Thirty years ago, the Rappahannock River was noted as Virginia’s premiere catfish river. The Rapp drew wide numbers of tourists looking for that 30 or 40 pounder. But then, the James got hot with monster cats pulled in near Hopewell. Then it was Buggs Island producing fish in excess of 100 pounds. But throughout all that, the Chickahominy River remains a top spot for catfish large and small. Mike Johncox at Riverside Camp said his campers pounded the cats last week with catches to 67 pounds. Plus, if it’s pan-sized cats, 3 to 5 pounders, you can catch all you want.
The big cats were taking live eels in about 12 feet off the ledges. The smaller fish will eat worms, chicken livers, shrimp or whatever they bump into.
Buzzbaits, frogs and plastic worms are the preferred baits for bass anglers, while fly-rodders are using poppers. Lily pad fields and cypress trees in deeper water are the best structure, although the hydrilla beds are also giving up some nice fish on plastic jerkbaits and frogs. Docks are always good cover and give up bass on soft plastic baits and small jigs.
Road trip to the Chick, anyone?