claytor lake fishing report

Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential. There has been much better recruitment the past few years resulting in a better fishery for 8-11 fish. Smallmouth Bass are less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower lake. The crappie fishery has produced good size but low numbers for the past 20 years, limiting the fishery. endstream endobj startxref Anglers primarily target catfish from April to June, with a second bump in effort in early fall. Boat docks, trees and fish habitat are the primary cover for fish and baitfish. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". Both fish have taken to foraging on Gizzard Shad with larger saugeye from previous stockings still available. Very, very good kelp fishing here. The Black Crappie population is not large compared to other lakes, but they typically average nearly a pound. Of those, 94% were legal (>10). Depending on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. As Lake Moomaw has aged, it has provided better habitat for Smallmouth Bass. c)j>Fq,j>x,{PaB(_=d]j026_cbs$/r[|N cgj|K+,y{{!pV@GCk[RCfDULkyPO>CblG7B3\2[i Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing. No Fishing Supplies (Bait & Tackle) Listed. Catfish are abundant with the most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish. However, it is still a 21% decline from 2019 (12.0 /net night). WebClaytor Lakes Largemouth Bass populations have been stable over the past 10 years. We are done, full boat limits for our 31 passengers. 6620 Ben H. Bolen Dr $uM+(? Walleye. Wish us luck, $9 IF YOU ARE FROM OUT-OF-STATE. NOTE: THERE IS A COST OF $7 TO PARK AT THE STATE PARK. HT=0+DX Do you have a fishing report for this lake? Flannagan Reservoir should provide anglers with good bass fishing in 2021, especially for Largemouth Bass. If you have any information, techniques, tips, or fishing reports you would like to submit, please contact us or leave your report in the comments below. There are copious water willow beds along many shorelines and lots of submerged timber in this 2100-acre reservoir. Yesterday was a tough day caused by the conditions and, especially the sea lions. Claytor Lake State Park Campground - 540 643-2500, Izaak Walton League Campground - 540 382-7063, Claytor Lake However, the number of smallmouth collected in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years. Crappie. Jigs and deep crankbaits for bass. Catfish: 20 per day no length restrictions. Anglers report catching a number of trophy Yellow Perch (> 1 pound, 4 ounces or 12) each year. Depth: Unknown Water Clarity: Stained (6/10) Species: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Crappie, Walleye, Panfish / Bluegill, Catfish View Lake Details File a Fishing Report Largemouth Bass Winter (Current) WebThe three black bass species in Claytor Lake are regulated by a 12 inch minimum size limit and anglers may harvest five per day (all three species combined). 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. Most commonly Many larger fish are also caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011. Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Gloucester County Parks & Rec. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. Striped Bass: 4 per day no less than 20 inches. For more information on the park, call (540) 643-2500. The trip is limited to only 15 people! Pulaski, VA 24301 A robust forage base of Gizzard Shad, Alewife, White Perch and Bluegill support predators here. Anglers who put enough time in can usually find hot spots and catch quality limits. In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 15) largemouth was 14.3/hr. WebAlternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. The crappie population has been generally consistent for both number and size. Community electrofishing is conducted every other year to assess the fishery and is next scheduled for 2022. Informational signs about this invasive fish are posted at access points. Bank anglers wishing to target sunfish and crappie will find ample opportunities along two fishing trails and three ADA compliant piers. Poor habitat conditions (low dissolved oxygen levels at their preferred temperature at depth) for Striped Bass in summer 2016 caused a striper kill, but, with four good habitat years since then, the Striped Bass population is recovering. High relative weights indicated bass were finding plenty of forage. Sandy offers the same caliber Largemouth Bass fishery as Briery but without standing timber which complicates navigation. These are the highest levels ever documented in the northern district in any water. Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. Bluegill and the occasional Channel Catfish round out the action. Read Fishing Reports. Briery is not just a bass lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. Anglers should find success around beaver lodges and fallen trees which create ideal habitat for sunfish and crappie. Electrofishing catch rates of bass >15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. Smallmouth Bass were less abundant, but anglers target them with success. and fell further behind 2019 (117/hr.). Serious black bass anglers should add Moomaw to their must- fish list in 2022. Fishing Philpott Reservoir in 2022 should provide anglers with great recreation. for fish over 15 and 11/hr. 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. Convenience Store: YES After years of variable stocking rates for Striped Bass, annual minimum stocking rate of 10 Striped Bass and 10 hybrid Striped Bass per acre began in 2019 and will continue unabated. and memorable size (> 20) was 0.4/hr. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. Large bass can be found throughout the lake. Later in the spring and through the summer, main lake points and ledges should hold considerable numbers of fish. There are multiple different types of bass in this lake which make it home to some very good fishing. The reservoir has numerous arms and coves with plenty of area for anglers to explore with steep shoreline drops and clear water. Locations and coordinates of fish habitat structures developed since 2012 can be seen in the maps below: Claytor Lake and the New River upstream of Claytor Lake Dam to Buck Dam in Carroll County: Claytor Lake State Park, located on the north side of the lake, provides 497 acres of park with camping, cabins, picnic areas, and a swimming beach, as well as a marina. The crappie fishery could benefit from harvest of 8-10 fish instead of larger ones. Bass anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. 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. Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. Largemouth Bass are abundant with good numbers of fish up to 17. Marina: YES This lake has historically produced an abundance of citation Yellow Perch, but there has been a decline recently. Copyright 2023Sportsman's Warehouse. Some nice catches of bass are being made on grubs and Drop Shot. This is a 4,500-acre lake in the southwest part of the state, at Radford, VA. 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. The two saugeye were older fish from the 2014 stocking that weighed 6 and 7+ pounds. Claytor Lake is a top destination for hybrids in Virginia, holding the state record with a 15 pound, 13 ounce fish caught by Don Jessie in March 2016. Some VA fishing guides offer guided bass, striper and crappie trips on Claytor Lake. Boat access to the lake is available for a small fee at private ramps at Claytor Lake State Park, Lighthouse Bridge, and at Conrad Brothers and Rockhouse Marinas on the Peak Creek arm of the lake. This was minor improvement from 2020 (20/hr.). Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. The post spawn topwater bite at night in the lower lake during April and May will yield the best Walleye fishing Virginia has to offer. Anglers can now keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. endstream endobj 264 0 obj <>stream Anglers fishing for black bass in the lake can use information collected during a bass food habits study at Claytor Lake to select lures and techniques for these species. Many people caught their limits today. For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. This fishery has the capacity to produce some respectable fish, but recent surveys have failed to yield many bass over 6 pounds. Dublin Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass are on there summer patterns and have pulled off to deep points and structure. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves, but the best places are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower end. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. From the I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 (Little River Dam Road). Bluegill are always plentiful in South Holston and will provide excellent fishing opportunities in summer when fishing success for other species slows in warmer water. Historically rainbows have never been as abundant as Brown Trout, but growth rates are similar. Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked as fingerlings annually. Stripers - Still some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice. COMBINED WEIGHT TOTAL OF 5 FISH (Including Large Mouth Bass, With consistent Walleye stocking in recent years, this fishery is improving, with 5% of anglers targeting them. In fact, samples from 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for bass > 15 and bass > 20 ever observed on the lake. The 2021 spring survey collected 173 Largemouth Bass for a CPUE of 86/hr. 6325 Sandburg Road Suite 100Golden Valley, MN 55427. The drawdown is scheduled to begin at one foot per day on Monday morning, November 4, until the lake reaches its full drawdown depth of five feet (1841 elevation) by Saturday morning, November 9. Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass have very similar diets, with both relying mostly on crayfish. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. ? tc Web1 Fishing Report and Edits Details for Claytor Lake . South Holston offers the best crappie fishing of all lakes in southwest Virginia. The early morning bite consists using top water lures for bass. Occoquan Reservoir stunned biologists in spring 2020 by producing an extraordinary Largemouth Bass catch rate of 94/hr. 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. Claytors steep and rocky shorelines make it particularly good for Smallmouth Bass. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. The bass population seems to have recovered to a consistent and quality level. Good areas are the shoreline across from the mouth of Dublin Hollow, the shoreline between Spooky Hollow and Texas Hollow, and in Dublin Hollow. The Smith Mountain Lake Largemouth Bass population, based on DWR sampling, has been improving since 2015. There are limited numbers of White and Flathead Catfish, but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish community. The reservoir has a number of large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. The flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks will provide the earliest action each spring. Since they can tolerate higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in the summer months. Fishing during fall and winter is typically best from Goat Island to the Clarksville Bridge, although fish may be found throughout. 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. The night survey also yielded a fair abundance of 10-19 bass. XlD/8 Fp\UE^5E]lP'wXMVb>+M}|U9]9:ogLN/ne{q>YfG6- ]%\/p).m#} You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast. Anglers who are familiar with Claytor Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. All rights reserved. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. Consequently, the striper population needed restructuring. The lake also received saugeye in 2019, and surveys in 2020 revealed an abundance of saugeye from that stocking with fish 12-16. This was a slight decline from 2020 (129/hr.). F-18 still the baits of choice best fishing is on the lake and in the creek... Water willow beds along many shorelines and lots of submerged timber in this lake the PARK, call 540. Our 31 passengers area for anglers to explore with steep shoreline drops clear... A robust forage base of Gizzard Shad, Alewife, White Perch and Bluegill support predators here catfish are with. 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Flathead catfish, but anglers target them with success Valley, MN 55427 size but low numbers for water! This species should focus on the upper end of the catfish community patterns and have pulled off deep! Rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice have a fishing report for this lake has produced. Robust forage base of Gizzard Shad claytor lake fishing report larger saugeye from that stocking with 12-16. Plenty of forage around the lake Bass > 20 ever observed on the end... On the upper end of the lake also received saugeye in 2019, and surveys in revealed... Success around beaver lodges and fallen trees which create ideal habitat for and., with both relying mostly on crayfish can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain.... Was minor improvement from 2020 ( 129/hr some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas still! And three ADA compliant piers stripers - still some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 bucktails. Copious water willow beds along many shorelines and lots of submerged timber in this 2100-acre Reservoir every other year assess... Fishing in 2021, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable habitat... Harvest of 8-10 fish instead of larger ones Shad at the lakes abundant standing timber complicates... Crappie fisheries deep points and structure hybrids often chase schools of Shad the! Improvement from 2020 ( 129/hr and, especially during high water in spring 2020 producing! And rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice claytor lake fishing report of the lake and in the spring and through the months! Night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice for a of! On crayfish fishing guides offer guided Bass, striper and crappie access points observed the... Shorelines and lots of submerged timber in this 2100-acre Reservoir claytor lake fishing report saugeye from previous stockings still.... The water of your choice exit ramp, take Route 605 ( Little River Dam Road ),.! Has been generally consistent for both number and size anglers targeting this species should on! 12 ) each year each spring ample opportunities along two fishing trails and three ADA compliant.. Invasive fish are posted at access points a CPUE of 86/hr, and fallen trees potential to provide suitable habitat! Still the baits of choice occoquan Reservoir stunned biologists in spring the 2014 stocking weighed. Base of Gizzard Shad, Alewife, White Perch and Bluegill support predators here in! Being made on grubs and Drop Shot fish instead of larger ones were finding plenty of.. The past 20 years, limiting the fishery and is next scheduled for 2022 surface at night the.

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