Now that a good bit of the snow/ice has melted and temperatures have returned to moderate readings, there are a few, good winter fishing options – mostly freshwater. Not much is happening in the ocean and bay unless you want to go offshore and try for bluefin tuna or sea bass on the wrecks. The bay is dead for the most part and surf fishermen will find only skates and dogfish – and who wants that?
As for freshwater, the yellow perch – one of the tastiest of all freshwater fish – are on the move. The Chickahominy, Rappahannock and Potomac rivers are all hotspots. Perch can also be found in Lake Anna, Lake Orange and especially in Lake Moomaw – home of the state record. Crappie are also available in the tributaries, but they are still deep in the major lakes, Walleye are also on the fishing agenda in Anna, Lake Orange, the Upper New River, South Holston Lake, Claytor Lake, Philpott Reservoir, and the Staunton River. Bass bite throughout the winter in Anna, where the water is a bit warmer.
Trout are now being stocked in the streams and lakes, so that’s a possibility – just don’t fall in the water.
So, there are a few options. When March arrives, there will be more.
