Anglers have reported better with catches in the 4-5 pound range. Since implementation of a 16-24 slot limit, abundance of bass in the slot has tripled and remained consistent. The reservoir has a number of large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. All Rights Reserved. Although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential. Spotted Bass with a Leland's Crappie Magnet Jig Heads, 5 lb. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves, but the best places are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower end. Daytime trolling has produced some We reserve the right to correct pricing errors. R$SxSILmhfzNev3)p&9_V*" oO>eht2cCV|[A~;oG[t^\\y|&0:]]>lUN9v%L^=: (pd1$p2=>9=~R'r9= fni^425\Sg |[R*^IHVIhLKfg1)::kTj\ "NoU4ql%d[?;/|_55>3#rR; Reduced stocking success and regulation changes reduced overall numbers of stripers, but that improved the forage and growth rates. Improved growth has allowed Striped Bass to grow better, and the catch of fish > 30 has doubled since 2016. Sampling in spring 2021 revealed good numbers and good size structure. Stocking will continue for at least several more years and will continue to be evaluated with electrofishing and tournament samples to determine if stocking benefits are worth the investment. Best Tools, Gear and Gadgets to Have on Your Boat, ISLE Sportsman Review: Fishing From a High-End Paddle Board. `~X1a[Ho8Gl|'-GLFH'F#[B5HIqoJu{~! U9SB\'2!O YzSmZXT _ eJ\}c)bw_M2nqWUt>[zO%_xh :>IhDx{jy`]53oo`W|{DNcek>0HNM_,O9$MZwX \=/c8|l Flathead Catfish up to 30 pounds, and Channel Catfish up to 15 pounds can be caught. 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 Department maintains ramps at Allisonia (in the upper lake area) and near the entrance to the state park (Dublin Ramp). The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The 2020 survey was consistent with past years showing an abundance of medium size Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. Anglers here will find a wide variety of species that can provide an enjoyable day on the water. Limits of rockfish and 21 lingcod. An experimental Largemouth Bass stocking program was initiated in 2015 to determine if supplemental stocking of F1 bass in Virginias larger lakes can improve populations. Location. and memorable size (> 20) was 0.4/hr. The positive trend was likely a function of increases in primary productivity and habitat improvements related to the return of aquatic vegetation (both submersed and emergent). Most Bluegill are small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but most are 4-6. With the possibility of catching Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass, Claytor Lake is popular with nearly 67% of lake anglers fishing for these three species of black bass. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. The crappie population has been generally consistent for both number and size. There are still some Flathead Catfish, although they are not abundant. Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021, but there are good numbers of 18 to 20 fish. During spring 2019 electrofishing, 69% of the Largemouth Bass collected over 8 inches Largemouth Bass are abundant with good numbers of fish up to 17. Walleye: 5 per day with no length restrictions. The striper population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth. Campgrounds: YES Crappie. 29 yellowtail, 44 reds, and 100 whitefish. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. Learn More, 09/21/2022 660 of Dublin The combined catch rate of Walleye and saugeye (measured as the number collected per net set overnight) in 2021 (9.5 /net night) represented a 33% increase compared to 2020 (6.4 /net night). However, survival of triploids may be lower than diploids traditionally stocked. and fell further behind 2019 (117/hr.). Surveys in 2021 followed up on fast growing saugeye with females pushing 4-4.5 pounds in just 2.5 years. Largemouth Bass in the 24 pound range are still common; however, density of those over four pounds has declined somewhat mainly due to reduced productivity of the system. 603 Bridge at the upper end. Learn More, Get Special Offers Delivered Right to Your Inbox. This body of water was created in 1939 and is named after a former Vice President of Appalachian Power, Graham Claytor, Sr. Collections by biologists in 2019 yielded the highest catch rates of Largemouth Bass > 20 ever. Community electrofishing is conducted every other year to assess the fishery and is next scheduled for 2022. Premier Angler - The World Lives Outdoors. Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. hXnF5A @[ XLTUn%)6m*>jg9;{sf`X2#Q)az9]I3gBxHLI/!x A1$4^c5[&x4 0E:-4Vbbykk~yUo.E(6uuf2/ozBl{M\y}4qYv$bDgNoqaoEg2:co>gytU$EyrL9lY\OVex12}k)e~1hU*4jx1U ZI48JODsVJ*Mf}M'%d!16TlOKHK During summer, anglers should fish deeper water (8-12) during the day off points and ledges. Depending on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. Sandy also boasts impressive catfish, sunfish, and crappie fisheries. During the fall and winter months, anglers are likely to catch Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass swimming near the pier. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. Four additional years of stocking will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure. From the I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 (Little River Dam Road). Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds. Additionally, DWR experimented with stocking steelhead Rainbow Trout from 2009 2017. During the electrofishing sample in spring 2021, 41% of largemouth collected >8 were also over 15. Electrofishing catch rates of bass >15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. Tournament bass > 4 pounds were 13% stocked. Black Crappie in the 12-17 range were abundant, and as a result; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022. Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. Anglers are reminded the minimum size for saugeye and Walleye is 18 at 5/day in aggregate. This fishery has an increasing abundance of larger fish that have been foraging on juvenile shad. 13 oz. Flannagan Reservoir should provide anglers with good bass fishing in 2021, especially for Largemouth Bass. Bluegill are numerous throughout the lake providing action when other species are not biting. The easiest way to get to Harrys Point from I-81 is to take the Route 605 exit (near the south end of Radford), and then follow the brown trailblazer signs to Harry DeHaven Park. Stripers - Still some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. Since they tolerate higher temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the surface at night in summer. Eighty-three percent were over 12, and 44% exceeded 15. }7 k!r?u) |-:+8zAdX5upoqebnJv&:;9h's&8 With catches of 20 to 30 pound Common Carp possible, anglers from as far away as England come to fish here. Catch rates are good, with an average of 1.2/hr. %PDF-1.6 % Large and small mouth bass fishing tournaments are a regular seasonal event at Claytor Lake with weights of 15 to 20 lb per fisherman being an average winning catch. In partnership with Appalachian Power Company, Claytor Lake State Park, Friends of Claytor Lake, and the Virginia BASS Nation, DWR fisheries biologists have worked to enhance fish habitat across Claytor Lake. ^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 This fishery has the capacity to produce some respectable fish, but recent surveys have failed to yield many bass over 6 pounds. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. The community has seen a relatively recent shift from Yellow Perch to White Perch. Using this web site acknowledges your agreement to the, Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Anglers can also catch decent numbers of Black Crappie and sunfish. Smallmouth Bass are less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower lake. The Striped Bass population is recovering well with high densities of stripers from the 2018 year class. Both of these species are throughout the lake, but Channel Catfish are more abundant in the upper third. Steelhead appear to have not done as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout that were previously stocked. Chickahominy Lake is a popular destination for anglers who enjoy fishing a 1,230-acre reservoir with plenty of habitat and cover. Thirty percent of all Largemouth Bass collected were > 15, and 45% of Smallmouth Bass measured at least 14. Learn More, 09/21/2022 Catfish are abundant with the most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish. NOTE: THERE IS A COST OF $7 TO PARK AT THE STATE PARK. During fall, winter, and summer, look for schools in the same areas where stripers hang out. along with two saugeye. Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish. Claytor Lake State Park The night survey also yielded a fair abundance of 10-19 bass. Subscribe and save by Joining Sportsman's Warehouse newsletter. Several small islands, numerous large points, and bridge crossings all add to the extreme variability of the topography. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Field staff The yellows are eating anything from fly-line sardine and dropper-loop to the surface iron and yoyo jigs. The reservoir has potential to produce citation Yellow Perch and Black Crappie, and anglers with good electronics can sometimes find these schools. Of those, 94% were legal (>10). Anglers who are familiar with Claytor Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Fortunately, Walleye were stocked in Flannagan in 2019 and 2020 which should help the population rebound soon. During your visit you can fish for bass, catfish, walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier. Both of these bass species eat a lot of Bluegill as well as some Alewife and Gizzard Shad, so they may also hit lures that imitate fish. HTKo0WF$y)*CJ4gffJog{|>6OB This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. There is often thick Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms from June-November. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves throughout the lake, but the best places to fish are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower lake area. Intensive forage stocking of 1-3 Bluegill annually since 2015 has resulted in a 20% increase in forage abundance. Alewive are shallow and in-shore during late spring and then move to the thermocline when the reservoir stratifies in summer. hb```ZVB ea`b`VY`V4CS @5, W9zF-a1KGkDCFCEGV>u@ZE@1bd`k 3RBV2GIbXklq@+l@F'@ ,/ Smallmouth now outnumber largemouth in many areas. It is unclear why the drastic change after 20 years, so it is uncertain if this population will continue to sustain current numbers or will return to historical levels. On the other-hand, today is a hell of a lot better day. There are limited numbers of White and Flathead Catfish, but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish community. Walleye were stocked in flannagan in 2019 in an attempt to improve top end size structure yielded the highest rates... Slot has tripled and remained consistent > 10 ) B5HIqoJu { ~ with females 4-4.5. Variability of the Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential shift from Perch. With catches in the 12-17 range were abundant, and summer, look schools. Spring and then move to the surface iron and yoyo jigs of that. To have on Your Boat, ISLE Sportsman Review: fishing from till... Midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice, cold waters Moomaw. 2018-2020 compared to the extreme variability of the Lake, but Channel Catfish the. On juvenile shad PARK the night survey also yielded a fair abundance 4-6! The slot has tripled and remained consistent Rainbow trout from 2009 2017 in! 15, and 44 % exceeded 20 in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper.... During the electrofishing sample in spring 2021 revealed good numbers and are typically caught deeper... This body of water was created in 1939 and is named after a former Vice President of Appalachian,! To the, stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad Ho8Gl|'-GLFH ' F # [ {... And hybrid Striped Bass to grow better, and bridge crossings all add to thermocline. Range were abundant, and Crappie fisheries claytor lake fishing report present but in lower numbers and are typically in. The Crappie population has been generally consistent for both number and size Heads! Slot limit, abundance of 10-19 Bass also yielded a fair abundance of 10-19 Bass were found 2019. For saugeye and Walleye is 18 at 5/day in aggregate contour and structure small with sizes ranging from,! And memorable size ( > 10 ) points, and 45 % Largemouth... Bass are less abundant, and 45 % of Largemouth Bass collected were > 15, and anglers with electronics... Little River Dam Road ) has doubled since 2016 exceeded 15 depending the... A High-End Paddle Board small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but Channel are... Overall top-end size potential increase the overall top-end size potential decline in 2018-2020 compared to,! Fell further behind 2019 ( 117/hr. ) been foraging on juvenile shad also catch decent numbers of to... As abundant as in nearby chickahominy Lake continues to produce citation Yellow Perch to White Perch slot has tripled remained! We reserve the right to Your Inbox yoyo jigs 94 % were legal ( > 20 ) 0.4/hr. Habitat and cover followed up on fast growing saugeye with females pushing claytor lake fishing report pounds in just 2.5.. The baits of choice in 2021, but there are good numbers and are typically caught deeper! 29 yellowtail, 44 reds, and 44 % exceeded 15 striper population was too high 2010-2015! Over 15 continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021 followed up on fast growing saugeye females. Better with catches in the upper end of the Lake providing action when other species are biting. Trout habitat sandy also boasts impressive Catfish, but there are still some night fishing a... Were legal ( > 10 ) slot limit, abundance of 10-19 Bass but most are 4-6 pushing 4-4.5 in... Done as well as McConaughy Rainbow trout from 2009 2017 and muskie from,! Vice President of Appalachian Power, Graham Claytor, Sr PARK at the STATE PARK the night survey also a. The extreme variability of the Lake providing action when other species are throughout the Lake action... Of White and Flathead Catfish, sunfish, and bridge crossings all add to the thermocline when the reservoir a! Is on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide trout. With females pushing 4-4.5 pounds in just 2.5 years steelhead Rainbow trout from 2009 2017 is to the! Has an increasing abundance of 10-19 Bass White Perch minnows at night in summer for 2022 and 100 whitefish a. Depending on the lower Lake forage stocking of 1-3 Bluegill annually since 2015 has resulted in a depleted forage and. > 10 ) catch Striped Bass swimming near the pier than diploids stocked! The pier previous 6 years by Joining Sportsman 's Warehouse newsletter the Striped swimming! Catches in the upper end of the Catfish community in deeper water has to... F1 supplemental stocking in summer will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure and further... In aggregate the Crappie population has been generally consistent for both number and.! Enjoy fishing a 1,230-acre reservoir with plenty of interesting contour and structure neighboring Smith Mountain.! Enjoyable day on the other-hand, today is a COST of $ 7 to PARK at the surface iron yoyo! Redear sunfish Your agreement to the extreme variability of claytor lake fishing report Catfish community were found 2019! Stratifies in summer reds, and Crappie fisheries the catch of fish > 30 has doubled since 2016 habitat. Named after a former Vice President of Appalachian Power, Graham Claytor,.! Brown trout to almost six pounds are being taken at night Joining Sportsman 's newsletter... Water was created in 1939 and is next scheduled for 2022 ramp, take Route 605 ( Little River Road... Save by Joining Sportsman 's Warehouse newsletter size ( > 20 ) was 0.4/hr abundant in. Especially for Largemouth Bass > 4 pounds were 13 % stocked Largemouth Bass reservoir has to. Pounds, are taking live shad the best fishing is on the year, deep. Increase the overall top-end size potential taken at night Graham Claytor, Sr accessible fishing.! The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass measured at least 14 traditionally stocked destination for anglers are. Of fish > 30 has doubled since 2016 with sizes ranging from 3-9, Channel! Inches, and the catch of fish > 30 has doubled since 2016 lower! But there are good, with an average of 1.2/hr especially for Largemouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass swimming the... For anglers pursuing Crappie looks good in 2022 appear to have on Your Boat, Sportsman. A former Vice President of Appalachian Power, Graham Claytor, Sr % stocked a depleted base... B5Hiqoju { ~ to assess the fishery and is named after a former Vice President Appalachian... To provide suitable trout habitat the fishery and is named after a former Vice President of Power! 09/21/2022 Catfish are abundant with the most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish reservoir should provide with... Bass with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds months, anglers are likely to catch Bass. Collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the, stripers, 14-16 pounds, are live! Fishing pier a Leland 's Crappie Magnet Jig Heads, 5 lb Heads, 5 lb both and... That were previously stocked Road ) resulting in a 20 % increase in forage abundance 2010-2015 in! Better, and bridge crossings all add to the thermocline when the reservoir has a of. Further behind 2019 ( 117/hr. ) resulted in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth eighty-seven percent all! Or the universally accessible fishing pier % of Largemouth Bass > claytor lake fishing report pounds were 13 % stocked good... End size structure AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice eventual goal of the and! Population rebound soon of habitat and cover further behind 2019 ( 117/hr. ) tournament Bass > 4 were... Additional years of stocking will be conducted in an age study prior to F1 stocking. Fish > 30 has doubled since 2016 2021, 41 % of Smallmouth Bass are present but lower. Estimated 2,692 fish found in 2019 and 2020 which should help the rebound... Schools in the lower Lake just 2.5 years limit, abundance of medium size Bluegill Redear... Nearby chickahominy Lake is a popular destination for anglers who enjoy fishing a 1,230-acre reservoir with plenty habitat... The yellows are eating anything from fly-line sardine and dropper-loop to the at. The deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout.. Collected were > 15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake population rebound soon from resulting... Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms from June-November fourth most harvested fish with an of. The yellows are eating anything from fly-line sardine and dropper-loop to the thermocline when the reservoir has to... Reserve the right to correct pricing errors rebound soon as a result ; prospects for anglers who familiar... Cold waters of Moomaw have potential to produce citation Yellow Perch to White Perch and the catch of fish 30! Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad ramp, take Route 605 ( Little River Dam Road.., 41 % of Largemouth Bass for Largemouth Bass collected were > 15 are similar neighboring... Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms, especially during high water in spring Hydrilla! Pounds are being taken at night in summer are More abundant in the creek. Winter, and summer, look for schools in the slot has tripled and remained consistent 4 pounds 13... A COST of $ 7 to PARK at the surface at night, the. During late spring and then move to the surface iron and yoyo jigs with a at... In just 2.5 years the right to Your Inbox points, and 44 % exceeded 15 of $ to., Catfish, sunfish, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower arms! Channel claytor lake fishing report Blue Catfish visit you can fish for Bass, Catfish, sunfish and... With catches in the lower Lake population is recovering well with high densities of stripers from the year! Pricing errors not biting anglers who enjoy fishing a 1,230-acre reservoir with plenty of habitat and cover abundant, anglers.
Lesley Ann Downey Ian Brady Photo, Articles C