The Angler’s Lane report:
Come float and enjoy the beautiful Jackson River with an Angler’s Lane guide so you can focus on your fishing instead of boat logistics and other hassles. We have many dates already booked; yet some good dates remain for the next few months and an opportunity for larger fish!
We combine use our own private launch points and a few public launches to time the ideal float. Our goal is to put you on fish and ensure you have the best time possible, given whatever water and weather the Good Lord deals us.
In our 12th year of guiding the Jackson, we have learned a few of the secrets, which this river holds, and we learn other new ones every trip out. This river has a way of changing and humbling those who think they have it figured out.
The fishing has been outstanding the past few weeks with water levels up, but coming back down to the range we most prefer. Lots of fish are being caught on nymphs and dry flies. Streamers are working in the deeper pools and should be very productive with the water on the way down.
Water temps are perfect, hovering in the mid 50s.
Need overnight accommodations?
Book our Stonesthrow Lodge within a fly cast of the river. The cabin holds six and you can rent the guide’s cabin next to it and add three more. Access to our walk and wade properties are available with lodge rental.
Call us at 434-385-0200 to book a guided trip, cabin, or both.
The James and Staunton River fishing is heating up!
We are experiencing the best of the Staunton and James right now. With recent rains, the musky should be stellar until the middle of June. Smallmouth are also coming out of spawn and getting frisky with the top water bite just around the corner. We have had clients pick up some large football-shaped smallies in both rivers.
The mountain trout fishing at Rivenridge has never been better. Lots of stocked and native brook trout have cooperated lately. First-time Rivenridge clients are enjoying solid fishing, and experienced fishermen and women are doing even better. With the recent rainfall the stream is high, but definitely fishable. It looks like we will have great water levels well into June this year.
Lots of brook trout up to 14″ are being caught in the stream on nymphs, dries and small streamers. We offer guided trips there, and the lodge is now available for overnight booking as well. Others can also enjoy it with an unguided day pass if not booked for guided or overnight.
If you want to get in on the action, give us a call at 434-385-0200 or book reservation online.
Lake Orange
From Darrell Kennedy of Anglers Landing (540.672.3997). The water is clear and in the mid 70s. Bass and crappie are moving to their summer hangouts. Largemouth bass are schooling up on the shad with some nice top water action. During mid-day, soft water plastics and live bait will bring the bass bite. Crappie are hanging out in the 8-12 ft. range and are being caught on small minnows and jigs. Some bream are still on the beds hitting red wigglers. Catfishing has really picked up with some nice fish being caught on chicken livers in the mid-lake region. Some nice walleye were also caught this weekend on live bait.
Chickahominy Lake
Capt. Art Conway of Conway’s River Rat Guide Service reported that Chickahominy Lake mid-day water temperatures were in the high 70’s to low 80’s in the main lake.
Fishing with Capt. Conway, Gerald Davis had 25 bluegills, 3 shellcrackers, 1 roach minnow, 4 crappie, and 5 bass. Mitch and Steve Novak had 25 bluegills, 3 shellcrackers, 2 crappie, 1 warmouth, 1 blue cat, and 3 bass. Carolyn Conway had 27 bluegills. Tom Porter landed 41 bluegills, 4 crappie, and 5 white perch.