There are now five cohorts of hybrids at-large, and survivors of the original group stocked in 2014 are getting quite large and could give Claytor Lake a run for the hybrid Striped Bass state record soon. Some days, even the electrofishing boat has a difficult time boating a citation-sized bass! Limits of rockfish and 21 lingcod. Sandy offers the same caliber Largemouth Bass fishery as Briery but without standing timber which complicates navigation. The post spawn topwater bite at night in the lower lake during April and May will yield the best Walleye fishing Virginia has to offer. 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. DWR has returned to stocking diploid Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout at historic densities. This body of water was created in 1939 and is named after a former Vice President of Appalachian Power, Graham Claytor, Sr. Walleye. DWR is waiting for someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is 6 pounds. Briery is not just a bass lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. Recent surveys continue to reveal an abundance of bass in the 3-5 pound range which should make tournament anglers happy. The reservoir has produced some trophy redear with most of these larger fish stacked up tightly during their spawn on the outside edges of flats. 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: Although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential. However, only Walleye were stocked since 2016, and this fishery declined to a level similar to historical populations. The reservoir was stocked with F-1 Largemouth Bass fingerlings in 2020 and 2021. 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr Written by the Aquatics Reservoir Committee Team, Edited by John Odenkirk. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. The Bluegill population has been producing some larger 6-8 fish and is better than most district reservoirs. The crappie population has been generally consistent for both number and size. Collected bass were in good condition and showed favorable relative weights. The New River has opportunities to catch some of the top species in trophy sizes. Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes There are copious water willow beds along many shorelines and lots of submerged timber in this 2100-acre reservoir. Walleye fishing remains the best in the Commonwealth; however, fishing success has declined recently possibly due to increasing pressure and a missing 2016 year class due to hatchery issues. XlD/8 Fp\UE^5E]lP'wXMVb>+M}|U9]9:ogLN/ne{q>YfG6- ]%\/p).m#} While most anglers troll or float live Gizzard Shad and Alewife for stripers and hybrids, many are taken with topwater baits (Redfins, Rapalas, etc.) Crappie. The 2021 electrofishing survey was not one of the more productive days on the water. Several cohorts have moved into the fishery following several poor years and should continue to provide increases in typical Anna keeper stripers 20-25. Stocking will continue for at least several more years and will continue to be evaluated with electrofishing and tournament samples to determine if stocking benefits are worth the investment. Blue Catfish continue to increase, and anglers have begun to target them. 603 Bridge at the upper end. On the other-hand, today is a hell of a lot better day. JJ is back in Santa Barbara and today he scored limits of nice Rockfish. Additionally, several bass in the 16-20 range have been sampled the past five years, and 2021 was no exception. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Fishing in southwest VA, at Claytor Lake, for bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, stripers, hybrid striped bass, perch, bluegill, white bass and sunfish . Boat Rental: YES The Black Crappie population is not large compared to other lakes, but they typically average nearly a pound. During the early to mid-2000s Briery Creek Lake was arguably the best place in the Commonwealth to catch a trophy Largemouth Bass, and even gave the current state record of 16 pounds 4 ounces a scare. There are multiple different types of bass in this lake which make it home to some very good fishing. Sterile (triploid) Brown Trout have been stocked as a substitute for diploid browns in past. The largest seen during the 2020 survey was 4.5 pounds, while the 2021 survey only yielded a bass of 3.7 pounds. Species include; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, spotted bass, walleye, musky, yellow perch, bluegill, carp, and catfish. 305 0 obj <>stream Bluegill are always plentiful in South Holston and will provide excellent fishing opportunities in summer when fishing success for other species slows in warmer water. Prepare for success with accurate data about the type of This suggests there are currently as many (or more) bass in the lake as there have been for at least 25 years with a commensurate number of larger fish. If those times wont work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. $uM+(? "Just outstanding fishing on those Yellowtail. New size and creel limits for Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass were implemented on January 1, 2019. This species has generally mirrored largemouth trends closely with overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019. Fishing Philpott Reservoir in 2022 should provide anglers with great recreation. 29 yellowtail, 44 reds, and 100 whitefish. tZ28xG }@`6 The Bluegill and Redear Sunfish populations have been producing larger fish that can be enjoyed by fly fishermen and spin anglers using light tackle. The 2020 net survey collected 456 crappie over two nights, and most fish were from two year classes with peaks of distribution centered on 8-9 and 10-11. 2023 - Premier Angler. Bait & Tackle: YES View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. 2023 Fishidy. Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats provide access to this river fishery. From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). The combined daily creel limit for Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass is 5 per day. 660 of Dublin Campgrounds: YES As Lake Moomaw has aged, it has provided better habitat for Smallmouth Bass. Many people caught their limits today. 8 yellowtail 150 assorted rockfish 65 reds. 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. Anglers should find a good distribution of fish 8-13. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. %%EOF W0CD;=+;q|M"V=hWE(bPmTHU.#E| K@@? Boat access to the lake is available for a small fee at private ramps at Claytor Lake State Park, Lighthouse Bridge, and at Conrad Brothers and Rockhouse Marinas on the Peak Creek arm of the lake. The 2021 electrofishing survey collected 141 perch, but only five were >8. The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the Claytor Lake Underwater Webcam feed. This was a slight decline from 2020 (129/hr.). These fish were tagged in the Staunton River beginning winter 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study. Claytor Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. The 2021 survey revealed similar results with few fish over 6. More information on Sandy River Reservoir. WebThe three black bass species in Claytor Lake are regulated by a 12 inch minimum size limit and anglers may harvest five per day (all three species combined). James City County operates a park with a boat ramp, courtesy pier, fishing pier, and concession stand. Smallmouth Bass are less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower lake. Guests can also rent bikes and There are still some Flathead Catfish, although they are not abundant. The cost is $650. and fell further behind 2019 (117/hr.). Moomaw has both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass. The Bowfin population is one of the best in Virginia. Biologists collected 31 Walleye during fall 2021, and 45% were over 20 and legal. This was a favorable increase from 2020 (67/hr.). Lodging: YES Dublin Alabama Bass are also found in Claytor Lake. There is often thick Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms from June-November. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 2060 feet of water can produce good catches. Bank anglers wishing to target sunfish and crappie will find ample opportunities along two fishing trails and three ADA compliant piers. Spotted Bass in Claytor Lake do not grow as large as Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, rarely reaching 2 pounds in size, although the state record 4-pound, 12-ounce Spotted Bass was caught at Claytor Lake on January 1, 2020. The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Bluegill are numerous throughout the lake providing action when other species are not biting. Most Bluegill are small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but most are 4-6. In a beautiful setting, this mountain reservoir called Claytor Lake offers up camping, boating and fishing away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Good largemouth bass fishing can be found throughout the reservoir but smallmouth bass densities appearing to be greater in the The abundant forage base of Blueback Herring provides a great source of nutrition for the assemblage of predators. Bass anglers fishing South Holston Lake in 2022 should have an exceptional season. Hours. Most commonly they are in the 6" to 8" range and weigh less than a pound. The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. Bluegill are extremely abundant, but very few make it past 6. Rockhouse Marina This popular destination continues to produce very respectable Largemouth Bass. Catch rates for fish > 20 declined slightly in 2020 and again in 2021, although 2021 samples still yielded 13 bass > 20. Follow Route 605 until you reach Route 663 (Owens Road), go right on 663, then look for signs marking the park when you get near the lake. The last three years have shown variability related to water temperature. Drum densities have increased greatly in recent years. QZq,Q`iWUz%79e}]2Wk2sG/\ Nlj@PSuU.t+^+ f{GU>EuXGYjj?%m}"wO [4 280 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<551E622641CEE34F8CCF593BD61F3844>]/Index[259 47]/Info 258 0 R/Length 106/Prev 425427/Root 260 0 R/Size 306/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream hb```ZVB ea`b`VY`V4CS @5, W9zF-a1KGkDCFCEGV>u@ZE@1bd`k 3RBV2GIbXklq@+l@F'@ ,/ Striped Bass: 4 per day no less than 20 inches. Call Sea Landing now at (805) 963-3564 to make your reservation. The drawdown is scheduled to begin at one foot per day on Monday morning, November 4, until the lake reaches its full drawdown depth of five feet (1841 elevation) by Saturday morning, November 9. The collection of 232 preferred-sized bass ( 15) provided a high catch rate of 66/hr. State Park 21 in. Channel and Flathead Catfish should be similar to the past few years. Deep diving Jerk Baits for Bass. for fish over 20. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. These schooling fish can provide great action and can keep youngsters engaged. 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. Anglers can distinguish these cohorts by size. The state only stocks smallmouth bass and walleye but there is a fair population of muskellunge in the lake as well. One of the better fishing opportunities on Chesdin comes from Channel Catfish with fish averaging 4-6 pounds. The easiest way to get to Harrys Point from I-81 is to take the Route 605 exit (near the south end of Radford), and then follow the brown trailblazer signs to Harry DeHaven Park. Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action from 3-5 fish. Anyone interested in fishing Claytor Lake or waters within the wider area around Pulaski should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Actually caught two, a 1lb and a 1.25lb, but I didnt get a picture of the second fish, 1 lb. Black Crappie were abundant during 2021, as 295 fish were collected during spring and fall surveys. All rights reserved. Cabins & Lodges For more information on camping, cabins and lodges, please visit Claytor Lake State Park's website. Sampling in 2018 showed stocked bass only added 6% to years when stocking occurred and only 0.03% to the entire adult population after three years of stocking. There are plenty of amenities located on and around the lake including marinas, boat ramps and lodging. We reserve the right to correct pricing errors. Anglers are reminded the minimum size for saugeye and Walleye is 18 at 5/day in aggregate. Thursday morning. Buy Lowrance HDS Live Finder - Save Up To $800 on System Components. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. HKo@s?EJH,q@=8`x!x EQvggn`T$d*ZA&b!_sv-(+S' !QL+L#Sg0yOCC 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. Both fish have taken to foraging on Gizzard Shad with larger saugeye from previous stockings still available. Fishing shoreline areas is likely most productive in spring around the spawn. Fishing Claytor Lake, VA on 1/21/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked as fingerlings annually. However, many anglers who spend the time are rewarded with good fishing. Note that on January 1, 2021, a 15 minimum was implemented for Smallmouth Bass on Flannagan, which requires anglers immediately release all Smallmouth Bass less than 15. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021, but there are good numbers of 18 to 20 fish. Fishing for crappie is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Services. Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves, but the best places are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower end. Some VA fishing guides offer guided bass, striper and crappie trips on Claytor Lake. With catches of 20 to 30 pound Carp possible, anglers from as far away as England come to fish for them at Claytor. In early spring and fall, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass may use them as well. WebAll about fishing at Claytor Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, Eighty-three percent were over 12, and 44% exceeded 15. Catfish angling is an emerging fishery at Claytor Lake, with 13% of anglers pursuing catfish in the most recent angler survey in 2017, and an estimated annual catch of almost 6,000 channel catfish. Click here for a Virginia Fishing License. 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. The night survey also yielded a fair abundance of 10-19 bass. Crappie: 25 per day no length restrictions. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. 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