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January 2012
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Virginia
Freshwater Fishing Report For those die hard Anglers that can endure the weather there are some nice size fish to catch. Slow and deep retrievals are a must during these cold months. Catfish- The large catfish are biting. Catching fish in the 20 - 30lb
range is not unusual for this time of year. The lower James, Chickahominy,
Rappahannock and Potomac River are all great destinations. Be sure to
fish ledges near deep water with cut bait. Fresh bunker, mud shad and
eels are good baits to use.
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Virginia's
Saltwater Forecast January, 2012, has the makings of a great striped bass season. Unlike
the past two years, cold weather has not invaded our area. Water temperatures
in the Middle of December are still in the 50s, and the large run of stripers
has not made its way down the coast. Virginia Beach Capt. Nolan Agner (757-200-0200) will be fishing both the Virginia and North Carolina beaches looking for large striped bass, as will Capt. Kenneth George (757-548-6991). Capt. Tim Cannon (757-426-8508) will be fishing the beach. Tim says that should the fish head offshore, he will be taking people deep drop fishing for bass, tilefish, and grouper. Capt. Stan Gold (757-944-0850) will also be deep-dropping for bass, tilefish, and grouper. Lower Peninsula Capt. Joe Shabbott (757-329-1372) will be fishing the beach. Middle Peninsula Capt. Tom Blatt (804-370-4620) will be fishing for stripers in the ocean. Happy New Year to all. Take care of yourself, take care of your boat,
take care of your fishing equipment, and, most importantly, help to take
care of the fish.
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November 2011
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Virginia
Freshwater Fishing Report Typically as the water temps cool down in November the fishing turns up. The weather plays an important part in the fish and how they respond. When the water temperatures drop it causes the fish to come up from the deeper holes and begin to start feeding more actively to try and fatten up for the upcoming cold months ahead. Lake Orange, Lake Curtis, Lake Phelps, Motts Run and Hunting Run the fish should be hitting well. Crappie will tend to stay deep around structures. Walleye usually hit well this time of year trolling with jigs. They also hit well on nightcrawlers and cranks. Temperatures are hard to predict but if it starts dropping through the month then the fishing should continue to improve as the month goes On the upper Rappahannock River fish the deep holes during morning for smallmouth and redeye. Smallmouth and redeye are both very active this month. Some great baits to try are redwigglers for the redeye and small minnows for the smallmouth. On the Upper Potomac River the crappie will be biting well on minnows. The bass will be hitting well on minnows and artificial baits. Some nice size largemouth are pulled out during November. The larger catfish tend to liven up quite a bit this month and respond well to cut bait. On the Chickohominy River the bigger catfish will liven up and respond well to cut bait. Crappie should continue biting through the month using small minnows and small jigs fishing around the piers and brush piles. The bass should be schooled up and will be biting well through December. Stripers will continue biting through the end of the year. Anglers should be successful fishing with small grub heads with bucktails, and blade baits. Let them drop right to the bottom then jig them up about 3 – 4 feet. On the James River typically November is an excellent month for smallmouth fishing and they hit well on pumpkin seed grubs and crankbaits. The crappie has already turned on and should continue hitting well on small minnows and jigs. November can be a chilly month but anglers might consider floating the river and drifting over the holes. It’s a relaxing technique and works really well this time of year. The larger catfish will start picking up as the water temperatures drop. Eels and fresh shad work great for them. The stripers should be hitting well on the lowers part of the James River on crankbaits, deep diving cranks, rattletraps or any type of big top water baits. They also like large minnows and extra large minnows. Smallmouth will work their way farther down the river and it is good to use small crankbaits or rooster tail spinners baits. Anglers in the area will be successful catching largemouth bass in the ponds. In the Virginia Beach area is really good this time of year. Down around
Little Creek Reservoir the fish bite should remain steady as long as the
temperatures don’t make a sharp drop. The fish will be following
the baitfish into the coves. Top water baits, Poppers, buzz baits and
walking baits should be great lures to fish over grass beds. Plastic worms,
crack baits and swim baits should bring in largemouth bass and chain pickerel.
Another good place to fish is West Neck Creek. Largemouth bass and large white perch are active this month and hit well on, medium beetle spins, spinner baits, and a Rapala Shallow Shad Rap. Most shallow diving lure work well. A good way to retrieve them is to reel until the lure just starts to bump the bottom then pause and let it float up some. After the lure floats up some then retrieve again until it bumps the bottom. A lot of times the fish will hit when it floats up. It is important to watch for hang-ups that are on the bottom. This works well when the water is shallow in the creek. The water is clear this time of year and bottom structures are usually easily seen. Buggs Island the largemouth bass will be hitting well on topwater lures
like Pop-R. Crappie and small mouth fishing will be excellent. Anglers
should fish the brush piles using topwater lures and jigs. The smallmouth
hit well on the 2” curly tail jigs and small bucktails. White bass
and perch will be hitting off the main lake points. Striper will most
likely move to the upper end of the lake and bite Redfins and Bucktails
really well. The flathead catfish move to the upper end of the lake and
blue catfish are all over the lake.
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Virginia's
Saltwater Forecast While October’s forecast centered on water temperature, November’s centers on approaching cold fronts. November is a month that can be either productive or not so productive. Certainly water temperature is going to be down which eliminates many species except in and around the ocean ports. Even then, the number of species will be down. Primarily we are looking for a promising month for striped bass, tautog, tilefish, bluefin tuna, yellowfin tuna, spotted trout, and bluefish. Water temperature, as of the middle of October, is holding, and many fishermen are reporting some excellent catches of fish not normally caught this late in the year. However, with the possibility of two cold fronts a week from now through March, expect things to change, and be pleased if they don’t. Spotted trout numbers have been unusually large this year. Although the number of large fish are few in comparison to the small, it leads me to wonder why the next year doesn’t seem to produce a good run of larger fish. This seems to be true with both trout species. We have had two years in a row now of sizeable numbers of small gray trout. However, the larger of large trout the next season does not increase. Is this due to concentrations of small fish being caught in North Carolina during the winter and spring, or are the small trout being consumed by the larger stripers that frequent the same waters during the Winter? I keep hoping to see a return of the trout. Eastern Shore Capt Walt (410-957-1664) will be fishing up the Bay in Tangier Sound for schoolie rockfish (stripers) at the beginning of the month. He says that in year’s past, his customers have averaged many more than the two legal fish. Walt practices catch and release after his limit is reached, using a light spinning outfit or flyrodding. As the month progresses, Walt will move down the Bay towards the CBBT. Tidewater Capt. Nolan Agner (757-200-0200) will offer both offshore and inshore trips. Offshore Nolan will be primarily catching tuna. Inshore, he will target striped bass and bluefish. Capt. Tim Cannon (757-426-8508) will be sight casting to red drum and stripers inshore at the beginning of the month and trolling for stripers as the waters cool. Off shore he will target bluefin tuna and deep drop for tilefish and grouper. Capt. Capt. Kenny George (757-548-6991) plans to fish for stripers and tautog. Capt. Chandler Hogg (757-876-1590) fishes for tautog, bluefish, and striped bass. Middle Peninsula Don Bannister (804-776-0629) plans to cast, jig, live-line, and troll for Stripers around structure this month. Don will be awaiting the larger ocean dwelling fish that should arrive close to Thanksgiving. Capt. Tom Blatt (804-370-4620) will fish for stripers around and over structureuntil the larger fish arrive. Capt. Ed Lawrence (804-693-5673), a light tackle specialist from Mobjack Bay, will be casting to puppy drum, spotted trout, and stripers Northern Neck
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October 2011
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Virginia's Saltwater Forecast If the water temperatures are warm, many species of fish that are preparing to leave are still with us in October. However, if the water temperatures are down, most of these fish have left us. At any rate, you can expect that what you find at the beginning of October is not what will be with us at its end. As I sit here before my computer, I am faced with the knowledge that temperatures are about to make a dramatic drop, and it’s the middle of September. I also know that we are facing a La Nina winter, whatever that means for us. Forecasting October is never easy, but here goes. Weather or not, striped bass season will be returning to Virginians. One major concern, though not necessarily for the month of October, is the lack of menhaden in the Chesapeake Bay. Omega’s fleet has fished the Bay very little this summer because of the lack of fish. There is, however, a large amount of smaller baitfish within our waters, particularly silversides and anchovies. This, along with the knowledge that Maryland has experienced an excellent summer with the school size stripers signals a good opening to the season. Bluefish are normally strong at the beginning of the month, and if the water temperatures do not take a drastic hit, Spanish mackerel are likely to still be around at the start. Spotted trout fishing is generally at its peak during the month of October. At the beginning of the month they can be found in their usual haunts. As the month progresses, they start moving out to deeper waters in the northern Bay to start their trek southward. Large red drum and puppies can be found at the beginning, but like the trout will be on the move. Cobia fishing is likely to be hit and miss, especially if colder waters are upon us. Croaker, whiting, and spot will be found in fewer numbers as the month goes on. Sheepshead, spadefish, and trigger fish are likely to be memories by month’s end. Tautog, along with stripers, is a fish that can see an increase in numbers being caught, though science is reminding us that the tog numbers are way down. Flounder will continue to be caught, though many will be moving to offshore wrecks. Simply put, as we go through the month of October, the striped bass will likely become king. Many of us will start conjuring up images of the large fish that are certain (or are they) to be with us in the months of November and December within the Bay. Let us hope that there are large schools of menhaden presently in Maryland water or are going to return to the Bay from the ocean prior to the large fish migration from northern waters. Offshore, the fishing is also likely to dwindle as October progresses. Marlin should still be found at the beginning of the month. A few straggling wahoo might also be found. Numbers of dolphin will decrease. Tuna, both bluefin and yellowfin will be the saving grace of the offshore fishery, along with an increase in deep-dropping for tilefish and grouper. Eastern Shore Tidewater Capt. Kenny George (757-373-8530) will fish for flounder, stripers, and
tautog. Capt. John Fleet will fish offshore for marlin, tuna, wahoo,
and dolphin. He also will be deep dropping for tilefish and grouper.
Inshore, he plans to fish for bluefish and king mackerel. Capt. Joe
Shabbott (757-329-1372) will fish offshore for marlin, tuna, wahoo, and
dolphin, while fishing primarily for stripers and flounder inshore. Recreational fishing brings a tremendous amount of money into the state’s
coffers. I recently talked to a tackle shop owner in my county. Revenues
are way down. Charter boat friends are taking a beating. Let’s all
pray for better days to come, starting with October.
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MAY 2011
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Virginia Freshwater Fishing
Report Near D.C. May brings
the bass anglers to the post spawn phase of fishing. Fishing the weedlines
with plastics will get great results. Crappie will still be available
in the very backs of creeks and some striper action can be had downriver.
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Virginia's Saltwater Forecast By Capt. Rick Lockhart May is the month that striped bass fishing returns to the Bay; however, of the thousand or so citations that are given each year for striped bass, less than one percent are given in May. Yes, tons of money will be spent attempting to catch the striped wonder, but the quality fish will be your red and black drum. From the middle of the month on, depending on water temperature, these fish, along with flounder, spadefish, spotted trout, croaker, and even 'togs (early in the month) will far out-number the striper in paper. Nevertheless, the rockfish will be the species of choice for at least the upper portion of the Bay. Tuna will be the primary target offshore. Tilefish will still be available to those who venture offshore on nice days. Bluefish will be making a showing, and some will even sneak out to be the first to catch a cobia, but that could be pushing it. Several of my captain friends want me to stress that chartering one of Virginia's many qualified captains is an option to paying $4.00+ a gallon for fuel. If you agree, give the many contributors to this article a call, or find them on the web at fishva.org. Eastern Shore Capt. Charlie Koski (757-336-3528) is extremely pleased to be fishing for flounder with a regulation that is somewhat pleasing (many still think the size limit should be 17"). He had keeper fish late in March and throughout April, so, along with the northern whiting (kingfish/roundhead), he will be targeting flounder within the bay at Chincoteague. Capt. Robert Walter (410-957-1664) will be fishing the Bay out of Chrisfield for striped bass, spotted trout, and red drum. Capt Walt is a light tackle fisherman. He will move his operation to the barrier islands of the Eastern Shore for flounder. Tidewater One of the big stories off the coast of Virginia is black sea bass. Many of the captains of Virginia Beach are frustrated by the season being closed by the feds for what appears to be no solid reason; therefore, Capt. Nolan Agner (757-289-8862) will be fishing for stripers, red and black drum, sharks, and spadefish. Capt. Tim Cannon (757-426-8508)
will fish for flounder and croaker while hoping that the black sea bass
fishery is re-opened. Capt Kenneth George (757-548-6991) will be fishing
for striper, flounder, tautog, and red and black drum. Capt. Stan Gold
(757-686-2443) will fish for flounder, spadefish, and both red and black
drum, while continuing to go farther offshore for tilefish and grouper.
Several of the Middle Peninsula captains will be taking advantage of the early run of large croaker that enter the Rappahannock River in May. Among these fish will be several varieties of catfish along with an occasional striped bass. Capt. John Augustine (804-938-4427), Capt. Don Bannister (804-776-0629), Capt. Bill Bailey (804-776-0255), Capt. Jason Lingor (804-957-1664) will take advantage of this fishery. Capt. Carlisle Bannister (804-353-2143) will troll for trophy striped bass early in the month, then turn his attention to flounder. Capt Tom Blatt (804-370-4620) will fish for flounder and red and black drum. Northern Neck Capt. Ferrell McLain (1-888-Bayfish) will be trolling for the trophy stripers early in the month, then turn his attention to chumming for the smaller male fish, or bottom fishing for croaker, as will Capt. Rick Lockhart (804-435-6907). There is no doubt that the increase in fuel prices will have a drastic effect on the numbers of fishing trips that will take place during the 2011 season. I spoke to one captain that fishes offshore and he suggested that there would be far more chunking and jigging on the lumps than trolling the canyons, at least by the recreational fishermen. I anticipate, remembering
what happened the last time prices skyrocketed, that the numbers of fish
caught will be way down also. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the
feds can get a handle on the economy so that it's the fishermen and not
the fish that are getting the breaks this summer.
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APRIL 2011
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Virginia Freshwater Fishing Report By Missy Fike Many largemouth bass trophy fish are caught during the pre-spawn period in the spring. The catfish should respond well to cut shad. Ring perch have started up and some nice size ones have been caught. Chain pickerel can be caught in swamps and also in the feeder creeks to rivers. The shad and herring should be starting their run up rivers soon to spawn. This will be the last year that anglers will be able to keep herring a moratorium will be placed on them in 2012. On the Rappahannock
River and the creeks feeding into the river, the white perch should bite
on night crawlers and small spinners or jigs. Large mouth bass should
continue biting on the Rappahannock River and creeks. Bass should start
to move towards the shallows and brush to prepare for spawning On the James River the white perch will be biting well using bloodworms. Shad and herring will be biting well mid April on shabiki rigs and shad darts. The largemouth bass should start to spawn and will be moved into the shallows. Some really big largemouth can be caught during the spring months. The blue cats will still be biting well. Once the shad and herring start to run then anglers will have them to use as cut bait for the blues. Cut bait works very well on the blue catfish. The croaker will be showing up this month. They generally show up in the York River first and can be caught on squid. On the Chickahominy River the herring run will be in. Largemouth bass will be biting well on spinner baits. They like structures like duck blinds, cypress roots and brush piles. As the vegetation starts to grow in the river the largemouth bass will move to the lily pads and grass beds to hide. Once the largemouth move to the vegetation to hide, anglers should try artificial worms for a more successful trip. The bream and bluegill will be picking up really well once the water temps warm. Catfish will continue hitting on cut bait, eels and large minnows. In the Virginia Beach area waters the yellow perch will be hitting well on minnows. Chain pickerel will be hitting also be hitting on minnows. A good place to try is Back Bay. It is a National Wildlife Refuge located near Virginia Beach south of Sandbridge. Other places to try are Lake Smith, Lake Lawson, Lake Whitehurst and Little Creek Reservoir. At Buggs Island the largemouth bass will be moving to the shallows for their pre-spawn stage. They will be biting well on spinner baits, plastic worms and grubs. Many of the crappie will be spawning and will be in the shallows on brush piles. They can be stubborn but anglers might entice them with small minnows. The catfish will pick up at the head of the lake on cut bait or herring. Striper will be heading up river to spawn and live shad or Red Fin lures work well for them. At Smith Mountain Lake the largemouth bass will most likely be in depths of 10' - 12' and will bite well on jigs, Hopkins spoons, jerk baits and deep diving crank baits. The bass will be in pre-spawn and some will be spawning. When the water temps get to 50 degrees then a lot will move onto their beds. The crappie will begin to move into the shallows and prepare for spawning. They spawn when the dogwoods are in bloom. Stripers will be moving towards to the rivers to start their travel up river to spawn. And will be biting well on Hopkins spoons, lead heads with flukes and crank or jerk baits. White perch will be schooling and biting well on grubs, live bait or small Hopkins spoons. |
Virginia's Saltwater Forecast By Rick Lockhart Deep drop fishing was cause for some excitement when the weather cooperated (which wasn't often), and spotted trout were often found at the Hot Ditch. However, fishing will start in earnest during the month of April. And with some of the reports drifting their way up the coast from Florida, even more excitement will be found in May and June. April will find some captains fishing offshore for grouper, tilefish, and black sea bass. Others will hope for an early warming trend that will stimulate the feeding of flounder and spotted trout, while many in the upper reaches of Virginia's bay will venture into Maryland waters to take advantage of the earlier trophy rockfish. Inland, yellow perch, white perch, hickory shad, white shad, and striped bass will be caught in local rivers. Shad and striped bass will need to be returned and unharmed to their environment. Eastern Shore Capt. Charlie Koski will be gearing up for early flounder. With the minimum likely to be 17 ½" this year, Charlie is excited at the prospect of being able to fill his limit. Capt. David Thornes (757-678-3718) will be taking his clients into the narrow and often shallow waters of the Barrier Islands to catch flounder, spotted trout, and an occasional gray trout. Capt. Walt (410-957-1664) will be catch and release fishing the mouth of the Susquehanna River. Though this is not a part of Virginia's report, he claims that many will catch the fish of a lifetime in water less than 10 feet in depth. Therefore, I present it.
Capt. Tim Cannon (757-426-8508), Capt. Bill Keys (757-406-0943), and Capt. John Fleet (757-482-1644) will start the month of deep dropping off the coast. As the shallower waters warm, they will move their operation inshore searching for large flounder. Capt. Glenn Bregman (757-714-5877) will be fishing for tautog, while Capt. Andy Martel (804-687-9093) will be gearing up for both the black and red drum run, which will carry over into the month of May. Middle Peninsula Capt. Ed Lawrence (804-693-5673), a light tackle specialist from Mobjack Bay, and Capt. Phil Hughes (804-543-1917) will be casting to both species of shad and striped bass within sight of the city of Richmond. Northern Neck Capt. Ferrell McLain (888-BAYFISH) and Capt. Rick Lockhart (804-435-6907) will take advantage of their close proximity to Maryland waters and be trolling and jigging for large striped bass that return to the Bay annually to sustain the stock. April is not the easiest month to predict; however, with the stories of C/R in the month of March, and with the forecast of warmer weather, many anglers are getting very excited at the prospects that lie ahead. Last year's winter caused many species to be later than usual. Although this winter
was no picnic temperature-wise, it does appear that the waters will be
warming more quickly and that we will be able to practice our skills earlier
than in the past. That's what I'm hoping for.
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FEBRUARY 2011
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Virginia
Freshwater Fishing Report For February 2011 By Missy Fike February is a cold month but it is also a transition month. The water temps will start to warm up mid month and it will really gets the fish biting well. Remember deep slow retrieves are important in being successful. The Shenandoah should be doing well for brook and rainbow/brown trout in the early mornings and late afternoons. Brook trout responds well to weighted flies, small spinners. Rainbow trout respond well to crayfish imitating jigs and flies. Others to try are streamers, spinners, and crappie jigs also work. Lakes and ponds should be doing
well and will continue to improve through February. Mid February the pond
waters warm up and the fish really liven up. The ponds are doing well
for bass and crappie. The crappie should respond well to jigs or small
minnows. At Lake Anna the walleye should bite well on small grubs over the rocks. The stripers follow the baitfish back into the main lake. Up lake, Hopkins spoons, Silver Buddies, 3" Sassy Shad with slow retrieves should work great. Down lake, redfins, and suspending jerk baits usually work well this time of year. Bass will be off the points of the lake. Bass will bite Sassy Shad, grubs, jigs and minnows. Crappie can be found on bridge pilings and respond well to small jigs or silver buddies. Creeks and rivers should give up some nice yellow perch mid month. Yellow perch really start hitting well in mid February. This is the time of year that some really big yellow perch can be caught as they start fatten up to spawn. Their spawning takes place late winter beginning spring. Yellow perch are found in brackish water tributaries of the Chesapeake Bay and Potomac River. Machodoc, Maddox, Aquia and Occoquan are the popular creeks for yellow perch. Potomac, Rappahannock, Chickahominy, Nottoways and New are the popular rivers. They are also found in Moomaw,
Claytor, Little Creek, Waller Mill lakes. I'm sure they are found in other
bodies of water through out Virginia but these seemed to be the more popular
that I've listed. On the Chickahominy the big catfish seem to respond well to eels and clam snouts will work well on the smaller size catfish. Ring Perch should really liven up the middle February and some really good size ring perch will be caught. Bass will continue doing well using grubs on the bottom. Nice size ones in the 3lb - 4lb range should be hitting well. Crappie will be hitting well on small minnows and small jigs on through to April. At Smith Mountain Lake the stripe bass will be following the bait. The stripe bass hit well on alewives shad. Use the birds as your guide. When you see them diving that usually means they are on a school of baitfish. The stripe bass usually follow
the baitfish and will be feeding right under them. The largemouth bass
will be hitting well on spinner baits. The crappie will be responding
well to jigs. |
Virginia's Saltwater Forecast
By Capt. Rick Lockhart I doubt seriously that many are looking for a February forecast for saltwater fishing. At any rate, the striped bass have gone to their normal winter quarters, and for this reason I have nothing to report from my crystal ball regarding the large, striped perch. Capt. Glenn Bregman (757-714-5877) says he will continue to search for the fish, even if it takes him into North Carolina, for as long as they actively feed. February has often been a month when the run of yellow perch, white perch, herring, and shad start up the local rivers. Capt. Bob Reed has an article this month that may cause some of our readers to get the itch to wet a line. Also, though the number of boats that provided this service were down last year because of the moratorium placed upon black sea bass, look for windows of good weather that could provide for a chance to go deep dropping off the coast of Virginia for tilefish, grouper, and sea bass. I, myself, have been unable to take advantage of this fishery, but hope to take advantage of the opportunity soon. Capt. Joe Shabbott (757-329-1372) and Capt. Stan Gold (757-686-2443) were the only captains who indicated to me that they plan to fish, but I am certain that others are available. Check the numerous ads throughout this magazine, or look online at fishva.org. If you want additional information but cannot find what you are looking for, call me at (804-435-6907). I can find the answer to your question or put you in touch with the right captain. If you are unable to fish or find the weather too disagreeable, there are several fishing shows that are available throughout the state. Check this magazine for their dates and locations. Also, put time into getting your tackle ready for this coming fishing season. Clean and oil those reels, check the guides and reel seats on your rods, replace line, replace hooks, shads, etc. where necessary. It's been pretty miserable
to this point. But rather than blame it on the stupidity of a former vice-president,
prepare yourself for better days to come. Be proactive, not reactive,
and pray for warmer temperatures.
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JANUARY 2011
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Virginia Saltwater Fishing Forecast for January By Capt. Rick Lockhart In years past (I’m talking
two years ago), January has been on fire off the beaches of Virginia.
However, last year made a definite return to normalcy, and the majority
of the fish went south or remained well offshore where the bait was concentrated
(VMRC reported a citation handed out to a fisherman with illegal rockfish
38 miles offshore). The reports from VMRC are not encouraging anyway. I just received notification that 2011 will see a 7% cut in the striped bass take (which is down some 30% anyway) and tautog numbers are suppose to be way down, so we can look for a decrease there, as well. Hopefully, flounder size will be lowered in 2011, and the return to normal quotas for the black sea bass will see more trips taken in February and March to catch bass, tilefish, and grouper. If striped bass numbers are off at the Beach, expect to see deep drop trips increase in January Eastern Shore Capt. Frank Carver (443-223-5603) will be fishing for striped bass, while Capt. David Thornes (757-331-2610) will load customers aboard his boat, fish certain hot spots on the way through the sound, and unload on the sound side of the eastern shore barrier islands. His customers will then fish for stripers from the surf. Virginia Beach Capt. Nolan Agner (757-200-0200) will be fishing both the Virginia and North Carolina beaches looking for large striped bass, as will Capt. Kenneth George (757-548-6991). Capt. Tim Cannon (757-426-8508) will be fishing the beach. Tim says that should the fish head offshore, he will be taking people deep drop fishing for bass, tilefish, and grouper. Capt Joe Ferrera (757-498-0650) will fish the beach for stripers. Joe, and Capt Bill Keys (757-406-0943), are hopeful the weather and the fish will cooperate this year, as is Capt. Brad O’Berry (757-285-4652). Lower Peninsula Capt. Joe Shabbott (757-329-1372) will be fishing the beach. Middle Peninsula Capt. Tom Blatt (804-370-4620) will be fishing for stripers in the ocean. Northern Neck Capt. Robin Payne (804-814-2573) will be moving her boat to Rudee Inlet and will be fishing the beach. The most interesting part of writing a forecast for Virginia’s saltwater fishing is knowing that whatever the fishing was like last year, it won’t be the same this year. Timing is based primarily on water temperatures, and only the months of July and August (sometimes but not always September) are truly consistent from year to year. And no one really knows what to expect from the fish. For some reason, this year’s number of fish are not necessarily reflective of what next year’s numbers will be. Plus, there is always the unexpected. I would never have predicted the incredible number of white marlin seen this year. Last year’s numbers didn’t indicate this to me. Also, I would never have predicted the number of large redfish found throughout the Bay, nor would I have ever suggested that large sheepshead would be caught off of Windmill Point Light. 2010 is about gone. It will be interesting to see what 2011 brings. Happy New Year.
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SEPTEMBER 2010
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Virginia Freshwater Fishing Report By Missy Fike Lake Orange, Lake Curtis, Lake Phelps, Motts Run and Hunting Run the fish will really liven up this month. Early morning and evening is still the prime times to go. Bass will hit really well on grubs, crickets, mayflies and night crawlers. They will also hit well on buzz baits and lures. The crappie will continue to improve as the water temperatures lower. The upper Rappahannock River fish the deep holes during morning hours and evening hours for sunfish, smallmouth and redeye. Live baits should really work well. Try using crickets, crayfish, hellagramites, night crawlers and small minnows. Try casting past the hole you are fishing and letting your bait float through the hole. Gives baits a natural appearance and spooks the fish less. On the Potomac and the creeks feeding into it, the crappie will be biting well on minnows. The bass will be hitting well on minnows and plastic worms and the catfish will continue to bite on cut bait. As the water temperatures drop lower the bass in the Northern Neck area will switch from the plastic worms and start hitting on buzz baits, spinner baits and crank baits. Small minnows will work well at the ponds and as well as crickets, and night crawlers. Bream will respond well to small spinner baits and night crawlers and crappie will hit well on small spinner baits and minnows. On the Chickahominy River bass hit well using topwater frogs and plastic worms. The fish will school up on the small fry that hatch out and feed aggressively on them. The crappie should peak this month and the fishing for them should continue to be really good for the next few months. Catfish can be caught on eels and large minnows. Anglers can catch some really nice catfish this month. The bream will still be active and hitting well on crickets and nightcrawlers. On the James River the water level is usually low through the summer and depending on the weather it usually starts getting water around the second week of September. The bass hit well on flukes, spinner baits, minnows and night crawlers. The flathead catfish respond well to live bait like gold fish and small bream. The blues and channel catfish respond well to night crawlers and cut baits. On the lakes the bass will respond well to spinner baits, black and blue jigs, topwater lures and the best time to go is the early morning and evening hours. In the Virginia Beach area panfish will be caught on crickets and worms on the bottom in about 10-15ft of water. The bass will be hitting well on topwater lures in the early morning and then as the day warms up switch over to artificial bait. At Buggs Island the largemouth bass respond well to topwater lures like Pop-R in the early morning. The spinner baits and artificial worms work well during the warmer parts of the day. Crappie and small mouth fishing should be excellent. Anglers should fish the brush piles in about 7-8ft of water. The smallmouth hit well on the 2” curly tail jigs and small bucktails. Stripers tend to move to the upper end of the lake and bite redfins and bucktails really well. The flathead catfish also move to the upper end of the lake and blue catfish are all over the lake. The catfish and striper move to where the water is shallower and where the shad are dumping into the lake from the rivers. At Smith Mountain Lake the bass will be hitting at nighttime or early
morning hours using dark colors and topwater lures. Stripers will also
be hitting at nighttime on topwater lures. The catfish on live bait or
cut bait at night on rivers or in the lakes. Should be a good month for
nighttime catfishing.
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Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report By Capt. Rick Lockhart September is one of the best of months for fishing in Virginia. For those of us dedicated to the sport, now is the time to put the doldrums of August behind us and get out on the water. Off shore the billfishing should continue to dominate well into the month. Wahoo, dolphin, and yellowfin tuna should also be found with regularity. Inside the stream, king mackerel and bluefish are available. Inshore, cobia, flounder, red drum, Spanish mackerel, triggerfish, spadefish, sheepshead, and whiting will be found in and around the tunnels. Inside the Bay, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, spotted trout, croaker, and spot will be the species of choice. Eastern Shore Capt. Charlie Koski (757-336-3528) predicts that flounder and croaker will be caught in the inlets while flounder and triggerfish will be the main targets of those fishing the wrecks. Offshore he expects that both yellowfin and bluefin tuna will be targeted. Capt. Mike Handforth (757-894-0166) will be fishing primarily for flounder. Mike expects that croaker, small bluefish, and sea mullet will also be found in the sound of Chincoteague. Capt. Robert Walter, known affectionately as Capt. Walt (410-957-1664) is a light tackle guide who will be seeking striped bass and spotted trout casting, bluefish and Spanish mackerel trolling, and flounder and croaker drifting. Much of Walt’s fishing is in Tangier Sound. Capt David Thornes (757-678-3718) will be fishing the seaside inlets of the Eastern Shore. Tidewater Capt. Nolan Agner (757-200-0200) will be seeking yellowfin tuna, white marlin, and wahoo off Virginia’s coast. Capt. Ken George (757-548-6991) takes his clients after spadefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, and a variety of sharks. Ken will also sight-cast for cobia for a large part of the month. Lower Peninsula Capt. Bill Mershon (757-870-7265) will be fishing primarily for croaker and spot. Middle Peninsula Capt. Don Bannister (804-776-0629) will be fishing both inside and outside the Rappahannock River for spot. Capt. Ed Lawrence (804-693-5673) is a light tackle fisherman who will target puppy drum (redfish), spotted trout, croaker, and striped bass (C/R only). Northern Neck Capt. Ferrell McLain (1-888-229-3474) will be trolling for bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and striped bass (in the Potomac or waters of Maryland), while also bottom fishing for croaker, gray trout, and flounder. Large red drum may be in the mix both trolling and bottom fishing. Capt. Rick Lockhart (804-435-6907) will be doing primarily the same, though Rick will also target spot at the mouth of the Rappahannock. Fishing has started picking up in the middle part of August. Most of us are expecting September to be its usually fine month. Many of the fish in Virginia waters are gearing up for their move out of the Bay and down the coast. This makes for exciting times for those of us who continue to fish. If you want to take part in this action but do not own a boat, give one of the many charter boat captains of the state a call. Check out the charter boats in this months issue or on your computer at www.fishva.org for a captain that fishes that part of the state that you enjoy. It generally doesn’t get any better than September. |
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AUGUST 2010
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Virginia Freshwater Fishing Report By Missy Fike
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Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report By Capt. Rick Lockhart Boy, it’s kind of hard to envision August after the July we have
just experienced. One thing for sure, the weather can’t get any hotter.
Let’s hope the fishing gets hotter, though it normally slows during
the “dog days of summer.” Anyway, here goes my attempt to forecast
what is going to take place in August. Eastern Shore Tidewater Most all of the species of fish mentioned in the introduction will be
available to the Tidewater fishermen. Capt. Max King (757-650-3176) will
concentrate his efforts on cobia, spadefish, and flounder. Capt. Kenny
George (757-548-6991) will target the flounder, spadefish, and Spanish
mackerel. He will also be sight casting to cobia. Lower Peninsula Capts. Jerry Olson (757-288-1081) Capt. Chandler Hogg (757-876-1590) will be making their services available for spadefish, flounder, and cobia. Capt. Bill Mershon (757-870-7265) will fish primarily the York River for croakers. Middle Peninsula Capt. Greg Parsley (804-730-5811) will be seeking flounder, croaker, and spot in and around the Rappahannock River. Capt. Ed Lawrence (804-693-5673 will be light-tackle fishing for spotted trout and puppy drum. Striped bass are also a part of Ed’s mix, but must be immediately released. Northern Neck Capt. Ferrell McLain (804-453-9069) fishes the Middle Bay outside of
Reedville. He plans to target bluefish, Spanish mackerel, spot, and croaker.
Capt. David Rowe (804-529-6725 continues to fish the Potomac River seeking
bluefish, Spanish mackerel, spot, white perch, and croaker. David is hopeful
that the red drum that he has been catching and releasing will continue
to make his charters more interesting for his passengers. |
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JULY 2010
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Virginia Freshwater Fishing Report By Missy Fike July is a hot month and the fish are in their summer patterns. The best
time for fishing will be at daybreak. Start out at daybreak with topwater
lures for largemouth bass and then as the morning progresses switch over
to plastic worms. The striper will be in deep holes in the lakes and respond
well to live bait. The catfish generally follow down below the striper
and will feed on the dead or injured baitfish that the striper hit at
and miss.
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Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report By Capt. Rick Lockhart I am certain that there are story successes during the month of June regarding saltwater fishing in Virginia; however, I haven’t been privy to any of them. Nevertheless, positive is the word, and July is going to be a great month. Offshore, look for a definite pick up in yellow tuna, dolphin, and bluefish. Anticipate accounts of wahoo and white marlin as well, though their numbers should increase in August. Inshore, cobia is going to be at the top of the list for many, with spadefish, flounder, triggerfish, amberjack, red drum, spotted seatrout, Atlantic croaker, spot and black seabass being targeted by many. Let’s hope for a rebound of sheepshead, and in the Lower Bay, Spanish mackerel should begin to make a strong showing. Eastern Shore Tidewater Lower Peninsula
Capt. Ed Lawrence (804-693-5673) targets spotted sea trout and puppy drum (redfish). Capts. Bill Bailey (804-776-0255) and Ian Bailey (804-776-7129) prefer to fish the Western side of the Bay and the Rappahannock River for croaker, flounder, gray trout, and spot. Capt. Al Mathews (804-347-1973) targets spadefish and flounder. Spadefish can be numerous at the Range Light, the Cell, and Wolftrap Light. Other captains may be willing to fish for them. Check www.fishva.org for the captains available in the Middle Peninsula. Northern Neck Virginia waters do not allow for the targeting of striped bass; however, bluefish, croaker, Spanish mackerel (later in the month), flounder, gray trout, spotted trout, and the occasional drum will more than make up for their absence. Capt. Roy Amburn (804-453-4265), Capt. Ferrell McLain (804-453-9069), and Capt. Alfred Fisher (804-580-4342) are all able to make your fishing experience in the Northern Neck a pleasurable one. We have just experienced one of the hottest June’s (temperature-wise) ever in the state of Virginia. As a result of these hot temperatures, you should expect July’s fishing to follow suit. I need to hear some good ole fish tales. |
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MAY 2010
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VIRGINIA Northern Virginia and Northern Piedmont Report May brings the bass anglers near D. C. to the post spawn phase of fishing. Fish the weedlines with plastics to get good results. Crappie will still be available in the very backs of creeks and some striper action can be had downriver.
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VIRGINIA SALTWATER May is the month that striped
bass fishing returns to the Bay; however, of the thousand or so citations
that are given each year for striped bass, less than one percent are given
in May. Yes, tons of money will be spent catching the striped wonder,
but the quality fish will be your red and black drum. Eastern Shore Tidewater Virginia’s Tidewater region will be extremely busy this month. Many captains pulled their boats during the month of April, so they are raring to go. In all likelihood, so will the fish. Inshore, Capt. Ron Bennett (757-588-4198) will be fishing for striped bass, red drum, flounder, croaker, and the occasional trout until later in the month when he will turn his attention to spadefish. Capt. Nolan Agner (757-200-0200) and Capt. Steve Wray (757-481-7517) will venture offshore when the weather allows, fishing for tuna. Inshore, each will target striped bass, flounder, and drum. Capt. Tim Cannon (757-426-8508) will start the month off by fishing for flounder and croaker inshore, snowy grouper and tilefish offshore. Later, he will fish for flounder, red and black drum, and spadefish inshore, yellowfin tuna and tilefish offshore.
Capt. Kenny George (757-548-6991) will be live-lining for striped bass, bottom fishing for both red and black drum, and fishing for spadefish. Capt. Jerry Olson (757-288-1081) will start off the month fishing for stripers, flounder, red and black drum, and be willing to make the switch to spadefish, if that is the choice of his customers. Capt. Chandler Hogg (757-876-1590) will concentrate his efforts on the striped bass, drum and flounder. Capt. Bill Mershon (757-870-7265) has experienced a lot of time away this winter but is looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. He will be trolling for striped bass and bottom fishing for the tasty croaker. Don’t be surprised to hear of a drum, flounder, or trout coming aboard Bill’s 30 foot Island Hopper during the month of May. Middle Peninsula The month of May finds the captains of the Middle Peninsula having some success finding flounder of the eastern side of the Bay. Spadefish are on the minds of many, as well, but their appearance may not be until June. Capt. Glenn Hubbard (804-337-6357) will be fishing for croaker and flounder. Capt. Don Bannister (804-776-0629) will be up the Rappahannock fishing for large croaker along with Capt. John Wager (804-815-5459) and Capt. Greg Parsley (804-730-5811). Capt. Ed Lawrence (804-693-5673), who fishes almost exclusively for spotted trout and Capt. Phil Hughes (804-747-9338) are catering to the needs of the light tackle fishermen. Phil fishes for spotted trout as well as striped bass, and large croaker in shallow water. Northern Neck For the Northern Neck fishermen, trolling is generally the ticket during the early part of May. Many will have been fishing for large striped bass since the Maryland trophy season opened in April. Chumming for the smaller, more numerous fish does not start in earnest until the middle of May. Depending on water temperature, many a trolling rod will be put away until November once the trophy season comes to an end. Capt. Ferrell McLain (804-580-0292) and Capt. Billy Pipkin (804-580-7292) fish out of the Reedville area and are likely to concentrate their efforts in Virginia waters. Each will seek their limits of rockfish and then concentrate on catching some croaker, particularly the second half of the month. Capt. David Rowe (804-529-6725) has been fishing for large striped bass in the Potomac River since April 17 and will continue to do so through May. Capt. Carlisle Bannister (804-353-2143) will be fishing the lower portion of the Northern Neck for striped bass, croaker, flounder, and black drum. Though many in the southern reaches of the Bay have been fishing in earnest for more than a month, for many of us, May is the beginning of our salt water fishing season. For those that fall into this category, it has seemingly been a long wait. Gentlemen, start your engines.
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APRIL 2010
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VIRGINIA April is very active month for fishing. Once the water temperatures reach fifty degrees then the large mouth bass and the crappie will begin their spawn. The bass and crappie will most likely be in pre-spawn in many locations at the beginning of the month. When fish are in pre-spawn it means the fish are actively feeding to prepare for the time they spend on their spawning beds. Many largemouth bass trophy fish are caught during the pre-spawn period in the spring. The catfish should respond well to cut shad. Ring perch have started up and some nice size ones have been caught. Chain pickerel can be caught in swamps and the shad and herring should be starting up soon. On the Rappahannock River and the creeks feeding into the river, the white perch white perch should bite on night crawlers and small spinners or jigs. Large mouth bass should continue biting on the Rappahannock River and creeks. Bass should start to move towards the shallows and brush to prepare for spawning. In Aquia Creek the
crappie will continue hitting well on plastic jigs and small minnows.
Early to mid April the shad and herring will be running. Large mouth bass
will continue biting on artificials and minnows in the creeks and in ponds. On the James River the white perch will be biting well using bloodworms. Shad and herring will be biting well mid April on shabiki rigs and shad darts. The largemouth bass should start to spawn and will be moved into the shallows. Some really big largemouth can be caught during the spring months. The blue catfish will still be biting well. Once the shad and herring start to run then anglers will have them to use as cut bait for the blues. Cut bait works very well on the blue catfish. The croaker will be showing up this month. They generally show up in the York River first and can be caught on squid. On the Chickahominy River the herring run will be in. Largemouth bass will be biting well on spinner baits. They like structures like duck blinds, cypress roots and brush piles. As the vegetation starts to grow in the river the largemouth bass will move to the lily pads and grass beds to hide. Once the largemouth move to the vegetation to hide, anglers should switch from spinner baits to artificial worms for a more successful trip. The bream and bluegill will be picking up really well once the water temps warm. Catfish will continue hitting on cut bait, eels and large minnows. In the Virginia Beach area waters the yellow perch will be hitting well on minnows. Chain pickerel will be hitting on minnow will also be hitting on minnows and they can be caught in ponds or reservoirs. At Buggs Island the largemouth bass will be moving to the shallows for their pre-spawn stage. They will be biting well on spinner baits, plastic worms and grubs. The crappie will be spawning will be in the shallows on brush piles. They may respond to small minnows. The catfish will pick up at the head of the lake on cut bait or herring. Striper will be heading up river to spawn and live shad or Red Fin lures work well for them. At Smith Mountain Lake the largemouth bass will most likely be in depths of 10’ – 12’ and will bite well on jigs, Hopkins spoons, jerk baits and deep diving crank baits. The bass will be in pre-spawn and some will be spawning. When the water temps get to 50 degrees then a lot will move onto their beds. The crappie will begin to move into the shallows and prepare for spawning. They spawn when the dogwoods are in bloom. Stripers will be moving towards to the rivers to start their travel up river to spawn. And will be biting well on Hopkins spoons, lead heads with flukes and crank or jerk baits. White perch will be schooling and biting well on grubs, live bait or small Hopkins spoons. Good luck and happy fishing!!
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VIRGINIA SALTWATER April, for many of us, is the unofficial start of the fishing season. In the upper reaches of the Bay, Maryland’s trophy striped bass season begins (April 17). For the tributaries of the Middle Bay, anglers will be searching for the first croaker of the season, or, perhaps, going way up river looking for white perch, yellow perch, hickory shad, catfish, and herring. The Lower Bay will fish for tautog, black sea bass, and flounder, while the Eastern Shore will concentrate primarily on flounder. Eastern Shore Capt. Mike Handforth fishing out of Curtis Merritt in Chincoteague, will be fishing for the flounder that make this part of Virginia famous. Capt. Robert Walter will trailer his boat to the further point north in the Chesapeake (Susquehanna Flats) and fish light tackle for the large striped bass that frequent that part of world during this month. I know little of this fishery, so give Robert a call. He says he still has a few open dates. Tidewater Capt. Greg Parsley will be bottom fishing for croaker, spot, and flounder. Capt. Steve Wray will be targeting flounder and black sea bass. Lower Peninsula Capt. Bill Mershon will be fishing primarily for croaker, while Capt. Michael Quade will have taken his boat to Hatteras. He encourages anyone interested in yellowfin tuna and dolphin to give him a call. Middle Peninsula Capts. Randy King and Bobby Jenkins will be fishing down river from Tappahannock for croaker, white perch, and catfish. Capt. Phil Hughes will be taking parties after both hickory shad and American shad (C/R only) down river from Richmond. Capt. Joh Augustine will be fishing for croaker, white perch, spot, and gray trout near the White Stone Bridge. Capt. Don Bannister will be doing the catch and release fishing for large striped bass wherever the fish are to be found. Northern Neck Capt. Mark Galasso will start fishing in Maryland waters for large striped bass. Capt. Ferrell McLain take his parties fishing for tautog and striped bass (C/R only) until April 16. Starting the 17th, he will be fishing in Maryland waters for fish over the 28” minimum. Capt. Bob Reed will be taking angler out on their boats (Your Boat Charters) starting on the 17th in Maryland waters. Many captains will
still be in the process of readying their boats for the start of Virginia’s
trophy season (May 1). For a list of all the different charter boat captains
throughout the state, check out the web at HYPERLINK "http://www.fishva.org"
www.fishva.org. Most all are willing to let you know what is taking place.
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MARCH 2010
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VIRGINIA Freshwater Fishing Report By Missy Fike Anglers will find March to be much more to their liking, with warmer weather and hopefully no snow. Crappie action really sparks in area lakes, ponds and even the river. Lake Orange gives up the biggest crappie of the year this month. Many reach nearly three pounds. Minnows are great bait for catching them and enjoying the action. Lake Anna is a great place to catch a load of fish. The crappie this month are piling up around the bridges, docks and boulders all over the lake but mid to uplake areas are prime. Check out any structure that is shallow, particularly at the end of the month. Some of the reservoirs
and lakes to include Lunga, Germantown and Burke are also well worth a
trip. Aquia Creek on the Potomac is also a great place for crappie fishing. The tidal James and
Chickahominy the catfish action should liven up a lot. Anglers fishing
the Chickahominy will see plenty of big blue cats as well. Eels work great
for catching the big catfish. Clam snouts work well if anglers do not
wish to target the big catfish and would like to take home some good eating
size catfish. Ring perch should continue to hit well until about mid month
on small jigs. At Buggs Island anglers
will have a great month for crappie. Some of the largest crappie are taken
in March. Fish the creeks heavily right up on the bank. If you can find
a brushpiles and structures in shallow water are great places to cast
your line. |
VIRGINIA SALTWATER
When I lived in the Shenandoah Valley, March was a scary month. Warm fronts from the Gulf and cold fronts from the North always seemed to collide right overhead, and we would be out of school for a week. After this February, I can’t wait for March to get here. If, by chance, it should be as bad as February, my house is going on the market and I’m moving to Florida. In the years of global warming (thank you Al Gore for fixing that for us), March would be a month when many of my captain friends, particularly in and around Virginia Beach, would be starting their trade. I hope the same can be said for them in 2010. The forecast lends itself to blueline tilefish to hickory shad and yellow perch upriver. Since water temperature is a major factor, don’t be surprised to have the early seasons pushed back a week or two inland. March will be a month in which most captains will be preparing for the up-coming fishing season. Flounder may start to show, depending upon water temperatures, but few will be keepers, unless Virginia reduces the size. Rumor has it that the size may drop to 18 ½”. Offshore, tautog will be available on the wrecks as the weather permits fishing for them, and flounder will start to show late in the month. Capt. Mike Handforth (757-336-6861) plans to be ready when the fish start to show. Tidewater Several captains,
Nolan Agner (757-200-0200) and Jeff Adams (757-725-1891) will be fishing
for striped bass. Several captains will be fishing for tautog, and a few
recreational anglers will be attempting to catch spotted sea trout. Late
in the month you might find flounder showing on the wrecks and, perhaps,
the tunnels. Capt. Kenny George (757-548-6991) will concentrate his efforts on both striped bass and tautog. Again, flounder may work their way into the equation. Recreational anglers may find croaker action and some spotted trout.
Most of us will be getting our boats ready for the opening of Maryland’s Trophy season in the middle of April. White perch, herring, and an occasional hickory shad might be available up the Piankatank, Rappahannock, or Potomac Rivers. Capt. Ferrell McLain (804-580-0292) will try his hand with the striped bass, and has said that for those willing to brave the elements, will fish for tautog in the Middle Bay. Unlike trolling for stripers where you can remain inside a heated cabin, you must have rod in hand to catch a tog. All-in-all, Winter’s grip on the fishing of Virginia’s saltwater regions continues into March. Should the month not come in like a lamb, fishing will continue to be slow. Should the weather prove to be better than anticipated, the fishing could show marked improvement. One thing is certain. You can’t catch fish without fishing, and you can only watch so much TV.
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| Virginia Fishing Report February 2009 | |
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Right now Virginia is entering some temperatures that we haven’t seen in several years. What effect this will have on February’s fishing is anyone’s guess. I know that I have no strong desire to be on the heavy water of the Bay or the ocean when temperatures are below freezing. I feel that the fish take the same attitude, heading offshore or farther south, particularly the large striped bass that we have become accustomed to catch during this month. Should the weather break, the stripers may make their way back inside the three mile limit, or work their way back across the North Carolina border. That is something that no one can predict. For striped bass fishing during this month, rely on the hardy that refuse to become couch potatoes, and are willing to share their finding on such sites as the Chesapeake Angler Magazine message board, Tidalfish or the local newspapers. The cold temperatures will have little or no effect on the deep water fish. Several charter captains and recreational fishermen will take advantage of good weather windows to sneak offshore to fish for the tilefish, grouper, and black sea bass. If interested, give Capt. Steve Wray (757-481-7517), Capt. Jim Brincefield (252-336-4296), or Capt. Chandler Hogg (757-876-1590) a call. Most of us will take advantage of February’s cold to tend to our tackle, to travel to warmer climes, to attend fishing seminars, or watch fishing shows on TV. All of us will dream of warmer times to come and/or about the season that just ended.
February seems to be the transition month between packing up things from hunting season that are still out and pulling out the poles and tackle to inventory and prepare for fishing season. Many anglers will be attending the fishing and boat shows to get their tackle and equipment ready. While anglers are busy getting their equipment ready they should not discount February as a month to fish. February has plenty of action for the people that can withstand the cold weather. Ring Perch – This is the month! February and March is the spawning season for ring perch. They can be caught in many areas like Lake Moomaw or any of the tidal rivers and creeks of Virginia. They are fun to catch because they put up such a good fight and they taste very good. The ring perch are down deep. So fishing right on the bottom for them is essential for a successful trip. Ring perch eat smaller fish like juvenile bluegill, alewives, crayfish and minnows. Use a sinker and fish the bottom with live bait. If using artificial baits use bright colors and vertical jigging blade baits on the bottom works great. It is best to use light rod or graphite rod so you can feel the small vibrations from the fish down deep. There are many citations of ring perch caught during February and March. Catfish – The larger fish will be biting. The lower James, Chickahominy, Rappahannock and Potomac River are all great places. The Potomac can be colder due to its location and the wideness of the river. Fish ledges near deep water with fresh bait if possible. If you cannot get fresh bunker or mud shad try eels. Eels are good bait to use on the Chickahominy and the James River. Clam snouts work well if you are trying to target some of the smaller catfish. Crappie – Cold never really shuts down the crappie bite for long. They should start picking up and continue to bite really well on through to April. Any of your favorite crappie haunts to include Chickahominy River, Briery, Sandy River, Anna, Buggs, Smith Mountain, Occoquan or ponds are great places to slowly drag or troll a minnow for crappie this month. Use bright colors or white on small jigs and get it precisely to their depth. Largemouth – Will hit on spinner baits down deep in lakes, ponds and rivers. They will most likely hit better towards the end of the month if the water temps warm up some. They also hit well on large minnows and grubs. Cast around stump, rocks and other underwater structures. They also can be found off the points of lakes and inlets. It is important to slow down the retrievals of jigs, soft plastics or spoons. Smallmouth – Smallmouth fishing this month will slow some. Keep a tight line or an eye on your line as you drift soft plastics, jigs or minnows through backwashes or pools along the upper rivers such as the Potomac, Rappahannock, James, New or Shenandoah. Choose sunny areas if you can and make long casts to avoid spooking the fish. Fish slowly to get the best hits. The fish like to hole up in about 10’ of water. Best time to go out and fish during the winter is after we had a day or two of warmer weather. They really seem to hit well right after a slight warm spell. Some of the largest smallmouth are caught this way each winter. If you want to use a plug try a suspending model in a chartreuse color. Striped bass – Striped bass will be following the baitfish in the lakes. February is a good month to use live baits. Alewives are a good bait to use at Smith Mountain Lake. Shad and herring are good baits to use in other areas like; Virginia Beach, Buggs Island, Smith Mountain and Lake Anna all offer good action. Fish cranks deep and look for bait or fish on your finder. Jumbo minnows will also well this month. In the larger lakes it’s good to follow the birds. The birds gather to feed on the baitfish and the stripers are generally underneath the baitfish feeding. Walleye –
Should be biting in areas like Lake Anna and Lake Orange. They bite will
at night on small grubs from a boat or from off shore casting over the
rocks. They seem to hang out over the rocks. |