Virginia VDGIF fishing report 12-15

[Fishing Report]

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!

Bob Duncan joins "The Weekend" on Sports Radio 910 WRNL

DGIF has had the great privilege of being a guest on "The Weekend with Anthony Oppermann," a radio program broadcasting on Richmond sports radio station, 910-WRNL- AM. We are into our second month of the show and having a great time talking about fishing trips and techniques. This past week we were excited to welcome DGIF Executive Director, Bob Duncan to the program. It was a great show; Bob shared some of his hunting trips and tips as well as demonstrating a variety of wildlife calls. It is definitely a show you don’t want to miss!

"The Weekend" can be heard on Sports Radio 910 – WRNL –AM, 9-11am Saturday mornings. If you are out of range for the station signal you can listen live online oor find 910 AM on the "I Heart Radio" app on your smart phone. The 15 minute wildlife segment will broadcast about 10:30 each Saturday. If you cannot tune in live, Anthony has created a YouTube channel where podcasts of the segment will be posted following the show. The latest show featuring Bob Duncan aired on Saturday, December 10th. The last show of the year will air on the 17th before taking off for the holidays and then returning for more in 2012.

Learn more about Flying Squirrels Radio and Anthony Oppermann »
5th Annual Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo Returning to Meadow Event Park January 20-22

The 5th Annual Bass & Saltwater Fishing Expo (formally called the Richmond Fishing Expo) is returning to the Farm Bureau Center at the new Meadow Event Park in Caroline County January 20-22, 2012. 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 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.
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

Many of us have anglers on our Christmas lists this year but, fortunately, there are lots of items that they will really like. Really like, not the way they like the hand knitted orange and purple wool scarf from Aunt Hattie. Another lucky thing is that there are fishing related gifts to fit any budget.

The least expensive items for your fisherman are lures. They tend to be under five dollars and can, of course, be used again and again for years to come. Try to find out what kind of fish and what time of day and weather your angler likes to fish in so that you can get the right one. The internet and your local tackle merchant should be able to help you with this, as will reading the fishing report!

A good rod is always a welcome gift, and they range in price so there are lots of options. Take note, there are rods designed especially for women nowadays. For your little angler or soon to be angler, you have plenty to choose from. There are rod kits that are designed around popular cartoon characters; with Sponge Bob, Spiderman, Toy Story, Cars, Barbie, Disney Princess and Disney Fairies, and Mickey Mouse to name but a few. Some of these are suitable for very young kids. For the older and more serious child angler Ugly Stick and Zebco have rod and lure kits.

But fishing involves more than rods and lures. For example, there are now many soft-sided, durable tackle boxes. When that lure pays off and the fish is brought up, there are many welcome gifts that can help; such as pliers, line clippers and hook removers. Then the angler needs a fish ruler and scale. Scales come in digital and old fashioned spring scales, with digital ones being more costly. If it's a keeper, scale scraper, filet knives and boards and safety gloves come in handy. An emergency hook extractor may also prove invaluable.

For anglers who use live bait, a baitfish net would be gratefully received; as would a good bait bucket.

Safety oriented gifts are also welcome. Everyone who fishes from a boat should have a life jacket. There should also be a first aid kit. The pre-made ones tend to be pricey, and it's often better to get a fanny pack and fill it up with first aid items. Fire extinguishers are an excellent idea as are signal whistle and a good flashlight.

If your angler is a real die hard who fishes every chance he gets, you might want to consider a lifetime license. They are priced according to the age of the recipient, with older ones being less expensive. A recent retiree who now has lots of time to fish would love it.

Another option is hiring a guide for a day on the water. I've seen so many photos of anglers with big smiles, holding up the lunker they just brought to boat with the aid of a good guide. Be sure and contact one of our guide reporters in the Fishin' Report to see about giving a gift of a fishing trip with them for friends or family.

No matter what gift you choose, fishing gifts remind the angler how much you care and they will think of you whenever they use them.

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 water is COLD, 50 degrees with a visibility of 14 ft. because of decomposing vegetation. Some real nice bass were caught off the points last week. These fish were suspended at 15 to 20 ft. along points and humps, your typical winter pattern. Traps, jigs, blade baits and drop shot will catch them. We had fish as large as 5.5 lbs., nice winter time fish. We had stripers over 20 in. the largest 26 in. and a very large Pickerel 24.5 in., 4.35 lbs. Some fine crappie came in last week with keepers over 10 in. Remember the shop is open Saturday and Sunday only. Free seminars on tactics that work on Little Creek are being held, the first one is Sunday, December 17th. Call for info or to suggest a topic.

Beaverdam Reservoir: Contributed by Eddie Hester, (804) 693-2107. Fishing is picking up with the cooler temperatures. Nice size bass are being found in the deeper waters. Most fishermen are using jerk baits. Crappie, up to 2 pounds and pickerel are showing up at the northern end of the lake; however, there remains some small amounts of grass close to the shore. The water is 50 degrees, at full pool and clear. Happy fishing.

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 says that striper fishing is slow due to fluctuating temperatures, but that things should improve soon. For now try live eels and bucktails around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Tautog are biting around the tubes of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and around the inshore wrecks. They are going for crabs and clams. Jim wants to remind you that after December 31st , all stripers landed in the Bay must be released. If you want to keep your striper, you must get them in the ocean. The water is clear and 49 degrees.

Back Bay: Local angler Tom Deans. No report this edition.

Chickahominy River: River's Rest (804) 829-2753. According to Alton Williams, the place is "a ghost town". No anglers means no news. The water is slightly stained and in the upper 40s.

North Landing River and Back Bay: West Neck Marina (757) 426-6735. Dewey Mullins reports that a Northeast wind has blown out most of the water. Some fishing can be done from the bank, but no boats can be launched. The water should be back soon, and when it does come back, look to land big stripers and white perch in the creeks.

Norfolk Lakes: Dasheill's Show Room (757) 539-7854. Drew Dixon told me that bass action is good with plastics and jigs. Crappie fishing is excellent with the traditional minnows and jigs. Lots of cats are going for cut bait or deer heart. White perch are taking what crappie will. Bluegill have been scarce. Many stripers are being fooled by hard plastic minnows. The water is clear and cooling.

Blackwater and Nottoway: By Riverkeeper Jeff Turner www.blackwaternottoway.com. Spirit of Moonpie and I spent the 8th through the 10thon the Nottoway below Courtland. The river was fast, clear, 50 degrees and 7.7 on the USGS gauge in Sebrell. Air temperatures ranged from 32 to 58 degrees. The fishing on this trip was not too bad. I caught 7 largemouth up to 2 pounds. I'm sure I could have caught a lot more but it took me a day to figure out they wanted that Cordell Ratlin' Shad, one of the finest crank baits ever made. I only caught two bream jigging. No yellow perch yet either. It seems the fish fared better from the fish kill after Irene the further upriver you go. I came across construction work being done on the city of Norfolk's pump house. It looked like they were putting in some sheeting along the river to thwart erosion. I can understand them doing that, but they had the entire river blocked by a giant boom so just be aware of that if you are planning a trip on that part of the river.

Upper and Lower Tidal James: Local Guide, Captain Mike Hoke, Life's Revenge Guide Service, (804) 357-8518. Captain Mike says that the river is too high and full of debris to fish. It should be okay in a week or so. For now the water is muddy, in the low 50s and full of debris.

Upper and Lower Tidal James: Contributed by Capt. Mike Ostrander, James River Fishing School, Discover the James, (804) 938-2350. (Report sent on December 1st )Fishing on the tidal James River for blue catfish is pretty good right now. The water temperatures range from the low 50s to high 40s which is a great temperature to fish for trophy blue catfish. Try fishing cut bait like gizzard shad along the channel and hit shallow and deep water at the same time. This past week was great, with the top fish being a 70 pound blue catfish. The group, led by Dave Roberson, also landed a number of other citation sized blue cats over 30 pounds. All fish were caught on gizzard shad.

Region 2 - Southside

Burchett Lake: Contributed by our man in the boat Willard A. Mayes. All the years I have been fishing Ft. Pickett, I have never been able to fish when Burchett Lake has been open, however I managed to get in 2 afternoon fishing trips in for a total of 7 hours. I found the water clear to about 4 feet with a slight greenish tint. I started out fishing the shore line from the ramp to the shallows picking up only one 13 inch crappie. When I got to the shallows in 4 ft. or less water, I started catching hand size blue gill. I caught 19 of them before leaving that part of the lake and fishing from 4 ft. to deeper water and that is where I caught 22 crappie from 9 to 13 inch the first afternoon and 13 the second afternoon along with two bass, 11 and 13 inches. I just caught one bass which was 14 inches. One of the crappie was 8 inches and the rest were between 9 and 13 inches and the most were 10 and 11 inches. Think I will try to make an effort to fish there when the lake is open again.

Lewis Pond: Contributed by our man in the boat Willard A. Mayes. When you wake up in December and the temperature is 62 degrees I know of no work that cannot wait, old blue was still hooked to the boat so we headed to Lewis pond on Ft. Pickett to see if the last trip was not a fluke. I had the boat in the water by 10:30 and since the wind was blowing straight up the lake I thought I would just let the boat drift and fish as I went. I fished the deep water from the dam to the shallows using my favorite 1/32 lead head and 2 inch purple and twin tail chartreuse twister tails. I tried the speckle silver and pumpkin ones but they did not come close to the purple or chartreuse ones. The water had a slight green tint and was clear to about 3 feet. I managed to land 42 eight and nine inch crappie and 14 hand size blue gill along with two bass around 10 inches as well as an 18 inch channel cat. Had the boat back on the trailer by 4:00 pm and headed home. It seems that the lake is very much worth fishing.

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. WOW! The James in Scottsville this morning (12/9) is right at 16 feet. The water has come up into the parking area and close to the railroad tracks. It will be at least 10 days to two weeks before conditions improve. Hopefully by the next report I can give you something more positive!

Kerr Reservoir: Bob Cat's Lake Country Store, (434) 374-8381. Brandon Gray says that bass action is "decent" off rocky points. Try cranks and jigs. Crappie are being very cooperative, especially by deep brush piles, and will take minnows and jigs. Cats are attacking cut bait. No word on bluegill or perch. Stripers like live shad. The water is muddy near Clarkesville and clearer in other parts; the temperatures are in the low 50s.

James at Lynchburg: Angler's Lane, (434) 385-0200. Tom Reisdorf has nothing to tell us about smallmouth. Rainbows and browns in the Jackson are taking small nymphs. Mountain brookies are okay, and are going for pheasant tails and prince nymphs. The water is dingy and cooling.

Lake Gaston: Holly Grove Marina, (434) 636-3455. The marina is closed for the season. It will reopen in February. The gas pumps will work with a credit card. Boats are still available for rental, just call ahead and leave a message.

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.

Stripers: Fishing continues to be mixed. Stripers are being caught by anglers using live bait and presenting alewives and gizzard shad on freelines, downlines and shotlines. Many anglers are still using planer boards and floats to spread their lines and get them away from their boats, especially when trying to catch stripers that are in the upper sections of the water column. They are feeding near the surface early and late in the day and when skies are overcast. Stripers are also being caught by anglers trolling artificial lures including paddle tail swimbaits, bucktails with plastic trailers and shad colored crankbaits. Umbrella and three way rigs with Sutton spoons are producing an occasional fish and are good choices for those who like to troll. Deep diving, suspending jerkbaits are another alternative lure that is effective this time of year for stripers. Suspending jerkbaits should be cast, rapidly retrieved to depth and then retrieved using a series of rapid twitching motions followed by periods when the lure is allowed to remain suspended and slowly move from side to side. I suggest testing your suspending jerkbaits with the rod, reel and line you will be using when fishing them, and fine tuning each lure to insure it tracks straight and suspends by bending the front eye, changing the hooks or adding lead stick-on weights (suspend dots). It is critical the lure suspends horizontally and neither sinks or floats to the surface when presented. The suspending jerkbait is a great lure in the spring as well as early winter and they will produce bass and an occasional flathead catfish as well as stripers.

Bass: Fishing has also been mixed over the past month or so and while anglers have been catching good numbers, they have been doing so on a variety of different lures and presentations. Bass continue to be found in the back of guts and creeks where they are keying on schools of shad. Top-water poppers, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are all good choices. Another lure currently being used to catch these bass and bass suspended around docks and other submerged structure is the crankbait. Those that run medium depths in shad and crawfish colors have been working well. Bass are being caught on other lures that imitate shad and baitfish including lipless crankbaits, swimbaits, flukes, spinnerbaits, jerkbaits and small flukes and plastics rigged on drop shot rigs. While keying on shad, bass are also being caught on lures that imitate crawfish and other creatures. Plastic worms and craws rigged on lightweight finesse and shaky head jigs are working as are small jigs. Good skirt and plastic trailer colors include a number of different variations of darker greens and cinnamon or brown. Green pumpkin and watermelon colored plastics with red or purple flakes are solid choices at Smith Mountain Lake although there are a number of other variations including black and blue which produce too. Fishing this week should be fairly good, especially in advance of the front that is bringing clearer skies and cooler temperatures mid week.

The first tournament in the Winter Weekend Bass Series was recently held. This is an open tournament series that will be held every Saturday from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the State Park boat ramp through the end of January. This past weekend the tournament attracted a strong field of 20 boats. The team of Craig Blankenship and Robert Hoyt won the event with a total weight of 18 lbs. They also claimed big fish honors with an incredible 7 lb. largemouth bass. Second place went to Mark Bradshaw who produced a five fish limit that weighed 14 lbs. 15 oz. Third place in this event went to the team of Rick Tilley and Johnny Wayne Martin who brought a combined weight of 12 lbs. 11 oz. to the scale.

For more information about this series, you can contact Tournament Director Phillip Vanderveer through his email (bassin0125@gmail.com) or by visiting him at his business, Jiffy Automotive Service (540-344-7281) in Vinton, Virginia.

Crappie: Fishing continues to be pretty good, especially for those who locate a crappie laden piece of structure or dock they like. Crappies continue to be caught using small live minnows and selected artificial lures. Crappies were caught in the tops of trees using small minnows rigged on gold, live bait hooks, a split shot and light line. Anglers using lead headed jigs with plastic tailed grubs, tubes and small imitation minnows are also catching crappies when presented vertically and "sling shot" under docks.

The water is clear and 55 to 61 degrees. Tight lines, safe hunting and enjoy the Advent season.

Region 3 - Southwest

Claytor Lake: Contributed by Mike Burchett of Rock House Marina, (540) 980-1488. According to Mike Burchett, recent heavy rains have left the water very muddy. This is good for bass anglers, who are getting lucky with any crawdad patterned crankbait. It is not so good for those looking for perch and stripers, who are not responding. Once the water clears, the striper bite should be on with live shad on planer boards or umbrella rigs. No word on crappie or cats. The water is muddy and in the upper 40s to low 50s. Also from Mike. " We had our 4th annual Championship Tournament November 6th. Jason & Raymond Ferrell had a 5 fish limit weighing 13.41lbs earning them $3000.00. They had 4 smallmouth and 1 spotted bass. They reported catching their fish on the lower end (below the state park to the dam) of the lake using finesse techniques with soft plastics. Scotty Witten and Matt Smythers had a 5 fish limit weighing 12.32lbs earning them $1500.00. They also had a 5.01lb smallmouth netting them another $195.00 for the lunker smallmouth. They reported catching their fish above the Lowmans Ferry Bridge in the river. Bobby & Cody Pagan had a 5 fish limit weighing 11.21 lbs earning them $500.00. They reported catching their fish, 'all over the lake.' Big Largemouth honors were taken by Steve & Tyler Stassin, with a 4.18lb Largemouth earning them $195.00. I have uploaded pictures to the Rock House Marina Facebook page.".

Lower New River: Big Z'S (540) 639-1651. John Zienius told me that the water has been very high, making it hard to fish. However, when this report gets to you, it should be okay again. Look for fewer, but bigger fish. For smallies go with a jig & pig. For muskies, try live suckers, trout or chubs. The water is stained and in the low 50s.

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 starting to turn green and has about 2 feet of visibility since the recent heavy rains muddied it up. Water temp is in the upper 40s so no matter what species you are going for fish "low and slow". New River Charter wishes everyone a Very Merry Christmas.

Top New River: Contributed by local guide Richie Hughes, owner of New River Trips LLC. The smallmouth on the Top New (Mouth of Wilson to Fries) have pretty much hunkered down for the winter. The trout streams in the area are in great shape. Morning lows have not been cold enough yet to ice the creeks up. Temperatures later this week will be pushing the 60 mark; great for mid day and afternoon trout fishing. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

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 says that the local smallmouth streams are too cold to fish.

In the stocked streams in the Valley the fishing is still good, particularly for rainbows. Fish deeply in the large pools and in the backs of eddies with streamers and nymphs. Good flies are: Murray's Black Marauder, size 10; Murray's Pearl Marauder, size 10; Casual Dress Nymph, size 10; and Murray's Olive Caddis Pupa, size 14. The water is full, clear and 42 degrees.

The mountain streams are too cold for good fishing.

Harry wants anglers to know that he will be holding 20 workshops in January, February and March. Each one will be different and will focus on things like smallmouth fishing, trout fishing and fly tying. They will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. The cost is $25. You can sign up by phone or on the website.

Lake Moomaw: Contributed by local anger Bill Uzzell. As you might imagine, the majority of anglers in this part of the world have traded in their fishing rods for rifles, bows, and muzzleloaders. For those die hard fishermen that continue to fish, they continue to find success on the waters of Lake Moomaw. Good catches of smallmouth and largemouth bass have rewarded those hardy fishermen and fisherwomen who have found the fish to be quite willing to bite their offerings. The techniques of drop shoting, jigging blade baits and tail spinners continue to account for angler success. Also, as the water temps continue to fall (currently 45 to 47 degrees) a jig and pig will start to show up as a successful technique. A local tournament over the past weekend was won with a five fish limit of over 19 lbs! I do not know how much longer I will have anything to report, it will depend on how cold it gets and how much ice will accumulate. But as long as fish are active and can be caught I will try to let you know. Keep fishing!

Lake Moomaw: Local Guide, Mike Puffenbarger, (540) 468-2682, www.mapletreeoutdoors.com. Puff is busy fishing, and hunting 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) I've packed it in for the year. Fishing has wrapped up and now all I have to keep me going is the promise of next year! I'll be back on the water in late February or early March depending on the weather. Books are available online to order for Christmas or winter reading. I hope to see you at the VA Bass and Saltwater Fishing Expo at the Meadow Event Park near Doswell January 20-22, 2012. I will be doing some seminars and hope to met and talk with you then

Lunga Reservoir and Rappahannock River: 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.

Lake Anna: Contributed by C. C. McCotter, McCotter's Lake Anna Guide Service, (540) 894-9144. No report this edition.

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

OCHS Anglers Offering Holiday Greenery for Fundraiser

The Orange County High School Anglers (OCHS) are now taking orders for Holiday greenery as one of their major fundraisers. They offer Centerpieces- $27.50 Wreaths- $27.50 and Sprays -$15.00. These are great prices for the size and quality of each. All of the pieces are made locally and have the reputation of staying fresh long after the holiday season. Our anglers do assist with the preparation of the greens. These fresh evergreens are gathered in West Va., Madison County and Orange County. The materials consist of fresh magnolia, pine, hemlock, blue cedar and some box wood. The wreaths and sprays will have a red velvet bow, and the centerpiece has candles and bows.

We hope you will find the time to send us an order, with a delivery date and place to be delivered. Checks are made out to Orange County High School Anglers. The Anglers are self funding and your order will help us tremendously in getting everyone on the water. We are taking orders up until the 17th of December. You can fax the order to OCHS attention- Anglers, or send it via the OCPS mail or call Advisor Becky Gore at 540-223-0193 my cell or at school 540-661-4300 – ext. 1154 We appreciate your support and hope you have an enjoyable and restful holiday season.

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.