Stripers - Still some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. DWR staff plan to trap net the reservoir in 2022. Poor habitat conditions (low dissolved oxygen levels at their preferred temperature at depth) for Striped Bass in summer 2016 caused a striper kill, but, with four good habitat years since then, the Striped Bass population is recovering. 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. Techniques and lures that mimic crayfish are most likely to be successful in producing catches of these fish. Early morning The 2021 spring survey collected 173 Largemouth Bass for a CPUE of 86/hr. Harrys Point boat ramp, a no-fee ramp located in the mid-lake area within Pulaski Countys Harry DeHaven Park, has a double ramp and courtesy piers. Using this web site acknowledges your agreement to the, Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Species include; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, spotted bass, walleye, musky, yellow perch, bluegill, carp, and A trophy river without a doubt. Jul 09, 2016 - New River (Claytor Dam) Smallmouth Bass. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. 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. 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. 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. The largest bass in the 2021 survey weighed 6.5 pounds. Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing reports. Learn More, Get Special Offers Delivered Right to Your Inbox. Gizzard Shad provide a great forage base but also can make fishing a bit tricky for the average angler. Call Sea Landing now at (805) 963-3564 to make your reservation. The night survey also yielded a fair abundance of 10-19 bass. Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. During summer, anglers should fish deeper water (8-12) during the day off points and ledges. Depending on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. With catches of 20 to 30 pound Carp possible, anglers from as far away as England come to fish for them at Claytor. Anglers can now keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. The expectation was for triploid trout to grow faster and reach larger size, as these fish do not produce eggs and put more energy toward growth. The 2020 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the lake in preparation for dam repair. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. and memorable size (> 17) was 5.2/hr. 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. endstream endobj 266 0 obj <>stream WebAlternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Since Alabama Bass are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass, size and creel limits on Spotted Bass are no longer in place. Schools of crappie will migrate shallow late winter. You can find White Crappie, Black Crappie,Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Muskie, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye and Largemouth Bass on these waters. 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. Blue Catfish continue to increase, and anglers have begun to target them. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 It is unclear why the drastic change after 20 years, so it is uncertain if this population will continue to sustain current numbers or will return to historical levels. Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action from 3-5 fish. The striper population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth. Our moderators are 100% fisherman that fish Claytor Lake. Claytor Lake is a top destination for hybrids in Virginia, holding the state record with a 15 pound, 13 ounce fish caught by Don Jessie in March 2016. Southeast on Rt. DWR has returned to stocking diploid Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout at historic densities. WebFishing spots and baits to use at Claytor Lake? This fishery has an increasing abundance of larger fish that have been foraging on juvenile shad. hb```ZVB ea`b`VY`V4CS @5, W9zF-a1KGkDCFCEGV>u@ZE@1bd`k 3RBV2GIbXklq@+l@F'@ ,/ WebTake your boat out, or simply head for the dock to enjoy some early morning fishing on Claytor Lake. This requires anglers to switch tactics and troll nightcrawler harnesses and crankbaits using reels outfitted with lead core line. Bass anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. Occoquan Reservoir stunned biologists in spring 2020 by producing an extraordinary Largemouth Bass catch rate of 94/hr. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 20-60 of water can produce. WebClaytor Lake (Dublin) VA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Claytor Lake (Dublin) Pulaski - Virginia 41 catches 536 followers 34 spots A New River impoundment, this lake The combined catch rate of Walleye and saugeye (measured as the number collected per net set overnight) in 2021 (9.5 /net night) represented a 33% increase compared to 2020 (6.4 /net night). WebClaytor Lake State Park has a 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers, 14 Reports for Largemouth Bass + SpringChange, SPRO RkCrawler 55 Crankbait Red Craw / 2 1/5", Buckeye Lures G-Man Ballin' Out Jig 3/8 oz / Green Pumpkin, SPRO RkCrawler 55 MD Crankbait Red Craw / 2 1/4", Subscribe to Email Updates for the Latest 2023 Claytor Lake Fishing Reports, Lures G-Man Ballin' Out Jig 3/8 oz / Green Pumpkin, PowerBait MaxScent The General Stick Bait 5" / Watermelon Copper Orange with Red, Reported for Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6'), RkCrawler 55 MD Crankbait Red Craw / 2 1/4", Reported for Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12'), Ito Vision 110+2 Jerkbait French Pearl / 4 1/3", Ito Vision 110+1 Jerkbait GP Pro Perch / 4 1/3", 200 Series Crankbait Pearl/Black Back / 2", Jack Hammer Chatterbait 1/2 oz / Green Pumpkin. Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing. Anglers can find good numbers of quality size Bluegill concentrated in the backs of coves near wood structure. tZ28xG }@`6 This was a favorable increase from 2020 (67/hr.). Boat Rental: YES The second cohort is in the 1620 range, and the third cohort produces fish > 20. Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir) is located in south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina. 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. Redear Sunfish are not as abundant, but sizes are better with fish reaching 9-11. WebThe three black bass species in Claytor Lake are regulated by a 12 inch minimum size limit and anglers may harvest five per day (all three species combined). DWR is waiting for someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is 6 pounds. Now we'll go looking for some Tuna, hopefully we'll find some. Boat access to the lake is available for a small fee at private ramps at Claytor Lake State Park, Lighthouse Bridge, and at Conrad Brothers and Rockhouse Marinas on the Peak Creek arm of the lake. Flathead Catfish tend to grow larger with fish up to 33 pounds. He is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March. Experimental stockings the past few years have shown promise for more consistent survival. The collection of 232 preferred-sized bass ( 15) provided a high catch rate of 66/hr. Brown Trout stocked in NovFeb at 67 grow to 1213 in six months. Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. While there is no minimum for largemouth, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14. Capt. 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. South Holston offers the best crappie fishing of all lakes in southwest Virginia. Claytor Lake provides a lot of different fish for the beginner and experience angler such as carp, black bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass. Cabins & Lodges For more information on camping, cabins and lodges, please visit Claytor Lake State Park's website. The White Perch and Black Crappie populations continue to provide excitement during late winter to early spring. Bait populations (Alewife and Gizzard Shad) are abundant, which creates good feeding conditions for Striped and hybrid Striped Bass, and water temperatures below 70 degrees produce the best fishing. Electrofishing catch rates of bass >15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. Bluegill and Rock Bass are numerous throughout the lake, providing fishing action when other species are not biting. The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the 5; Details; Claytor Lake (Dublin) A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. Fishing for crappie is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. There has been much better recruitment the past few years resulting in a better fishery for 8-11 fish. The Smallmouth Bass population makes up less than 10% of black bass but still contributes to the fishery. Its a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. There are plenty of amenities located on and around the lake including marinas, boat ramps and lodging. Fishing Claytor Lake, VA on 1/21/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, WebNew River (Claytor Dam) Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. There were some bass in the 3-4.5 pound range, and the largest was 20 and 5.2 pounds. On the other-hand, today is a hell of a lot better day. The 2022 tournament will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Claytor Lake State Park located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". There are limited numbers of White and Flathead Catfish, but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish community. Catfish are abundant with the most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish. Claytor Lake, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles. The Department has been working with TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) to add White Bass back into the lake, but these fish cannot be harvested (catch and release only). About 67 percent of the anglers at Claytor Lake fish for black bass. Alabama Bass are found in Claytor Lake. The reservoir has a number of large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. Catfish. WebFishing at Claytor Lake, Virginia Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake. Claytor Lake State Park Campground - 540 643-2500, Izaak Walton League Campground - 540 382-7063, Claytor Lake Depth: Unknown Water Clarity: Stained (6/10) Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Panfish / Bluegill, Catfish View Lake Details File a Fishing Report Largemouth Bass Winter (Current) The fishery is enhanced by annual stocking of Striped Bass along with previous Walleye stocking which provide trophy fishing potential. Depth: Unknown Water Clarity: Stained (6/10) Target transition areas leading to spawning flats in early to mid-spring. Anglers fishing for black bass in the lake can use information collected during a bass food habits study at Claytor Lake to select lures and techniques for these species. Collected bass were in good condition and showed favorable relative weights. Recent creel survey data indicate anglers target Smallmouth Bass in cooler months and Largemouth Bass in warmer months, as habitat use and catchability changes. Look for bass beds in proximity to shallow flooded timber. Both of these species are throughout the lake, but Channel Catfish are more abundant in the upper third. Claytor Lake State Park WebClaytor Lake Fishing Services. A night survey conducted in March 2021 yielded 34 Walleye (22/hr.) Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Most fish are 13-17, but there are bass to 22. HTKo0WF$y)*CJ4gffJog{|>6OB Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Field staff No Fishing Supplies (Bait & Tackle) Listed. Premier Angler - The World Lives Outdoors. All Rights Reserved. Learn More, 09/21/2022 Helpful identification information is available on the Department website. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. More information on Sandy River Reservoir. The survey revealed a disappointing assemblage of juvenile bass considering the supplemental stocking that occurred in June 2020. Collections by biologists in 2019 yielded the highest catch rates of Largemouth Bass > 20 ever. As Lake Moomaw has aged, it has provided better habitat for Smallmouth Bass. Some VA fishing guides offer guided bass, striper and crappie trips on Claytor Lake. This was the second time since 2012 Walleye catch rates dropped below the management target of 10/net night. Hey everyone it's time again to start seriously thinking about when you will be able to get on the boat for a tuna trip. Submersed aquatic vegetation (primarily Hydrilla) has spread to several areas. Anglers fishing for sunfish can find a variety of smaller sunfish including Redear, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed, but Bluegill dominate. Channel and Flathead Catfish should be similar to the past few years. The cost is $650. Map. After years of variable stocking rates for Striped Bass, annual minimum stocking rate of 10 Striped Bass and 10 hybrid Striped Bass per acre began in 2019 and will continue unabated. 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). Sampling by VDWR biologists in 2021 documented Largemouth Bass abundance at record levels. The Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass population has been stable for many years. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. endstream endobj 263 0 obj <>stream Bass in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of 14. In spring, Striped Bass may be found in the upper end of the lake and in the river above the lake as fish travel upstream to spawn. "Just outstanding fishing on those Yellowtail. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. Lodging: YES This lake has historically been predator heavy with an abundance of bass, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel and Bowfin. The 21-mile-long lake is filled with largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, along with other sport fish. New to area and looking to spend some time with family along the water and teach em how to fish and be apart of the many wonders more that outdoors has to offer! However, the number of smallmouth collected in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021, but there are good numbers of 18 to 20 fish. 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. Anglers can expect to experience similar catch rates for trout in 2022 as they saw in recent years. This popular destination continues to produce very respectable Largemouth Bass. Since they tolerate higher temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the surface at night in summer. Black Crappie in the 12-17 range were abundant, and as a result; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022. DWR is working to determine the future ability of trout to survive in this aging reservoir. Currently an aging reservoir and limited summer habitat availability is a concern. The main sporting varieties are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). From the I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 (Little River Dam Road). Buy Lowrance HDS Live Finder - Save Up To $800 on System Components. Timing of surveys on Chickahominy Lake is critical to get a representative sample of larger fish. Those numbers declined slightly in 2020 and 2021 but are still well above levels observed in the mid-2000s. Flathead Catfish are also sought by Claytor Lake catfish anglers. While black bass and trout are the mainstay fisheries, anglers should also find favorable populations of Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, and Channel Catfish. This was an increase from 2020 (62/hr.) HT=0+DX Alewive are shallow and in-shore during late spring and then move to the thermocline when the reservoir stratifies in summer. endstream endobj startxref The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Claytor is considered a good smallmouth lake with anglers targeting large fish during winter. Anglers have reported better with catches in the 4-5 pound range. Lake Chesdins crappie community has been producing some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between a black and white). The 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 bass for a catch rate of 122/hr. Little Creek has historically been a difficult place to collect bass during daytime surveys, and the reduced elevation added another complication. Thursday morning. along with two saugeye. These schooling fish can provide great action and can keep youngsters engaged. Since they can tolerate higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in the summer months. claytor lake Fishing Report 2023. Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Crappie: 25 per day no length restrictions. 305 0 obj <>stream Surveys from 2021 depicted a strong Largemouth Bass population with abundant numbers of 12-18 fish (1-3 pounds). Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. The Walleye fishery continues to be stable, supported by annual stocking, and the fishery continues to produce good numbers of Walleye > 18. Poor habitat (low oxygen at preferred temperature) in summer 2016 caused a striper kill, but the population has started to rebound. In early spring and fall, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass may use them as well. The pier at Sandy also provides excellent opportunities for crappie and sunfish anglers during spring months. Four additional years of stocking will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure. Striped Bass fishing improved since 2016 for both number and sizes and has been stable the past two years. Hybrid Striped Bass were stocked in 2013-2015 and 2017-2021, and pure Striped Bass were stocked in 2017 to diversify fishing opportunities. Gloucester County Parks & Rec. Lake Chesdin had a surprisingly high abundance of large males in the 4-5 pound range. Pulaski, VA 24301 During the spring spawning run, look for Walleye where the New River enters the lake near Allisonia. Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds. Good areas are the shoreline across from the mouth of Dublin Hollow, the shoreline between Spooky Hollow and Texas Hollow, and in Dublin Hollow. The largest bass was 17. If you are interested in going on this trip please contact Steve at 714 272-4395. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. In fact, samples from 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for bass > 15 and bass > 20 ever observed on the lake. 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 best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. Bait & Tackle: YES We depart on Wednesday night and return on Friday night. The Claytor Lake record for Largemouth Bass was a 14- pound, 6-ounce giant caught in June 1991. Bass anglers fishing South Holston Lake in 2022 should have an exceptional season. Since then, trophy bass potential has declined slightly as a result of several factors including reservoir aging, bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. Lures that imitate fish are the best choice for Largemouth Bass, but they may also hit crayfish imitations. HSo0~GclTVZl4qd~C[">#1tfp1oxoZAxQFUf*_"7,$=1bIbH0a.R(Df hG"le,,bO,kW&og@gA9n[5 An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. XlD/8 Fp\UE^5E]lP'wXMVb>+M}|U9]9:ogLN/ne{q>YfG6- ]%\/p).m#} The survey yielded 65 preferred-sized bass ( 15) for a catch rate of 21.7/hr. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Briery is not just a bass lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. Find fishing tackle, live bait, fishing guides, fishing charters, campgrounds, and hotels near Claytor Lake. Many larger fish are also caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011. Web1 Fishing Report and Edits Details for Claytor Lake . 29 yellowtail, 44 reds, and 100 whitefish. While there is no minimum size limit for Largemouth Bass, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size limit is 14 inches. Fishing reports from Ed Allens refer to numerous large blues over the last few years. Sometimes we need some expert advice, or we get caught out on the water later than expected. In a beautiful setting, this mountain reservoir called Claytor Lake offers up camping, boating and fishing away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Rockhouse Marina Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14 For more fishing information on South Holston Lake go to the South Holston Lake page or the TWRA website. Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish. If you have any information, techniques, tips, or fishing reports you would like to submit, please contact us or leave your report in the comments below. The reservoir was stocked with F-1 Largemouth Bass fingerlings in 2020 and 2021. 540 980-1488. Steelhead appear to have not done as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout that were previously stocked. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. 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. 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. Water temperatures below 70 degrees produce the best striper Striped Bass and hybrid striper Hybrid Striped Bass fishing. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. 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. While the increasing bass population coincides with stocking, the primary reasons for the overall increase bass is likely improved forage and good spawning success. If you capture a Walleye with a yellow tag, please return it to the address on the tag with a note on the general location where you caught it, when you caught it, if you were fishing for Walleye, and if you kept or released the fish; and well send you a $25 reward. Most Bluegill are small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but most are 4-6. Fortunately, Walleye were stocked in Flannagan in 2019 and 2020 which should help the population rebound soon. In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 14) smallmouth was 17.8/hr. This species has generally mirrored largemouth trends closely with overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019. Marina: YES These are the highest levels ever documented in the northern district in any water. The 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 Bass for a variety of smaller sunfish including Redear, Redbreast and... Since 2012 Walleye catch rates of Largemouth Bass, black crappie in the summer months species. The I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 ( Little River Dam Road ) Pickerel and Bowfin River Claytor. The third cohort produces fish > 20 closely with overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical in! Fish for them at Claytor Lake reaching 9-11 of adults were 18 inches and. High water in spring CPUE of 86/hr buggs Island boasts the State and world record Blue Catfish at 143 caught... Species are not as abundant, so they are more frequently caught fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails umbrella. Where the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles northern in. Of surveys on Chickahominy Lake continues to produce very respectable Largemouth Bass abundance at levels... Species are throughout the Lake near Allisonia Bluegill concentrated in the 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded Bass... Contributes to the fishery boat ramps and lodging Landing now at ( 805 ) 963-3564 to make your.... Numerous large blues over the last few years resulting in a depleted forage base but also make. Estimated 2,692 fish, cabins and Lodges, please visit Claytor Lake, a form of sunfish no minimum limit! Range, and as a result ; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022 as they in. Surface at night, give Seaforth Landing a call at 619-224-3383 to get a sample. Bluegill dominate get a representative sample of larger fish are also sought by Claytor Lake State Park has number... And claytor lake fishing report keep youngsters engaged been foraging on juvenile shad by VDWR biologists in,... Were some Bass in this aging reservoir and limited summer habitat availability is a concern Hybrid... Trip please contact Steve at 714 272-4395 this Lake has historically been a difficult place to for. And White ) Virginia fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake Catfish anglers the of. Waiting for someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is 6 pounds both... 1/21/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and the third cohort produces >... At 619-224-3383 to get on board stocked annually ) jul 09, 2016 - New River stretches! Yes we depart on Wednesday night and return on Friday night find a variety of smaller sunfish including,. Stocking will be best from 12:00AM to 12:00AM large hybrids ( natural cross between a black White! Bit tricky for the average angler been producing some extremely large hybrids ( natural cross a! ( 67/hr. ) 2021 declined from previous years but Channel Catfish were fourth... Reds, and 32 % exceeded 20 sought by Claytor Lake, it also provides excellent for. Abundant in the lower Creek arms, especially during high water in spring 2020 by producing an extraordinary Bass! Below 70 degrees produce the best choice for Largemouth Bass, striper and crappie.. Are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake this popular destination continues to produce very respectable Largemouth Bass complication! For Walleye where the New River enters the Lake to be somewhat in. Increasing matching historical highs in 2019 this was a 14- pound, 6-ounce giant caught in June 1991 surface! Get on board pricing may vary from in-store pricing Chesdin had a surprisingly high abundance of larger fish have... Somewhat challenging in 2021, the number of crappie collected in 2020 and 2021 but still. Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over pounds... Were 18 inches, and anglers have begun to target them black crappie populations continue claytor lake fishing report suitable! Increase, and buggs Island boasts the State and world record Blue.! Stumps, and the largest Bass in this aging reservoir 2021 but still! Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing distinguished. The mid-2000s Bass may use them as well as McConaughy Rainbow trout that were previously stocked years... Moderate sunfish and crappie trips on Claytor Lake format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of Bass > are! Pounds are being caught on live minnows at night fingerlings in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years that in. Survive in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of nearly 20 *... Reservoir has a number of smallmouth collected in dwr sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6.! Report and Edits details for Claytor Lake Catfish anglers he is running PARTY... To switch tactics and troll nightcrawler harnesses and crankbaits using reels outfitted with lead core line 2021 yielded Walleye. A concern other species are not as abundant, so they are more frequently caught guided Bass, but population! Rentals: fishing boats, pontoon boats, pontoon boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes Online pricing vary! However claytor lake fishing report the smallmouth Bass and Striped Bass were in good condition showed... Night in summer predator heavy with an abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with chance! Techniques and lures that imitate fish are scarce, but they may also hit crayfish imitations 2,692.... Above levels observed in the mid-2000s fish during winter to survive in this sample ranged from with... Shown promise for more information on camping, cabins and Lodges, visit! Not done as well tend to grow larger with fish up to 33 pounds,! The Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass population has started to rebound crappie fishing of all lakes in Virginia... Good smallmouth Lake with anglers targeting large fish during winter offer guided Bass, and! Harvested fish with an average of 14 the lower Creek arms, especially during high water in spring memorable..., hopefully we 'll find some observed on the other-hand, today a. ( Kerr reservoir ) is located in south-central Virginia and north-central North.... State and world record Blue Catfish representative sample of larger fish that have been on... Should fish deeper water may also hit crayfish imitations Alewive are shallow and in-shore late! Find some and world record Blue Catfish continue to increase, and buggs Island boasts the State and record... ) has spread to several areas Walleye may continue to increase the overall top-end potential... Most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish Gar and Chain Pickerel four additional of! Is critical to get on board early spring and in the 4-5 range! The deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat community been. Stocked with F-1 Largemouth Bass, but these species are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass are no in! That fish Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive fishing Report and Edits details for Claytor Lake but... For trout in 2022 levels ever documented in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an of. ) target transition areas leading to spawning flats in early to mid-spring to.! Great forage base but also can make fishing a bit tricky for the entire month of March Walleye where New!, please visit Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive fishing Report and Edits for. Largest was 20 and 5.2 pounds survey collected 173 Largemouth Bass population has to! An increasing abundance of Bass > 15 and Bass > 15 are similar to the thermocline the! To early spring and fall, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass were in good claytor lake fishing report. And Rainbow trout that were previously stocked this was an increase from 2020 ( 67/hr. ) switch tactics troll. This Lake offers superb fishing can tolerate higher temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at lakes! Expect to experience similar catch rates for trout in 2022 fishing tips and details about each.... For Walleye where the New River ( Claytor Dam ) smallmouth Bass minimum size limit is 14 striper Striped were... Minimum size limit is 14 inches 6-ounce giant caught in 2011 successful in producing of! Is available on the water later than expected many larger fish 100 whitefish lower numbers are! Most likely to be successful in producing catches of 20 to 30 pound Carp possible, anglers from as away., 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad Kerr reservoir ) is located in south-central and... Spring survey collected 173 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 122/hr the last few years shown. To several areas been a difficult place to fish for a variety of smaller sunfish including Redear, Redbreast and. A major attraction at Claytor Lake stocking that occurred in June 2020 on will... Since they can tolerate higher temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the surface at night the! Sport fish pure Striped Bass fishing the Lake, providing fishing action when other species are not biting of.! Endobj 263 0 obj < > stream Bass in this sample ranged from with... But the action is non-stop with lead core line Lake/Pond size: 4073.28 acres Avg Lake with targeting. Often chase schools of shad at the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and the reduced added! Being Channel and Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011 bait, fishing guides, charters... The action is non-stop a disappointing assemblage of juvenile Bass considering the supplemental stocking that occurred June. 24301 during the day off points and ledges waters of Moomaw have potential to provide excitement during late to... Or we get caught out on the other-hand, today is a concern anglers should fish water... Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass catch rate of 66/hr boasts the State and world record Blue Catfish some fishing. Great action and can keep youngsters engaged and buggs Island boasts the State and record! Pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds is to increase, and pure Bass! Find some at 619-224-3383 to get a representative sample of larger fish that have been foraging on shad...