Looks like the Shenandoah is the spot for smallmouth these days. Water quality has been a bug-a-boo for the scenic Valley river but recent upgrades to runoff and pollution are paying off.
Bryce Davis and John Savides from Afton took a float on the Shenandoah and put 50 in the boat, including nice smallies like the one pictured above. The river was a bit high and slightly stained and flashy baits like spinnerbaits were working. The Shenandoah, by the way, is quickly becoming a musky destination. There is lots of bait in the river to draw the big fish.
Christian Patrizia of Charlottesville also floated the Shenandoah last week and used a fly rod to catch 30 or so – many in the 12–14-inch class. Patrizia caught larger fish on a float on the James below Scottsville. Fish were all over the water chasing damselflies and popping bugs were the hot baits. One that got away was in the 22-inch class.
Lake Orange. The water temperature is in the upper 70s. The lake is clear with bass and crappie settling into their summer patterns. Bass are being caught on top water baits, soft plastics, and live minnows in a variety of depths. Crappie fishing remains strong with live minnows the best choice. Catfishing has picked up with chicken livers the most productive bait. A few nice walleye have been caught lately on live bait.
