From the South River Fly Shop
The South River in Waynesboro continued to fish well all summer thanks to the rains we have received and cooler temperatures. The river has been up and down but is now stabilizing. There’s no way to be certain about the weekend conditions, but it looks promising. Nymphs and streamers have been the go-to categories the last two weeks.
Our mountain streams are in great shape and we have continued to guide in Shenandoah National Park long past our usual cut-off date. Again, most of these streams are up but clear. The Transpar-Ant is a killer this time of year, usually dropped off of a Top Hat Beetle or Mike’s Magic Beetle. Chernobyl Ants in #12 are also a consistent producer as well as Kevin’s Caddis and Au Sable Wulffs.
The smallmouth action is great if you can find a window of normal flows. The same rain that has really extended the native fishing has made the South Fork of the Shenandoah and the James less consistent flow-wise. The best tactic is to work the shade lines with a Walt’s Popper or Stealth Bomber and not work it too much. Murdich Minnows, Mad Toms, and Klawdads are doing well also.
For more information, contact Kevin or Tommy at South River Fly Shop, 323 W. Main St., Waynesboro, VA 22980. Call
540-942-5566 or go to southriverflyshop.com.
Lake Orange
Contributed by Darrell Kennedy of Angler’s Landing (540.672.3997). The water temperature is in the mid 80s and the lake is stained. Bass are being caught on top water in lowlight and with plastics during midday. Crappie are being caught on small minnows and jigs around the fishing pier and deep brush. We’ve been catching some nice white perch lately on small crankbaits. The catfishing seems to be best around mid lake.
Chickahominy Lake
Capt. Art Conway of Conway’s River Rat Guide Service (804-514-1486) out of Ed Allen’s Boats and Bait reported that Chickahominy Lake mid-day water temperatures were in the upper 80’s to low 90’s in the main lake on Wednesday.
Fishing with Capt. Conway, Tricia and Jack Pearsall had 31 bluegills, 3 shellcrackers and 1 yellow perch. Karen Anderson had 24 bluegills and 5 bass. Tom Porter had 50 bluegills, 2 shellcrackers, 6 crappie, 1 white perch, 1 bullhead, 3 blue cats and 1 bass.
Potomac River
Capt. Chaconas says that heavy rains left the river muddy. Fish are in grass and relating to hard cover such as wood and docks. Favorable late morning tides open up several techniques.
Keep a frog on deck, target lower tide grass beds. Best with more sun. Tie to 60 pound braid and target shallow grass, pausing in holes. Abandon and go with black/blue bladed jigs with early morning tides. Then go to the fire tiger 1-Minus. Tie both to 14-pound test Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon. Contact grass and snap free. With bladed jigs, lift and allow baits to flutter into the grass. Mix in steady retrieves, running this bait deeper. The 1-Minus runs about a foot to snap out of grass or bump wood cover.
The Rivers
Who can dare predict. They were high and muddy early this week, but dropping and clearing day by day. All I know is that there are certainly some hungry fish out there just waiting to be able to see well enough to eat a meal.
Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show
The 35th Annual Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show is coming to Richmond this week, August 10-12. Held at the Richmond Raceway Complex at 600 East Laburnum Avenue, the show features some 225 exhibitors providing great values on products and services as they relate to hunting and outdoor activities.
Attendees will see the latest in outdoor products and can speak with guides and even book hunting adventures. In addition to the Virginia State Turkey Calling Contest and trophy deer competition, the show will feature celebrity outdoor sportsmen appearances, seminars and demos. Chef Albert will demonstrate how to dress and butcher a deer each day. The Pig, Deer and Beer Café will offer boar, venison, and bison on their menu for hungry guests!
Want more?
There will be appearances by turkey and duck calling champions and dog trainers, too.
Kids can enjoy activities such as the trout catch-out pond, an archery range and decoy painting
Admission is $5 on Friday and $10 on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call (804) 748-7469.