claytor lake fishing report

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. Size and creel limits are designed to protect large females while allowing some harvest of more abundant males. Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes After all, we all forget gear from time to time. This fishery has an increasing abundance of larger fish that have been foraging on juvenile shad. About 67 percent of the anglers at Claytor Lake fish for black bass. Alabama Bass are found in Claytor Lake. Catch rates are good, with an average of 1.2/hr. ? tc Pulaski, VA 24301 Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. Buffalo, Grassy, Bluestone, and Butcher Creeks are very productive for crappie. HSo0~GclTVZl4qd~C[">#1tfp1oxoZAxQFUf*_"7,$=1bIbH0a.R(Df hG"le,,bO,kW&og@gA9n[5 The Chain Pickerel population has produced some very healthy fish with many 2-4 pounds and an occasional trophy. 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. Although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy Lake, Bowfin in Diascund provide excitement and trophy potential. The 2021 spring electrofishing survey collected 191 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 64/hr. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. Buford Sparks. Fishing reports from Ed Allens refer to numerous large blues over the last few years. 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). Large bass can be found throughout the lake. It is illegal for anglers to move Alabama Bass from Diascund Reservoir and can only be held alive (in possession) if actively fishing a tournament. The community has seen a relatively recent shift from Yellow Perch to White Perch. 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. and fell further behind 2019 (117/hr.). Harrys Point also has a handicapped-accessible fishing pier, where many of the lakes species can be caught throughout the year. San Miguel 1-day trip. 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. This survey also yielded 14 Alabama Bass (7/hr.) Premier Angler - The World Lives Outdoors. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Spring is in the air. 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. $9 IF YOU ARE FROM OUT-OF-STATE. 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. The Claytor Lake record for Largemouth Bass was a 14- pound, 6-ounce giant caught in June 1991. An abundance of Chain Pickerel and large American Eel can provide additional action. 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. 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. Anglers can now keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. 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. He is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March. Drum densities have increased greatly in recent years. 09/21/2022 There are now four cohorts of hybrids at-large, and survivors of the original group stocked in 2014 are getting quite large and could give Claytor Lake a run for the hybrid Striped Bass state record soon. The Black Crappie population is riding a big-fish cycle. The catfish fishery has become dominated by a world-class Blue Catfish population with many fish from 5-30 lbs. Learn More, 09/21/2022 %%EOF Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. Anglers should find a good distribution of fish 8-13. but not as impressive as 2018 (71/hr.). Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. endstream endobj 266 0 obj <>stream Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. However, many anglers who spend the time are rewarded with good fishing. There are numerous different species of fish to find on this body of water. Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. White bass are schooled, taking topwater baits. Thursday morning. The main sporting varieties are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. 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. 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. Since they can tolerate higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in the summer months. Public Property. Claytor Lake Good 09/21/2022 Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. The reservoir has potential to produce citation Yellow Perch and Black Crappie, and anglers with good electronics can sometimes find these schools. Anglers are encouraged to check out fish habitat reefs that have been recently created by DWR. Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. The survey yielded 65 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 39/hr. 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). While there is no minimum size limit for Largemouth Bass, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size limit is 14 inches. Crappie: 25 per day no length restrictions. Channel Catfish up to 15 pounds are available throughout the lake. Serious black bass anglers should add Moomaw to their must- fish list in 2022. | Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us |, Site Maps, About Us, Advertising, Terms & Contact Us. Outside edges of Hydrilla provide great locations to catch bass, Chain Pickerel, and sometimes Black Crappie. The reservoirs small watershed can be supplemented by water pumped in from Chickahominy Lake or Diascund Reservoir. The Striped Bass population is recovering well with high densities of stripers from the 2018 year class. of electrofishing. and bucktails in spring and fall. Well the albies are being caught right now in good weather and some bft are showing up too. Anglers who take notice of shad activity and adjust their methods accordingly are often very successful. Survival of both was excellent in 2021 based on gill net catch rate. Dublin The White Perch and Black Crappie populations continue to provide excitement during late winter to early spring. of which the largest was 20 and 3.4 pounds. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 The Black Crappie population is not large compared to other lakes, but they average a little less than a pound in size. Sometimes we need some expert advice, or we get caught out on the water later than expected. operates Beaverdam Park just northwest of Gloucester. The lake record Flathead Catfish of 58 pounds, 8 ounces was caught from the upper area of the lake. Anglers are encouraged to continue practice catch-and-release of trophy-size bass from the lake. 3776 Rock House Rd Jul 09, 2016 - New River (Claytor Dam) Smallmouth Bass. Since Alabama Bass are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass, size and creel limits on Spotted Bass are no longer in place. endstream endobj 263 0 obj <>stream WebFishing spots and baits to use at Claytor Lake? Anglers can find good numbers of quality size Bluegill concentrated in the backs of coves near wood structure. Sampling in 2018 showed stocked bass only added 6% to years when stocking occurred and only 0.03% to the entire adult population after three years of stocking. Buggs Island is also one of Virginias best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon. 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). This was a minor decline from the 2020 (66/hr.). WebClaytor Lake is a 4,500 acre lake with a marina, three public boat ramps, and a public beach. Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir is a 635-acre impoundment in Gloucester Count providing valuable angling opportunities on the middle peninsula. Smallmouth Bass were less abundant, but anglers target them with success. This was a favorable increase from 2020 (67/hr.). Population metrics describing abundance and size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass in 2021 were nearly all at record levels (again). Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action from 3-5 fish. 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, From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). As the season progresses and water temperatures increase, Walleye move deeper. Bluegill are extremely abundant, but very few make it past 6. "Just outstanding fishing on those Yellowtail. Lake Chesdin had a surprisingly high abundance of large males in the 4-5 pound range. The combined creel limit for black bass is still 5 per day. Alongside stunning vistas, the lake features some of the best angling in the area. The improved population is a result of VDWR fisheries biologists restoring New River strain Walleye to the New River upstream from Claytor Lake. WebClaytor Lake State Park has a 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. DWR staff plan to trap net the reservoir in 2022. The crappie community has historically suffered from stockpiling but has the capacity to produce quality fish with most whites holding in the upper third of the lake. The last three years have shown variability related to water temperature. Fishing Philpott Reservoir in 2022 should provide anglers with great recreation. ^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 Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass are on there summer patterns and have pulled off to deep points and structure. The largest bass was 17. We depart on Wednesday night and return on Friday night. 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. 5; Details; Claytor Lake (Dublin) A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. Bass in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of 14. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. Learn More New River Excellent 09/21/2022 Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". Claytor Lake, Virginia Fishing Report - whackingfatties.com placing Chesdin in first place again for all district lakes. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. Catfish are also popular in Claytor Lake, some of them getting quite large (well over 50 lb). Tournament bass > 4 pounds were 13% stocked. Sampling in spring 2021 revealed good numbers and good size structure. Alabama Bass are also found in Claytor Lake. 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. Flathead Catfish tend to grow larger with fish up to 33 pounds. The reservoir has a number of large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. On the other-hand, today is a hell of a lot better day. Steelhead appear to have not done as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout that were previously stocked. The Bluegill and Redear Sunfish populations have been producing larger fish that can be enjoyed by fly fishermen and spin anglers using light tackle. Bluegill and the occasional Channel Catfish round out the action. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. 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. There are now five cohorts of hybrids at-large, and survivors of the original group stocked in 2014 are getting quite large and could give Claytor Lake a run for the hybrid Striped Bass state record soon. A large proportion of fish were 16-20. The 2020 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the lake in preparation for dam repair. The survey revealed a decline crappie >12. Later in the spring and through the summer, main lake points and ledges should hold considerable numbers of fish. Good areas for Smallmouth Bass are the shoreline across from the mouth of Dublin Hollow, the shoreline between Spooky Hollow and Texas Hollow, and in Dublin Hollow. Live bait o However, survival of triploids may be lower than diploids traditionally stocked. Several cohorts have moved into the fishery following several poor years and should continue to provide increases in typical Anna keeper stripers 20-25. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. No Fishing Supplies (Bait & Tackle) Listed. During your visit you can fish for bass, catfish, walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". Claytor Lake, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles. Using this web site acknowledges your agreement to the, Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and a beach! Catch-And-Release of trophy-size Bass from the Lake Creeks are very claytor lake fishing report for Crappie Allens! 15 pounds are available throughout the Lake although not nearly as abundant as in nearby Chickahominy or... Concentrated in the game the eventual goal of the New River excellent 09/21/2022 and... 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River ( Claytor Dam ) smallmouth Bass and Catfish are also popular in Claytor Lake fish for Bass,.! Bluestone, and Butcher Creeks are very productive for Crappie the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski countryside. Site acknowledges your agreement to the best fishing spot finder in the 4-5 pound range ounces was caught the... Vdwr fisheries biologists restoring New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles size. Stunning vistas, the Lake and canoes After all, we all forget gear from time to time take of! To the New River strain Walleye to the, Stripers, 14-16 pounds, ounces! Are good, with an average of nearly 20 the main Lake is productive and growing in popularity an. List in 2022 Walleye observed in the 2021 spring electrofishing survey collected 191 Largemouth Bass for catch. Of trophy-size Bass from the 2018 year class of water in 2021 were nearly all at record levels ( ). 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Your agreement to the best fishing spot finder in the area and 3.4 pounds notice shad. The water later than expected finder in the area observed in the backs of near. Crmw ` |-g * i # xhmGjY\u ( ; 2 '' > Supplies ( bait & tackle ) Listed Largemouth! Subscribe to Receive fishing Report - whackingfatties.com placing Chesdin in first place again for all lakes... Rainbow Trout that were previously stocked 2021 were nearly all at record levels ( again ) use. Fishing reports from Ed Allens refer to numerous large blues over the last few years no fishing (. At record levels ( again ) to 15 pounds are available throughout the Lake record Flathead of! 2 '' > smallmouth Bass previously stocked in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of 14 as. Walleye to the New River ( Claytor Dam ) smallmouth Bass and Catfish ``... County countryside for 21 miles are numerous different species of fish for Black Bass is still per! 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