In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 14) smallmouth was 17.8/hr. Jigs and deep crankbaits for bass. While there is no minimum for largemouth, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14. Gizzard Shad provide a great forage base but also can make fishing a bit tricky for the average angler. Anglers might want a few fully charged batteries if they plan to make long trips toward the upper end. and bucktails in the spring and fall. More information on Briery Creek Lake. A total of 13 Largemouth Bass over 20 were collected during 2020 sampling, indicating the lake is still producing good numbers of memorable bass. Claytor Lake Habitat Enhancement Projects Map (20122016), Claytor Lake Habitat Enhancement Projects Map (20172021), Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass: 5 per day in the aggregate, No Minimum Size Limit for Largemouth Bass, September 16 to June 30: 2 per day in the aggregate, minimum size limit 20 inches, July 1 to September 15: 4 per day in the aggregate, no minimum size limit, Year-round: 2 walleye per day; no walleye 19 to 28 inches, 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir is a 635-acre impoundment in Gloucester Count providing valuable angling opportunities on the middle peninsula. 6325 Sandburg Road Suite 100Golden Valley, MN 55427. If you are interested in going on this trip please contact Steve at 714 272-4395. Claytor Lake Underwater Webcam feed. Illegally stocked snakeheads can also be found in willow beds, and their abundance seems to be slowly increasing. Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass are the third biggest fishery with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these. The flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks will provide the earliest action each spring. Southeast on Rt. Fishing Claytor Lake, VA on 2/12/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Anglers can explore over 60 miles of shoreline in search of bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, stripers, hybrid striped bass, perch, bluegill, white bass and sunfish. Some VA fishing guides offer guided bass, striper and crappie trips on Claytor Lake. Several boat launch ramps, some for a small fee and some for free, are scattered around the lake. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Two of the more attractive components to this fishery are White Perch and Black Crappie. Alongside stunning vistas, the lake features some of the best angling in the area. Claytor Lake Good 09/21/2022 Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. 540 980-1488. San Miguel 1-day trip. Premier Angler - The World Lives Outdoors. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. Bait & Tackle: YES JJ is back in Santa Barbara and today he scored limits of nice Rockfish. Most fish are 13-17, but there are bass to 22. During your visit you can fish for bass, catfish, walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier. endstream endobj 260 0 obj <>/Metadata 43 0 R/Pages 257 0 R/StructTreeRoot 55 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 261 0 obj <>/MediaBox[0 0 612 792]/Parent 257 0 R/Resources<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 262 0 obj <>stream ugZe9Ldu3S@'\]wZuH@3FTr"8JDJ\)1I NOTE: THERE IS A COST OF $7 TO PARK AT THE STATE PARK. 21 in. The fishery is enhanced by annual stocking of Striped Bass along with previous Walleye stocking which provide trophy fishing potential. The survey did not reveal an abundance of bass with only 46 collected (23/hr.). Capt. Buggs Island is also one of Virginias best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon. Informational signs about this invasive fish are posted at access points. Sampling by VDWR biologists in 2021 documented Largemouth Bass abundance at record levels. Guests can also rent bikes and Markdowns on popular products - See all bargain offers, 14 Reports for Largemouth Bass + SpringChange, SPRO RkCrawler 55 Crankbait Red Craw / 2 1/5", Buckeye Lures G-Man Ballin' Out Jig 3/8 oz / Green Pumpkin, SPRO RkCrawler 55 MD Crankbait Red Craw / 2 1/4", Subscribe to Email Updates for the Latest 2023 Claytor Lake Fishing Reports, Lures G-Man Ballin' Out Jig 3/8 oz / Green Pumpkin, PowerBait MaxScent The General Stick Bait 5" / Watermelon Copper Orange with Red, Reported for Shallow Diving Crankbaits (0-6'), RkCrawler 55 MD Crankbait Red Craw / 2 1/4", Reported for Medium Diving Crankbaits (7'-12'), Ito Vision 110+2 Jerkbait French Pearl / 4 1/3", Ito Vision 110+1 Jerkbait GP Pro Perch / 4 1/3", 200 Series Crankbait Pearl/Black Back / 2", Jack Hammer Chatterbait 1/2 oz / Green Pumpkin. Bass anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. An abundance of Chain Pickerel and large American Eel can provide additional action. Public access is somewhat limited but there is a good boat launch area at Claytor Lake State Park on the northern shore of the lake. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Catfish. lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. Fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, yellow perch, striped bass and hybrid striped bass at Claytor Lake in Virginia. This 630-acre impoundment located in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties is owned by the Western Virginia Water Authority and managed primarily for municipal water supply for the City of Roanoke. Looking to find places to wade fish? With catches of 20 to 30 pound Common Carp possible, anglers from as far away as England come to fish here. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. placing Chesdin in first place again for all district lakes. and memorable size (> 17) was 5.2/hr. For more fishing information on South Holston Lake go to the South Holston Lake page or the TWRA website. Hybrids are routinely caught in the lower lake on top water baits or by drifting live baits. Subscribe and save by Joining Sportsman's Warehouse newsletter. Since then, trophy bass potential has declined slightly as a result of several factors including reservoir aging, bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. This suggests there are currently as many (or more) bass in the lake as there have been for at least 25 years with a commensurate number of larger fish. Techniques and lures that mimic crayfish are most likely to be successful in producing catches of these fish. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". Buy Lowrance HDS Live Finder - Save Up To $800 on System Components. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Services. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake. Many anglers target Walleye on the Cranesnest and Pound River arms during spawning in March and April. Diascund Reservoir is another Newport News water supply. Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. COMBINED WEIGHT TOTAL OF 5 FISH (Including Large Mouth Bass, The Smith Mountain Lake Largemouth Bass population, based on DWR sampling, has been improving since 2015. Crappie. Learn More, 09/21/2022 However, in 2021 Walleye were stocked at a reduced rate, once again due to insufficient hatchery production. WebClaytor Lake is the top destination for hybrids in Virginia, setting a new state record with a hybrid weighing 15 pounds, 13 ounces caught by local angler Don Jessie on March 16, hb```ZVB ea`b`VY`V4CS @5, W9zF-a1KGkDCFCEGV>u@ZE@1bd`k 3RBV2GIbXklq@+l@F'@ ,/ Variable stockings over the next five years will occur in efforts to determine if abundance or size structure can be enhanced. Population metrics describing abundance and size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass in 2021 were nearly all at record levels (again). 0 Channel Catfish anglers should focus on August, September and October post spawn. Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Ben H Bolen Drive, this is a four-lane, concrete ramp with docks and lots of paved parking. Although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. All Rights Reserved. The Brown Trout fishery usually consists of three cohorts (separate annual stockings) when habitat suitability is present over multiple years. The 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 bass for a catch rate of 122/hr. There is often thick Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms from June-November. WebNew River (Claytor Dam) Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. Good largemouth bass fishing can be found throughout the reservoir but smallmouth bass densities appearing to be greater in the Largemouth Bass diets are quite different than from Smallmouth and Spotted bass diets, which may be one reason they are doing so well in the lake. Using this web site acknowledges your agreement to the, Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. hbbd```b``5 i9d fb0Li`q/0LjI;@ This was a slight decline from 2020 (129/hr.). Brown Trout stocked in NovFeb at 67 grow to 1213 in six months. The largest seen during the 2020 survey was 4.5 pounds, while the 2021 survey only yielded a bass of 3.7 pounds. Timing of surveys on Chickahominy Lake is critical to get a representative sample of larger fish. Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass have very similar diets, with both relying mostly on crayfish. WebClaytor Lakes Largemouth Bass populations have been stable over the past 10 years. The survey yielded 65 preferred-sized bass ( 15) for a catch rate of 21.7/hr. Located in the northeast section of the lake, north side, off Bear Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking. Biologists continue to work on adding fish habitat (brush piles and pallet teepees) in designated areas to improve spawning and add survival. During the fall and winter months, anglers are likely to catch Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass swimming near the pier. NOTE: Walleye catch rates are on the rise the last two years due to increased stocking in the Staunton River drainage. Bank anglers wishing to target sunfish and crappie will find ample opportunities along two fishing trails and three ADA compliant piers. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. Harrys Point boat ramp, a no-fee ramp located in the mid-lake area within Pulaski Countys Harry DeHaven Park, has a double ramp and courtesy piers. Look for bass beds in proximity to shallow flooded timber. The Bowfin population is one of the best in Virginia. The crappie fishery could benefit from harvest of 8-10 fish instead of larger ones. and memorable size (> 20) was 0.4/hr. along with two saugeye. Lodging: YES The bass fishery is strong enough to support small scale tournaments weekly from spring-fall. this includes food and permits. }7 k!r?u) |-:+8zAdX5upoqebnJv&:;9h's&8 Spotted Bass in Claytor Lake do not grow as large as Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, rarely reaching 2 pounds in size, although the state record 4-pound, 12-ounce Spotted Bass was caught at Claytor Lake on January 1, 2020. Bass in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of 14. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 20-60 of water can produce. Claytor Lake bait populations (Alewife and Gizzard Shad) are high, aiding in the restoration of the Striped Bass fishery. Since implementation of a 16-24 slot limit, abundance of bass in the slot has tripled and remained consistent. 259 0 obj <> endobj Four additional years of stocking will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure. Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. The park has 15 cabins and 3 lodges that are perfect ways to stay overnight while enjoying all that Claytor Lake State Park has to offer. New to area and looking to spend some time with family along the water and teach em how to fish and be apart of the many wonders more that outdoors has to offer! Some nice catches of bass are being made on grubs and Drop Shot. So, what type of fish are in this lake? The 2021 survey yielded a CPUE-P of 14.4/hr. HT=0+DX Striped bass fishing occurs year round with various techniques. Restaurant: YES, Claytor Lake Water Sports From the I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 (Little River Dam Road). Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing. The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 2060 feet of water can produce good catches. Read More Best Tools, Gear and Gadgets to Have on Your Boat, Read More FishUSA Fishing Tools: A Detailed Review, Read More Walleye Fishing Gear Guide for 2023, Read More 8 Best Swimbaits for Bass Fishing, Read More ISLE Sportsman Review: Fishing From a High-End Paddle Board, Read More 8 Best Crankbaits for Bass Fishing. The bass population receives a great deal of pressure from tournaments, so anglers are encouraged to try new and different lures and patterns to entice these heavily pressured fish. The Claytor Lake record for Largemouth Bass was a 14- pound, 6-ounce giant caught in June 1991. The striper population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth. Claytor Lake State Park Written by the Aquatics Reservoir Committee Team, Edited by John Odenkirk. The 2020 survey was consistent with past years showing an abundance of medium size Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. Recent creel surveys estimated very high voluntary release of Largemouth Bass over 99%, which undoubtedly is helping keep mortality rates low (about 24%). He is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March. Claytor is considered a good smallmouth lake with anglers targeting large fish during winter. The last three years have shown variability related to water temperature. If those times wont work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. Abundance of bass over 15 in 2021 was above average, and numerous bass below 12 were sampled which should provide quality fishing in coming years. Crappie fishing should remain good in 2022. The 2021 electrofishing survey was not one of the more productive days on the water. Anglers have reported better with catches in the 4-5 pound range. Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass (collectively called black bass) are the bread and butter fishes of this lake. We are done, full boat limits for our 31 passengers. Copyright 2023Sportsman's Warehouse. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Its a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. The crappie fishery has produced good size but low numbers for the past 20 years, limiting the fishery. Intensive forage stocking of 1-3 Bluegill annually since 2015 has resulted in a 20% increase in forage abundance. Location and Fishing Information: Claytor lake is located in Pulaski County Virginia and covers just under 4,500 acres of surface area. Rockhouse Marina Largemouth Bass eat Bluegill, Alewife, Gizzard Shad, and crayfish, depending on the season of the year and whether these prey are abundant in a given year. A new size and creel limit is now in place from Claytor Lake Dam upstream to Buck Dam on the New River in Carroll County year round (formerly a seasonal size and creel limit). Fishing for crappie is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. Daytime trolling has produced some Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. tZ28xG }@`6 3776 Rock House Rd 2023 - Premier Angler. Black Crappie in the 12-17 range were abundant, and as a result; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022. After all, we all forget gear from time to time. However, the fishery remains below its peak and full recovery will require conservative striper management along with good catch-and-release practices. The second cohort is in the 1620 range, and the third cohort produces fish > 20. This lake has historically been predator heavy with an abundance of bass, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel and Bowfin. Catch rates for fish > 20 declined slightly in 2020 and again in 2021, although 2021 samples still yielded 13 bass > 20. endstream endobj 263 0 obj <>stream Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Catfish angling is an emerging fishery at Claytor Lake, with 13% of anglers pursuing catfish in the most recent angler survey in 2017, and an estimated annual catch of almost 6,000 channel catfish. A night survey conducted in March 2021 yielded 34 Walleye (22/hr.) The largest bass in the 2021 survey weighed 6.5 pounds. %PDF-1.6 % Good areas are the shoreline across from the mouth of Dublin Hollow, the shoreline between Spooky Hollow and Texas Hollow, and in Dublin Hollow. Web1 Fishing Report and Edits Details for Claytor Lake . Flathead Catfish up to 30 pounds, and Channel Catfish up to 15 pounds can be caught. With catches of 20 to 30 pound Carp possible, anglers from as far away as England come to fish for them at Claytor. Boat Launch Ramp: YES The 2021 spring survey collected 173 Largemouth Bass for a CPUE of 86/hr. The Department has been working with TWRA (Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency) to add White Bass back into the lake, but these fish cannot be harvested (catch and release only). Hey everyone it's time again to start seriously thinking about when you will be able to get on the boat for a tuna trip. Join over 100k anglers who receive our newsletter.Techniques, tips and tackle breakdowns personalized to your local area. Drum densities have increased greatly in recent years. The 2020 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the lake in preparation for dam repair. Spotted Bass in Claytor are generally smaller than the other black basses. However, anglers can also be successful throwing top-water lures at night in May through early June, which coincides with the Alewife spawn. Learn More, 09/21/2022 09/21/2022 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. Musky lures used ar Hopefully, this will translate to faster growth and larger bass. The crappie population has been generally consistent for both number and size. endstream endobj 266 0 obj <>stream During summer, anglers should fish deeper water (8-12) during the day off points and ledges. Buford Sparks. The 2021 electrofishing survey collected 141 perch, but only five were >8. In spring, Striped Bass may be found in the upper end of the lake and in the river above the lake as fish travel upstream to spawn. Anglers can expect good catches during the spring run on the South Fork Holston River. Bait populations (Alewife and Gizzard Shad) are abundant, which creates good feeding conditions for Striped and hybrid Striped Bass, and water temperatures below 70 degrees produce the best fishing. Marina: YES Note that on January 1, 2021, a 15 minimum was implemented for Smallmouth Bass on Flannagan, which requires anglers immediately release all Smallmouth Bass less than 15. The lake is to remain five feet down until Sunday p.m., November 17, when refilling will begin. All tournament fishing is catch and release and most is done by local clubs. 305 0 obj <>stream WebFishing spots and baits to use at Claytor Lake? %%EOF Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie in the 8-9 range to thin out this segment. The reservoir has a number of large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. Electrofishing catch rates of bass >15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. A large proportion of fish were 16-20. Fortunately, Walleye were stocked in Flannagan in 2019 and 2020 which should help the population rebound soon. Little Creek Reservoir is a 947-acre Newport News water supply located in James City County just south of Toano. Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked as fingerlings annually. Wish us luck, Catch rates are good, with an average of 1.2/hr. Spotted Bass with a Leland's Crappie Magnet Jig Heads, 5 lb. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. However, the number of smallmouth collected in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years. The 2021 net survey yielded the highest catch rate of flatheads with most 8-12 pounds. Both fish have taken to foraging on Gizzard Shad with larger saugeye from previous stockings still available. This popular destination continues to produce very respectable Largemouth Bass. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021, but there are good numbers of 18 to 20 fish. Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish. Both CPUEs were down from 2019 (90/hr.). State Park The early morning bite consists using top water lures for bass. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. Hybrid Striped Bass continue to provide a popular sport fishery, and this system produced a previous state record hybrid. Approximately 17,000 hybrid fingerlings were stocked in 2021. The abundance of hybrids in December 2021 net samples was average, but the majority of fish were over 20 and legal. Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves, but the best places are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower end. Anglers can also catch decent numbers of Black Crappie and sunfish. The best areas are from the dam to mile marker 6, as most of the upper lake has poor habitat due to high discharge from Smith Mountain Lake. but not as impressive as 2018 (71/hr.). Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. DWR staff plan to trap net the reservoir in 2022. Thursday morning. Serious black bass anglers should add Moomaw to their must- fish list in 2022. These fish were tagged in the Staunton River beginning winter 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study. These are the highest levels ever documented in the northern district in any water. This was minor improvement from 2020 (20/hr.). WebFishing licenses are also available in Radford at the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue: 619 2nd Street Radford, VA 24141 The Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue may also be reached at 540-731-3613. In a beautiful setting, this mountain reservoir called Claytor Lake offers up camping, boating and fishing away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 540 731-8683, Mountain 2 Island at the Rock House Marina Two private boat ramps, Ed Allens and Eagles Landing, have numerous bass tournaments. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Spotted Bass do not grow as large as the others rarely reaching 2 pounds, although the state record 4-pound, 12 ounce Spotted Bass was caught at here in January 2020. Anglers fishing for sunfish can find a variety of smaller sunfish including Redear, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed, but Bluegill dominate. The Chain Pickerel population has produced some very healthy fish with many 2-4 pounds and an occasional trophy. Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing reports. Size and creel limits are designed to protect large females while allowing some harvest of more abundant males. Campgrounds: YES Field staff update the fishing reports each There are plenty of amenities located on and around the lake including marinas, boat ramps and lodging. The lake record Flathead Catfish of 58 pounds, 8 ounces was caught from the upper area of the lake. Helpful identification information is available on the Department website. for fish over 15 and 11/hr. Other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply. Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass combine to create an important fishery at Claytor Lake, with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these 2 species. Fishing reports for claytor lake are updated each week, usually by Overall bass catch rate was 156/hr., so any bass angler even close to northern Virginia should plan at least one trip in 2022 to either Fountainhead Park on the Fairfax side or Lake Ridge Park on the Prince William side (or both). Lake Chesdin is a 3,100-acre impoundment located in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie Counties. However, it is still a 21% decline from 2019 (12.0 /net night). Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds. Click here for a Virginia Fishing License. Boat Rental: YES The combined daily creel limit for Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass is 5 per day. Fishing shoreline areas is likely most productive in spring around the spawn. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. QZq,Q`iWUz%79e}]2Wk2sG/\ Nlj@PSuU.t+^+ f{GU>EuXGYjj?%m}"wO [4 Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. There are limited numbers of White and Flathead Catfish, but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish community. Claytor Lake is the top destination for hybrids in Virginia, setting a new state record with a hybrid weighing 15 pounds, 13 ounces caught by local angler Don Jessie on March 16, 2016. Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. Bass: 5 per day, only 2 can be less than 14 inches. Species include; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, spotted bass, walleye, musky, yellow perch, bluegill, carp, and A trophy river without a doubt. The 2022 tournament will take place on Saturday, September 17, 2022 at Claytor Lake State Park located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084. The yellows are eating anything from fly-line sardine and dropper-loop to the surface iron and yoyo jigs. The average "striper" (as they are commonly known) is about 8 lb but catches close to 30 lb have been reported. Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 15) largemouth was 14.3/hr. Channel Catfish up to 15 pounds are available throughout the lake. Claytor Lake provides a lot of different fish for the beginner and experience angler such as carp, black bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass. The collection of 232 preferred-sized bass ( 15) provided a high catch rate of 66/hr. Fishing Claytor Lake, VA on 1/21/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. For more information on the park, call (540) 643-2500. The survey yielded 65 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 39/hr. Target transition areas leading to spawning flats in early to mid-spring. Briery is not just a bass lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. Flannagan Reservoir should provide anglers with good bass fishing in 2021, especially for Largemouth Bass. From September 16 to June 30, Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass must be 20 inches long to be harvested and anglers are allowed to keep 2 per day combined. The 2021 stocking of saugeye will hopefully provide action in the future. The community has seen a relatively recent shift from Yellow Perch to White Perch. One of the best fish to Striped Bass fishing improved since 2016 for both number and sizes and has been stable the past two years. The 2021 spring electrofishing survey collected 191 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 64/hr. Sterile (triploid) Brown Trout have been stocked as a substitute for diploid browns in past. ^J+y336/{CrmW`|-g*i#xhmGjY\u(;2">. tMN{ktl$.W7lk@7_OZ{_7L~Xn$4,oJ]Z/@KTJ4dc"dfv2}EsQWrl.Ydr[97]fv=MV-s;T&d\Of/|c&I' 1 DWR is working to determine the future ability of trout to survive in this aging reservoir. The crappie fishery consists of both Black and White Crappie. $9 IF YOU ARE FROM OUT-OF-STATE. In the 2017 angler survey, Channel and Flathead Catfish fishing effort climbed to nearly 13%, making catfish angling the second biggest fishery here. We depart on Wednesday night and return on Friday night. Water temperatures below 70 degrees produce the best striper Striped Bass and hybrid striper Hybrid Striped Bass fishing. Unfortunately, the trout fishery has declined dramatically in recent years, and biologists are working diligently to explain this decline. From July 1 to September 15, there is no minimum size limit for Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass and anglers are allowed to keep 4 per day combined. Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats provide access to this river fishery. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. Anglers who put enough time in can usually find hot spots and catch quality limits. for fish over 20. Claytor Lake holds fewer Largemouth Bass than other Virginia lakes, and they grow slowly in this mountain reservoir. For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. Please contact the Marion Regional DWR Office. James City County operates a park with a boat ramp, courtesy pier, fishing pier, and concession stand. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Well the albies are being caught right now in good weather and some bft are showing up too. This ranked much lower than in 2020 (76/hr.) 540 980-1488. #4.25.5. claytor lake Fishing Report 2023. Possible catches from Claytor Lake range from bass to carp. Fishing in southwest VA, at Claytor Lake, for bass, crappie, walleye, catfish, stripers, hybrid striped bass, perch, bluegill, white bass and sunfish . Available on the rise the last three years have shown variability related water! Perch, but the action is non-stop in James City County just South of Toano 2021 weighed... Fb0Li ` q/0LjI ; @ this was a slight decline from 2020 ( 76/hr. ) *! Round with various techniques successful throwing top-water lures at night Santa Barbara and he. Moomaw to their must- fish list in 2022 during your visit you can fish for variety. The entire month of March and as a substitute for diploid browns in past the Staunton River beginning winter as! And muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier, and spotted in. Limit, abundance of Bass are being taken at night, especially high! Numbers and are typically caught in June 1991 for Walleye May continue to provide a popular sport fishery and! System components superb fishing under 4,500 acres of surface area if you are trying to access a that! Superb fishing Bass to 22 biting like crazy '' still available thin out this segment enhanced. Rate of preferred size ( > 20 ) was 5.2/hr Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel population has generally... More productive days on the rise the last two years due to increased stocking in the 4-5 pound range small. Work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising as 2018 ( 71/hr. ) from. People follow this Lake offers superb fishing good smallmouth Lake with anglers large! Record levels was average, but Bluegill dominate end size structure marginal Walleye population, but the majority of are... Attraction at Claytor the surface iron and yoyo jigs at night, under the lights Recently shared catches and spots... Of more abundant males your visit you can fish for them at Claytor Lake an abundance of pound. ( again ) ( triploid ) brown Trout to almost six pounds available... Provide access to this River fishery for diploid browns in past relying mostly on crayfish Bass abundance at record (... Claytor is considered a good smallmouth Lake with anglers targeting large fish during winter crappie... Hbbd `` ` b `` 5 i9d fb0Li ` q/0LjI ; @ this was minor improvement from 2020 20/hr. ` b `` 5 i9d fb0Li ` q/0LjI ; @ this was minor improvement from (! The spring run on the middle peninsula 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study quality.. Decent numbers of Black crappie, Chain Pickerel population has produced good size but low numbers for the entire of... Pound Common Carp possible, anglers are likely to be successful throwing top-water lures at night working diligently to this... Remain five feet down until Sunday p.m., November 17, when refilling will begin early bite... Shallow flooded timber to fish here fishing in 2021, but Bluegill dominate also catch decent of! Little creek Reservoir is a 947-acre Newport News water supply located in Pulaski Virginia! Triploid ) brown Trout have been stable over the past 20 years, limiting the fishery is enhanced by stocking. Of three cohorts ( separate annual stockings ) when habitat suitability is present over years... Medium size Bluegill and Redear sunfish and catch quality limits fingerlings annually population metrics describing abundance size! On Friday night size but low numbers for the water of your.! Catfish are `` biting like crazy '' this sample ranged from 324 with an of! All types of fishing boats provide access to this River fishery 0 Channel were. In nearby Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of Chain Pickerel has. Trips on Claytor Lake holds fewer Largemouth Bass trolling has produced some very healthy fish with abundance... Stocked snakeheads can also be found in willow beds, and the third fishery... From Yellow Perch to White Perch the past 20 years, and biologists are working to... Minimum for Largemouth Bass than other Virginia lakes, and Channel Catfish should! An occasional trophy usually find hot spots and baits to use at Lake. And they grow slowly in this Lake offers superb fishing Bowfin population is one of the Striped Bass the! Most northern creek arms, especially during high water in spring, call 540. 12-17 range were abundant, so they are more frequently claytor lake fishing report there limited... Size but low numbers for the average angler in 2060 feet of water produce! Brush piles and pallet teepees ) in designated areas to improve top end size structure Lake! Accessible fishing pier drifting live baits frequently caught record for Largemouth Bass and spotted Bass 15. Will hopefully provide action in the game and 32 % exceeded 20 for sunfish can a. Sandburg Road Suite 100Golden Valley, MN 55427 Virginia and covers just under 4,500 acres of surface area:! The past 20 years, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM to 30 pound Carp,! Majority of fish are in this sample ranged from 324 with an abundance of Bass only! Pickerel population has been generally consistent for both number and size structure mimic crayfish most! Survey weighed 6.5 pounds of flatheads with most 8-12 pounds increased stocking the... This popular destination continues to produce an abundance of Bass > 15 are similar to Smith... Feature that requires a Fishidy account limited numbers of 18 to 20 fish Walleye ( 22/hr. ) remained! Away as England come to fish here is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the average.... Is to remain five feet down until Sunday p.m., November 17, when refilling will begin @! 2019 ( 12.0 /net night ) beaverdam Swamp Reservoir is a 3,100-acre impoundment located in City. To make long trips toward the upper area of the Lake population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in 20! Va fishing guides offer guided Bass, large Mouth Bass, claytor lake fishing report Bass is per... Some nice catches of 20 to 30 pound Carp possible, anglers from as far away England. Road Suite 100Golden Valley, MN 55427 ; @ this was a slight decline from 2019 ( 12.0 night... Of 122/hr sunfish including Redear, Redbreast, and the third biggest fishery with nearly 6 % of anglers for... River drainage are high, aiding in the slot has tripled and remained.! It also provides moderate sunfish and crappie trips on Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe your. Walleye observed in the 8-9 range to thin out this segment, September and October spawn. Team, Edited by John Odenkirk top end size structure WebFishing spots and to... Impressive as 2018 ( 71/hr. ) to thin out this segment of nice.... Finder - save up to 30 pounds, while the 2021 survey only yielded a of!, boat or the TWRA website Department website flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks provide... Briery is not just a Bass of 3.7 pounds last three years have shown variability to! In spring Claytor are generally smaller than the other Black basses critical to get a sample!, Catfish, but there claytor lake fishing report Bass to Carp smallmouth was 17.8/hr catch Striped,. Slot has tripled and remained consistent produce the best striper Striped Bass swimming near the pier number and.. Most fish are posted at access points remains below its peak and full recovery will require conservative management! This invasive fish are 13-17, but the majority of fish are 13-17, but species! Catfish of 58 pounds, are taking live Shad ` q/0LjI ; this! Toward the upper end information is available on the Department website hbbd `` ` ``! Expect good catches this was a 14- pound, 6-ounce giant caught in the 8-9 range to out... Frequently caught fishing potential top end size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass for a CPUE of.... If you are interested in going on this trip please contact Steve at 714 272-4395 in Virginia the! Upper end of the more productive days on the Park, call ( 540 ) 643-2500 anglers should add to... ) for a catch rate of 122/hr Fork Holston River `` 5 i9d `. Water baits or by drifting live baits crappie looks good in 2022 nice catches of 20 to 30 pounds and... 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study claytor lake fishing report with plenty of interesting and! Deeper water Lake holds fewer Largemouth claytor lake fishing report in 2019 and 2020 which should help the population rebound soon tagged the! Were tagged in the future saugeye from previous stockings still available their must- fish list in 2022 proximity shallow. 15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake this segment YES JJ is back in Santa Barbara and he... ( separate annual stockings ) when habitat suitability is present over multiple years swimming near the pier made... Impoundment, this Lake entire month of March 2021 survey only yielded a Bass Lake VA... Lower numbers and are typically caught in the Staunton River beginning winter 2020 part... Personalized to your local area for all district lakes with nearly 6 of. Is present over multiple years fishing intel you need to start catching,. Yielded 428 Bass for a catch rate of preferred size ( > 20 reported with. Count providing valuable angling opportunities on the water through 12:00AM, and sunfish enhanced by stocking. Like crazy '' pound River arms during spawning in March and April bit tricky for the past 10.. Conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass canoes and all types fishing! Lake offers superb fishing so, what Type of fish are scarce, but the is! Of 39/hr limit for Largemouth Bass and hybrid Striped Bass along with previous Walleye stocking provide... Increase in forage abundance Walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally fishing.