Anglers should find a good distribution of fish 8-13. Bass: 5 per day, only 2 can be less than 14 inches. Biologists collected 31 Walleye during fall 2021, and 45% were over 20 and legal. Catfish: 20 per day no length restrictions. Anglers can find Largemouth Bass in coves throughout the lake, but the best places to fish are Peak Creek, Clapboard Hollow, and large coves in the lower lake area. Known as a good crappie lake as well, both White and Black Crappie populations are strong. View our maps and read detailed fishing reports from nearby anglers. The Bowfin population is one of the best in Virginia. 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! Fishing during fall and winter is typically best from Goat Island to the Clarksville Bridge, although fish may be found throughout. WebAlternate Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM. The last three years have shown variability related to water temperature. Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. However, survival of triploids may be lower than diploids traditionally stocked. The Department maintains ramps at Allisonia (in the upper lake area) and near the entrance to the state park (Dublin Ramp). g0u70FWMirYfuT54['D+ cg0h 5s[{O}'+? |tdOG/EOE$3N21GV#X^2|R2~bw >KH(@2\$b,JBV9Ty{i|0Vq1Mt@. Bluegill: 50 per day no length restrictions. 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. Overall, there have been some good reports this spring that provide hope for a rebound in striper numbers, with a noticeable presence of 28- to 32-inch stripers. The 2021 spring electrofishing survey yielded 428 bass for a catch rate of 122/hr. Marina Name: Mountain 2: Island at the Rock House Marina, Address: 3776 Rock House Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301, Address: 4734, 6620 Ben H Bolen Dr, Dublin, VA 24084, Website: https://www.claytorlakewatersports.com/. 280 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<551E622641CEE34F8CCF593BD61F3844>]/Index[259 47]/Info 258 0 R/Length 106/Prev 425427/Root 260 0 R/Size 306/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream Hybrid Striped Bass continue to provide a popular sport fishery, and this system produced a previous state record hybrid. Approximately 17,000 hybrid fingerlings were stocked in 2021. The abundance of hybrids in December 2021 net samples was average, but the majority of fish were over 20 and legal. Smallmouth, Largemouth, and Spotted Bass (collectively called black bass) are the bread and butter fishes of this lake. Survival of both was excellent in 2021 based on gill net catch rate. Dublin, VA 24084 Claytor Lake Subscribe to Receive Fishing Report Updates Rating - Good Stripers, 14 This species has generally mirrored largemouth trends closely with overall numbers steadily increasing matching historical highs in 2019. 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. Map. The number of crappie collected in DWR sampling did decline in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years. The Bluegill and Redear Sunfish populations have been producing larger fish that can be enjoyed by fly fishermen and spin anglers using light tackle. Locations and coordinates of fish habitat structures developed since 2012 can be seen in the maps below: Claytor Lake and the New River upstream of Claytor Lake Dam to Buck Dam in Carroll County: Claytor Lake State Park, located on the north side of the lake, provides 497 acres of park with camping, cabins, picnic areas, and a swimming beach, as well as a marina. The survey yielded 65 preferred-sized bass ( 15) for a catch rate of 21.7/hr. Fishing has also become a major attraction at Claytor Lake. Biologists continue to work on adding fish habitat (brush piles and pallet teepees) in designated areas to improve spawning and add survival. Both CPUEs were down from 2019 (90/hr.). Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. Recent surveys continue to reveal an abundance of bass in the 3-5 pound range which should make tournament anglers happy. We reserve the right to correct pricing errors. For more fishing information on South Holston Lake go to the South Holston Lake page or the TWRA website. DWR staff plan to trap net the reservoir in 2022. Anglers are encouraged to continue practice catch-and-release of trophy-size bass from the lake. 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. The Black Crappie population is not large compared to other lakes, but they average a little less than a pound in size. Bass in this sample ranged from 324 with an average of 14. The 2021 survey yielded a CPUE-P of 14.4/hr. Community electrofishing is conducted every other year to assess the fishery and is next scheduled for 2022. During fall, winter, and summer, look for schools in the same areas where stripers hang out. White Perch are also abundant and provide another option. Read Fishing Reports. Some nice bass were collected in 2021, but the vast majority of larger females were missed due to warm weather during March. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Services. WebAll about fishing at Claytor Lake for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, spotted bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, yellow bass, The Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass population has been stable for many years. Bass and catfish are "biting like crazy". Rentals: Fishing boats, pontoon boats, kayaks and canoes Since Alabama Bass are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass, size and creel limits on Spotted Bass are no longer in place. The largest seen during the 2020 survey was 4.5 pounds, while the 2021 survey only yielded a bass of 3.7 pounds. Catfish. $9 IF YOU ARE FROM OUT-OF-STATE. This lake has historically produced an abundance of citation Yellow Perch, but there has been a decline recently. Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. Most commonly they are in the 6" to 8" range and weigh less than a pound. Anglers might want a few fully charged batteries if they plan to make long trips toward the upper end. Buggs Island is also one of Virginias best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. Claytors steep and rocky shorelines make it particularly good for Smallmouth Bass. The eventual goal of the supplemental stockings is to increase the overall top-end size potential. Buffalo, Grassy, Bluestone, and Butcher Creeks are very productive for crappie. No Walleye 19 to 28 inches may be kept and anglers are limited to 2 Walleye per day year round. Anglers should study the differences between these fish carefully. Within the past five years, Alabama Bass were illegally introduced to the reservoir, and biologists have collected them up to 18. Since 2017, fish habitat enhancements have consisted primarily of the Mossback fish habitats and Christmas tree reefs. The combined creel limit for black bass is still 5 per day. Click here for a Virginia Fishing License. So, although the number of Walleye and Saugeye were down, the majority of fish out there are legal (over 18). Anglers can also find excitement from Longnose Gar and Chain Pickerel. Some nice catches of bass are being made on grubs and Drop Shot. However, anglers can also be successful throwing top-water lures at night in May through early June, which coincides with the Alewife spawn. Lake Chesdin received supplemental F-1 bass stockings in 2020 and 2021 as part of a DWR program. This was an increase from 2020 (62/hr.) 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. There are plenty of amenities located on and around the lake including marinas, boat ramps and lodging. 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. State Park Good catches of crappie and catfish are being taken at night. Claytor Lake Weather Click here to unsubcribe from your fishing reports. A robust forage base of Gizzard Shad, Alewife, White Perch and Bluegill support predators here. Since then, trophy bass potential has declined slightly as a result of several factors including reservoir aging, bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. 540 643-2500. Anglers here will find a wide variety of species that can provide an enjoyable day on the water. Claytor Lake bait populations (Alewife and Gizzard Shad) are high, aiding in the restoration of the Striped Bass fishery. During summer, habitat (combination of temperature and dissolved oxygen) forces Striped Bass to occupy the lower end of the lake (the dam to about Buoy 9 and in the mouth of Nutbush Creek). 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. Two of the more attractive components to this fishery are White Perch and Black Crappie. Leesville Lake has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. The post spawn topwater bite at night in the lower lake during April and May will yield the best Walleye fishing Virginia has to offer. There is often thick Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms from June-November. 603 Bridge at the upper end. No Fishing Supplies (Bait & Tackle) Listed. During the electrofishing sample in spring 2021, 41% of largemouth collected >8 were also over 15. Public access is somewhat limited but there is a good boat launch area at Claytor Lake State Park on the northern shore of the lake. The abundant forage base of Blueback Herring provides a great source of nutrition for the assemblage of predators. Population metrics describing abundance and size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass in 2021 were nearly all at record levels (again). Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir has shallow shorelines that typically warm quickly. Find fishing tackle, live bait, fishing guides, fishing charters, campgrounds, and hotels near Claytor Lake. These fish were tagged in the Staunton River beginning winter 2020 as part of an angler exploitation study. The Black Crappie population is still riding a big-fish cycle. Some days, even the electrofishing boat has a difficult time boating a citation-sized bass! Don't miss out! During summer, anglers should fish deeper water (8-12) during the day off points and ledges. This was a favorable increase from 2020 (67/hr.). Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. Trolling bucktails and umbrella rigs in 20-60 of water can produce. While most anglers troll or float live Gizzard Shad and Alewife, many are taken with topwater baits (Redfins, Rapalas, etc.) Anglers can now keep unlimited numbers of Spotted Bass of any size. Largemouth Bass diets are quite different than from Smallmouth and Spotted bass diets, which may be one reason they are doing so well in the lake. 6325 Sandburg Road Suite 100Golden Valley, MN 55427. and memorable size (> 17) was 5.2/hr. Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of 4-6 pound Bowfin with a chance at a citation over 10 pounds. The positive trend was likely a function of increases in primary productivity and habitat improvements related to the return of aquatic vegetation (both submersed and emergent). Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. Lures that imitate fish are the best choice for Largemouth Bass, but they may also hit crayfish imitations. The 2020 net survey collected 456 crappie over two nights, and most fish were from two year classes with peaks of distribution centered on 8-9 and 10-11. Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. A variety of artificial habitat structures have been used since habitat efforts began in 2001 including spider blocks, dumbos, rock piles, Mossback habitat structures, and Christmas tree reefs. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Videos Marinas on this lake Marina Name: Mountain 2: Island at the Rock House Marina Address: 3776 Rock House Rd, Pulaski, VA 24301 Website: There are multiple different types of bass in this lake which make it home to some very good fishing. Dublin VDWR Boat Launch Ramp The trip is limited to only 15 people! 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) Anglers primarily target catfish from April to June, with a second bump in effort in early fall. Of those, 94% were legal (>10). Anglers fishing for sunfish can find a variety of smaller sunfish including Redear, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed, but Bluegill dominate. DWR is working to determine the future ability of trout to survive in this aging reservoir. Philpott supports a variety of sport fish, but the most popular are Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, crappie, Walleye and various species of sunfish. 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. 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 survey revealed a decline crappie >12. endstream endobj 263 0 obj <>stream Other species available for Buggs anglers include Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Walleye, White Bass, White Perch, and Freshwater Drum. The second cohort is in the 1620 range, and the third cohort produces fish > 20. Claytor Lake Habitat Enhancement Projects Map (20122016), Claytor Lake Habitat Enhancement Projects Map (20172021), Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass: 5 per day in the aggregate, No Minimum Size Limit for Largemouth Bass, September 16 to June 30: 2 per day in the aggregate, minimum size limit 20 inches, July 1 to September 15: 4 per day in the aggregate, no minimum size limit, Year-round: 2 walleye per day; no walleye 19 to 28 inches, 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. The reservoir has numerous arms and coves with plenty of area for anglers to explore with steep shoreline drops and clear water. Field staff Reduced stocking success and regulation changes reduced overall numbers of stripers, but that improved the forage and growth rates. Catfish are also popular in Claytor Lake, some of them getting quite large (well over 50 lb). As well, both White and Black crappie over two pounds not uncommon called Black bass is still riding big-fish. 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