We are about one week of warm weather away from some good crappie fishing. For example, crappie at the Chickahominy Lake were on drop-offs and inchannels in the main lake, especially near wood cover. Some shouldbe up in creeks by this weekend if they are not run out by the cold front. Fishing with Capt. Conway, Tom Porter had 1 white perch, 2 pickerel, and 2
bass.
The Pros at Greentop report that stripers are being caught at Buggs Island Lake by anglers fishing in 4-10′ of water on points inside Eastland Creek, Mill Creek, and Butchers Creek. Swim baits have been most productive. The water had warmed to 48 degrees by Thursday. There have been some bass caught in the same areas, and on the same baits. The lake level is currently 297.04′.
Anna stripers haven’t been as cooperative, but things should turn around with the last few warm days. 4″ Bass assassins on 3/8 and ½-ounce jig heads work well. Anna largemouth bass have been fickle. The best bite is by far the first hour of daylight. After that, the strike zone seems to shrink. However, with the few warm days in a row, this could change. Shallow flats will warm quickly, especially in stained water. Water temps over the weekend were 40 degrees at 208 bridge. Ring Perch have started showing up in the tidal rivers. The Rappahannock, Chickahominy, and Potomac are the better early locations. The Pamunkey and Mattaponi rivers seem to follow. Tidal flats warm remarkably fast, triggering shallow movements of baitfish and gamefish, such as the Perch. Rockfish will often be encountered but must be released. The Chickahominy is also producing quality bass and crappie. Good offerings are blade baits, jerk baits, lipless crankbaits, and jigs.
We are in an excellent moon phase right now, so bigger fish should be more active. Those fishing the tidal James should focus their efforts on the pits located near the Dutch Gap power plant. The barge pit is an especially good choice for Bass. This is an excellent time for the trophy catfish in the James. Anglers are also doing well in the tidal Rappahannock for the catfish. The tidal Rapp should not be overlooked for the trophy smallmouth at this time. Much of the attention goes to the upper James and New rivers, but the Rapp has quite the smallmouth fishery. The upper James is in great shape right now for targeting the smallmouth, as is the Rapp. Crawfish crankbaits, jerk baits, and jigs seem to produce best at this time. Local ponds and small lakes have ignited from the warming trend this week. However, cold weather is returning, so take advantage as soon as possible.