-6911, or visit your nearest license agent.

If you have already purchased your 2011 fishing license, we would like to thank you for helping to support Virginia's wildlife and natural resources.
Don't miss out on a great fishing season.
Your License Dollars Support State Conservation Efforts
Sarah White's Notebook
Regional River and Lake Reports on Fishing Conditions

Attention Readers – If your favorite body of water is not covered in the Fishin Report, and you are a guide, tackle shop owner, marina or just a devoted angler; please drop me a line and we will see about adding your bi-weekly or periodic reports in the e-newsletter by telephone or email contacts. You can reach me, Sarah White at fishing_report@hotmail.com.
View online the:

Trout Stocking Schedule
Freshwater Fishing Regulations
Largemouth Bass Lakes Report
Walleye Fishing Forecast
Walleye Tagging Study
American Shad Restoration Project
Shad Tagging Study
Beginning July 1, South Holston Reservoir Fishing License Available to VA, TN Anglers
Shenandoah and James Rivers Fish Health Update
Largemouth Bass Virus Detected in Virginia Reservoirs...
Chesapeake Bay Sustainable Goal Implementation Team
Atlantic States Fisheries Commission

Region 1 - Tidewater

Little Creek Reservoir: Contributed by Park Concessionaire Diane Priestley, (757) 566-2277, hhhatlcr@aol.com. The lake is at full pool with a water temperature of 83 degrees and the visibility at mid lake is 14 ft. but in the coves it is only 8 ft. The top water bite for largemouths is still on in those coves with fish reaching 4 lbs., crank baits were effective. There are still large fish coming off mid lake points and humps so drop shoting is working. Bass also fell to the trusty Texas rigged worms. Some very nice crappie came in. Try small minnows and jigs. Other pan fish were caught on wigglers and jigs. The striper bite was slow, but some were caught by trolling or by casting into breaking fish with crankbaits and top-water baits. For the first time in months we saw a good pier bite and I believe it will get better. Stop by the shop and we will show you how to get a bite.

Beaverdam Reservoir: (804) 693-2107, www.gloucesterva.info. Contributed by Park Supervisor Blair Evans. It's looking like the crappie fishing is beginning to improve here at Beaverdam. Dedicated crappie anglers are having successful days catching nice sized slabs. The bass fishing is still the best in shallower water early and later in the day. Those bass fishing during mid day will probably have their best luck fishing the shallow sides of drop-offs around grass. The catfishing remains good. The Big Bash Classic Bass Tournament will be held on October 15th. The top twenty teams from this year's tournament series will compete in the year's final tournament. For more information, visit our website or call the park at (804) 693-2107. Park Hours: September: 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; October: 7:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.

Cat Point Creek: Contributed by our new reporter Penn Burke of Spring Shad Charters (804) 354-3200. No report this edition.

Virginia Beach: Captain Jim Brincefield (443) 336-8756. Captain Jim reports that spot are around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, at the mouths of the York and James, and at Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets. They are biting on Fishbite and blood worms. Croaker can be found at the same places, and will take the same bait. Most flounders brought up from the Bay are too small to keep. Bluefish are hanging out at Cape Henry, and are going for spoons The water is fairly clear and 75 degrees.

Back Bay: New reporter and local angler Tom Deans. No report this edition.

Chickahominy River: River's Rest (804) 829-2753. Alton Williams told me that the bass are biting fairly well on top-waters. No word on crappie. Catfishing is good down river, with the whiskered ones attacking eel and crabs. Up river the cat action is poor. No word on bluegill or perch. The water is slightly stained and 74 degrees.

North Landing River and Back Bay: West Neck Marina (757) 426-6735. Dewey Mullins says the bass bite is very good just now. Try top-waters, spinners and shallow running cranks. Crappie fishing is slow, as the slabs have not schooled up yet. No word on cats. Perch are responding well to small grubs, small spinners and small cranks. Bluegill are also cooperating and biting the traditional red wigglers and popping bugs. The water is clear and in the mid 60s.

Norfolk Lakes: Dasheill's Show Room (757) 539-7854. Drew Dixon reports that bass are going for plastics. The crappie bite has been slow, but try a minnow or jig. No report on other fish, as the rain has kept most anglers away. The water is stained and cooling.

Blackwater and Nottoway: By Riverkeeper Jeff Turner www.blackwaternottoway.com. Fishing on the Blackwater and Nottoway is improving, I'm told. Dissolved oxygen levels are rebounding and the stench of dead fish from the hurricane is waning. Upper rivers are still high and not a good bet. However around the Franklin part of the rivers some largemouth are being taken. I also heard some fly-rod fishermen did pretty good on the bream. I have not fished yet, as I'm still picking up trash washed into the river. Hopefully the rain will slack up soon and the upper and lower rivers will get back to normal. I'm ready for fall top-water bassin'! One note to remember: skeeters are terrible out there. Wear light colored protective clothing and bug spray. With the explosion of the population of these blood suckers comes an increased risk of being bitten by a strain that carries West Nile or Encephalitis. People with compromised immune systems should probably wait until the skeeters calm down before going out. ALSO, remember to wash the bug spray off as soon as you get home. That stuff is not meant to be worn round the clock. Read the directions!

Recycle Your Used Fishing Line

You know how aggravating it can be to be pulling in you lure and you snag a wad of fishing line discarded by some discourteous angler into the water or strewn on the bank where some unsuspecting critter will get hopelessly entangled. In 2009, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) and Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) launched a monofilament fishing line recycling program across the Commonwealth. Both state agencies installed PVC pipe recycling containers at public boats launches at numerous lakes, rivers and coastal waters. Anglers and boaters are encouraged to deposit used monofilament fishing line into the PVC containers. According to VDGIF Fisheries Assistant Director Ron Southwick, who is coordinating the line recycling program for the Department, "Several conservation organizations and municipalities jumped on board as partners sponsoring sites for the containers across the state." Sponsoring groups include the Virginia Bass Federation, Fairfax County Park Authority, Suffolk-Nansemond Chapter of the Isaac Walton League, Northern Virginia Kayak Fishing Club, Orange County High School Anglers Club, City of Richmond Parks and Recreation, VA B.A.S.S. Federation Nation, and the Isle of Wight Ruritan Club. In addition to providing the monofilament fishing line recycling containers, the sponsors also help maintain the containers and collect the used line for recycling. Groups interested in participating in the fishing line recycling program can contact Ron Southwick at (804) 367-1292 or by email Ron.Southwick@dgif.virginia.gov. If you're out with a novice angler during the Free Fishing Days June 3-5, set a good example and make an effort to collect any litter and discarded fishing line from others and recycle in proper containers.

Why a Monofilament Fishing Line Recycling Program?
Recycling Container Construction Guide (PDF)
Recycling Container Assembly and Installation Guide (PDF)

Upper and Lower Tidal James: Local Guide, Captain Mike Hoke, Life's Revenge Guide Service, (804) 357-8518. Captain Mike says that before the recent heavy rains, fishing was good above Richmond. Both smallmouth and largemouth bass were going for small bream, top-waters, Teeny Torpedoes, Pop R's and plastic worms. Crappie also bit well on 1/8 oz. glowing jigs, and jigs with a lime/chartreuse tail. Cats are taking live bream with great enthusiasm. The water is muddy, up and cooling.

Region 2 - Southside

Ft. Pickett Reservoir: Contributed by our man in the boat Willard A. Mayes. Such a nice day, I thought it was time to put the boat in the water and since I had not been to the county pond, "Brunswick Lake", for some time I knew it was time to feed those hungry fish some twister tails. I hooked ole blue up to the boat and then noticed that the full charge light was not on. It was then I remembered that the wife had unplugged the cord to the boat shed when we were running off the generator. The battery checked 3/4 charge and the spare checked ½, so I did not let it stop me. I was on the lake and fishing at 10:45 under the bridge and since the water was a dark brown with visibility about a foot I started out using chartreuse on a 1/32 lead head. I only caught 1 crappie on it before switching to purple and then caught 3 crappie and 1 bluegill on it before I headed towards the dam looking for those 12 inchers. I fished the shore from the dock to the first turn picking up a couple bluegill and one 10 inch bass. I fished the center of the lake all the way to the dam and then started back catching one 11 inch crappie and eleven between 8 and 10 inches. I had intentions of fishing all the way back to the dock but that was put on hold when I noticed that the trolling motor wasn't doing much so I checked it and found that light that I hope never to see again: "NO CHARGE". No problem, went to the back of the boat and put the spare trolling motor in the water and started in, got about half way in when it too went dead. About now I was starting to think that today may have not been the best day to be fishing. Alternating batteries and paddling, I finally got within sight of the dock and finally close enough to load the boat. Pushed the button on the electric wench and it would not work. Never caught a fish on the way back but there will be another day.

Sandy River and Briery Creek: Contributed by Longwood College Fishing Club's Jack Pollio. Fishing is a little different this week. With the rains, the lake is very high and the upper end is very muddy. But with fall here the fish are still biting. The best bass fishing I have found is to follow the shad and catch the bass feeding on them. This can be in the back of coves in 3 feet of water or over the channels on the main lake over 25 to 30 feet of water. I recommend throwing cranks, spinner baits, swimming jigs, swimbaits, wacky worms, jerkbaits, chatterbaits and so on that you can fool a bass into eating. You can look for these shad on the top of the water or on your graphs/depth finders. Also, not all bass chasing these fish will eat the same thing. As you move from bait to bait you may also have to change your lures during the day to catch those fish. Fishing in the back of pockets flipping plastics and jigs will also produce fish. Be careful putting your boats in the next few days, because of the water over the dock, but try and go have some nice fishing!

James at Scottsville: Local Guide L.E. Rhodes www.hatchmatcherguideservice.com, (434) 286-3366. The James is in great shape. It's running at 3.7 feet and 2570 CFS and clear. The fish continue to take top-water along the banks and bait fish patterns around the mid stream structure. Look for the top water action to start slowing down as the water cools and the length of day light start to push the smallmouth towards deeper water.

Kerr Reservoir: Bob Cat's Lake Country Store, (434) 374-8381. No report this edition.

James at Lynchburg: Angler's Lane, (434) 385-0200. Tom Reisdorf told me that smallmouth action is "decent" with popping bugs and minnow imitators. The rainbows and browns in the Jackson are going for hoppers and small nymphs. Not much is going on with the brookies due to low water levels. The water is clear and cooling.

Lake Gaston: Holly Grove Marina, (434) 636-3455. Craig Karpinski says that bass are moving to the shallows and biting well. Try fishing around structures using top-waters and Carolina rigs and you may just land a lunker. Crappie action is picking up, with minnows, jigs and small spinners being good choices. Cat angling is good at the edges of the river channel and at the mouths of creeks. Clam snouts, chicken livers and stinkbaits are getting the job done. Perch fishing is "okay" near grass or off shallow points. They are biting small spinners and red wigglers. Stripers can be found around 25 ft. down, and will take bucktails and spoons. The water is slightly stained and in the upper 70s.

Lake Gaston Health Advisory: The Virginia Department of Health has issued an advisory on walleye fish consumption due to mercury contamination in Lake Gaston. Recent fish tissue sample results from the North Carolina Division of Public Health show mercury levels in walleye fish exceed the amount considered safe for long term human consumption. VDH advises the consumption of no more than two meals a month of walleye taken from Lake Gaston. Virginia's advisory stretches from John H. Kerr Dam downstream 18 miles to the Virginia-North Carolina state line. For additional details, visit the VDH fish consumption advisory page.

Smith Mountain Lake: Contributed by Mike Snead. Virginia Outdoorsman, (540) 724-4867, www.virginiaoutdoorsman.com.

Stripers: The striped bass continue to school near the mouths of most major creeks and are starting to chase bait to the surface. There have been a number of huge breaks reported by anglers over the past week or so, several revealing large stripers. As the moon continues to become less of a factor, the early morning breaks should become more prevalent. While bright sunlight typically pushes the stripers down into deeper water, with a fading moon and the overcast skies forecast this week stripers could be found feeding on the surface at any time of the day. Good lures for breaking stripers include a fluke or swimbait rigged on a hook or lightweight (¼ ounce) shad jighead with a sharp hook, a top-water popper or a floating twitchbait .Striped bass are also being found in deep water by anglers using electronic fish finders. Large schools and smaller pods are being found in the lower sections of the lake. These deep water stripers are being caught using a variety of techniques. Some anglers are presenting live bait on down lines, some trolling and others casting, counting down and retrieving flukes and bucktails or vertical jigging with flukes and jigging spoons. If you like to vertical jig with flukes and are experiencing line twist, adding a swivel to your jighead will help eliminate it. Those trolling are doing so with their gas motor and continue to report success pulling Umbrella rigs, individual swimbaits and the popular three-way rig. The three-way rig can be trolled using lead core line, downriggers or a trolling sinker with swivels.

Bass: The bass fishing this past week really picked up once they adjusted to the cooler weather. Bass have been found schooling baitfish very early in the morning and late in the evening. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and top-water lures are all excellent choices. Bass are also being caught under deep-water docks on pig and jigs and on points and humps using Texas and Carolina rigged plastic worms, creature baits and lizards. Small finesse baits rigged on small shaky head jigs are also working under docks, along vertical structure and on natural rock bluffs. Small, medium and deep diving crankbaits continue to produce an occasional bass, especially when pulled across the top of submerged grass and deflected off structure behind and along the edges of deep water docks. Plastic worms are another lure that works well on fish suspended on dock pilings, vertical structure, under floaters and along the sides of steep rock bluffs. When fishing for suspended bass in deeper water, a popular option is to use a weighted, wacky hook with a Senko or other plastic worm. If the fish are found suspending close to the bottom, a drop shot rig with a floating worm is a good choice. If you want to learn how to catch bass in the fall I suggest you attend the "Fall Bass Patterns – The Lures, Presentation Techniques and Tips" workshop on Thursday, September 29th.

The water is 74 to 80 degrees and clear.

We will be open for two more weeks this fall and our storewide "Inventory Elimination Sale" continues. At close of business on October 1st, we will be closing the Virginia Outdoorsman's retail fishing tackle and marine supplies store for the winter. We will continue to buy, sell and transfer firearms throughout the winter in the adjoining suite where the U.S Post Office will continue to operate. Tight lines and have a great week.

Remember with these nice sunny days comes a hidden killer, SUNBURN, and all the bad stuff that comes with it. Blackwater and Nottoway Riverkeeper Jeff Turner cautions, "Take it from me, 45 years of fishing with half of that done nearly naked in my youth is dangerous. We used to go get in the boat with just cut offs on, the muddy water was our sun block and it didn't work. I have already had one melanoma cancer removed from my neck that left an ugly 3 inch in diameter scar. So wear a hat or something that will cover your face, neck and ears. Put on a good high number sun block on the rest of you exposed to the world. It's not sissy to put on sun block; it beats having chunks of your face and arms/legs removed for cancer down the road."

Region 3 - Southwest

Claytor Lake: Contributed by Mike Burchett of Rock House Marina, (540) 980-1488.

Bass: Some schooling activity is starting to take place. Finding the big pods of shad is the key to get into some exciting top-water action with schoolers. The IMA skimmers, Lucky Craft Sammys and Gunfishes are great walking baits for schooling fish. A chatterbait in a light color or a square bill crankbait worked over top of grass will produce a good reaction bite. Drop shotting a 4 ½" Roboworm is still the number1 way to catch bass with the top colors being Oxblood Light Red Flake, Martins Madness, and Prizm Krawler. After dark the action picks back up a little with a black/blue chatterbait or a dark colored Jolt spinnerbait being the best lure choices.

Stripers: There is a little bit of schooling activity around the Light House Bridge. The key is finding the bait.

Catfish: The cats are starting to turn on. Peak creek is has produced some good size and good numbers lately. Bottom fishing with live shad is the best technique.

Walleye: I have heard that the Walleye action is very good in the upper section of the lake/river. The Allisonia section seems to be the best to find the "eyes" stacked up in deeper holes. AEP has the lake pulled down now, so be careful in the river section.

Crappie/Yellow Perch: They have moved to their summer hideouts and are hard to find. Haven't heard anything on either species.

Bluegill/Panfish: Bluegill are plentiful in the back of coves around any docks or laydown trees. A night crawler is the best choice.

Water temperature is in the low 70s and clear. The lake is down about 1 ½ feet.

Lower New River: Big Z'S (540) 639-1651. John Zienius told me that cooler waters have really improved the smallmouth bite. Pig 'n jigs, flukes in all colors and dark colored Senkos are all producing well. Not much word on muskies. The water is clear and in the low 70s.

New River: Tangent Outfitters, (540) 257-0415. No report this edition.

Upper New River: Contributed by Captain Forest Pressnell, (540) 818-5274, New River Charter. The Upper New River is the clearest we have seen in probably a year, but low. Fishing for all species should be HOT for the next 3 to 4 weeks. Striper are in the river but not in huge numbers due to the low water levels. Salty Shads on a Flutter hook or jerkbaits will work well for the stripers, smallies and walleye. Top water and jerk/glide baits should produce good results on the muskie. Water temperature is 66 degrees.

Use common courtesy on the river and at landings... Blackwater and Nottoway Riverkeeper Jeff Turner advises if you're boating or fishing on the river this spring please remember that a lot of people fish anchored in the middle of the river this time of year. So, please slow down around those blind curves and don't wake people hard when they are fishing. At the boat ramps please don't prepare your boat to put in on the ramp or prepare your rig for going home on the ramp. There is usually lots of room in the parking lot. If you're in your boat waiting for the boat ahead of you to get out of the way, remember, don't make it harder on them by cruising back and forth in front of the landing at ¼ throttle and throwing a 3 ft. wake. You're only going to make him mad and take longer to get their boat on the trailer, plus it's against the law! Be courteous and respectful of others, after all we all want a safe and enjoyable trip to and from the river.

Region 4 - Mountains & Shenandoah Valley - Northern Piedmont

North and South Forks of the Shenandoah: Harry Murray (540) 984-4212 www.murraysflyshop.com. Harry reports that the smallmouth streams are producing well. The best areas to fish the North Fork are from Edinburg to Tom's Brook; in the South Fork it's from Luray to Front Royal. It's best to fish below the riffles and in the deep cuts between the river crossing ledges. Good flies are: Murray's Magnum Creek Chub, size 4; and Shenk's Black Suclpin, size 4. The water is clear, at a good level and 68 degrees.

The delayed harvest streams in the valley going to be stocked in early October; and there is a strict no kill rule until June, so release whatever you land. You should land plenty as the streams are giving good action, especially in the deep pools and below the springs. Good files are Murray's Tan Caddis Pupa, size 12; and Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph, size 12. The water is clear, at a good level and 65 degrees.

The brookies in the mountain streams are spawning right now, so it is probably best not to stress them any farther by fishing for them.

Editors Note: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District announced last week that a 'Test Pulse' to increase the water flow in the Jackson River below the Gathright Dam in Allegheny County is scheduled for the morning of Wednesday September 28... Since this is our posting date for the Outdoor Report, we are adding the News Release from the USACOE at the beginning of the Fishin' Report, so as to provide background on this event and inform our readers of this situation and contact information to get updates on water levels and other effects of this test...

David Coffman, Editor

FROM PRESS RELEASE U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District
September 21, 2011

Gathright Dam 'Test Pulse' to Increase Jackson River Water Flow September 28

NORFOLK – State and federal agencies will use Gathright Dam near Covington, Va., to simulate a storm event on the Jackson River Sept. 28. The test pulse, conducted by the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, will begin at approximately 6 a.m. and peak at 3,500 cubic feet per second. The agencies advise people to be aware of the river fluctuations that will be caused by the test pulse. The pulse is expected to raise the water level downstream in the Jackson River by up to five feet in some sections and up to three feet in the upper James River, but will remain several feet below flood stage. In some areas, the rate of the river rise may exceed two feet per hour.

Gathright Dam will gradually increase water releases from 240 cfs to a maximum of 3,500 cfs by 9 a.m. The maximum surge will last two hours, and at 11 a.m. releases will begin to gradually decrease, and return to 240 cfs by 2 p.m. The controlled release will test whether the pulses effectively remove algae and improve water quality by simulating natural storm events that occur during the late summer and early fall. This natural variability is reduced by the operation of Gathright Dam.

For more information contact: Pamela K. Spaugy, Deputy Public Affairs and Media Relations Officer U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk District
(757) 201-7059 (wk)
(757) 510-6398 (BB)
http://www.nao.usace.army.mil/BRAC
pam.k.spaugy@usace.army.mil

Lake Moomaw: Contributed by local anger Bill Uzzell. Moomaw continues to offer quality catches of smallmouth bass if you are willing to pursue them after dark. The 3 to 4lb. fish are still in their summer nocturnal patterns. Most are being caught on a variety of jigs and creature baits fished in less than 10 feet. Daytime anglers are finding some largemouth activity with the drop shot rig high on the preference list. Anglers are waiting patiently for a strong fall schooling action to begin. Some activity has been observed but the best is yet to come. When these fish (both smallmouth and largemouth) do bust the surface, anglers have to be quick to get a bait to them. Popular baits include; walking baits, chuggers, flukes, and spinnerbaits. Water temps are in the lower 70s. Even with the recent rainfall the lake is still over 10 feet below normal pool, so please be careful.

Lake Moomaw: Local Guide, Mike Puffenbarger, (540) 468-2682, www.mapletreeoutdoors.com. Puff is busy fishing, and getting ready for bow season starting October 1 in the Highlands. Check his website for the latest news on fishing conditions and what's biting. Also check his site if interested in a great deer or fall turkey hunting experience.

Piedmont Rivers: Local author Steve Moore (Wade Fishing River Guidebooks covering the: Rappahannock, Rapidan, Upper Potomac, North Branch Potomac; Blog: SwitchFisher.com) Kinda blown out... again! With the continued rain, both of the "Raps" were running high and brown last weekend. As the rain moderates towards this coming weekend, levels should come down and the rivers return to being wadeable. With the high water, I have not been to either, but Charlie Taylor reports that the smallies are moving on the Rappahannock, where the river can be fished safely, hitting on Yamamoto grubs, crank baits and live minnows. Although not fishable by wading anglers, the Upper Potomac is in pretty good shape. After a slight spike in levels last weekend, the river is slightly stained and levels are dropping. Looking at the predictive Little Falls gage, I do not believe the Potomac will be wadeable by the weekend. As bad as the continued rain has been for the rivers, it has been good for the mountains and the trout streams are in great shape. The brookies have had several weeks to spread out and should be well dispersed from the deep community pools they used to survive the summer heat. Cool nights will continue to push the water temperature down and the quality of the fishing will increase. It looks like we are in good shape for the start of the trout stocking season next month.

Northern Virginia Lakes: Contributed by local angler Scott Torgerson. No report this edition.

Rappahannock - South of Fredericksburg: Contributed by local angler Scott Torgerson. No report this edition.

Lake Orange: Contributed by Darrell Kennedy of Angler's Landing (540) 672-3997. Angler's Landing is closing for the winter and will reopen in March.

Lunga Reservoir: Contributed by local angler Scott Torgerson. The look and feel of Lunga Reservoir on Quantico has changed over the last several weeks. The water levels are back to the highest I've seen all season (the concrete boat ramp is almost covered), and the temperature is beginning to drop, as it was only around 70 degrees this weekend. Despite some recent rain, the clarity has improved somewhat with visibility of two to three feet in depth. I still enjoy getting out in the early mornings, sunrise through late morning, and I've found the largemouth bass and chain pickerel cruising the newly covered flats and gladly hitting my top water shad-imitating PopR plug presentations. I also caught several very nice chain pickerel, yellow perch and crappie slow trolling small crankbaits in about 5 to 8 feet of water. Sure makes for a relaxing and peaceful way to shift from one spot on the lake to another. Good luck out there!

Lake Anna: Contributed by C. C. McCotter, McCotter's Lake Anna Guide Service, (540) 894-9144.

Largemouth Bass : Break the lake into three sections; up lake, mid lake and down lake and target the up lake region this month for the best catches. This region offers you plenty of shoreline structure in the form of willow grass lines, rocks, docks and stumps, especially above the first two bridges in both the North Anna arm and Pamunkey Branch. Pitching small plastic worms to docks has been the go-to pattern in September for the past several years. You might be able to visit the flats in the extreme upper end of both tributaries and some of the smaller tributaries and find bass feeding on threadfin shad. The 1/8 oz. Tiger Shad spinnerbait in the Lake Anna Special format is excellent for these skinny water areas as well as retrieved around docks and grass. If you cannot get them to take the spinnerbait, go to the worm and work docks and rocks in grass more thoroughly. Mid lake bass are moving to the backs of creeks like Marshall, Pigeon, Mitchell, Sturgeon and Contrary. Each will have fish in them somewhere, it's up to you be there early and leave late to bump into them. The water here is VERY clear now, so you'll have to use suspending jerkbaits and soft plastic jerkbaits, maybe even swimbaits for schooled fish. A big top-water you can "walk" is also good. Down lake bass are schooled up, but the lack of current at Dike III due to both reactors at North Anna being offline has the fish in unpredictable ways.

Stripers: There are fish breaking just about every morning in all three sections of the lake. Have a small top-water you can walk tied on and keep your eyes peeled. Birds are here, but they are on tiny threadfin, mostly, and not much of a help yet. Hotspots have been the Stubbs Bridge region, around Sunning Island, the mouth of Sturgeon Creek, the mouth of Duke's Creek and near Dike III. September stripers are mostly skinny and under 20 inches, however, there are bigger fish to be caught this month, even among the little ones breaking. Be on the water at dawn and dusk and in the striper hunting mode for the best part of the day. You can also venture way up into the upper portions of the lake and use swimbaits for bigger fish feeding on gizzard shad in shallow water. Bigger fish will begin to bite better by the end of the month when water temperatures stabilize in the mid 70s.

Crappie: We went from poor to good very quickly here as the specks responded well to the 5 in. of rain in early September and cooler water. Just about all of the docks in the upper Pamunkey are worth trying as long as they have 10 ft. of water on them. Slip bobbers and minnows set at 5 to 8 feet are deadly. You can also use 6 pound test and a one inch jig under and around docks. The up lake bridges are good now, too.

Lake Anna: Contributed by Local Guide Jim Hemby (540) 967-3313. No report this edition.

Attention Readers – If your favorite body of water is not covered in the Fishin Report, and you are a guide, tackle shop owner, marina or just a devoted angler; please drop me a line and we will see about adding your bi-weekly or periodic reports in the e-newsletter by telephone or email contacts. You can reach me, Sarah White at fishing_report@hotmail.com.

NOTICE: All anglers are reminded to acquaint themselves with a good description of the northern snakehead fish. If you should manage to catch one of these exotic imports, please kill it immediately and report the catch to either the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries or the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.