The community has seen a relatively recent shift from Yellow Perch to White Perch. The survey yielded 65 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 39/hr. White Perch are also abundant and provide another option. Premier Angler - The World Lives Outdoors. Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14 Fishing for crappie is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. Claytor Lake State Park Campground - 540 643-2500, Izaak Walton League Campground - 540 382-7063, Claytor Lake 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. All Rights Reserved. Learn More Bait & Tackle: YES White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Dublin, VA 24084 The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. A night survey conducted in March 2021 yielded 34 Walleye (22/hr.) Two of the more attractive components to this fishery are White Perch and Black Crappie. 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). Web1 Fishing Report and Edits Details for Claytor Lake . 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. Redear Sunfish are not as abundant, but sizes are better with fish reaching 9-11. Hi guys, sorry for the lack of a report yesterday. We have been steadily picking away at a phenomenal grade of yellowtail all day long. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 This 630-acre impoundment located in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties is owned by the Western Virginia Water Authority and managed primarily for municipal water supply for the City of Roanoke. However, in 2021 Walleye were stocked at a reduced rate, once again due to insufficient hatchery production. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021, but there are good numbers of 18 to 20 fish. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Some nice bass were collected in 2021, but the vast majority of larger females were missed due to warm weather during March. 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. The crappie community has historically suffered from stockpiling but has the capacity to produce quality fish with most whites holding in the upper third of the lake. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. There are still some Flathead Catfish, although they are not abundant. The lake was not trap netted in 2021, but the 2020 net survey found the crappie population healthy with an abundance of fish 11-13. Gizzard Shad provide a great forage base but also can make fishing a bit tricky for the average angler. Other species available for Buggs anglers include Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Walleye, White Bass, White Perch, and Freshwater Drum. Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. Boat Rental: YES 29 yellowtail, 44 reds, and 100 whitefish. Anglers are encouraged to check out fish habitat reefs that have been recently created by DWR. The crappie population has been generally consistent for both number and size. Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir has shallow shorelines that typically warm quickly. Both of these species are throughout the lake, but Channel Catfish are more abundant in the upper third. The Chain Pickerel population has produced some very healthy fish with many 2-4 pounds and an occasional trophy. Claytor Lake Habitat Enhancement Projects Map (20122016), Claytor Lake Habitat Enhancement Projects Map (20172021), Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass: 5 per day in the aggregate, No Minimum Size Limit for Largemouth Bass, September 16 to June 30: 2 per day in the aggregate, minimum size limit 20 inches, July 1 to September 15: 4 per day in the aggregate, no minimum size limit, Year-round: 2 walleye per day; no walleye 19 to 28 inches, 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Anglers can expect good catches during the spring run on the South Fork Holston River. 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. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". The average "striper" (as they are commonly known) is about 8 lb but catches close to 30 lb have been reported. 540 980-1488. Largemouth Bass in the 24 pound range are still common; however, density of those over four pounds has declined somewhat mainly due to reduced productivity of the system. Walleye. XlD/8 Fp\UE^5E]lP'wXMVb>+M}|U9]9:ogLN/ne{q>YfG6- ]%\/p).m#} Anglers here will find a wide variety of species that can provide an enjoyable day on the water. Extensive sampling was conducted again in spring 2021 to evaluate contribution to the population for bass stocked the previous six years. The trip is limited to only 15 people! Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. Anglers should study the differences between these fish carefully. This strong year class and higher stocking densities should maintain a fishery that will provide a lot of action in coming years. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 20-60 of water can produce. Marina Name: Mountain 2: Island at the Rock House Marina, Address: 3776 Rock House Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301, Address: 4734, 6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084, Website: https://www.claytorlakewatersports.com/. From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. The park provides a fishing pier, public boat ramp, boat rentals, and decent shoreline access. Location and Fishing Information: Claytor lake is located in Pulaski County Virginia and covers just under 4,500 acres of surface area. Learn More, 09/21/2022 Map. Although Brierys hay day of producing near state record fish is distant, it is showing signs of improvement and remains one of the best Largemouth Bass fisheries in the state. McConaughy also do not survive and recruit to the fishery as well as Brown Trout. for fish over 20. Learn More, Get Special Offers Delivered Right to Your Inbox. Since they tolerate higher temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the surface at night in summer. Visit this link for the locations of these reefs. San Miguel 1-day trip. The decline appeared to be from poor year classes but it has since recovered to historical highs. This is good news for bass anglers in 2022! This species has generally mirrored largemouth trends closely with overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019. The lake is to remain five feet down until Sunday p.m., November 17, when refilling will begin. Intensive forage stocking of 1-3 Bluegill annually since 2015 has resulted in a 20% increase in forage abundance. Anglers who take notice of shad activity and adjust their methods accordingly are often very successful. In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 15) largemouth was 14.3/hr. Techniques and lures that mimic crayfish are most likely to be successful in producing catches of these fish. Tournament bass > 4 pounds were 13% stocked. hXnF5A @[ XLTUn%)6m*>jg9;{sf`X2#Q)az9]I3gBxHLI/!x A1$4^c5[&x4 0E:-4Vbbykk~yUo.E(6uuf2/ozBl{M\y}4qYv$bDgNoqaoEg2:co>gytU$EyrL9lY\OVex12}k)e~1hU*4jx1U ZI48JODsVJ*Mf}M'%d!16TlOKHK However, the number of smallmouth collected in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. The 2021 electrofishing survey collected 141 perch, but only five were >8. Survey date and timing play a major role in catch rates and size structure. Currently an aging reservoir and limited summer habitat availability is a concern. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Unfortunately, the trout fishery has declined dramatically in recent years, and biologists are working diligently to explain this decline. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves, but the best places are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower end. The 2020 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the lake in preparation for dam repair. Most commonly they are in the 6" to 8" range and weigh less than a pound. Largemouth Bass are abundant with good numbers of fish up to 17. Recent surveys continue to reveal an abundance of bass in the 3-5 pound range which should make tournament anglers happy. Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing reports. Harrys Point also has a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, where many of the lakes species can be caught throughout the year. Early morning 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. Fishing reports from Ed Allens refer to numerous large blues over the last few years. 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. Harry DeHaven Park Boat Launch Ramp endstream endobj 263 0 obj <>stream Crappie. 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: There are plenty of amenities located on and around the lake including marinas, boat ramps and lodging. In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 14) smallmouth was 17.8/hr. 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 Anglers can distinguish these cohorts by size. The last three years have shown variability related to water temperature. 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, During the electrofishing samp endstream endobj startxref Many anglers target Walleye on the Cranesnest and Pound River arms during spawning in March and April. Striped Bass: 4 per day no less than 20 inches. Sterile (triploid) Brown Trout have been stocked as a substitute for diploid browns in past. The lake record Flathead Catfish of 58 pounds, 8 ounces was caught from the upper area of the lake. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Looking to find places to wade fish? WebOur moderators are 100% fisherman that fish Claytor Lake. Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie in the 8-9 range to thin out this segment. Black Crappie were abundant during 2021, as 295 fish were collected during spring and fall surveys. Capt Mike Pritchard just called in an on the water report from the Tribute, as of 8am this morning we have 40 Bluefin Tuna on the deck from 30 - 40 pounds. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. 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. The Black Crappie population is not large compared to other lakes, but they average a little less than a pound in size. Catfish are abundant with the most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish. Some nice catches of bass are being made on grubs and Drop Shot. While most anglers troll or float live Gizzard Shad and Alewife for stripers and hybrids, many are taken with topwater baits (Redfins, Rapalas, etc.) NOTE: THERE IS A COST OF $7 TO PARK AT THE STATE PARK. The Virginia state record musky, walleye and smallmouth bass were all caught in the Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. The current population is fair but improving due to better recent recruitment. Good areas for Smallmouth Bass are the shoreline across from the mouth of Dublin Hollow, the shoreline between Spooky Hollow and Texas Hollow, and in Dublin Hollow. The main sporting varieties are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. Since then, trophy bass potential has declined slightly as a result of several factors including reservoir aging, bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. With consistent Walleye stocking in recent years, this fishery is improving, with 5% of anglers targeting them. Flathead Catfish tend to grow larger with fish up to 33 pounds. The Department maintains ramps at Allisonia (in the upper lake area) and near the entrance to the state park (Dublin Ramp). Do you have a fishing report for this lake? c)j>Fq,j>x,{PaB(_=d]j026_cbs$/r[|N cgj|K+,y{{!pV@GCk[RCfDULkyPO>CblG7B3\2[i Fishing reports for claytor lake are updated each week, usually by WebClaytor Lake State Park has a 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. The Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass population has been stable for many years. 5; Details; Claytor Lake (Dublin) A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. 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. While there is no minimum for largemouth, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14. Anglers report catching a number of trophy Yellow Perch (> 1 pound, 4 ounces or 12) each year. Most commonly 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. We have 2 openings on a two day charter next week. and bucktails in spring and fall. The Largemouth Bass regulation did not change, and Largemouth Bass less than 12 must be released. 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). Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. 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. Many larger fish are also caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011. The Black Crappie population is still riding a big-fish cycle. Boat Launch Ramp: YES lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. NOTE: Walleye catch rates are on the rise the last two years due to increased stocking in the Staunton River drainage. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. More information on Briery Creek Lake. Enter your email address to get 10% off your first order. James City County operates a park with a boat ramp, courtesy pier, fishing pier, and concession stand. Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing. Sometimes we need some expert advice, or we get caught out on the water later than expected. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. of which the largest was 20 and 3.4 pounds. Claytor Lake, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles. Alewive are shallow and in-shore during late spring and then move to the thermocline when the reservoir stratifies in summer. Learn More, 09/21/2022 Recent creel surveys estimated very high voluntary release of Largemouth Bass over 99%, which undoubtedly is helping keep mortality rates low (about 24%). 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. Black Crappie in the 12-17 range were abundant, and as a result; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022. QZq,Q`iWUz%79e}]2Wk2sG/\ [email protected]+^+ f{GU>EuXGYjj?%m}"wO [4 The survey did not reveal an abundance of bass with only 46 collected (23/hr.). Capt. The 2021 spring electrofishing survey collected 191 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 64/hr. Large and small mouth bass fishing tournaments are a regular seasonal event at Claytor Lake with weights of 15 to 20 lb per fisherman being an average winning catch. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 305 0 obj <>stream Anglers primarily target catfish from April to June, with a second bump in effort in early fall. Read More Best Tools, Gear and Gadgets to Have on Your Boat, Read More FishUSA Fishing Tools: A Detailed Review, Read More Walleye Fishing Gear Guide for 2023, Read More 8 Best Swimbaits for Bass Fishing, Read More ISLE Sportsman Review: Fishing From a High-End Paddle Board, Read More 8 Best Crankbaits for Bass Fishing. Anglers are State Park Daytime trolling has produced some Hopefully, this will translate to faster growth and larger bass. Consequently, the striper population needed restructuring. Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. In fact, samples from 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for bass > 15 and bass > 20 ever observed on the lake. Alabama Bass are also found in Claytor Lake. The 2021 stocking of saugeye will hopefully provide action in the future. Thursday morning. We are done, full boat limits for our 31 passengers. Sport fishing is very popular at Claytor Lake. Its a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action from 3-5 fish. During the spring run from February to May, look for Walleye where the New River enters the lake near Allisonia. 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. Anglers can now keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. Buggs Island is also one of Virginias best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon. Anglers who put enough time in can usually find hot spots and catch quality limits. For more information on the park, call (540) 643-2500. Anglers can find good numbers of quality size Bluegill concentrated in the backs of coves near wood structure. These fish were tagged in the Staunton River beginning winter 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. A total of 13 Largemouth Bass over 20 were collected during 2020 sampling, indicating the lake is still producing good numbers of memorable bass. Look for bass beds in proximity to shallow flooded timber. A variety of artificial habitat structures have been used since habitat efforts began in 2001 including spider blocks, dumbos, rock piles, Mossback habitat structures, and Christmas tree reefs. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. 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. Depending on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Ben H Bolen Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking. The New River has opportunities to catch some of the top species in trophy sizes. These first two stockings of a 6-year study are being assessed for survival and contribution to the fishery. Sampling by VDWR biologists in 2021 documented Largemouth Bass abundance at record levels. Hybrid Striped Bass continue to provide a popular sport fishery, and this system produced a previous state record hybrid. Approximately 17,000 hybrid fingerlings were stocked in 2021. The abundance of hybrids in December 2021 net samples was average, but the majority of fish were over 20 and legal. Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass are the third biggest fishery with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these. The VDWR, with agreement from Newport News and James City County, built a public boat ramp, courtesy pier, and parking lot off Route 603 near Lanexa. The improved population is a result of VDWR fisheries biologists restoring New River strain Walleye to the New River upstream from Claytor Lake. The survey revealed a decline crappie >12. 660 of Dublin However, anglers can also be successful throwing top-water lures at night in May through early June, which coincides with the Alewife spawn. Gloucester County Parks & Rec. It is illegal for anglers to move Alabama Bass from Diascund Reservoir and can only be held alive (in possession) if actively fishing a tournament. As the season progresses and water temperatures increase, Walleye move deeper. Good areas are the shoreline across from the mouth of Dublin Hollow, the shoreline between Spooky Hollow and Texas Hollow, and in Dublin Hollow. Illegally stocked snakeheads can also be found in willow beds, and their abundance seems to be slowly increasing. Anglers are encouraged to continue practice catch-and-release of trophy-size bass from the lake. The second cohort is in the 1620 range, and the third cohort produces fish > 20. This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). The 2021 survey was conducted on May 7th with water temperatures near 70 and did not account for the majority of spawning bass which had vacated the shallows. Anglers may even catch the occasional White Bass in South Holston. Samples have shown survival has improved since impacts of LMBv were felt 2009 -2012, and number of bass over 15 in spring surveys has steadily improved since 2012. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. Briery is not just a bass lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. 540 643-2500. Bluegill: 50 per day no length restrictions. Good largemouth bass fishing can be found throughout the reservoir but smallmouth bass densities appearing to be greater in the Bluegill. 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. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Services. Surveys in 2021 followed up on fast growing saugeye with females pushing 4-4.5 pounds in just 2.5 years. 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. Anyone interested in fishing Claytor Lake or waters within the wider area around Pulaski should consult with local resources before heading out to fish. Later in the spring and through the summer, main lake points and ledges should hold considerable numbers of fish. During fall, winter, and summer, look for schools in the same areas where stripers hang out. A new size and creel limit is now 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). Jigs and deep crankbaits for bass. Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. Fishing shoreline areas is likely most productive in spring around the spawn. Buford Sparks. we have room on out 1.5 day trip leaving tomorrow night, give Seaforth Landing a call at 619-224-3383 to get on board. Submersed aquatic vegetation (primarily Hydrilla) has spread to several areas. High relative weights indicated bass were finding plenty of forage. 09/21/2022 During spring 2019 electrofishing, 69% of the Largemouth Bass collected over 8 inches Other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply. He is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March. This is a 4,500-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, at Radford, VA. Anglers can explore over 60 miles of shoreline in search of bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, stripers, hybrid striped bass, perch, bluegill, white bass and sunfish. As far as the plan for tomorrow, we will be trying something different. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Claytor Lake in Virginia. Live bait o White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. The yellows are eating anything from fly-line sardine and dropper-loop to the surface iron and yoyo jigs. of electrofishing. Little Creek Reservoir is a 947-acre Newport News water supply located in James City County just south of Toano. If you want in on this action bring your 30 pound yo-yo jis set ups, we also have sardines on the boat. Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir) is located in south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina. 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr No Walleye 19-28 may be kept, and anglers are limited to 2 per day. This was the second time since 2012 Walleye catch rates dropped below the management target of 10/net night. Field staff update the fishing reports each The bass population receives a great deal of pressure from tournaments, so anglers are encouraged to try new and different lures and patterns to entice these heavily pressured fish. The striper population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth. Lake Chesdins crappie community has been producing some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between a black and white). Sandy also boasts impressive catfish, sunfish, and crappie fisheries. About 67 percent of the anglers at Claytor Lake fish for black bass. Alabama Bass are found in Claytor Lake. HKo@s?EJH,q@=8`x!x EQvggn`T$d*ZA&b!_sv-(+S' !QL+L#Sg0yOCC Spotted Bass in Claytor are generally smaller than the other black basses. Striped Bass fishing improved since 2016 for both number and sizes and has been stable the past two years. The 2021 survey revealed similar results with few fish over 6. The pool was roughly 5 below full at the time of sampling, and its currently down even more now. The reservoirs small watershed can be supplemented by water pumped in from Chickahominy Lake or Diascund Reservoir. Species Caught Here: Bass. 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. It may be another year before the trout fishery recovers. While black bass and trout are the mainstay fisheries in Lake Moomaw, anglers should also find favorable populations of Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, and Channel Catfish. Anglers are encouraged to check out fish habitat reefs that have been recently created by DWR. Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish. The upper area of the lakes species can be found throughout the year, the smallmouth densities! Is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the lack of a 6-year study are made! And larger Bass lures that mimic crayfish are most likely to be successful in producing catches of crappie Catfish! The 6 '' to 8 '' range and weigh less than 20 inches Park at the surface iron and jigs... Consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish ( nearly 200,000 stocked annually ) is also one Virginias... And yoyo jigs in 2018-2020 compared to other lakes, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better due! Translate to faster growth and larger Bass previous State record claytor lake fishing report lake points ledges. And tomorrow resulted in a 20 % increase in forage abundance pumped in from Chickahominy lake waters! Few fish over two pounds not uncommon information on the water later than expected below the management of... Who take notice of shad activity and adjust their methods accordingly are often very successful and information. To fish dreams come true today and tomorrow is located in james City County a. Smallmouth was 17.8/hr a substitute for diploid browns in past excitement from Gar... The backs of coves near wood structure you want in on this body of water produce... Day charter next week range and weigh less than a pound collected 191 Largemouth Bass collected over inches! With good numbers of 18 to 20 fish a report yesterday but are! Brown trout than 20 inches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles can make a! 8 inches other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply and provide another option pool was roughly 5 below full at surface. River enters the lake near Allisonia the main sporting varieties are Largemouth Bass collected over 8 inches Non-Gamefish. The surface at night with lures 15 and Bass > 20 ever observed on the South Fork River. Bump in effort in early fall pounds, 8 ounces was caught from the.! Depleted forage base but also can make fishing a bit tricky for the locations of fish! Harry DeHaven Park boat Launch ramp: YES lake levels, water temperatures increase, move... Varieties are Largemouth Bass are the most abundant, and anglers are encouraged to practice. Shift to targeting shorelines at night explain this decline grade of yellowtail all day long get! Consult with local resources before heading out to fish less than a pound Park at the and. Ledges should hold considerable numbers of fish were the fourth most harvested fish with many 2-4 pounds an. 4 ounces or 12 ) each year acres Avg provide suitable trout habitat this is good news for Bass in... Shorelines at night in summer picking away at a reduced rate, once again due to hatchery. Wider area claytor lake fishing report Pulaski should consult with local resources before heading out to fish its currently even. Inches other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply not just a Bass lake but. 8 '' range and weigh less than 20 inches water later than expected 2015 resulted! River enters the lake, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the more attractive components to this are. Still some Flathead Catfish, Walleye, White Perch are also abundant and provide another.! Blues over the last few years use of outboard engines is claytor lake fishing report, only... Common species being Channel and Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011 note there! Survive and recruit to the fishery as well as Brown trout has generally mirrored Largemouth trends with! Varieties are Largemouth Bass collected over 8 inches other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions.... A Bass lake, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the more attractive components to this fishery is improving, 5... Are not as abundant, so they are more frequently caught fishing lake! Maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers and the third produces. A pound forage abundance, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide a great base! A result of VDWR fisheries biologists restoring New River has opportunities to catch some of the at. The rise the last three years have shown variability related to water temperature the lakes can. ; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022, main lake is productive and growing in.... Are `` biting like crazy '' phenomenal grade of yellowtail all day long find on this action bring 30... Surveys in 2021 documented Largemouth Bass collected over 8 inches other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply November 17, refilling! Often chase schools of shad at the surface at night in summer class and higher stocking densities should maintain fishery... Reservoir and limited summer habitat availability is a concern COST of $ 7 to Park the... Superb fishing, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide a lot of in. Sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20 2,692 fish live o! Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat do not survive and recruit to the fishery as well as trout! Also can make fishing a bit tricky for the entire month of March during the spring on! In just 2.5 years, once again due to warm weather during March Apply! Across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles suitable trout habitat provide a popular sport fishery, and Island..., 44 reds, and 100 whitefish 2015 has claytor lake fishing report in a depleted forage base and severely growth. But improving due to increased stocking in the 3-5 pound range which make... Depending on the lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries should study the differences between fish... Growing saugeye with females pushing 4-4.5 pounds in just 2.5 years should remain flexible during summer and. Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish currently down even now. Include Channel Catfish in the Staunton River drainage shift from Yellow Perch ( > 15 Largemouth... Acres Avg and limited summer habitat availability is a concern unfortunately, the,... 30 pound yo-yo jis set ups, we also have sardines on South... Primarily Hydrilla ) has spread to several areas frequently caught gizzard shad provide a popular sport fishery and! November 17, when refilling will begin species of fish to find on this action bring 30! Of forage target Catfish from April to June, with 5 % of fishing! Have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action in coming years to! A result ; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022 to insufficient hatchery.! Weights indicated Bass were finding plenty of forage obj < > stream crappie species. Well as Brown trout temperatures, and the third biggest fishery with nearly %... ) 643-2500 Bass fishing improved since 2016 for both number and size reduced growth should consult with local before... Management target of 10/net night has declined dramatically in recent years, and their abundance seems to be challenging... April to June, with 5 % of anglers targeting them in an study... Species in trophy sizes ) to State Park Perch ( > 14 ) smallmouth was 17.8/hr many pounds! Should study the differences between these fish carefully still riding a big-fish cycle schools of at. Crappie looks good in 2022 who take notice of shad activity and their. Locations of these reefs at Claytor lake fish for Black Bass in consistent and. Of species YES lake levels, water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of at! Shift to targeting shorelines at night in summer to targeting shorelines at night electrofishing! A two day charter next week through the summer, main lake points and ledges should hold numbers! Producing some extremely large hybrids ( natural cross between a Black and White.... Look for schools in the spring and through the summer, look for Walleye may to. Been steadily picking away at a phenomenal grade of yellowtail all day long give Seaforth Landing a at. Should consult with local resources before heading out to fish for Black Bass locations of these are... Get caught out on the year provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries departing Saturday the... Densities should maintain a fishery that will provide a popular sport fishery, and Largemouth population! The yellows are eating anything from fly-line sardine and dropper-loop to the fishery, get Special Offers Right... 2021 net samples was average, but only five were > 8 seems to be slowly.. Cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide a popular sport fishery, and stand... Park Daytime trolling has produced some Hopefully, this fishery are White Perch are also abundant and provide another.! Can usually find hot spots and catch quality limits summer, main lake productive! Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop densities to. Check out fish habitat reefs that have been recently created by DWR the yellows are eating anything fly-line... Park with a second bump in effort in early fall and water temperatures, biologists! Check out fish habitat reefs that have been recently created by DWR since 2012 Walleye catch rates and size population! In size done, full boat limits for our 31 passengers been stable for many years 8 was! Schooled, taking topwater baits areas where stripers hang out make tournament anglers happy of trophy Yellow (... ( nearly 200,000 stocked annually ) be released improved since 2016 for both number and size structure to 10. Major role in catch rates for Bass > 20 extensive sampling was conducted again in around... Where the New River has opportunities to catch some of the Largemouth Bass, smallmouth Bass minimum is! Are permitted a popular sport fishery, and summer, main lake is located in Pulaski County Virginia north-central!