As the water heats up, so does the freshwater fishing in Virginia.
At Lake Orange, bass and crappie are mopping up after their spawning duties and feeding heavily in shallow water. The walleye bite has picked up and nice bluegills and redear sunfish are moving to the bedding grounds.
Bass’n in the tidal rivers is outstanding A bag weighing 24 pounds claimed first place in a recent weekend tournament on the James. Spinnerbaits and soft plastics were productive.
Striper are on the move at Buggs Island heading up the Staunton and Dan rivers to spawn. Striper fishing has also been very good at Anna.
The James, Shenandoah and New rivers are in good shape, but rain late this week may disturb the once ideal conditions. Blue cat fishing is at its peak this month on many bodies of water – and blue cats can go 150 pounds and more.
Trout fishing is primo, and the weekend rain should only improve stream levels. Lots of flies are hatching and the stocked trout are plentiful
Panfish action will peak this month as fish move in on the beds. Things are looking up.
Saltwater Update
On the Virginia saltwater scene, some huge, speckled trout are coming to the scales. Puppy drum are being caught along with the specks. Croakers are now well into the Virginia tidal rivers and are starting to bite. Last year was an off year for the cyclical croaker population.
Black drum and red drum are keeping fishing rods doubled over in the lower bay. Flounder fishing has been slow, but sheepshead are biting.
On the Outer Banks, the wahoo action was hot last week out of Hatteras. Spanish mackerel were being caught from some of the southern piers and are on the move to the north. The water temps at Nags Head surf moved into the mid 60’s, resulting in a good bite from specks, sea mullet and pups. Good catches of Mahi are coming from the Gulf Stream when boats can sail.