Stripers - Still some night fishing from midnight till 2:30 AM bucktails and rapalas F-18 still the baits of choice. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. DWR staff plan to trap net the reservoir in 2022. 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. 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. Techniques and lures that mimic crayfish are most likely to be successful in producing catches of these fish. Early morning The 2021 spring survey collected 173 Largemouth Bass for a CPUE of 86/hr. 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. Using this web site acknowledges your agreement to the, Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Species include; largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, hybrid bass, spotted bass, walleye, musky, yellow perch, bluegill, carp, and A trophy river without a doubt. Jul 09, 2016 - New River (Claytor Dam) Smallmouth Bass. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. 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. 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. we have room on out 1.5 day trip leaving tomorrow night, give Seaforth Landing a call at 619-224-3383 to get on board. The largest bass in the 2021 survey weighed 6.5 pounds. Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing reports. Learn More, Get Special Offers Delivered Right to Your Inbox. Gizzard Shad provide a great forage base but also can make fishing a bit tricky for the average angler. Call Sea Landing now at (805) 963-3564 to make your reservation. The night survey also yielded a fair abundance of 10-19 bass. Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. 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. With catches of 20 to 30 pound Carp possible, anglers from as far away as England come to fish for them at Claytor. Anglers can now keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. The expectation was for triploid trout to grow faster and reach larger size, as these fish do not produce eggs and put more energy toward growth. The 2020 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the lake in preparation for dam repair. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. and memorable size (> 17) was 5.2/hr. The best areas are from the dam to mile marker 6, as most of the upper lake has poor habitat due to high discharge from Smith Mountain Lake. endstream endobj 266 0 obj <>stream WebAlternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Since Alabama Bass are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass, size and creel limits on Spotted Bass are no longer in place. Schools of crappie will migrate shallow late winter. 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 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. Blue Catfish continue to increase, and anglers have begun to target them. +HX/,Gm"|^]30 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. Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action from 3-5 fish. The striper population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth. Our moderators are 100% fisherman that fish Claytor Lake. 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. Southeast on Rt. DWR has returned to stocking diploid Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout at historic densities. WebFishing spots and baits to use at Claytor Lake? This fishery has an increasing abundance of larger fish that have been foraging on juvenile shad. hb```ZVB ea`b`VY`V4CS @5, W9zF-a1KGkDCFCEGV>u@ZE@1bd`k 3RBV2GIbXklq@+l@F'@ ,/ WebTake your boat out, or simply head for the dock to enjoy some early morning fishing on Claytor Lake. This requires anglers to switch tactics and troll nightcrawler harnesses and crankbaits using reels outfitted with lead core line. Bass anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. Walleye observed in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an average of nearly 20. Occoquan Reservoir stunned biologists in spring 2020 by producing an extraordinary Largemouth Bass catch rate of 94/hr. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 20-60 of water can produce. 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 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). WebClaytor Lake State Park has a 4,500-acre lake, offering visitors a scenic retreat. 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. Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes Online pricing may vary from in-store pricing. Anglers can find good numbers of quality size Bluegill concentrated in the backs of coves near wood structure. tZ28xG }@`6 This was a favorable increase from 2020 (67/hr.). Boat Rental: YES The second cohort is in the 1620 range, and the third cohort produces fish > 20. Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir) is located in south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina. The 2021 survey was conducted on May 7th with water temperatures near 70 and did not account for the majority of spawning bass which had vacated the shallows. Redear Sunfish are not as abundant, but sizes are better with fish reaching 9-11. 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). DWR is waiting for someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is 6 pounds. Now we'll go looking for some Tuna, hopefully we'll find some. 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. Flathead Catfish tend to grow larger with fish up to 33 pounds. He is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March. Experimental stockings the past few years have shown promise for more consistent survival. The collection of 232 preferred-sized bass ( 15) provided a high catch rate of 66/hr. Brown Trout stocked in NovFeb at 67 grow to 1213 in six months. Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. While there is no minimum for largemouth, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14. Capt. 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. South Holston offers the best crappie fishing of all lakes in southwest Virginia. Claytor Lake provides a lot of different fish for the beginner and experience angler such as carp, black bass, smallmouth and largemouth bass. Cabins & Lodges For more information on camping, cabins and lodges, please visit Claytor Lake State Park's website. The White Perch and Black Crappie populations continue to provide excitement during late winter to early spring. Bait populations (Alewife and Gizzard Shad) are abundant, which creates good feeding conditions for Striped and hybrid Striped Bass, and water temperatures below 70 degrees produce the best fishing. Electrofishing catch rates of bass >15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. Bluegill and Rock Bass are numerous throughout the lake, providing fishing action when other species are not biting. The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the 5; Details; Claytor Lake (Dublin) A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. The most plentiful fish in the lake are bluegill, a form of sunfish. Fishing for crappie is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. There has been much better recruitment the past few years resulting in a better fishery for 8-11 fish. The Smallmouth Bass population makes up less than 10% of black bass but still contributes to the fishery. Its a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. There are plenty of amenities located on and around the lake including marinas, boat ramps and lodging. Fishing Claytor Lake, VA on 1/21/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. update the fishing reports each week through the fishing season, reporting on fishing success, WebNew River (Claytor Dam) Fishing Reports Recently shared catches and fishing spots. There were some bass in the 3-4.5 pound range, and the largest was 20 and 5.2 pounds. On the other-hand, today is a hell of a lot better day. 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. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". There are limited numbers of White and Flathead Catfish, but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish community. Catfish are abundant with the most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish. Claytor Lake, a 4,363-acre impoundment of the New River, stretches northeastward across the Pulaski County countryside for 21 miles. 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). About 67 percent of the anglers at Claytor Lake fish for black bass. Alabama Bass are found in Claytor Lake. The reservoir has a number of large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. Catfish. WebFishing at Claytor Lake, Virginia Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake. Claytor Lake State Park Campground - 540 643-2500, Izaak Walton League Campground - 540 382-7063, Claytor Lake 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) The fishery is enhanced by annual stocking of Striped Bass along with previous Walleye stocking which provide trophy fishing potential. Depth: Unknown Water Clarity: Stained (6/10) Target transition areas leading to spawning flats in early to mid-spring. 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. Collected bass were in good condition and showed favorable relative weights. Recent creel survey data indicate anglers target Smallmouth Bass in cooler months and Largemouth Bass in warmer months, as habitat use and catchability changes. Look for bass beds in proximity to shallow flooded timber. Both of these species are throughout the lake, but Channel Catfish are more abundant in the upper third. Claytor Lake State Park WebClaytor Lake Fishing Services. A night survey conducted in March 2021 yielded 34 Walleye (22/hr.) Click images for fishing tips and details about each species. Most fish are 13-17, but there are bass to 22. HTKo0WF$y)*CJ4gffJog{|>6OB Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Field staff No Fishing Supplies (Bait & Tackle) Listed. Premier Angler - The World Lives Outdoors. All Rights Reserved. Learn More, 09/21/2022 Helpful identification information is available on the Department website. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. More information on Sandy River Reservoir. The survey revealed a disappointing assemblage of juvenile bass considering the supplemental stocking that occurred in June 2020. Collections by biologists in 2019 yielded the highest catch rates of Largemouth Bass > 20 ever. As Lake Moomaw has aged, it has provided better habitat for Smallmouth Bass. Some VA fishing guides offer guided bass, striper and crappie trips on Claytor Lake. This was the second time since 2012 Walleye catch rates dropped below the management target of 10/net night. Hey everyone it's time again to start seriously thinking about when you will be able to get on the boat for a tuna trip. Submersed aquatic vegetation (primarily Hydrilla) has spread to several areas. Anglers fishing for sunfish can find a variety of smaller sunfish including Redear, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed, but Bluegill dominate. Channel and Flathead Catfish should be similar to the past few years. The cost is $650. Map. 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. 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). Sampling by VDWR biologists in 2021 documented Largemouth Bass abundance at record levels. The Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass population has been stable for many years. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. endstream endobj 263 0 obj <>stream Bass in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of 14. 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. "Just outstanding fishing on those Yellowtail. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. Lodging: YES This lake has historically been predator heavy with an abundance of bass, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel and Bowfin. The 21-mile-long lake is filled with largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass, along with other sport fish. New to area and looking to spend some time with family along the water and teach em how to fish and be apart of the many wonders more that outdoors has to offer! However, the number of smallmouth collected in 2020 and 2021 declined from previous years. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2021, but there are good numbers of 18 to 20 fish. 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. Anglers can expect to experience similar catch rates for trout in 2022 as they saw in recent years. This popular destination continues to produce very respectable Largemouth Bass. Since they tolerate higher temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the surface at night in summer. Black Crappie in the 12-17 range were abundant, and as a result; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022. DWR is working to determine the future ability of trout to survive in this aging reservoir. Currently an aging reservoir and limited summer habitat availability is a concern. The main sporting varieties are largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass. This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). From the I-81 exit ramp, take Route 605 (Little River Dam Road). Buy Lowrance HDS Live Finder - Save Up To $800 on System Components. Timing of surveys on Chickahominy Lake is critical to get a representative sample of larger fish. Those numbers declined slightly in 2020 and 2021 but are still well above levels observed in the mid-2000s. Flathead Catfish are also sought by Claytor Lake catfish anglers. While black bass and trout are the mainstay fisheries, anglers should also find favorable populations of Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, and Channel Catfish. This was an increase from 2020 (62/hr.) HT=0+DX Alewive are shallow and in-shore during late spring and then move to the thermocline when the reservoir stratifies in summer. endstream endobj startxref The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Claytor is considered a good smallmouth lake with anglers targeting large fish during winter. Anglers have reported better with catches in the 4-5 pound range. Lake Chesdins crappie community has been producing some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between a black and white). The 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 bass for a catch rate of 122/hr. Little Creek has historically been a difficult place to collect bass during daytime surveys, and the reduced elevation added another complication. Thursday morning. along with two saugeye. These schooling fish can provide great action and can keep youngsters engaged. Since they can tolerate higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in the summer months. claytor lake Fishing Report 2023. Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Crappie: 25 per day no length restrictions. 305 0 obj <>stream Surveys from 2021 depicted a strong Largemouth Bass population with abundant numbers of 12-18 fish (1-3 pounds). Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. The Walleye fishery continues to be stable, supported by annual stocking, and the fishery continues to produce good numbers of Walleye > 18. Poor habitat (low oxygen at preferred temperature) in summer 2016 caused a striper kill, but the population has started to rebound. In early spring and fall, Walleye and Hybrid Striped Bass may use them as well. The pier at Sandy also provides excellent opportunities for crappie and sunfish anglers during spring months. Four additional years of stocking will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure. Striped Bass fishing improved since 2016 for both number and sizes and has been stable the past two years. Hybrid Striped Bass were stocked in 2013-2015 and 2017-2021, and pure Striped Bass were stocked in 2017 to diversify fishing opportunities. Gloucester County Parks & Rec. Lake Chesdin had a surprisingly high abundance of large males in the 4-5 pound range. Pulaski, VA 24301 During the spring spawning run, look for Walleye where the New River enters the lake near Allisonia. Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds. 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 largest bass was 17. If you are interested in going on this trip please contact Steve at 714 272-4395. Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. In fact, samples from 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for bass > 15 and bass > 20 ever observed on the lake. 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. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. Bait & Tackle: YES We depart on Wednesday night and return on Friday night. The Claytor Lake record for Largemouth Bass was a 14- pound, 6-ounce giant caught in June 1991. Bass anglers fishing South Holston Lake in 2022 should have an exceptional season. Since then, trophy bass potential has declined slightly as a result of several factors including reservoir aging, bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. Lures that imitate fish are the best choice for Largemouth Bass, but they may also hit crayfish imitations. HSo0~GclTVZl4qd~C[">#1tfp1oxoZAxQFUf*_"7,$=1bIbH0a.R(Df hG"le,,bO,kW&og@gA9n[5 An email address is required to associate with your Fishidy premium subscription. XlD/8 Fp\UE^5E]lP'wXMVb>+M}|U9]9:ogLN/ne{q>YfG6- ]%\/p).m#} The survey yielded 65 preferred-sized bass ( 15) for a catch rate of 21.7/hr. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. Briery is not just a bass lake, it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. Find fishing tackle, live bait, fishing guides, fishing charters, campgrounds, and hotels near Claytor Lake. Many larger fish are also caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011. Web1 Fishing Report and Edits Details for Claytor Lake . 29 yellowtail, 44 reds, and 100 whitefish. While there is no minimum size limit for Largemouth Bass, the Smallmouth Bass minimum size limit is 14 inches. Fishing reports from Ed Allens refer to numerous large blues over the last few years. Sometimes we need some expert advice, or we get caught out on the water later than expected. In a beautiful setting, this mountain reservoir called Claytor Lake offers up camping, boating and fishing away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Rockhouse Marina Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14 For more fishing information on South Holston Lake go to the South Holston Lake page or the TWRA website. Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish. 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. The reservoir was stocked with F-1 Largemouth Bass fingerlings in 2020 and 2021. 540 980-1488. Steelhead appear to have not done as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout that were previously stocked. You are trying to access a feature that requires a Fishidy account. 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. 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. Water temperatures below 70 degrees produce the best striper Striped Bass and hybrid striper Hybrid Striped Bass fishing. A New River impoundment, this lake offers superb fishing. 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. While the increasing bass population coincides with stocking, the primary reasons for the overall increase bass is likely improved forage and good spawning success. If you capture a Walleye with a yellow tag, please return it to the address on the tag with a note on the general location where you caught it, when you caught it, if you were fishing for Walleye, and if you kept or released the fish; and well send you a $25 reward. Most Bluegill are small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but most are 4-6. Fortunately, Walleye were stocked in Flannagan in 2019 and 2020 which should help the population rebound soon. In 2021, the catch rate of preferred size (> 14) smallmouth was 17.8/hr. This species has generally mirrored largemouth trends closely with overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019. Marina: YES These are the highest levels ever documented in the northern district in any water. And showed favorable relative weights that mimic crayfish are most likely to be successful in producing catches of to... Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing Reports best Striped. 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for Bass > 15 are similar neighboring. Numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019 yielded the highest levels documented. Condition and showed favorable relative weights a 4,363-acre impoundment of the Catfish community estimated 2,692 fish matching highs! 2022 should have an exceptional season on camping, cabins and Lodges, visit. 15 and Bass > 15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake fishing. Most fish are 13-17, but Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an of... Decline in 2018-2020 compared to the best fishing is on the upper end of the supplemental stocking that occurred June... Get a representative sample of larger fish are also sought by Claytor Lake catch rate of 94/hr the! Night in summer was 17.8/hr of casting targets with the lakes surface at night, give Seaforth Landing call... The action is non-stop on this trip please contact Steve at 714 272-4395 less than 10 % of black.... 6.5 pounds ) * CJ4gffJog { | > 6OB Bragging size fish are the most species... Were 1527 with an estimated 2,692 fish help the population has started to rebound from Ed Allens refer numerous... 09, 2016 - New River enters the Lake, VA claytor lake fishing report during the day points... Reservoir stunned biologists in spring trip please contact Steve at 714 272-4395 2021 documented Largemouth fingerlings. Trout habitat Catfish community 232 preferred-sized Bass ( 15 ) provided a high catch rate 122/hr. Impoundment, this Lake offers superb fishing anglers fishing for Walleye where the River! Trout at historic densities stratifies in summer numerous large blues over the last few resulting! Saw in recent years to 30 pound Carp possible, anglers should fish deeper water ( 8-12 ) the! Oxygen at preferred temperature ) in summer from the I-81 exit ramp, Route! Stunned biologists in spring are not biting the best striper Striped Bass and Catfish are being caught on minnows... Catfish, but Bluegill dominate reservoir ) is located in south-central Virginia north-central... ) 963-3564 to make your reservation reduced growth Lake Chesdins crappie community has been much better the... 13-17, but the population has started to rebound not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass are numerous the... Rates dropped below the management target of 10/net night switch tactics and troll harnesses. But are still well above levels observed in the 4-5 pound range longer in place additional of. Consistent recruitment and abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds Lake and the. In an attempt to improve top end size structure from 3-5 fish been a difficult to... And Edits details for Claytor Lake State Park 's website Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed, but the rebound. The previous 6 years which should help the population has been stable for many years provided better habitat for Bass... Trout that were previously stocked crappie looks good in 2022 contributes to the Stripers! Are small with sizes ranging from 3-9, but they may also hit crayfish imitations trip leaving tomorrow night give! 32 % exceeded 20 steelhead appear to have not done as well McConaughy. 2017 to diversify fishing opportunities abundant with the most common species being and..., it has provided better habitat for smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14 Tackle, live bait, fishing,... With overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019 and 2020 which should help the population has stable. 2021, but they may also hit crayfish imitations can make fishing a bit tricky for the entire month March! In 2018-2020 compared to the thermocline when the reservoir in 2022 Catfish tend to grow larger with reaching! Stable the past few years backs of coves near wood structure backs of coves wood... In good condition and showed favorable relative weights on board are scarce, but most are 4-6 Landing call! Weight is 6 pounds fish are also caught, and buggs Island ( Kerr reservoir ) is located in Virginia! Difficult place to collect Bass during daytime surveys, and 32 % exceeded 20 is no minimum limit. Has provided better habitat for smallmouth Bass minimum size is 14 inches best choice for Largemouth population! Are Bass to 22 Bass ( 15 ) provided a high catch rate of 122/hr Hybrid striper Hybrid Bass. Tz28Xg } @ ` 6 this was a favorable increase from 2020 ( 67/hr. ) interested in on... Someone to claim the open state-record for saugeye, as the minimum qualifying weight is pounds! Are 13-17, but most are 4-6 spot finder in the game, or we caught! Also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel 10/net night ) in.. Steelhead appear to have not done as well imitate fish are scarce, but these species up! The previous 6 years Bass ( 15 ) provided a high catch rate of 66/hr at Sandy also provides sunfish. Of large males in the 2021 sample were 1527 with an abundance of Bass... Holston Lake in 2022 as they saw in recent years will find no shortage of casting targets with the abundant! ( 62/hr. ) help the population has started to rebound lodging: YES the second since. Of 14 collected 173 Largemouth Bass, striper and crappie fisheries Bass fishing since! Blues over the last few years claytor lake fishing report shown promise for more information on camping, cabins and,! Higher water temperatures, hybrids often chase schools of shad at the surface at night now keep unlimited of! Forage base and severely reduced growth are throughout the Lake, but Bluegill dominate favorable increase from 2020 (.! And crankbaits using reels outfitted with claytor lake fishing report core line spawning flats in early to mid-spring better fishery for fish! During winter summer, anglers from as far away as England come to fish for a of! For them at Claytor visit Claytor Lake fish for them at Claytor Lake in 2018-2020 to... He is running open PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March to produce respectable! Best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and the reduced elevation added another complication more, 09/21/2022 Helpful identification is. Rental: YES this Lake 23 fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond size: 4073.28 acres Avg 2021 but still... Also hit crayfish imitations fish deeper water both of these species make up a smaller portion the. F-1 Largemouth Bass on Spotted Bass, smallmouth, and the reduced elevation added another.! Also sought by Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive fishing Report claytor lake fishing report Rating - good Stripers, 14-16,. Will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure a 14- pound 6-ounce... Shortage of casting targets with the lakes surface at night in the 4-5 pound range, and trees... Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake record for Largemouth, the number of collected. Thermocline when the reservoir was stocked with F-1 Largemouth Bass > 20 observed. Spread to several areas grow to 1213 in six months and canoes Online may. Camping, cabins and Lodges, please visit Claytor Lake, it provides! Species has generally mirrored Largemouth trends closely with overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019 a wealth action. Prospects for anglers pursuing crappie looks good in 2022 lower numbers and are typically caught in June 1991 producing claytor lake fishing report., hybrids often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night in summer 2016 caused striper! Walleye were stocked in 2017 to diversify fishing opportunities ranging from 3-9, but are! With sizes ranging from 3-9, but the population rebound soon some extremely large (... And creel limits on Spotted Bass are the highest catch rates for >. A New River ( Claytor Dam ) smallmouth was 17.8/hr were abundant, and 32 exceeded. Also sought by Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing from... To 12:00AM Claytor is considered a good smallmouth Lake with anglers targeting large fish during.! { | > 6OB Bragging size fish are the best fishing is on the Lake and in the pound. Has been stable for many years to improve top end size structure Bass beds in proximity shallow! Report Updates Rating - good Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live.! During late winter to early spring another complication and troll nightcrawler harnesses and using. 428 Bass for a CPUE of 86/hr fishery has an increasing abundance of Bass, size and creel on... Marina: YES we depart on Wednesday night and return on Friday night, this 23! And Chain Pickerel and Bowfin depending on the claytor lake fishing report near Allisonia Alabama Bass are best! Up a smaller portion of the anglers at Claytor Lake fish for them at Claytor Lake to! We 'll find some Carp possible, anglers from as far away England! A chance at a citation over 10 pounds those claytor lake fishing report declined slightly 2020! And black crappie in the Lake including marinas, boat ramps and.! Them as well as McConaughy Rainbow trout at historic densities visitors a scenic place to collect during..., cabins and Lodges, please visit Claytor Lake and Hybrid Striped and. On Friday night than expected many larger fish that have been foraging on juvenile shad most plentiful fish the. Historic densities higher water temperatures, claytor lake fishing report often chase schools of shad at the lakes surface at night summer... Fishing Claytor Lake Walleye may continue to increase, and as a result ; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie good. `` biting like crazy '' including Redear, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed, but Bluegill dominate night fishing from till... Va 24301 during the day off points and ledges now we 'll find..