Buggs Island
Bobcat’s in Clarksville reports that stripers are in most of the major creeks and are feeding on shad. These fish can be caught live-baiting with shad and jumbo minnows or by casting lures. Fishermen are getting good numbers, but keepers have been hard to come.
Potomac River
It’s Cool
Water temperatures are dropping. Look for water temperature to soon get down to 70. The grass is disappearing. Let’s get cranking.
Target grass remnants and areas with wood cover. With clouds and chop on the water, try Mann’s Classic spinnerbaits, 1/4 ounce at low tide and 3/8 at high tides. White skirts and gold blades. Tie to 12-pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line. Cover water with Mann’s Baby 1-Minus crankbaits. Shad patterns work, but always throw the red or craw patterns. Also on 12 pound test Edge.
At lower tides pitch Mizmo tubes, Texas rigged on 14-pound Edge. Target leftover grass clumps or wood, including docks. Use 3/16-ounce weights. Also toss weightless stickworms Texas rigged on a 3/0 Mustad Mega Bite hook. Make long casts and lift and drop.
Capt. Steve Chaconas is a guide on the Potomac River. info@nationalbass.com
Chickahominy Lake
Fishing with Capt. Conway, Tom Porter had 22 bluegills, 1 shellcracker, 5 crappie, 2 white perch, 1 blue cat and 1 bass.
James at Lynchburg
At Angler’s Lane, Jerry Lorre says that smallmouth fishing in the James has been good. Fish are going for top waters and popping bugs. The water is very clear, in the upper 70s, and the level is dropping.
Trout Update
Anglers Lane reports that the rainbow and brown action in the Jackson is “decent”, with nymph fishing proving to be the most successful tactic. The water is low, cooling and clear. The mountain brookie streams have been too low to fish.
Harry Murray of Murray’s Fly Shop says that the larger stocked and delayed harvest streams in the Valley remain quite productive. The best action is in the deep pools below the riffles.
The water in the mountain brookie streams is very low, Harry points out, and you can easily spook the fish. So don’t get too close to the stream. Try from higher up on the bank.
Lake Gaston
Holly Grove Marina notes that the largemouth bite is picking up, as fish are becoming more active during the day. Crappie are hanging around docks and structures, and will go for minnows and jigs. The striper bite is pretty good. Fishermen are having luck with drifted shad, bucktails and deep diving plugs. Catfish are hanging around the bottom and will go for cut bait. Perch and bream can be found in the shallows and near docks, attacking red wigglers and poppers. The water is cooling, at a normal level and slightly stained.
Smith Mountain Lake
Travis Patsell of Cats N ‘ Stripers Fishing Charters says that most stripers are in deeper water and the lower lake regions. Early and late, some schools of stripers can be found working a cove or creek in 20- to 35-feet but they then move back to the deeper water.
The catfish bite is good in the low light hours. Find bait and you’ll find the cats.
The white perch are really biting on small minnows, shad and night crawlers in 15- to 25-ft. of water.
New River
Shawn Hash at Tangent Outfitters says that they are “slamming” smallies. They are attacking soft plastics, jerkbaits and top waters. Cooler weather will bring big guys to the surface. Muskies are starting to show up, with one client brining in a 40-incher. The water is 67 degrees, low and could be stained by this weekend.
Shenandoah River
Harry Murray says that both North and South forks of the Shenandoah are providing good action. The best fishing in the North Fork from Mount Jackson to Tom’s Brook. In the South, it’s Luray to Bentonville. When fishing at dusk, stick with the tails of pools. Fish below the riffles and in the deep pools. The water is clear, at an excellent level and 74 degrees.