and bucktails in the spring and fall. 2023 Fishidy. While the increasing bass population coincides with stocking, the primary reasons for the overall increase bass is likely improved forage and good spawning success. Eighty-three percent were over 12, and 44% exceeded 15. Anglers who are familiar with Claytor Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Anglers will also find schools of Walleye and Yellow Perch in Claytor Lake. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. Visit this link for the locations of these reefs. Anglers are reminded the minimum size for saugeye and Walleye is 18 at 5/day in aggregate. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. We reserve the right to correct pricing errors. Sampling by VDWR biologists in 2021 documented Largemouth Bass abundance at record levels. For more information on the park, call (540) 643-2500. We absolutely value the experience, perspective, and insight of the talented and dedicated anglers in our online community. Sterile (triploid) Brown Trout have been stocked as a substitute for diploid browns in past. Blue Catfish continue to increase, and anglers have begun to target them. This was a slight decline from 2020 (129/hr.). The reservoir was stocked with F-1 Largemouth Bass fingerlings in 2020 and 2021. Within the past five years, Alabama Bass were illegally introduced to the reservoir, and biologists have collected them up to 18. Choose a top technique based upon Claytor Lake Reports filed by local anglers. c)j>Fq,j>x,{PaB(_=d]j026_cbs$/r[|N cgj|K+,y{{!pV@GCk[RCfDULkyPO>CblG7B3\2[i The improved population is a result of VDWR fisheries biologists restoring New River strain Walleye to the New River upstream from Claytor Lake. The Bowfin population is one of the best in Virginia. Stripers - Still some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice. The Walleye fishery continues to be stable, supported by annual stocking, and the fishery continues to produce good numbers of Walleye > 18. Most commonly they are in the 6" to 8" range and weigh less than a pound. Striped bass fishing occurs year round with various techniques. Timing of surveys on Chickahominy Lake is critical to get a representative sample of larger 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. Walleye. Catfish are also popular in Claytor Lake, some of them getting quite large (well over 50 lb). The 2021 electrofishing survey was not one of the more productive days on the water. Largemouth Bass 20 inches accounted for 5% of the sample. Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing reports. The flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks will provide the earliest action each spring. Many larger fish are also caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011. In fact, samples from 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for bass > 15 and bass > 20 ever observed on the lake. This was a favorable increase from 2020 (67/hr.). WebNew River (Claytor Dam) Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. The Largemouth Bass regulation did not change, and Largemouth Bass less than 12 must be released. for fish over 20. The pier at Sandy also provides excellent opportunities for crappie and sunfish anglers during spring months. Also sign me up for tips and deals from the Omnia newsletter. Spotted Bass do not grow as large as the others rarely reaching 2 pounds, although the state record 4-pound, 12 ounce Spotted Bass was caught at here in January 2020. From September 16 to June 30, Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass must be 20 inches long to be harvested and anglers are allowed to keep 2 per day combined. hb```ZVB ea`b`VY`V4CS @5, W9zF-a1KGkDCFCEGV>u@ZE@1bd`k 3RBV2GIbXklq@+l@F'@ ,/ We depart on Wednesday night and return on Friday night. hXnF5A @[ XLTUn%)6m*>jg9;{sf`X2#Q)az9]I3gBxHLI/!x A1$4^c5[&x4 0E:-4Vbbykk~yUo.E(6uuf2/ozBl{M\y}4qYv$bDgNoqaoEg2:co>gytU$EyrL9lY\OVex12}k)e~1hU*4jx1U ZI48JODsVJ*Mf}M'%d!16TlOKHK Crappie fishing should remain good in 2022. Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir) is located in south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina. Dublin VDWR Boat Launch Ramp Flannagan Reservoir should provide anglers with good bass fishing in 2021, especially for Largemouth Bass. 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. The Smith Mountain Lake Largemouth Bass population, based on DWR sampling, has been improving since 2015. Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area. The crappie fishery consists of both Black and White Crappie. s-b@q'mbNH#O%e'p4o/k }g9E; =T^#9BJ3KL2U ?nMMm)6x_6=5 3F] *k{SK / The reservoirs small watershed can be supplemented by water pumped in from Chickahominy Lake or Diascund Reservoir. Crappie: 25 per day no length restrictions. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. The lake is to remain five feet down until Sunday p.m., November 17, when refilling will begin. Claytor Lake, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles. 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, 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. Anglers should target Alewife depth when fishing for bass, crappie, or trout. From the I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 (Little River Dam Road). The 2020 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the lake in preparation for dam repair. 540 980-1488. Those targeting Largemouth Bass should focus on areas between Bolar Marina boat ramp and Rt. "Just outstanding fishing on those Yellowtail. Subscribe and save by Joining Sportsman's Warehouse newsletter. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. This suggests there are currently as many (or more) bass in the lake as there have been for at least 25 years with a commensurate number of larger fish. Anglers should not expect many large White or Yellow Perch, as both have a difficult time growing past 9. 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). Rentals: Kayaks and pontoon boats The abundant forage base of Blueback Herring provides a great source of nutrition for the assemblage of predators. Abundance of bass over 15 in 2021 was above average, and numerous bass below 12 were sampled which should provide quality fishing in coming years. All tournament fishing is catch and release and most is done by local clubs. All rights reserved. In the 2017 angler survey, Channel and Flathead Catfish fishing effort climbed to nearly 13%, making catfish angling the second biggest fishery here. As the season progresses and water temperatures increase, Walleye move deeper. Cabins & Lodges For more information on camping, cabins and lodges, please visit Claytor Lake State Park's website. This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). Yellowtail sightings are starting to become very consistent. Additionally, DWR experimented with stocking steelhead Rainbow Trout from 2009 2017. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. The Bluegill and Redear Sunfish populations have been producing larger fish that can be enjoyed by fly fishermen and spin anglers using light tackle. Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. g0u70FWMirYfuT54['D+ cg0h 5s[{O}'+? |tdOG/EOE$3N21GV#X^2|R2~bw >KH(@2\$b,JBV9Ty{i|0Vq1Mt@. During the fall and winter months, anglers are likely to catch Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass swimming near the pier. WebClaytor Lake State Park has a 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Services. Bass anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie in the 8-9 range to thin out this segment. Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake. Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass have very similar diets, with both relying mostly on crayfish. Bluegill are extremely abundant, but very few make it past 6. Channel Catfish up to 15 pounds are available throughout the lake. During your visit you can fish for bass, catfish, walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14 Fishing from the shoreline is permitted throughout the park except for Very, very good kelp fishing here. 540 643-2500. During summer, habitat (combination of temperature and dissolved oxygen) forces Striped Bass to occupy the lower end of the lake (the dam to about Buoy 9 and in the mouth of Nutbush Creek). ugZe9Ldu3S@'\]wZuH@3FTr"8JDJ\)1I More information on Briery Creek Lake. 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. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. Buy Lowrance HDS Live Finder - Save Up To $800 on System Components. Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. Lake Chesdins crappie community has been producing some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between a black and white). 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. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. Depending on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. Survey date and timing play a major role in catch rates and size structure. Stocking will continue for at least several more years and will continue to be evaluated with electrofishing and tournament samples to determine if stocking benefits are worth the investment. However, survival of triploids may be lower than diploids traditionally stocked. Alewive are shallow and in-shore during late spring and then move to the thermocline when the reservoir stratifies in summer. The trip is limited to only 15 people! Located mid lake, east side, off Beach Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. The yellows are eating anything from fly-line sardine and dropper-loop to the surface iron and yoyo jigs. Catch rates are good, with an average of 1.2/hr. DWR staff plan to trap net the reservoir in 2022. We have been steadily picking away at a phenomenal grade of yellowtail all day long. Community electrofishing is conducted every other year to assess the fishery and is next scheduled for 2022. Lake Chesdin is a 3,100-acre impoundment located in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie Counties. The Bluegill population has been producing some larger 6-8 fish and is better than most district reservoirs. Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. DWR is waiting for someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is 6 pounds. Recent surveys continue to reveal an abundance of bass in the 3-5 pound range which should make tournament anglers happy. Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. 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. Tournament bass > 4 pounds were 13% stocked. The best areas are from the dam to mile marker 6, as most of the upper lake has poor habitat due to high discharge from Smith Mountain Lake. Anglers 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. XlD/8 Fp\UE^5E]lP'wXMVb>+M}|U9]9:ogLN/ne{q>YfG6- ]%\/p).m#} Two of the more attractive components to this fishery are White Perch and Black Crappie. along with two saugeye. Black Crappie in the 12-17 range were abundant, and as a result; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022. Alabama Bass are also found in Claytor Lake. During the spring spawning run, look for Walleye where the New River enters the lake near Allisonia. Spotted Bass with a Leland's Crappie Magnet Jig Heads, 5 lb. Smallmouth Bass were less abundant, but anglers target them with success. Since they can tolerate higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in the summer months. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. }7 k!r?u) |-:+8zAdX5upoqebnJv&:;9h's&8 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. Boat Launch Ramp: YES Bluegill and the occasional Channel Catfish round out the action. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. Likely to catch Striped Bass swimming near the pier link for the locations these. 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