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. Consult the regional location map to find the major river or lake you want to know about.
For regulations and conditions on saltwater fishing, visit the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) website. Mandatory Saltwater Angler Registry: Effective January 1, 2010, there is a new requirement that saltwater anglers obtain a federal registry number by calling 1-888-674-7411, or online at www.CountMyFish.noaa.gov.
The new 2010 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. VDGIF Fisheries Division Director, Gary Martel, notes, "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 2010.
2011 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia Book is Now Available!
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.
Fishing Expo Moves to Meadow Event Park January 21-23
The Richmond Fishing Expo is moving to the new Meadow Event Park in Caroline County for the January 21-23, 2011 return to the Richmond area. The family-oriented show is geared to be a fun and educational experience for all who attend. Whether you are a fly fishing enthusiast, a bass fisher, saltwater, lake or river angler, this show has something for everyone in the family. Again this year, your admission ticket will allow you to return to the Show another day. There will be conservation organizations represented and an incredible selection of outfitters, fishing charters, boating suppliers, and seminar presenters. Numerous nationally-known speakers will hold seminars to teach skills and share some great stories of their adventures and experiences. VDGIF staff will be on hand to answer questions on agency programs, angling education, special training events, and opportunities to enjoy Virginia's great outdoors. The Outdoor Report e-newsletter will also have an exhibit l featuring Fishin' Report contributing reporters answering your questions on where to get the latest "how are they bitin'" info on more that 25 primary lakes and rivers statewide. Volunteers from the VDGIF Complementary Work Force will be on hand describing opportunities for volunteers to assist in carrying out a variety of agency programs. For information visit the Show website or view the Show flyer.
Trout Stocking to Resume at Lake Thompson
The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries announced January 12, 2011 that it will return Lake Thompson in Fauquier County to the Agency's list of designated stocked trout waters for 2011. Lake Thompson is a 10-acre pond located on the G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area (WMA) which has been in the state’s trout stocking program for many years. However, the lake self-drained last summer due to a faulty emergency drain feature. Recently the leak has plugged itself and the water level has been stable for several months. Lake Thompson is a Category A "put-and-take" trout water which means it will be stocked six times between now and May 31, 2011 and a trout license is required in addition to a fishing license for anglers over age 15. Questions concerning this fishery should be directed to John Odenkirk at (540) 899-4169 x117 or john.odenkirk@dgif.virginia.gov.
Give the Gift of a Fishing Trip with Family and Friends...
Outdoor Report Editor David Coffman offers a special gift idea to share with family and friends AND support your area fishing related businesses... Consider booking a fishing trip with some of the many guides that contribute their experience and expertise to the Fishin' Report each edition. Their websites and telephone numbers are listed with their reports. Also support your local bait shop, sporting goods store, marina, or other area retail businesses to help support your local economy. Visit any of the upcoming sportsman expos to learn from the pros. Also shop for a new personal flotation device for you or a fishing buddy. This is a meaningful gift that can be life-saving. There are new inflatable models that are more comfortable for adults allowing improved range of motion for casting. Also remember that a portion of your purchases of licenses and fishing equipment comes back to wildlife management agencies to fund management and research programs to enhance your sport. Remember it's the sportsmen that pay for conservation. Best wishes for a New Year of tight lines and calm waters.
Safe Boating is No Accident—Wear your Life Jacket and Take a Boating Safety Class
Attention boaters, VDGIF has begun to phase in Virginia's boating safety education requirement and wants to remind boaters that as of July 1, all operators of personal watercraft (PWC), including Jet Skis, Sea Doos, and other PWCs, age 14 to 35 will need to have proof of boating safety course completion onboard while operating the vessel. PWC operators must be at least 14 years old. 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.
For more information on boating water safety and the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water go to BoatUS.com. For details on Virginia's laws or to take a boating safety course, check out the DGIF boating website.
Review the article, "Does Your Lifejacket Really Fit?" in the May 26, 2010 Outdoor Report Be Safe... Have Fun section.
Got Pictures of Your Catch? Share Them With Us on Flickr!
Sarah White's Notebook - Regional River and Lake Reports on Fishing Conditions
View online the:
Region 1 - Tidewater
Beaverdam Reservoir: (804) 693-2107. Eddie Hester reports that not many anglers have braved the cold weather; so he has nothing to tell us. The water is in the 40s and clear.
Virginia Beach: Captain Jim Brincefield (443) 336-8756. Captain Jim says that things are "as cold as I've ever seen", and it's "not a good time to be a fisherman". He predicts that there will be no good action until things warm up. The water is 38 degrees and clear.
Chickahominy River: River's Rest (804) 829-2753. Charlie Brown told me that there have been very few anglers up his way. A few "eatin' sized" cats have been landed off the dock on nightcrawlers. Charlie also found some bream in a crab pot he brought up, but that is all. The water is 33 degrees and slightly stained.
North Landing River and Back Bay: West Neck Marina (757) 426-6735. Dewey Mullins says that things have been iced over for the last 4 to 5 weeks; so no anglers. He hopes that thing will warm up soon and provide some action for anglers.
Norfolk Lakes: Dasheill's Show Room (757) 539-7854. Drew Dixon reports that the fish are there, if anyone can brave the cold to look for them. Bass are still out there, and going for jigs and plastics. Crappie are schooling up. Some big cats have been landed in the James on cut bait and cut eels. Some big yellow perch can be had in the lakes on minnows. The water is in the low to mid 30s and clear.
Blackwater and Nottoway: By Riverkeeper Jeff Turner www.blackwaternottoway.com The Blackwater and Nottoway are really cold right now with water temps around 34 to 37 degrees. Most of the guts are covered with ice. However I spent three days on the Blackwater, the 3rd through the 5th, and found that you could catch a fish if you were diligent. The Silver Buddy vertically jigged caught fish. The ¼ oz size is a good all around choice and will take every species in the river. A few yellow perch are starting to hit. I also hung on a larger Silver Buddy, a huge carp that weighed at least 20 pounds, that I fought for at least 15 minutes on ultra-light tackle. Of course when I reached for the net it was hung up and that is when the fish got off. At least I got to see it though.
Cold weather dressing tips... Dress warmly if you go out for any amount of time this month. Layers are better and do not put so much on your feet that you can't wiggle your toes. It will make your feet colder if they are that restricted. In other words, don't try to make a springtime boot a winter boot. Get yourself a winter boot. It can be fun on the water this time of year, but you need to slow down and I'm not just talking about boat speed. I mean don't be in a rush to do anything. Be careful and think. Make extra equipment checks such as; batteries topped off, good gas, oil levels good, water separators with fresh filters and a fully charged cell phone. Be sure you let people know where you are going and when you are expected back and be sure to wear that flotation device. All that stuff that if forgotten or not done in the summer would be just an inconvenience. In below freezing weather it could be a real problem and lead to a real bad day or worse be a matter of life or death. See the information on frostbite and hypothermia in the Be Safe... Have Fun section.
Upper and Lower Tidal James: Local Guide, Captain Mike Hoke, Life's Revenge Guide Service, (804) 357-8518. While Captain Mike says that thing have slowed down considerably, there is a little action to be found. He landed 5 cats in the Dutch Gap area on cut shad. Some stripers are going for bucktails, swimmers or rattletraps. Some big crappie have be brought up with jigs. In fact, one citation sized one was landed in the Appomattox on a jig. The yellow perch are biting in the tidal creeks of the Mattaponi. The water is clear and in the 40s to 50s in the Dutch Gap area and around 33 everywhere else.
Upper and Lower Tidal James: Local Guide, John Garland, Screaming Reels Fishing Charter, (804) 739-8810. No report this edition.
Upper and Lower Tidal James: Capt. Mike Ostrander, James River Fishing School, Discover the James, (804) 938-2350. The year started off right with the landing of a few large blue catfish. The biggest fish of the year so far is a 48 pound blue catfish caught by angler Joe Bass, of Richmond. Joe and Bob Vassar, from D.C., caught a number of blue cats in the 20 to 48 pound range. All the blues were caught by using cut gizzard shad fished on the bottom. They also enjoyed eating a nice five pounder, fried up for lunch on the Discovery Barge II. David Roberson and his buddy Eric Bowers, both of Richmond, caught a few decent sized blue catfish, but the surprise catch was a 38 pound flathead catfish in 39 degree water. The flathead, which is not known as a cold water fish, put up a heck of a fight. Lots of bald eagle action can be seen from just about anywhere along the tidal James River. Migratory eagles from the north are literally everywhere on the river. We have had multiple days seeing 50 or more bald eagles in just a few miles of river.
Region 2 - Southside
Lake Gordon: Contributed by our man in the boat Willard A. Mayes. I hope I never have to use these words again this year "I have not been fishing!" Now for the excuses: the main reason I have been keeping a close eye on the heat system of my house has something to do with the weather and the fact that it is hard to fish through the ice on the lakes. I was by Lake Gordon today and it has a skim of ice so that lake is out and the last time I was by the county pond it had ice on it too. I did drive by Twin Lakes in Pickett and they were free of ice, so if the weather gets above 50 I may try them.
Sorry folks, just nothing to talk about unless you think of all the lures you have made while you could not go fishing, but then again I have failed in that department also. I had big hopes of making me some popping bugs that would actually float on top of the water this winter too.
Sandy River and Briery Creek: Contributed by Longwood College Fishing Club's Jack Pollio. No report this edition.
James at Scottsville: Local Guide L.E. Rhodes www.hatchmatcherguideservice.com, (434) 286-3366. Happy New Year everyone! The fishing on the James is slow. I suggest that if you have an itch to fish to head to the New Canton area. The Bremo power plant just downstream has the water temperatures in the 50s. Elsewhere on the James the temps are in the 30s. Be aware that most ramps are still mud covered from the high water. With the freezing air temperatures it's hard to get the ramps clean. Crankbaits and jigs should produce a fish or two. Fish them SLOW! Fly anglers should go with sink tip lines and a crayfish pattern fished very slow and on the bottom. The new section on the South River opened on January 1st. It's a four mile section of catch and release trophy trout water. It has promise to be a world class trout fishery. Anglers are still feeling out the new water. Lots of fall fish are being caught along with smaller trout (6 to 10 inches). I did talk with one fisherman and saw pictures of a Brown and a Rainbow that easily went 17in. each. Streamers and nymphs are the flies of choice. You need a permit to fish and they are free. You can pick a permit up at the VDGIF office in Verona, Stone Soup Books Cafe in Waynesboro or Dominion Outdoors in Stuarts Draft.
Kerr Reservoir: Bob Cat's Lake Country Store, (434) 374-8381. Bobby Whitlow sang me the same sad, now familiar refrain, too cold for most fishing. A few stripers have been brought up with jigging spoons. Some cats are going for cut bait on the ledges. Crappie are in deep brush, and may take a minnow or jig. No word on perch or bluegill. The water is 38 degrees, stained on the upper lake, and clear on the main lake.
James at Lynchburg: Angler's Lane, (434) 385-0200. Doug Lane says that, while there is ice on the streams, brookies will bite if the water warms to the 40s. They are going for hare's ears, caddis imitations and blue winged olives. The stocked streams are okay; try a wooly bugger, caddis imitation or stone fly. The water is in the high 30s and clear.
Lake Gaston: Holly Grove Marina, (434) 636-3455. Holly Grove Marina is closed until mid February.
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. No report this edition.
Region 3 - Southwest
Claytor Lake: Rock House Marina, (540) 980-1488. No report this edition.
Lower New River: Big Z'S (540) 639-1651. John Zienius reports that no one has been out on the unfishable river. Many boat ramps are frozen over. The water is clear with lots of ice and 34 degrees.
New River: Tangent Outfitters, (540) 257-0415. Shawn Hash says that they have been "dodging snow" and not able to fish much. There is, however, good muskie action for those with "hard fortitude". Try big sliders and "cover the water". The water is in the 30s and almost frozen; it is also clear.
Upper New River: Contributed by Captain Forest Pressnell, (540) 818-5274, New River Charter. The Upper New River has pretty much been frozen over the last month but recent warming trends have opened it up. Walleye are in deep holes and lethargic so a slow jig presentation is best. Muskie are still active with slow presentations producing the best results. Water temp is 34.
Editors note: Don't miss the Winning Outdoor Adventure Stories from Young Writers feature this edition which has a great story by Matt Harman about his exciting and memorable fishing trip on the New River with his Dad, guided by Captain John.
Region 4 - Mountain and Shenandoah Valley
North and South Forks of the Shenandoah: Harry Murray (540) 984-4212 www.murraysflyshop.com. Harry told me that the smallmouth streams are too cold to fish, (where have I heard that before?). The stocked and delayed harvest streams in the Valley are giving good fishing for rainbows and browns. Fish the deep pools and the pockets below the riffles. Good flies are: Casual Dress Nymph, size 10; Mr. Rapidan Streamer; size 10; and the Pearl Marauder, size 10. Harry has a website that is updated every Friday, and on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday he posts a blog.
Lake Moomaw: Local Guide, Mike Puffenbarger, (540) 468-2682, www.mapletreeoutdoors.com. "Puff" reports that Lake Moomaw would be about 17 feet low with the upper lake regions being froze over and the Bolar Flat boat ramp being inaccessible. Lower lake is accessible and the Fortney Branch ramp is open. Coles Point ramp is closed due to low water level. Weather conditions and temperature can change conditions at any time so check website for current updates. A great time to get rods and reels and equipment ready for the spring thaw and some great fishing as Moomaw has been noted for. Streams throughout the area are at normal level, but most of the slower moving water is iced over. Note that Moomaw ice conditions would not be safe for ice fishing.
Region 5 - Northern Piedmont
Piedmont Rivers: Local author Steve Moore (Wade Fishing Guidebooks covering the: Rapidan, Upper Potomac, North Branch Potomac) My new book, "Wade Fishing the Rappahannock River" was released last week. It covers the smallmouth bass fishing between the fall line in Fredericksburg to Chester Gap in the Blue Ridge and includes a chapter on shad fishing. Sadly, all most of us can do is read about fishing as the cold and snow force us to huddle in a warm place. Harry Murray reports that the Blue Ridge streams are running too cold for trout activity – something I verified on the east slope this week. But, looks like warmer weather will arrive towards the end of the month and allow us to get out and take advantage of the VDGIF stocking program that continues unabated!
Lake Orange: Contributed by Darrell Kennedy of Angler's Landing (540) 672-3997. Angler's Lane is closed for the season. Although the shop is closed, the Lake remains open for use.
Lake Anna: Contributed by C. C. McCotter, McCotter's Lake Anna Guide Service, (540) 894-9144.
Largemouth bass : Bring your jerkbaits, jigs and swimbaits and prepare to cover some points. You'll find a "turrble" bait plug at the mouth of Contrary Creek moving ever down lake toward the power plant region. There are herring and threadfin shad in this mess and yes, there are game fish, but they are overfed and often unwilling to take artificial offerings. Try suspending jerkbaits off the first three points in creeks and the first point of coves in this region. Seek out 42 to 45 degree water when possible. You can also move further down lake and find water at nearly 50 degrees all the way down at Dike III. Bass are still on bait here and often chase them under birds during the day. Good creeks to try include Duke's, Rockland, Levy and Valentines.
Striper: Many anglers want to catch fish in the Contrary to Sturgeon bait plug, but few have succeeded. This will improve soon, so keep checking it with Toothache spoons, the 3/8 oz. Krazy Blade and small swimbaits. Other areas worth fishing for striper this month include the Dike I to Duke's Creek region and the Dike III region. The latter can be crowded with anglers, but if you are patient and observant, you can figure out what the fish are doing from day to day. On clear and bright days, they feed for about a half hour at dawn and a half hour at dusk in shallow water on swimbaits and soft plastic jerkbaits on jigheads. During the day, you'll have to fish deeper with the metal. Jumbo shiners can be good if you like to drag bait and don't have the means to catch native baitfish like herring and shad. Fish any bait on side planers and free lines as the fish are high in the water column when the bite is "on".
Crappie: Not so much going on now as the specks have moved off structure and begun to follow bait. You can try the ¼ oz Krazy Blade when you see bait (think the bait plug mid lake) because this is where the crappie are now.
White Perch: The same tactic used for crappie can be excellent in the mid lake region. You can also try small minnows on a drop shot rig in 30 to 38 ft. of water around the 208 Bridge and surrounding areas.
Lake Anna: Contributed by Local Guide Jim Hemby (540) 967-3313.
Stripers: Expect striper fishing to be excellent this month due to the harsh winter that we have been experiencing. Water temperatures are lower than normal causing massive bait kills all the way down to the power plant. Also the back of most of the creeks and up the rivers are frozen forcing the stripers to feed only in the main lake regions. Small swim baits like Sea Shads, Sassy Shads, bucktails and Road Runners will catch plenty of smaller fish this month. Suspending jerk baits work exceptionally well in the clearer water. Trollers are catching fish using umbrella rigs. Live bait fisherman have been catching very nice stringers of fish with regularity. We have downsized our baits to using herring and smaller gizzard shad. We are pulling planner boards over 10 to 30 foot flats catching 20 to 30 fish a day. Fishing will only get better as the month progresses.
Bass: The pattern that produces the largest bass this month probably is working a suspending jerk bait downlake on primary and secondary points next to deep water. Position your boat no deeper than 18 feet throwing your bait toward the shallows. The bass can see your injured bait a great distance in the clearer water and will chase it down, usually attacking it on the pause. Points with stumps, rocks or some structure will hold better bass. For a chance to catch a citation bass this month pull a jumbo minnow behind your boat 12 feet below a bobber. Bass also love swimbaits this time of year. A 4in. Sassy Shad, Sea Shad or grub worked slowly on a ¼ oz. head can get your arm broken. Many winter bass tournaments are won using this technique. Deeper brush piles also hold nice bass this month.
Crappie: If the weather warms and the lake thaws up lake, crappie can be caught on deeper structures where threadfin shad are present. Rocky primary point ledges in the 20 to 30 foot range hold large schools of fish. Deep bridge pilings and brush piles will also hold crappie this month. The 522 Bridge in the North Anna and Dillards Bridge are sure places to score crappie using small jigs and small minnows.
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