There is not a lot happening on the fishing scene this time of year – too cold! But there are a few decent opportunities available, such as bass and pickerel fishing on the Chickahominy Lake and giant blue catfish action on the lower James. Another possibility that’s a little closer to home for Central Virginians is walleye fishing at Lake Orange.
Walleye bite throughout the winter months. Being cold blooded, they are not as active inn frigid water, but they get hungry and they eat throughout the year. They also spawn in early spring and most fish species feed heavily before beginning the grueling reproduction process.
Lake Orange is stocked annually with walleye fingerlings, little fellows about 2-inches in length. But Orange is a fertile lake, and the baby walleye can reach 18-inches in two years. There is also an abundance of bait in the lake in the form of shad and yellow perch. Yellow perch are a preferred meal for walleye.
The best way to catch a winter walleye at Lake Orange is to first, dress warmly, then slowly drift or troll Lindy Rigs with live nightcrawlers. Walleye prefer gravel bottoms and there is lots or rock and gravel at the lower end of the lake near the dam.
Other Virginia lakes that offer good walleye opportunities include Flannagan, South Holston, Gaston (especially below Kerr Dam), Leesville, Philpott, Chesdin, Anna, Whitehurst, Orange, Hungry Mother, Burke, and Brittle.
The best rivers are the New, Staunton/Roanoke, South Holston, Clinch, and Dan.
If a severe case of Cabin Fever begins to set in, grab a bass outfit and head for any of Virginia’s walleye hotspots. And if you get a good one, there is no better eating fish on the planet.