Since they can tolerate higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in the summer months. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. hbbd```b``5 i9d fb0Li`q/0LjI;@ Anglers who are familiar with Claytor Lake are asked to suggest changes using the link above. These fish were tagged in the Staunton River beginning winter 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study. WebFishing at Claytor Lake, Virginia Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake. but not as impressive as 2018 (71/hr.). VDWR biologists use the catch rate of Walleye in annual gill net samples as a measure of relative abundance. Please contact the Marion Regional DWR Office. 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 2019 survey revealed the highest catch rate of preferred-sized bass ( 15 inches) with a CPUE of 50/hr., while the 2020 survey came back down to earth at 16/hr. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 20-60 of water can produce. Other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply. Sampling by VDWR biologists in 2021 documented Largemouth Bass abundance at record levels. The 2021 electrofishing survey was not one of the more productive days on the water. Buggs Island is also one of Virginias best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon. The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. The flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks will provide the earliest action each spring. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Wish us luck, Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. Catch rates are good, with an average of 1.2/hr. This decline can largely be attributed to missed stocked cohorts in 2016 and 2018 from insufficient hatchery production. 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. 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). Claytor Lake holds fewer Largemouth Bass than other Virginia lakes, and they grow slowly in this mountain reservoir. Depth: Unknown Water Clarity: Stained (6/10) The Black Crappie population is still riding a big-fish cycle. Some nice bass were collected in 2021, but the vast majority of larger females were missed due to warm weather during March. WebAlternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. The survey did not reveal an abundance of bass with only 46 collected (23/hr.). The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. However, the number of smallmouth collected in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years. %%EOF Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. This reservoir has historically supported a fair Striped Bass population that has fluctuated for both number and size due to variable recruitment. 259 0 obj <> endobj Lake Chesdins crappie community has been producing some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between a black and white). Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). There are copious water willow beds along many shorelines and lots of submerged timber in this 2100-acre reservoir. Stripers - Still some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice. Bass: 5 per day, only 2 can be less than 14 inches. From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). While most anglers troll or float live Gizzard Shad and Alewife, many are taken with topwater baits (Redfins, Rapalas, etc.) | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Largemouth Bass with a black n blue spinner. 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. Sandy offers the same caliber Largemouth Bass fishery as Briery but without standing timber which complicates navigation. Total catch rate was 119 fish/hr. Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. Sandy also boasts impressive catfish, sunfish, and crappie fisheries. 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. However, survival of triploids may be lower than diploids traditionally stocked. W0CD;=+;q|M"V=hWE(bPmTHU.#E| K@@? WebAll about fishing at Claytor Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. So, although the number of Walleye and Saugeye were down, the majority of fish out there are legal (over 18). 21 in. 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). 280 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<551E622641CEE34F8CCF593BD61F3844>]/Index[259 47]/Info 258 0 R/Length 106/Prev 425427/Root 260 0 R/Size 306/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream The lake was not trap netted in 2021, but the 2020 net survey found the crappie population healthy with an abundance of fish 11-13. There are multiple different types of bass in this lake which make it home to some very good fishing. Eighty-three percent were over 12, and 44% exceeded 15. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass are the third biggest fishery with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these. }7 k!r?u) |-:+8zAdX5upoqebnJv&:;9h's&8 The crappie fishery has produced good size but low numbers for the past 20 years, limiting the fishery. DWR stocks over 3,500 Channel Catfish annually to bolster this population. Serious black bass anglers should add Moomaw to their must- fish list in 2022. This was an increase from 2020 (62/hr.) DNA analysis from fin clips will allow for assessment of stocking success. Fishing from the shoreline is permitted throughout the park except for HTKo0WF$y)*CJ4gffJog{|>6OB Claytor Lake is the top destination for hybrids in Virginia, setting a new state record with a hybrid weighing 15 pounds, 13 ounces caught by local angler Don Jessie on March 16, 2016. In fact, samples from 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for bass > 15 and bass > 20 ever observed on the lake. On the other-hand, today is a hell of a lot better day. Convenience Store: YES Learn More The largest bass in the 2021 survey weighed 6.5 pounds. hb```ZVB ea`b`VY`V4CS @5, W9zF-a1KGkDCFCEGV>u@ZE@1bd`k 3RBV2GIbXklq@+l@F'@ ,/ Location and Fishing Information: Claytor lake is located in Pulaski County Virginia and covers just under 4,500 acres of surface area. While there is no minimum for largemouth, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14. Bass anglers fishing South Holston Lake in 2022 should have an exceptional season. Actually caught two, a 1lb and a 1.25lb, but I didnt get a picture of the second fish, 1 lb. The reservoir has numerous arms and coves with plenty of area for anglers to explore with steep shoreline drops and clear water. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Striped bass fishing occurs year round with various techniques. The survey yielded 65 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 39/hr. This was minor improvement from 2020 (20/hr.). Claytor is considered a good smallmouth lake with anglers targeting large fish during winter. While the increasing bass population coincides with stocking, the primary reasons for the overall increase bass is likely improved forage and good spawning success. Recent creel survey data indicate anglers target Smallmouth Bass in cooler months and Largemouth Bass in warmer months, as habitat use and catchability changes. HSo0~GclTVZl4qd~C[">#1tfp1oxoZAxQFUf*_"7,$=1bIbH0a.R(Df hG"le,,bO,kW&og@gA9n[5 Fishing reports for claytor lake are updated each week, usually by Sterile (triploid) Brown Trout have been stocked as a substitute for diploid browns in past. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. The decline appeared to be from poor year classes but it has since recovered to historical highs. Anglers can keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. 0 Anglers are encouraged to switch over from bass to perch and crappie. The 2021 survey revealed similar results with few fish over 6. Briery is not just a bass lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. Claytor Lake bait populations (Alewife and Gizzard Shad) are high, aiding in the restoration of the Striped Bass fishery. The main forage base in Lake Moomaw consists of Gizzard Shad and Alewife. However, only Walleye were stocked since 2016, and this fishery declined to a level similar to historical populations. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 The 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 bass for a catch rate of 122/hr. So, what type of fish are in this lake? for fish over 20. During your visit you can fish for bass, catfish, walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier. James City County operates a park with a boat ramp, courtesy pier, fishing pier, and concession stand. The striper population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth. For up-to-date information, look up the fishing report for the water of your choice. 6 a.m. - 10 p.m. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Its a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. endstream endobj startxref Boat Rental: YES of electrofishing. RV Hookups: YES The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. information from bait shops, marinas and fishing guides. %PDF-1.6 % However, in 2021 Walleye were stocked at a reduced rate, once again due to insufficient hatchery production. 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. Poor habitat (low oxygen at preferred temperature) in summer 2016 caused a striper kill, but the population has started to rebound. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. Boat Launch Ramp: YES The 21-mile-long lake is filled with largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, along with other sport fish. The main sporting varieties are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. The survey revealed a disappointing assemblage of juvenile bass considering the supplemental stocking that occurred in June 2020. 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). 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. 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. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Size and creel limits are designed to protect large females while allowing some harvest of more abundant males. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. 540 731-8683, Mountain 2 Island at the Rock House Marina 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. Field staff update the fishing reports each Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". Bluegill are numerous throughout the lake providing action when other species are not biting. The improved population is a result of VDWR fisheries biologists restoring New River strain Walleye to the New River upstream from Claytor Lake. He is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March. 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. WebClaytor Lake (Dublin) VA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Claytor Lake (Dublin) Pulaski - Virginia 41 catches 536 followers 34 spots A New River impoundment, this lake Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Walleye fishing remains the best in the Commonwealth; however, fishing success has declined recently possibly due to increasing pressure and a missing 2016 year class due to hatchery issues. Walleye. Very, very good kelp fishing here. and memorable size (> 20) was 0.4/hr. 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