claytor lake fishing report

g0u70FWMirYfuT54['D+ cg0h 5s[{O}'+? |tdOG/EOE$3N21GV#X^2|R2~bw >KH(@2\$b,JBV9Ty{i|0Vq1Mt@. The crappie fishery has produced good size but low numbers for the past 20 years, limiting the fishery. Fishing for crappie is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. The combined creel limit for black bass is still 5 per day. Anglers should find success around beaver lodges and fallen trees which create ideal habitat for sunfish and crappie. and memorable size (> 17) was 5.2/hr. The catfish fishery has become dominated by a world-class Blue Catfish population with many fish from 5-30 lbs. Largemouth Bass are abundant with good numbers of fish up to 17. Little Creek has historically been a difficult place to collect bass during daytime surveys, and the reduced elevation added another complication. The reservoir has numerous arms and coves with plenty of area for anglers to explore with steep shoreline drops and clear water. ^J+y336/{CrmW`|-g*i#xhmGjY\u(;2">. tMN{ktl$.W7lk@7_OZ{_7L~Xn$4,oJ]Z/@KTJ4dc"dfv2}EsQWrl.Ydr[97]fv=MV-s;T&d\Of/|c&I' 1 The survey yielded 65 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 39/hr. The Smallmouth Bass population makes up less than 10% of black bass but still contributes to the fishery. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Alongside stunning vistas, the lake features some of the best angling in the area. Timing of surveys on Chickahominy Lake is critical to get a representative sample of larger fish. State Park The 2021 spring survey collected 173 Largemouth Bass for a CPUE of 86/hr. While most anglers troll or float live Gizzard Shad and Alewife, many are taken with topwater baits (Redfins, Rapalas, etc.) Visit this link for the locations of these reefs. Early morning Lodging: YES Anglers might want a few fully charged batteries if they plan to make long trips toward the upper end. WebNew River (Claytor Dam) Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Jigs and deep crankbaits for bass. 5; Details; Claytor Lake (Dublin) A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. Striped bass fishing occurs year round with various techniques. The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream Learn More, 09/21/2022 WebTake your boat out, or simply head for the dock to enjoy some early morning fishing on Claytor Lake. Anglers will also find schools of Walleye and Yellow Perch in Claytor Lake. hbbd```b``5 i9d fb0Li`q/0LjI;@ | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. The New River has opportunities to catch some of the top species in trophy sizes. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. This body of water was created in 1939 and is named after a former Vice President of Appalachian Power, Graham Claytor, Sr. Collections by biologists in 2019 yielded the highest catch rates of Largemouth Bass > 20 ever. The VDWR, with agreement from Newport News and James City County, built a public boat ramp, courtesy pier, and parking lot off Route 603 near Lanexa. Alabama Bass are also found in Claytor Lake. The largest seen during the 2020 survey was 4.5 pounds, while the 2021 survey only yielded a bass of 3.7 pounds. If you want in on this action bring your 30 pound yo-yo jis set ups, we also have sardines on the boat. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 2060 feet of water can produce good catches. Lake Anna is one of several large reservoirs in Virginia under evaluation for supplemental F1 (original cross between Northern and Florida) Largemouth Bass stocking. Anglers can distinguish these cohorts by size. The Black Crappie population is still riding a big-fish cycle. Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. endstream endobj 265 0 obj <>stream %%EOF 540 643-2500. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir has shallow shorelines that typically warm quickly. Depending on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. Anglers who take notice of shad activity and adjust their methods accordingly are often very successful. Anglers are encouraged to continue practice catch-and-release of trophy-size bass from the lake. One of the better fishing opportunities on Chesdin comes from Channel Catfish with fish averaging 4-6 pounds. The flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks will provide the earliest action each spring. In early spring and fall, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass may use them as well. }7 k!r?u) |-:+8zAdX5upoqebnJv&:;9h's&8 So, what type of fish are in this lake? The easiest way to get to Harrys Point from I-81 is to take the Route 605 exit (near the south end of Radford), and then follow the brown trailblazer signs to Harry DeHaven Park. Both of these species are throughout the lake, but Channel Catfish are more abundant in the upper third. Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass are on there summer patterns and have pulled off to deep points and structure. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. endstream endobj 266 0 obj <>stream So, although the number of Walleye and Saugeye were down, the majority of fish out there are legal (over 18). WebClaytor Lakes Largemouth Bass populations have been stable over the past 10 years. tZ28xG }@`6 Web1 Fishing Report and Edits Details for Claytor Lake . The current population is fair but improving due to better recent recruitment. This strong year class and higher stocking densities should maintain a fishery that will provide a lot of action in coming years. The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. Carvins Cove should offer anglers good fishing in 2022 for a variety of fish. Many anglers target Walleye on the Cranesnest and Pound River arms during spawning in March and April. s-b@q'mbNH#O%e'p4o/k }g9E; =T^#9BJ3KL2U ?nMMm)6x_6=5 3F] *k{SK / This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). The 2021 electrofishing survey collected 141 perch, but only five were >8. Hybrids are routinely caught in the lower lake on top water baits or by drifting live baits. Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake. Also sign me up for tips and deals from the Omnia newsletter. Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass are the third biggest fishery with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Videos Marinas on this lake Marina Name: Mountain 2: Island at the Rock House Marina Address: 3776 Rock House Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301 Website: These first two stockings of a 6-year study are being assessed for survival and contribution to the fishery. and bucktails in the spring and fall. WebAll about fishing at Claytor Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. Smallmouth Bass are less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower lake. Location. NOTE: Walleye catch rates are on the rise the last two years due to increased stocking in the Staunton River drainage. 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. These are the highest levels ever documented in the northern district in any water. 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). placing Chesdin in first place again for all district lakes. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. In the 2017 angler survey, Channel and Flathead Catfish fishing effort climbed to nearly 13%, making catfish angling the second biggest fishery here. 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, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles. 603 Bridge at the upper end. The combined daily creel limit for Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass is 5 per day. Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. Anglers can now keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. 2023 Fishidy. Large bass can be found throughout the lake. 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. 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. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. Lake Chesdin is a 3,100-acre impoundment located in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie Counties. WebClaytor Lake is the top destination for hybrids in Virginia, setting a new state record with a hybrid weighing 15 pounds, 13 ounces caught by local angler Don Jessie on March 16, Hybrid Striped Bass continue to provide a popular sport fishery, and this system produced a previous state record hybrid. Approximately 17,000 hybrid fingerlings were stocked in 2021. The abundance of hybrids in December 2021 net samples was average, but the majority of fish were over 20 and legal. The 2020 net survey collected 456 crappie over two nights, and most fish were from two year classes with peaks of distribution centered on 8-9 and 10-11. 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. Spotted Bass in Claytor are generally smaller than the other black basses. Total catch rate was 119 fish/hr. 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 Boat docks, trees and fish habitat are the primary cover for fish and baitfish. Fishing Claytor Lake, VA on 1/21/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Fishing during fall and winter is typically best from Goat Island to the Clarksville Bridge, although fish may be found throughout. The vast majority of bass were 13-17 with a high proportion 2-2.5 pounds. The 2021 electrofishing survey was not one of the more productive days on the water. During spring 2019 electrofishing, 69% of the Largemouth Bass collected over 8 inches Live bait o Spotted Bass in Claytor Lake do not grow as large as Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, rarely reaching 2 pounds in size, although the state record 4-pound, 12-ounce Spotted Bass was caught at Claytor Lake on January 1, 2020. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 Since Alabama Bass are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass, size and creel limits on Spotted Bass are no longer in place at Claytor Lake. This lake has historically produced an abundance of citation Yellow Perch, but there has been a decline recently. Community electrofishing is conducted every other year to assess the fishery and is next scheduled for 2022. The return of stocking only Walleye (no saugeye) into Leesville was to maintain genetic integrity since most broodstock come from this system. and bucktails in spring and fall. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". This survey also yielded 14 Alabama Bass (7/hr.) 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. this includes food and permits. Look for bass beds in proximity to shallow flooded timber. However, the number of smallmouth collected in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years. Anglers should target Alewife depth when fishing for bass, crappie, or trout. Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. Field staff The 2021 stocking of saugeye will hopefully provide action in the future. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. Survey date and timing play a major role in catch rates and size structure. The pool was roughly 5 below full at the time of sampling, and its currently down even more now. Written by the Aquatics Reservoir Committee Team, Edited by John Odenkirk. Largemouth Bass in the 24 pound range are still common; however, density of those over four pounds has declined somewhat mainly due to reduced productivity of the system. Possible catches from Claytor Lake range from bass to carp. Consequently, the striper population needed restructuring. Bass: 5 per day, only 2 can be less than 14 inches. The main forage base in Lake Moomaw consists of Gizzard Shad and Alewife. Species Caught Here: Bass. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Recent creel survey data indicate anglers target Smallmouth Bass in cooler months and Largemouth Bass in warmer months, as habitat use and catchability changes. Within the past five years, Alabama Bass were illegally introduced to the reservoir, and biologists have collected them up to 18. Later in the spring and through the summer, main lake points and ledges should hold considerable numbers of fish. Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass combine to create an important fishery at Claytor Lake, with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these 2 species. Anglers can explore over 60 miles of shoreline in search of bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, stripers, hybrid striped bass, perch, bluegill, white bass and sunfish. Some VA fishing guides offer guided bass, striper and crappie trips on Claytor Lake. Several boat launch ramps, some for a small fee and some for free, are scattered around the lake. These schooling fish can provide great action and can keep youngsters engaged. Find fishing tackle, live bait, fishing guides, fishing charters, campgrounds, and hotels near Claytor Lake. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. The 21-mile-long lake is filled with largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, along with other sport fish. Harry DeHaven Park Boat Launch Ramp Most commonly they are in the 6" to 8" range and weigh less than a pound. Claytor Lake bait populations (Alewife and Gizzard Shad) are high, aiding in the restoration of the Striped Bass fishery. 13 oz. Guests can also rent bikes and This was a minor decline from the 2020 (66/hr.). Recent creel surveys estimated very high voluntary release of Largemouth Bass over 99%, which undoubtedly is helping keep mortality rates low (about 24%). Bass in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of 14. Crappie fishing should remain good in 2022. The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. The bass population seems to have recovered to a consistent and quality level. endstream endobj 260 0 obj <>/Metadata 43 0 R/Pages 257 0 R/StructTreeRoot 55 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 261 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 257 0 R/Resources<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 262 0 obj <>stream Walleye. Located mid lake, east side, off Beach Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. Two private boat ramps, Ed Allens and Eagles Landing, have numerous bass tournaments. 0 Most commonly Rockhouse Marina No Walleye 19 to 28 inches may be kept and anglers are limited to 2 Walleye per day year round. `~X1a[Ho8Gl|'-GLFH'F#[B5HIqoJu{~! U9SB\'2!O YzSmZXT _ eJ\}c)bw_M2nqWUt>[zO%_xh :>IhDx{jy`]53oo`W|{DNcek>0HNM_,O9$MZwX \=/c8|l Pulaski, VA 24301 Two of the more attractive components to this fishery are White Perch and Black Crappie. Four additional years of stocking will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure.