A local angler, Tim Walts of Crozet, could care less if the smallmouth are taking Zoom Flukes on the James. That’s because Tim is looking for something a little bigger, like 6 or 8 times bigger than a citation smallmouth. Tim is after catfish, big flathead catfish, and this past week he caught such a specimen. Says Tim: “I was lucky enough to land this 43” monster last weekend on the James … [Read more...]

Through the years, the Chickahominy River has earned the reputation as a great spot for lots of bass. It’s the river many tournament anglers fish to increase the number of bass in their bags at weigh-in time. The Chick is not known as a “big bass” river. Well, don’t tell that to Shawn Shaefer from Pennsylvania. On a recent visit at Campers Paradise in Lanexa, Shawn fished just down river from camp … [Read more...]

Here it is, almost August, and trout fishing is holding up despite the recent heat wave. Virginia has been blessed with regular rainfalls and cooling-off periods throughout the summer. Harry Murray of Murray’s Fly Shop reported that the stocked and delayed harvest streams on the western side of the Blue Ridge are in decent shape, with normal levels and temperatures running around 68. The brookie … [Read more...]

The bass are pouting with the arrival of hot water and the crappie have moved to deep brush in up to 30 feet of water, but the striper fishing now at Buggs Island Lake is on fire. Bobby Whitlow at Bobcat’s in Clarkesville said that recent striper action has been the best of the year, but anglers are having to go deep for their catches. The stripers are being caught at depths of 40 to 50 feet in 80 … [Read more...]

Freshwater fishing is up and down throughout Virginia with one exception – catfish. The whiskered bottom feeders are hitting cut bait, chicken livers and home concoctions across the sate. One hotspot has been, and continues to be, Lake Orange, Darryl Kennedy at Angler’s Landing Marina at Lake Orange reports that the catfish action has been excellent all week following the Fourth of July. … [Read more...]

Mossy Creek Fly Fishing Guides have been putting some James River muskies in the boat. Bob Cramer, pictured above, caught and released a handsome fish. Below are some suggestions from MC Guides. With the recent hot weather let’s all be responsible with these big fish. We recommend everyone getting a stream thermometer and keep it in their boats all summer. Please respect all Virginia’s musky … [Read more...]

The river was in good shape. Still high enough water level to get through with no real hassle. No dragging the canoe over the rocks.  It’s still very clean as far as debris or plant growth. Nice conditions. It was raining before I even got in the water. But you know, sometimes you can get some pretty good results fishing in the rain. So I was game. Sure enough, first cast got a bluegill with a #3 … [Read more...]

Until two weeks ago, the brookie streams throughout the state were on fire. Now, not so much. The streams are getting a little “boney” said Tommy Lawhorne at South River Fly Shop. Water flows are down and the fish are spookier. There are, Tommy said, still some nice holdover trout through the downtown section of the South River. Tommy reports a good trico hatch around 8 am, and then it’s … [Read more...]

Finally, the James is fishable. In fact, it’s in near-perfect condition, running a little under 4 feet, ideal for this time of year. The smallmouth are biting, but so far, no citations reported at James River Runners in Hatton. With all the up and down swings in water levels, not all of the smallmouth have finished spawning. They’ll keep trying and hopefully reproduce a good year class for … [Read more...]

Middle Bay Fishing Charters www.misskarencharterfishing.com   Rappahannock River Croaker fishing remains excellent according to Capt. Dick Whitehill aboard Miss Karen’s Fishing. Stripers are not cooperating. Flounder and Spanish mackerel should be appearing soon. A trip with Capt. Whitehill makes an outstanding Fathr’s Day present. Call him at 434-960-5411   Virginia … [Read more...]