Since then, trophy bass potential has declined slightly as a result of several factors including reservoir aging, bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Many larger fish are also caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011. Marina: YES The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. The Bluegill population has been producing some larger 6-8 fish and is better than most district reservoirs. Looking to find places to wade fish? Although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential. Known as a good crappie lake as well, both White and Black Crappie populations are strong. Several small islands, numerous large points, and bridge crossings all add to the extreme variability of the topography. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 A new size and creel limit is in place from Claytor Lake Dam upstream to Buck Dam on the New River in Carroll County year round (formerly a seasonal size and creel limit). Lake Chesdin received saugeye (Sauger x Walleye cross) fingerlings in 2013 and 2014 as well as Walleye in 2015, so anglers should be able to find sizeable fish. The crappie fishery could benefit from harvest of 8-10 fish instead of larger ones. The current population is fair but improving due to better recent recruitment. Anglers should study the differences between these fish carefully. Total catch rate was 119 fish/hr. Gizzard Shad provide a great forage base but also can make fishing a bit tricky for the average angler. Hopefully, this will translate to faster growth and larger bass. of which the largest was 20 and 3.4 pounds. The 2020 survey was consistent with past years showing an abundance of medium size Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. Fishing for crappie is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. Learn More, Get Special Offers Delivered Right to Your Inbox. Anglers can expect good catches during the spring run on the South Fork Holston River. WebClaytor Lake is the top destination for hybrids in Virginia, setting a new state record with a hybrid weighing 15 pounds, 13 ounces caught by local angler Don Jessie on March 16, An experimental Largemouth Bass stocking program was initiated in 2015 to determine if supplemental stocking of F1 bass in Virginias larger lakes can improve populations. JJ is back in Santa Barbara and today he scored limits of nice Rockfish. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. The bass population seems to have recovered to a consistent and quality level. Currently an aging reservoir and limited summer habitat availability is a concern. WebAlternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Later in the spring and through the summer, main lake points and ledges should hold considerable numbers of fish. Catfish are also popular in Claytor Lake, some of them getting quite large (well over 50 lb). With the possibility of catching Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass, Claytor Lake is popular with nearly 67% of lake anglers fishing for these three species of black bass. Anglers are reminded the minimum size for saugeye and Walleye is 18 at 5/day in aggregate. Catch rates are good, with an average of 1.2/hr. Possible catches from Claytor Lake range from bass to carp. However, Briery Creek still boasts a unique combination of size and number of Largemouth Bass. While black bass and trout are the mainstay fisheries, anglers should also find favorable populations of Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, and Channel Catfish. The pier at Sandy also provides excellent opportunities for crappie and sunfish anglers during spring months. The Virginia state record musky, walleye and smallmouth bass were all caught in the Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. The average "striper" (as they are commonly known) is about 8 lb but catches close to 30 lb have been reported. Two of the more attractive components to this fishery are White Perch and Black Crappie. The combined creel limit for black bass is still 5 per day. Wish us luck, Boat Launch Ramp: YES update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, Several cohorts have moved into the fishery following several poor years and should continue to provide increases in typical Anna keeper stripers 20-25. Steelhead appear to have not done as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout that were previously stocked. Location. This reservoir can be difficult to fish due to quickly rising and falling water and lack of submerged structure. Sport fishing is very popular at Claytor Lake. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of of electrofishing. This was a slight decline from 2020 (129/hr.). hbbd```b``5 i9d fb0Li`q/0LjI;@ Consequently, the striper population needed restructuring. Since implementation of a 16-24 slot limit, abundance of bass in the slot has tripled and remained consistent. `~X1a[Ho8Gl|'-GLFH'F#[B5HIqoJu{~! U9SB\'2!O YzSmZXT _ eJ\}c)bw_M2nqWUt>[zO%_xh :>IhDx{jy`]53oo`W|{DNcek>0HNM_,O9$MZwX \=/c8|l Lake Chesdin had a surprisingly high abundance of large males in the 4-5 pound range. The positive trend was likely a function of increases in primary productivity and habitat improvements related to the return of aquatic vegetation (both submersed and emergent). 259 0 obj <> endobj In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 14) smallmouth was 17.8/hr. This lake has historically produced an abundance of citation Yellow Perch, but there has been a decline recently. 5; Details; Claytor Lake (Dublin) A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. This group is here to talk about all fishing at Claytor Lake. Locations and coordinates of fish habitat structures developed since 2012 can be seen in the maps below: Claytor Lake and the New River upstream of Claytor Lake Dam to Buck Dam in Carroll County: Claytor Lake State Park, located on the north side of the lake, provides 497 acres of park with camping, cabins, picnic areas, and a swimming beach, as well as a marina. Buggs Island is also one of Virginias best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon. Public access is somewhat limited but there is a good boat launch area at Claytor Lake State Park on the northern shore of the lake. Biologists continue to work on adding fish habitat (brush piles and pallet teepees) in designated areas to improve spawning and add survival. The abundant forage base of Blueback Herring provides a great source of nutrition for the assemblage of predators. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves throughout the lake, but the best places to fish are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower lake area. Other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply. The Smith Mountain Lake Largemouth Bass population, based on DWR sampling, has been improving since 2015. Surveys from 2021 depicted a strong Largemouth Bass population with abundant numbers of 12-18 fish (1-3 pounds). However, survival of triploids may be lower than diploids traditionally stocked. Claytor Lake is the top destination for hybrids in Virginia, setting a new state record with a hybrid weighing 15 pounds, 13 ounces caught by local angler Don Jessie on March 16, 2016. The catfish fishery has become dominated by a world-class Blue Catfish population with many fish from 5-30 lbs. Learn More, 09/21/2022 Poor habitat (low oxygen at preferred temperature) in summer 2016 caused a striper kill, but the population has started to rebound. However, many anglers who spend the time are rewarded with good fishing. The reservoir has a number of large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. Several boat launch ramps, some for a small fee and some for free, are scattered around the lake. Learn More, 09/21/2022 During summer, anglers should fish deeper water (8-12) during the day off points and ledges. Anglers who take notice of shad activity and adjust their methods accordingly are often very successful. Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass combine to create an important fishery at Claytor Lake, with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these 2 species. Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie in the 8-9 range to thin out this segment. lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. High relative weights indicated bass were finding plenty of forage. The Black Crappie population is not large compared to other lakes, but they average a little less than a pound in size. The 2022 tournament will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Claytor Lake State Park located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084. Some nice bass were collected in 2021, but the vast majority of larger females were missed due to warm weather during March. Claytor Lake is a top destination for hybrids in Virginia, holding the state record with a 15 pound, 13 ounce fish caught by Don Jessie in March 2016. Walleye: 5 per day with no length restrictions. Bluegill: 50 per day no length restrictions. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Videos Marinas on this lake Marina Name: Mountain 2: Island at the Rock House Marina Address: 3776 Rock House Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301 Website: Both of these bass species eat a lot of Bluegill as well as some Alewife and Gizzard Shad, so they may also hit lures that imitate fish. This fishery has an increasing abundance of larger fish that have been foraging on juvenile shad. Bass anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. Recent creel surveys estimated very high voluntary release of Largemouth Bass over 99%, which undoubtedly is helping keep mortality rates low (about 24%). Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area. This lake has historically been predator heavy with an abundance of bass, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel and Bowfin. The Walleye fishery continues to be stable, supported by annual stocking, and the fishery continues to produce good numbers of Walleye > 18. Both fish have taken to foraging on Gizzard Shad with larger saugeye from previous stockings still available. The combined catch rate of Walleye and saugeye (measured as the number collected per net set overnight) in 2021 (9.5 /net night) represented a 33% increase compared to 2020 (6.4 /net night). From July 1 to September 15, there is no minimum size limit for Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass and anglers are allowed to keep 4 per day combined. Most commonly they are in the 6" to 8" range and weigh less than a pound. The park has 15 cabins and 3 lodges that are perfect ways to stay overnight while enjoying all that Claytor Lake State Park has to offer. The 2020 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the lake in preparation for dam repair. Learn More As Lake Moomaw has aged, it has provided better habitat for Smallmouth Bass. More information on Briery Creek Lake. Lake Chesdins crappie community has been producing some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between a black and white). Serious black bass anglers should add Moomaw to their must- fish list in 2022. Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. The largest bass in the 2021 survey weighed 6.5 pounds. Anglers fishing for sunfish can find a variety of smaller sunfish including Redear, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed, but Bluegill dominate. Population metrics describing abundance and size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass in 2021 were nearly all at record levels (again). Smallmouth Bass are less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower lake. Dublin, VA 24084 Largemouth Bass 20 inches accounted for 5% of the sample. If you have any information, techniques, tips, or fishing reports you would like to submit, please contact us or leave your report in the comments below. Species include; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, spotted bass, walleye, musky, yellow perch, bluegill, carp, and A trophy river without a doubt. These fish were tagged in the Staunton River beginning winter 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study. DWR is waiting for someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is 6 pounds. 540 980-1488. endstream endobj 260 0 obj <>/Metadata 43 0 R/Pages 257 0 R/StructTreeRoot 55 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 261 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 257 0 R/Resources<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 262 0 obj <>stream Timing of surveys on Chickahominy Lake is critical to get a representative sample of larger fish. South Holston offers the best crappie fishing of all lakes in southwest Virginia. The Chain Pickerel population has produced some very healthy fish with many 2-4 pounds and an occasional trophy. During fall, winter, and summer months, look for schools of these fish in the same areas where stripers hang out. Fishing from the shoreline is permitted throughout the park except for Bluegill and the occasional Channel Catfish round out the action. This decline can largely be attributed to missed stocked cohorts in 2016 and 2018 from insufficient hatchery production. Largemouth Bass diets are quite different than from Smallmouth and Spotted bass diets, which may be one reason they are doing so well in the lake. The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the Location and Fishing Information: Claytor lake is located in Pulaski County Virginia and covers just under 4,500 acres of surface area. Occoquan Reservoir stunned biologists in spring 2020 by producing an extraordinary Largemouth Bass catch rate of 94/hr. Adult bass ( 8) increased 13%, bass at least 15 increased 8%, and bass at least 18 increased 27% from 2015 to 2021. Catfish. This 1,110-acre impoundment lies within James City and New Kent Counties. The Black Crappie population is still riding a big-fish cycle. The combined daily creel limit for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass is 5. The 2021 electrofishing survey collected 141 perch, but only five were >8. Unfortunately, the trout fishery has declined dramatically in recent years, and biologists are working diligently to explain this decline. However, anglers can also be successful throwing top-water lures at night in May through early June, which coincides with the Alewife spawn. The Department maintains ramps at Allisonia (in the upper lake area) and near the entrance to the state park (Dublin Ramp). Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Bear Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. The Claytor Lake record for Largemouth Bass was a 14- pound, 6-ounce giant caught in June 1991. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. The lake also received saugeye in 2019, and surveys in 2020 revealed an abundance of saugeye from that stocking with fish 12-16. Most Bluegill are small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but most are 4-6. WebClaytor Lakes Largemouth Bass populations have been stable over the past 10 years. So, although the number of Walleye and Saugeye were down, the majority of fish out there are legal (over 18). This fishery has the capacity to produce some respectable fish, but recent surveys have failed to yield many bass over 6 pounds. Jul 09, 2016 - New River (Claytor Dam) Smallmouth Bass. During the fall and winter months, anglers are likely to catch Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass swimming near the pier. The main sporting varieties are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. Philpott supports a variety of sport fish, but the most popular are Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, crappie, Walleye and various species of sunfish. The best areas are from the dam to mile marker 6, as most of the upper lake has poor habitat due to high discharge from Smith Mountain Lake. 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