Lake Orange, owned and managed by the DWR, is one of the top trophy largemouth destinations in the state. The Game Department intensely manages the lake and has imposed a 16″ to 22″ protective slot limit. A large shad and sunfish population stimulates growth. The huge bass above was landed this week at Orange, plus lots of nice crappie, channel cats and bluegills. Water temps are pushing into the lower 70’s and the lake is clear.
Elsewhere around the state, bluegills and shellcrackers are active in most every lake and pond. Stripers are well up into the Dan and Staunton rivers. The James and Shenandoah are high and swollen. Best smallmouth action is now on the New River.
There are lots of trout available after the Memorial Day stockings.
