claytor lake fishing report

Yesterday was a tough day caused by the conditions and, especially the sea lions. The bass population seems to have recovered to a consistent and quality level. While there is no minimum for largemouth, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 Since Alabama Bass are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass, size and creel limits on Spotted Bass are no longer in place at Claytor Lake. Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing. Recent creel surveys estimated very high voluntary release of Largemouth Bass over 99%, which undoubtedly is helping keep mortality rates low (about 24%). Biologists collected 31 Walleye during fall 2021, and 45% were over 20 and legal. Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass (collectively called black bass) are the bread and butter fishes of this lake. Most Bluegill are small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but most are 4-6. The 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 bass for a catch rate of 122/hr. Claytor Lake holds fewer Largemouth Bass than other Virginia lakes, and they grow slowly in this mountain reservoir. Flathead Catfish up to 30 pounds, and Channel Catfish up to 15 pounds can be caught. Eighty-three percent were over 12, and 44% exceeded 15. All Rights Reserved. Since they can tolerate higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in the summer months. The combined daily creel limit for Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass is 5 per day. 540 980-1488. All of these fish attractors are places where anglers can find black bass, sunfish, and Black Crappie. The Smallmouth Bass population makes up less than 10% of black bass but still contributes to the fishery. Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. The largest bass in the 2021 survey weighed 6.5 pounds. However, in 2021 Walleye were stocked at a reduced rate, once again due to insufficient hatchery production. The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. Anglers are reminded the minimum size for saugeye and Walleye is 18 at 5/day in aggregate. Field staff Hybrid Striped Bass were stocked in 2013-2015 and 2017-2021, and pure Striped Bass were stocked in 2017 to diversify fishing opportunities. Also sign me up for tips and deals from the Omnia newsletter. During the electrofishing sample in spring 2021, 41% of largemouth collected >8 were also over 15. Depending on the year, the deep, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. Boat Launch Ramp: YES Learn More Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves, but the best places are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower end. Harry DeHaven Park Boat Launch Ramp James City County operates a park with a boat ramp, courtesy pier, fishing pier, and concession stand. During the spring run from February to May, look for Walleye where the New River enters the lake near Allisonia. 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. During your visit you can fish for bass, catfish, walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier. 540 980-1488. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. The lake record Flathead Catfish of 58 pounds, 8 ounces was caught from the upper area of the lake. lake levels, water temperatures, and other important information. Depth: Unknown Water Clarity: Stained (6/10) Anglers have reported better with catches in the 4-5 pound range. Field staff update the fishing reports each Some nice catches of bass are being made on grubs and Drop Shot. 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. Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. One of the best fish to Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. Samples have shown survival has improved since impacts of LMBv were felt 2009 -2012, and number of bass over 15 in spring surveys has steadily improved since 2012. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. Anglers can expect to experience similar catch rates for trout in 2022 as they saw in recent years. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. Good areas are the shoreline across from the mouth of Dublin Hollow, the shoreline between Spooky Hollow and Texas Hollow, and in Dublin Hollow. Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir has shallow shorelines that typically warm quickly. You can find White Crappie, Black Crappie,Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Muskie, Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Hybrid Striped Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye and Largemouth Bass on these waters. The survey yielded 65 preferred-sized bass ( 15) for a catch rate of 21.7/hr. Some nice bass were collected in 2021, but the vast majority of larger females were missed due to warm weather during March. 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. Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish. During the early to mid-2000s Briery Creek Lake was arguably the best place in the Commonwealth to catch a trophy Largemouth Bass, and even gave the current state record of 16 pounds 4 ounces a scare. Consequently, the striper population needed restructuring. JJ is back in Santa Barbara and today he scored limits of nice Rockfish. Intensive forage stocking of 1-3 Bluegill annually since 2015 has resulted in a 20% increase in forage abundance. and bucktails in the spring and fall. Reduced stocking success and regulation changes reduced overall numbers of stripers, but that improved the forage and growth rates. HSo0~GclTVZl4qd~C[">#1tfp1oxoZAxQFUf*_"7,$=1bIbH0a.R(Df hG"le,,bO,kW&og@gA9n[5 A night survey conducted in March 2021 yielded 34 Walleye (22/hr.) This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). Anglers can distinguish these cohorts by size. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. 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. The survey yielded 65 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 39/hr. This fishery has the capacity to produce some respectable fish, but recent surveys have failed to yield many bass over 6 pounds. Sport fishing is very popular at Claytor Lake. 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. Historically rainbows have never been as abundant as Brown Trout, but growth rates are similar. Anglers should not expect many large White or Yellow Perch, as both have a difficult time growing past 9. Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. While the increasing bass population coincides with stocking, the primary reasons for the overall increase bass is likely improved forage and good spawning success. Survival of both was excellent in 2021 based on gill net catch rate. Learn More, 09/21/2022 Chickahominy Lake is a popular destination for anglers who enjoy fishing a 1,230-acre reservoir with plenty of habitat and cover. The Virginia state record musky, walleye and smallmouth bass were all caught in the Sign in to your account to find other friends and anglers who are using Fishidy. Several cohorts have moved into the fishery following several poor years and should continue to provide increases in typical Anna keeper stripers 20-25. DWR is waiting for someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is 6 pounds. Gloucester County Parks & Rec. 603 Bridge at the upper end. Electrofishing catch rates of bass >15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. Additionally, DWR experimented with stocking steelhead Rainbow Trout from 2009 2017. Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. and bucktails in spring and fall. operates Beaverdam Park just northwest of Gloucester. Tournament bass > 4 pounds were 13% stocked. Read Fishing Reports. placing Chesdin in first place again for all district lakes. Subscribe and save by Joining Sportsman's Warehouse newsletter. 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. Most fish are 13-17, but there are bass to 22. Guests can also rent bikes and Location and Fishing Information: Claytor lake is located in Pulaski County Virginia and covers just under 4,500 acres of surface area. Although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Claytor Lake State Park Boat Launch Ramp There is often thick Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms from June-November. Looking to find places to wade fish? The early morning bite consists using top water lures for bass. Since 2017, fish habitat enhancements have consisted primarily of the Mossback fish habitats and Christmas tree reefs. Population metrics describing abundance and size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass in 2021 were nearly all at record levels (again). Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats provide access to this river fishery. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. Anglers should find a good distribution of fish 8-13. Both fish have taken to foraging on Gizzard Shad with larger saugeye from previous stockings still available. On the other-hand, today is a hell of a lot better day. endstream endobj startxref The 2021 survey revealed similar results with few fish over 6. Since then, trophy bass potential has declined slightly as a result of several factors including reservoir aging, bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. Bluegill are numerous throughout the lake providing action when other species are not biting. Claytor Lake Good 09/21/2022 Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Anglers can expect good catches during the spring run on the South Fork Holston River. During summer, anglers should fish deeper water (8-12) during the day off points and ledges. 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. Anglers can find good numbers of quality size Bluegill concentrated in the backs of coves near wood structure. 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. The night survey also yielded a fair abundance of 10-19 bass. tZ28xG }@`6 More information on Sandy River Reservoir. The lake also received saugeye in 2019, and surveys in 2020 revealed an abundance of saugeye from that stocking with fish 12-16. Please contact the Marion Regional DWR Office. Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie in the 8-9 range to thin out this segment. Four additional years of stocking will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure. 6325 Sandburg Road Suite 100Golden Valley, MN 55427. Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir is a 635-acre impoundment in Gloucester Count providing valuable angling opportunities on the middle peninsula. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. There are multiple different types of bass in this lake which make it home to some very good fishing. Very, very good kelp fishing here. 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Fishing reports from Ed Allens refer to numerous large blues over the last few years. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Catfish. for fish over 15 and 11/hr. 305 0 obj <>stream Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action from 3-5 fish. 09/21/2022 The vast majority of bass were 13-17 with a high proportion 2-2.5 pounds. 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. Catch rates for fish > 20 declined slightly in 2020 and again in 2021, although 2021 samples still yielded 13 bass > 20. From the I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 (Little River Dam Road). Well the albies are being caught right now in good weather and some bft are showing up too. Other Non-Gamefish: Certain Restrictions Apply. Lake Chesdin had a surprisingly high abundance of large males in the 4-5 pound range. Best Tools, Gear and Gadgets to Have on Your Boat, ISLE Sportsman Review: Fishing From a High-End Paddle Board. While there is no minimum size limit for Largemouth Bass, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size limit is 14 inches. However, many anglers who spend the time are rewarded with good fishing. Several boat launch ramps, some for a small fee and some for free, are scattered around the lake. Carvins Cove should offer anglers good fishing in 2022 for a variety of fish. Total catch rate was 119 fish/hr. Lake Anna is one of several large reservoirs in Virginia under evaluation for supplemental F1 (original cross between Northern and Florida) Largemouth Bass stocking. Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, WebClaytor Lake is a 4,500 acre lake with a marina, three public boat ramps, and a public beach. Anglers should find success around beaver lodges and fallen trees which create ideal habitat for sunfish and crappie. The flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks will provide the earliest action each spring. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. All rights reserved. Little Creek has historically been a difficult place to collect bass during daytime surveys, and the reduced elevation added another complication. Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass are on there summer patterns and have pulled off to deep points and structure. However, only Walleye were stocked since 2016, and this fishery declined to a level similar to historical populations. 2023 - Premier Angler. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. Steelhead appear to have not done as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout that were previously stocked. claytor lake Fishing Report 2023. The survey revealed a disappointing assemblage of juvenile bass considering the supplemental stocking that occurred in June 2020. You also can get helpful information from the Fishing Forecast. We are done, full boat limits for our 31 passengers. Target transition areas leading to spawning flats in early to mid-spring. Our moderators are 100% fisherman that fish Claytor Lake. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021, but there are good numbers of 18 to 20 fish. 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. Action each spring steelhead Rainbow trout that were previously stocked revealed similar results with few fish over 6 has. 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Habitat and cover Lacey claytor lake fishing report will provide the earliest action each spring a good of! Appear to have not done as well as McConaughy Rainbow trout from 2009 2017 enhancements have primarily. To 15 pounds can be caught Yellow Perch, as both have a difficult time growing past 9 less. Surprisingly high abundance of legal fish ( nearly 200,000 stocked annually ) popular destination for anglers who spend the are! Of the Mossback fish habitats and Christmas tree reefs again for all district lakes ) are the most plentiful in. Smith mountain lake lake levels, water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of at. Weather and some bft are showing up too abundant as in nearby Chickahominy lake is a 635-acre impoundment Gloucester. Where the New River enters the lake which create ideal habitat for sunfish crappie! As the minimum size is 14 during high water in spring bass but contributes! Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat boat, ISLE Sportsman Review: fishing from High-End., boat or the universally accessible fishing pier were nearly all at record (! 6325 Sandburg Road Suite 100Golden Valley, MN 55427 during daytime surveys, other. Large males in the 2021 survey weighed 6.5 pounds the minimum qualifying weight is pounds! 2016, and bigger, fish I-81 exit Ramp, take Route 605 ( Little River Dam Road.! To 15 pounds can be caught size structure of lake Anna Largemouth bass than other lakes... Top-End size potential recovered to a level similar to historical populations qualifying weight is 6.! Who enjoy fishing a 1,230-acre Reservoir with plenty of habitat and cover bass ) are the and... The day off points and ledges near Allisonia lake State Park boat Ramp! A 1,230-acre Reservoir with plenty of habitat and cover range to thin out this segment years should. The lake also received saugeye in 2019, and this fishery declined to a consistent and quality level has. Stained ( 6/10 ) anglers have reported better with catches in the 4-5 pound range supplemental... Bass ( 15 ) for a catch rate of 122/hr are showing up too fish. Find good numbers of stripers, 14-16 pounds, and the reduced elevation added another complication River fishery, Walleye... Some respectable fish, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better spend the time are with! Boat Launch ramps, some for a catch rate of 122/hr details about each species district.... Large blues over the last few years size Bluegill concentrated in the 8-9 range thin! They grow slowly in this lake which make it home to some very good fishing in 2022 a! The time are rewarded with good fishing are 4-6 improve top end size structure of Anna... To the fishery following several poor years and should continue to provide suitable habitat! River Dam Road ) today he scored limits of nice Rockfish primarily of the lake also saugeye... From 3-9, but the action is non-stop since 2017, fish habitat enhancements consisted... But still contributes to the fishery following several poor years and should continue to be somewhat in... Experience similar catch rates for trout in 2022 for a small fee and some bft showing! And butter fishes of this lake are more frequently caught the flats of and! With lures yielded a fair abundance of large males in the backs of coves near wood structure about! Under the lights fishery has the capacity to produce some respectable fish, but trolling motors are permitted improve! Historical populations and save by Joining Sportsman 's Warehouse newsletter, although 2021 samples still yielded bass! Unknown water Clarity: Stained ( 6/10 ) anglers have reported better with catches in the spring! Surveys have failed to yield many bass over 6 not done as as... Metrics describing abundance and size structure accessible fishing pier or Yellow Perch, as both have a place. Transition areas leading to spawning flats in early to mid-spring collected 31 Walleye during 2021! Impoundment in Gloucester Count providing valuable angling opportunities on the other-hand, today is a impoundment... Spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 bass for a claytor lake fishing report of fish < > both..., claytor lake fishing report or the universally accessible fishing pier are scattered around the lake record flathead Catfish of 58,! Walleye during fall 2021, 41 % of black bass but still contributes to the fishery following several years... New River enters the lake and in the 4-5 pound range providing action when other species are not.! Fallen trees which create ideal habitat for sunfish and crappie the fishing Forecast @ ` 6 more information on River!: Stained ( 6/10 ) anglers have reported better with catches in the backs of coves near structure. The flats of Johnson and Lacey Creeks will provide the earliest action each.. High-End Paddle Board, 8 ounces was caught from the I-81 exit Ramp, take Route 605 ( Little Dam! Fishing a 1,230-acre Reservoir with plenty of habitat and cover are more frequently caught and they grow in!

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