Archive for the ‘Pond Fishing’ Category
Friday, August 12th, 2011
Date: 8/12/11
Chesapeake Bay: Cobia are numerous throughout the lower bay. Anglers are reporting both big and small schools roaming on both sides of the bay. A monstrous 101 lber was caught just last week. Many 40lb+ fish are common. Sight casting is by far, the most productive. Live Spot has been outstanding. Flounder is another species that is wide open right now. A Green Top customer reported 16 keepers from the Cell last week, with 3 fish over 24 inches. He was jigging bucktails, with both Gulp baits and fresh strip bait. Buoy 42 and the area of 36a have produced well, as has the CBBT. Nice Red Drum catches are still being made in the lower bay also. They are mainly being made encounted by Cobia seekers. Spot and Croaker are everywhere it seems, but large Croaker have been scarce this year. Better catches seem to be coming from the Rappahannack. Spanish Mackerel are biting good and very popular right now. They are also being encounted throughout the bay. Clark spoons and Drone spoons are perhaps the most popular, but Tony Acetta spoons work also.
Ocean: The offshore bite for White Marlin should be very busy this weekend, with the full moon upon us on the 13th. There’s many species to be had offshore right now, Dolphin, Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, Wahoo, and even some Sailfish. Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited reports good Speckled Trout fishing at the little bridge in Manteo. From the piers, there’s been a very good bite for Bluefish, Spot, and Pompano. A few Cobia are being reported from inshore boats.
Freshwater Rivers: Many are heading to the Potomac River for outstanding Bass fishing. The hard cover bite up north in D.C. has been very consistent. Blue Plains and the Spoils have also been recent hot spots. The grass bite is more popular, but it is also widespread, making northern waters with hard cover more concentrated. The lower James is a good option for big Smallmouth. If you seek numbers of fish, 4 and 5 inch grubs are hard to beat. A buzzbait has been good very early.
Freshwater Lakes: A shaky head jig is still the most consistent producer for Bass at Lake Anna, but a deep crank is also worth tying on. A Kerr and Gaston, deep cranks are the go-to baits for finding limits. The Stripers at Kerr seem to be holding around the Goat Island area. Swift Creek Reservoir and Sandy River Reservoir have been good to local and frequent anglers lately.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011
COLDWATER- Mossy and Beaver spring creeks are fishing best right now. Terrestrials such as ants, hoppers, and to a lesser extent, beetles are taking fish. Mayfly are still consistent with Tricos in the morning. Fishing size 20 dry flies is a good way to take large browns and rainbows right now.
WARMWATER- Smallmouth bass popper fishing is the main attraction right now. The fish are aggressive despite the heat. When topwater is slow, clawdads have been taking plenty of fish on the Middle James, Rappahannock, and Shenandoah. The largemouth bite in ponds has been best at night. Fish will eagerly take poppers fish with a noisy presentation.
SALTWATER- Stripers are still on structure at night and early in the morning. Some large resident stripers are being taken now that we are seeing more Peanut Bunker. It is important to have flies to match these profiles if you want success right now. In the heat, the bass get quite finicky. Redfish and Speckled Trout have been more and more abundant in the lower and middle Bay. Seaducers, Deceivers, and Half & Half’s have been taking these fish. Sight fishing is possible on a moving tide around the marshes and islands. Blues, Flounder, and Croaker are all still falling for flies so now is a good time to get a mixed bag in the salt.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Creek Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Virginia Trout Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
COLDWATER- Fishing is best on the spring creeks and Jackson tailwater. Small mayfly patterns are key in the mornings during the Trico hatch. Beetles, hoppers, and ants have been fooling fish on the spring creeks. For the Jackson, nymphing is more productive. Princes, Pheasant Tails, Hare’s Ears, and Jackson River Specials are all good.
WARMWATER- Bug fishing is on for smallmouth. Drifting poppers has been taking big fish in the rivers. Largemouth fishing in ponds and lakes has been slow in the heat. Right at sunset has been good; be sure to throw something to get their attention. Big poppers and divers are good as are flash flies and Prop Terrorizers.
SALTWATER- The variety is back in the bay! Trout and Reds can be found in the marshes and on shallow water structure- drop offs, undercut banks, and creek mouths. Half and Halfs, Clousers, and shrimp flies have been taking fish. Stripers are still on wood structure and pilings. Throwing bigger flies to match the Peanut Bunker is especially productive. Fishing the lights of the HRBT has been a good way to beat the heat and catch some of the larger resident stripers. Silversides and bay anchovies are thick in the lights so be sure to have some patterns to match.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Creek Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Virginia Trout Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Date: 7/22/11
Chesapeake Bay: Cobia catches have increased in the lower bay especially on the west side. Steve Lane and party caught 4 on Wednesday the 20th. They were sight casting with bucktails. Large schools of Bunker can be seen all over the lower bay which usually signals big fish nearby. Flounder are being caught all over the bay, with notable catches coming from the Cell, the CBBT, and Back River Reef. Recently a Green Top customer reported catching a 461/2 in Red Drum while Flounder fishing at the Cell. He also had 8 keepers (Flounder). Most of the better catches are coming from jigs with jerk shads. There’s been some good catches of Black Drum at the CBBT recently, up to 60lbs. croaker are pretty much everywhere and this year shrimp seems to be the bait of choice.
Ocean: The most interesting action is taking place on the sea side of the Eastern Shore, and the species is Tarpon. Live Croaker of Spot is a great choice. Also on the seaside, many catches of sharks are taking place. At the VA beach oceanfront, Spanish Mackerel are the main fare. Trolled Drone of Clark spoons are the ticket. Pink is a hot color right now. Offshore boats are reporting multiple hookups of White Marlin. Dolphin action is good, as is Wahoo. A 23lb Big Eye Tuna was recently caught out of Carolina. Sailfish have made a good showing recently.
Freshwater Rivers: 17lbs won the Fishers of Men Tx out of Osbourne Landing on the lower James River. Johnny Jones and Phillip Gould won by throwing Taco Salad crank baits. Jeff Francis and Brent Hatton won the season points title, making it 4 in a row. 18lbs won a recent Tx on the Potomac River, where the frog bite is red hot. Another red hot bite is the Blue Catfish on the Tidal Rivers, such as the James, Chick, Mattaponi, and Pamunkey.
Freshwater Lakes: Kerr Lake elevation is 299.51. Bass fishermen are catching fish on just about everything. Rocks are better pattern. At Lake Anna, rocks are also a good pattern. The Stripers are schooled up nicely around the splits and many fishing with Jim Hemby are back at High Point by 10 or 11am. Live herring is the bait of choice. Sandy River Reservoir has been fantastic this year, and right now deep cranks are taking the majority of the bigger fish.
Freshwater Ponds: People are still out on local ponds, despite the hot temps. Many are getting an early start, as the morning bite has been stronger than the evening bite.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Creek Fishing, Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, July 15th, 2011
Date: 7/15/11
Chesapeake Bay: The Flounder bite has improved with the onset of hot weather. Anglers are enjoying good success at place like the CBBT, Back River Reef, Plantation Light, and The Cell. Many are using jigs tipped with Gulp! Jerk Shads and fresh strip baits. Live bait on 3 way rigs is good also – Spadefish are available at the CBBT, but The Cell has produced limits lately. Croaker are pretty much available everywhere, but the bigger fish are harder to find this season. The Spot bite has been off this year as well, but they should make a big showing any day now. Another species slow to improve is the Cobia. A few fish have been caught by sight fishermen near the bridge tunnel and Latimer Shoals, but most are awaiting a big spike in the action.
Ocean: The seaside of the Eastern Shore has seen quite a few boats lately. Many are targeting Tarpon, which have been spotted recently. Croaker seem to be numerous in the area of Oyster, making them good bait for the Tarpon. Spanish Mackerel are mostly being reported at Cape Henry. Rudee Inlet is providing action for Spot, Flounder, and Bluefish. Offshore boats from both VA Beach and North Carolina are seeing food catches of Yellowfin and Big Eye Tuna. Nags Head charter boats are reporting increased action for Billfish and Wahoo.
Freshwater Rivers: Congratulations to Kelly Pratt of Williamsburg for his impressive win in the Bassmaster Open on the James River out of Osbourne Landing. Many participants reported catching fish on finesse warms and crank baits. Huge Blue Catfish are being caught frequently on the tidal rivers, mostly at night. An 80lber was caught late last week. On the Upper James, top water baits, Yamamoto grubs and Senkos are catching food numbers of Smallmouth. Many are targeting Flathead Catfish by using Goldfish and live Bluegills. Big smallmouth and Flatheads are readily available inside the city limits of Richmond. The Potomac River is still producing great bags of Bass. Grass patterns are the top producers.
Freshwater Lakes: Lake Anna Stripers are biting very well on live Herring in the Splits area. Many are returning back to the Marinas by 12 noon. Deep diving crank baits, shaky head worms, and top water baits are tops for Bass. Kerr Lake elevation is 299.7 ft. The same baits are working at Kerr are working at Anna. Many smaller lakes in the area, such as Sandy River Reservoir, Swift Creek Reservoir and Briery Creek are fishing very well; especially Swift Creek. Shaky heads have been outstanding.
Freshwater Ponds: Top waters and big Texas rigged worms are taking the best Bass in local ponds. Weedless grass frogs have been especially good this week. Panfish are usually a sure bet for excellent table fare. Fish fries are a great summer time event.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, July 15th, 2011
COLDWATER: Rainfall in the mountains has kept trout fishing good. The larger trout streams are fishing well with terrestrial flies such as Skilton’s Ant, smaller beetles, and hopper patterns. Fish have been keying on smaller mayflies as well in the mornings and evenings. A small Parachute Adams or BWO pattern will take these fish.
WARMWATER: Smallmouth fishing is where its at right now. Popper fishing has been very good, as has subsurface action with Clawdads and Clousers. The heat has stillwater fish sluggish so we recommend rivers to find the best action. Largemouth fishing can still be good, it is just essential to get out around dawn and dusk.
SALTWATER: Redfish are starting to show up in numbers in the lower bay. This week, we ran into three schools in marsh flats south of the York. The schools would spook immediately once a fish was hooked so make your shots count. A well placed Half & Half fooled several. Trout have been more common as well, chasing baitfish patterns down. Stripers and Blues are still around structure, with the bass being more sluggish during the heat of the day.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Creek Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Virginia Trout Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, July 8th, 2011
Date: 7/8/11
Chesapeake Bay: The bay and its tributaries offer many angling opportunities, now that summer patterns are in full swing. One such species that action will continue to improve upon is Flounder. Anglers are enjoying success at many locations, such as the Cell, buoy 36, Plantation Light and the CBBT. Three way rigs with live bait, strip bait, and jigs with jerk shad are all providing success. Another species cooperating well are Croaker. Shrimp has been the bait of choice this year, but squid and bloodworms are still standbys. They’re all over the lower bay, but consistent areas are Cole’s Point on the Potomac, Urbanna on the Rapp, West Point on the York, and the James River Bridge. Cobia seem to be hit or miss still. With the new moon just past, we should see an increase in catches by sight casters, if the weather allows. Chumming is still a good option though. There’s good action or Sheepshead at the bridge tunnel right now. The best bait is Crab, but clams are good also. Spadefish catches are increasing at known hideouts such as Chesapeake Light Tower and the CBBT. Again, clams are working well.
Ocean: Spanish Mackerel are available at Cape Henry and the oceanfront. As visual, Bluefish are mixed in with the Spanish. The Oceanside of the Eastern Shore is providing plenty of Croaker action. There’s been a few reports of Tarpon being hooked here. Offshore boats are catching plenty of Tuna and Dolphin right now. Some Bigeye Tuna are also hitting the scales. Mackerel and Bluefish are plentiful at Nags Head piers. Amberjacks and Seabass are available on wrecks and the South Towers.
Freshwater Rivers: The Bassmaster Open has come to the lower James River this week. Many of the Elite Series pros are here in town. Look for 30-40lbs to win the 3 day event. The James, Chick and Appomattox rivers are open to the Tx. The Blue Catfish bite is still going strong on these rivers, and will continue to do so. 19lbs(5 fish) won a weekend Tx on the Potomac. The grass frog bite has become strong. The upper James has been very good lately, but recent rains may slow things down, so check conditions first.
Freshwater Lakes: Lake Anna Stripers are biting very well on live Herring. Parties of 6 are returning back by 12 noon with their limits while fishing with Jim Hemby. Trolling Redfins is working also. Bass are responding to deep cranks and shaky heads best. Buggs Island is crawling with catfish anglers searching for 100lb fish. Swift Creek Reservoir is fishing very well right now for Bass.
Freshwater Ponds: Top waters are scoring the best catches right now, especially a buzz bait. A Senko is also good though. Crappie and Bluegills are readily available with live worms, crickets, minnows, and 2inch Powerbait grubs.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Creek Fishing, Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, July 8th, 2011
COLDWATER- The best fishing right now is on the spring creeks and Jackson tailwater below Gathright Dam. Mossy and Beaver Creeks are fishing well with terrestrial patterns right now, with ants, beetles, and hoppers taking most fish. Now is a time to go get that big brown or rainbow. The Jackson River is fishing well; Prince and Pheasant Tail nymphs being most productive. At times, beetles and sulphur dries are doing well.
WARMWATER- The heat has the largemouth fishing best early and late in the day. The fish will still aggressively take topwater poppers and divers. Panfish fishing continues to be good, especially with popper-dropper rigs. Smallmouth fishing is heating up on the Upper James and the SF Shenandoah. Clawdads and Clouser minnows are accounting for most fish. Popper fishing is turning on fast for river bass.
SALTWATER- Striper fishing has entered typical summer conditions; presentation and accurate fly patterns are key to taking bass in numbers. Trout and Puppy Drum fishing has picked up in the lower bay, Eastern Shore, and Rudee Inlet. Clousers and Half & Halfs are good searching patterns as Mullet and Peanut Bunker are the predominate bait. Seaducers and other crab and shrimp patterns are excellent once the fish are located. Expect a mixed bag of the above fish as well as flounder, croaker, and bluefish as they all eagerly take a well presented fly.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Creek Fishing, Fishing, Fly Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Virginia Trout Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, July 1st, 2011
Date: 7/1/11
Chesapeake Bay: The recent Flounder Bowl Tx was won with a three fish limit weighting 25lbs anchored by a l0lber, quite an impressive catch. These fish are starting to bite very well all over the bay. Good reports are coming from the Cell Back River Reef, Plantation height and the CBBT. Many are using fresh strip bait on Flounder rigs, but bucktails with Gulp! Jerk shads are taking their fair share also. Cobia action seems to be hit or miss. Chumming is more popular right now, but as the summer progresses; sight casting will be more prevalent. Fish up to 70lbs have been reported this week, with many limits being caught at the Cell. The CBBT is also giving up nice catches of Spadefish. Croaker catches are plentiful throughout the Bay and its tributaries. Common places are West Point on the York River. Urbanna and Waterview on the Rapp River and New Point comfort at Mobjack Bay. Fresh shrimp is working very well and the old standbys of squid and bloodworms are also productive. Red Drum catches have declined, but are still available in the areas of CBBT and the Eastern Shore.
Ocean: Anglers trolling Clark Spoons and Drone Spoons are scoring well with Spanish Mackerel along the oceanfront. The Ocean Side of the Eastern Shore is producing plenty of sharks and an increasing number of Croaker. Amberjack catches have been reported from the South Towers. Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited in Nags Head reports 72degree water temperatures in the surf, where a 53lb Cobia was caught this past week. Other catches from the surf have been Pompano, Bluefish, Spot, and Spanish Mackerel. From the piers, lots of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. Offshore boats report plenty of Dolphin, and fair amounts of Tuna.
Freshwater Rivers: 15lbs won a recent Bass Tx on the lower James. Good lure choices right now are small plastic worms, crank baits, and top waters. Some emerging grass lines are also holding fish, the best catfish bite is taking place at night. 50lb fish are common while using fresh cut Shad and eels. The Chickahominy River has also been producing good numbers of Bass and Catfish. The B.A.S.S. Northern Open begins next week on the James River. On the Potomac River, 22lbs won the LAPR Tx on Sunday June 26th. Full summer patterns are in order. Grass frogs are taking the majority of big fish.
Freshwater Lakes: Kerr Lake elevation is 300.43. Summer patterns are in full swing here also. Deep diving crank baits, C-rigs and Texas rigged worms are all producing fish. Spook type bait is excellent during low light conditions. The lake is still buzzing over the 143lb Blue Cat caught recently. Cat fish anglers from all over are seeking out Buggs Island Lake. For Bass at Lake Anna, a shaky head warm is hard to beat. Other good baits for Bass are Texas rigs and DD-22’s. stripers are responding best to live bait on down lines. The Sturgeon Creek area has been good lately.
Freshwater Ponds: Area ponds and small lakes are providing steady action for Crappie and Bluegills. Bass are responding to a wide variety of baits right now. Buzz baits, worms, Senko’s and crank baits are all producing fish. A buzz bait however, has been producing the biggest fish.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
Friday, June 24th, 2011
Date: 6/24/11
Chesapeake Bay: Those targeting Flounder are finding more and more success for keepers lately. Many places are producing fish, such as Back River Beef, the CBBT the Coleman Bridge on the York, and Kiptopeke. Drifting a squid/minnow combination is working well, but jigging bucktails over structure is very productive also. Many are chasing Cobia in the lower bay right now. Some are being successful with sight casting but currently chumming and bottom fishing seems to be working better. The CBBT is a good place, as is Latimer Shoals. The west side of the bay has been a little more productive, however. Some are encountering huge Red Drum while chumming. Customers have also reported catching Black Drum mixed in with the Reds. Schools of Reds are still being seen cruising near the surface in the lower bay. Spadefish action still seems to be slow for hook and line anglers, but the spear fishermen are faring well.
Ocean: Seabass continue to bite well out on wrecks and structures out of Rudee Inlet. Spanish Mackerel catches are increasing along the oceanfront for those trolling Clark Spoons and Drone Spoons. Bluefish seem to be averaging bigger than in previous years. Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited in Nags Head reports a lot of Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel from the piers at the little bridge. Speckled Trout are numerous, but just a few keepers are being caught. From the surf some Pompano up to 3lbs have been landed recently. There’s still lots of Blues and Spanish here also. Offshore boats caught a lot of Dolphin this week. Yellowfin Tuna catches were spotty.
Freshwater Rivers: The tidal rivers continue to provide excellent action for Bass and Catfish. The Fishers of Men Tx on the Potomac River was won with 20lbs (5 fish). Most of the bass were caught from the grass. Catfish are also plentiful in the grass. On the lower James, 19lbs won a weekend Tx out of Osbourne Landing. Many of these Bass are coming from the Chick. Big Blue catfish are numerous throughout the James, Chick, Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers. Fresh cut bait is the ticket for these brutes.
Freshwater Lakes: Kerr Lake elevation is 300. The big news here is the 143 lb Blue Catfish caught over the weekend. This is a potential world record! Reports from Bass fishermen list top waters as the most productive. 12-14lbs is winning most Tx’s. The Goat Island area has been good for both Stripers and Cats. Crappie are holding on deep brush. Anna stripers are still in the 208 bridge area. Trolling Red-fins and drifting live bait on down lines has been best. 12-14lbs have been winning Bass Tx’s here also. Shaky heads have been the hot ticket for Bass.
Freshwater Ponds: At local ponds and small lakes, the Panfish bite has slowed a bit, but is still good. A buzz bait has been outstanding early and late for Bass. During mid-day, a Texas rigged 10” worm has produced the biggest fish.
Posted in Chesapeake Bay Fishing, Creek Fishing, Fishing, Fresh Water Fishing, Pond Fishing, Salf Water Fishing, Virginia Bass Fishing, Virginia Trout Fishing, Weekly Fishing Report | No Comments »
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