Tangent Outfitters says the fishing is “silly good” on the New River. Smallmouth are hitting hard, including some big ones. One client landed a 22-incher. The smallies are going for jerks, top waters, Senkos and tubes. Muskie are not being cooperative due to the heat, but action will pick up after the weather cools down. The waters are low, clear and in the mid 70s.
The Upper New is super low and clear with no rain in sight for the next week, but the smallmouth bass are on fire and it is a great time to get after them with a fly rod or conventional tackle. The water is still too warm for muskies.
Potomac River
Hot Water!
Last week, sizzling temperatures slowed fishing as fish stayed under cover. This week will improve as grass continues to break up.
The longer cooler nights should set the stage for active morning fish. Start on top with popping Lucky Craft G-Splash on 12-pound test GAMMA Copoly line. Make long casts and vary retrieves over grass remnants. Stay on the move.
As the sun gets higher in the sky, try weightless stick worms. Cast and allow to drop on 12-pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line and 3/0 Mustad Mega Bite hooks. Also swimbaits with 1/8 ounce Mustad Swimbait hooks on 14-pound Edge. Peg a 1/8-ounce bullet weight to the nose. Lift and drop or swim through grass.
With mid day high tides, hollow frogs and punching mats will be effective. Look for small floating mats with nearby current. Use 60 pound test Torque braid for both. For punching, use a 5/0 Mustad flipping hook and 1 to 1.5 ounce tungsten weights to punch through. Craw soft plastics soaked in Jack’s Juice Bait Spray are a good choice. White frogs work well with sun.
Capt. Steve Chaconas is a guide on the Potomac River. info@nationalbass.com
Chickahominy Lake
Capt. Art Conway out of Ed Allen’s Boats and Bait reported that Chickahominy Lake mid-day water temperatures were in the low to mid 80’s.
Fishing with Capt. Conway, Karen Anderson had 6 bluegill, 2 shellcrackers, 3 crappie and 1 yellow perch.
James at Lynchburg
Keith Bernard at Angler’s Lane says that the James and mountain streams are way too low to fish. The Jackson is okay, with nymphs fished on the bottom being a good bet. Streamers and minnow imitators are also working, but not as well. Keith urges all anglers within shouting range to “do a rain dance.” and help the fishery
Lake Gaston
The largemouth bite is improving as the water cools. The best fishing hours are still dawn and dusk. Top waters are getting good results. Crappie are “hit or miss”. Cats are going for alewives and stink baits. Striper are present and are taking trolling bucktails and live shad.
Shenandoah River
Both the north and the south forks of the Shenandoah are low and clear with good floating or wading conditions. Approach cautiously or the fish will spook.