Chesapeake Bay – As the days grow longer, and water temps climb, the Speckled Trout become more and more active, and are striking a larger variety of lures. Mirr-O-lures still dominate, but plastic fluke-style baits, paddle tail swim baits, and Gulp! baits are also beginning to trigger strikes. Anglers are finding big fish in other places other than the Elizabeth River. Mobjack Bay, creeks and rivers along the Northern Neck, and inlets on the lower bay and ocean are attracting Specks. There’s a strong run of Rockfish up the tidal … Read More »

The shad are on the bottom and the current is swift on the James River. In order to coax them up, local anglers are still using a ½ oz weight, but a better color selection for this part of the week would be pink/white or chartreuse/white. The same colors go well for the fly-fishing crowd, but getting down to the fish is a bit more involved. A sink tip will not do it at the moment. A full sink line over 300 grains is more likely to dredge them up, … Read More »

Shad fishing on the James river has been surprisingly productive for the past few days. The water level according to the USGS is about 6.5 feet average. That is a slightly high but fishable water level, and pretty normal for this time of year. The water level prediction looks surprisingly good for the week as well, despite the snow on the ground. The river should give up some shad throughout the week.

According to some reliable sources, gold spoons and combinations of purple and pink shad darts or flies are the … Read More »

BAY – Again, Speckled Trout are the main focus of anglers inside the bay and its tributaries. The Elizabeth River continues to produce but other areas are getting attention also. Creeks and rivers in the Northern Neck area are providing action for those with access to private ramps. Mobjack Bay is said to be giving up some nice fish lately. Mirr-o-lures are still tops, but fluke type soft plastics are also working. Rockfish are being caught inside the rivers as they make their spawning runs, but they must be released. … Read More »