Kayaks, canoes and all types of fishing boats provide access to this river fishery. The trip is limited to only 15 people! information from bait shops, marinas and fishing guides. We have been steadily picking away at a phenomenal grade of yellowtail all day long. The Bowfin population is one of the best in Virginia. 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. Carvins Cove should offer anglers good fishing in 2022 for a variety of fish. of which the largest was 20 and 3.4 pounds. 13 oz. Channel Catfish up to 15 pounds are available throughout the lake. The pool was roughly 5 below full at the time of sampling, and its currently down even more now. Anglers are encouraged to continue practice catch-and-release of trophy-size bass from the lake. 540 731-8683, Mountain 2 Island at the Rock House Marina Smallmouth Bass are present but in lower numbers and are typically caught in deeper water. This lake has historically been predator heavy with an abundance of bass, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel and Bowfin. Outside edges of Hydrilla provide great locations to catch bass, Chain Pickerel, and sometimes Black Crappie. Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. Spotted Bass are the most abundant, so they are more frequently caught. High relative weights indicated bass were finding plenty of forage. Anglers who put enough time in can usually find hot spots and catch quality limits. The bass population receives a great deal of pressure from tournaments, so anglers are encouraged to try new and different lures and patterns to entice these heavily pressured fish. During the spring run from February to May, look for Walleye where the New River enters the lake near Allisonia. Eighty-seven percent of adults were 18 inches, and 32% exceeded 20. Small Mouth Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Musky. Schools of crappie will migrate shallow late winter. Dublin VDWR Boat Launch Ramp Make your fishing dreams come true today and tomorrow. Web1 Fishing Report and Edits Details for Claytor Lake . Most fish are 13-17, but there are bass to 22. Extensive sampling was conducted again in spring 2021 to evaluate contribution to the population for bass stocked the previous six years. However, many anglers who spend the time are rewarded with good fishing. The survey yielded 65 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 39/hr. Yesterday was a tough day caused by the conditions and, especially the sea lions. Smallmouth Bass are less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower lake. 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. Stocking will continue for at least several more years and will continue to be evaluated with electrofishing and tournament samples to determine if stocking benefits are worth the investment. WebClaytor Lake Fishing Reports 103 people follow this lake 23 Fishing Reports Type: Lake/Pond Size: 4073.28 acres Avg. Experimental stockings the past few years have shown promise for more consistent survival. Its a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. Electrofishing catch rates of bass >15 are similar to neighboring Smith Mountain Lake. Later in the spring and through the summer, main lake points and ledges should hold considerable numbers of fish. Hopefully, this will translate to faster growth and larger bass. 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. He is running OPEN PARTY departing Saturday for the entire month of March. The New River has opportunities to catch some of the top species in trophy sizes. 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. As the season progresses and water temperatures increase, Walleye move deeper. The reports are compiled by an outside contractor who receives the The collection of 232 preferred-sized bass ( 15) provided a high catch rate of 66/hr. Surveys in 2021 followed up on fast growing saugeye with females pushing 4-4.5 pounds in just 2.5 years. With consistent Walleye stocking in recent years, this fishery is improving, with 5% of anglers targeting them. 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. Flathead Catfish tend to grow larger with fish up to 33 pounds. The decline appeared to be from poor year classes but it has since recovered to historical highs. Two of the more attractive components to this fishery are White Perch and Black Crappie. 2023 Fishidy. Claytor is considered a good smallmouth lake with anglers targeting large fish during winter. Since Alabama Bass are not easily distinguished from Spotted Bass, size and creel limits on Spotted Bass are no longer in place. Both Bluegill and Redear Sunfish have historically been stunted providing a wealth of action from 3-5 fish. Hybrids are routinely caught in the lower lake on top water baits or by drifting live baits. Visit this link for the locations of these reefs. Largemouth Bass 20 inches accounted for 5% of the sample. Claytor Lake Good 09/21/2022 Stripers, 14-16 pounds, are taking live shad. Possible catches from Claytor Lake range from bass to carp. and bucktails in the spring and fall. The 2020 survey was consistent with past years showing an abundance of medium size Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. The vast majority of bass were 13-17 with a high proportion 2-2.5 pounds. Musky lures used ar 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. Channel Catfish were the fourth most harvested fish with an estimated 2,692 fish. The cost is $650. Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. Look for bass beds in proximity to shallow flooded timber. 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. Lake Anna is one of several large reservoirs in Virginia under evaluation for supplemental F1 (original cross between Northern and Florida) Largemouth Bass stocking. Anglers are encouraged to switch over from bass to perch and crappie. We reserve the right to correct pricing errors. Lodging: YES From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). Topwaters, plastic worms an 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. placing Chesdin in first place again for all district lakes. Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass are the third biggest fishery with nearly 6% of anglers fishing for these. Brown trout to almost six pounds are being caught on live minnows at night, under the lights. One of the better fishing opportunities on Chesdin comes from Channel Catfish with fish averaging 4-6 pounds. These schooling fish can provide great action and can keep youngsters engaged. Polaris Supreme Trip Report 06-29 to 30-2016 and fell further behind 2019 (117/hr.). 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. As far as the plan for tomorrow, we will be trying something different. Fishing during fall and winter is typically best from Goat Island to the Clarksville Bridge, although fish may be found throughout. While most anglers troll or float live Gizzard Shad and Alewife for stripers and hybrids, many are taken with topwater baits (Redfins, Rapalas, etc.) Bass anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lakes abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. Best Tools, Gear and Gadgets to Have on Your Boat, ISLE Sportsman Review: Fishing From a High-End Paddle Board. Spring is in the air. endstream endobj 263 0 obj <>stream Several boat launch ramps, some for a small fee and some for free, are scattered around the lake. and memorable size (> 20) was 0.4/hr. 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. The bass population seems to have recovered to a consistent and quality level. 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. Anglers should find a good distribution of fish 8-13. An increasing number of kayak anglers have discovered this resource but should exercise caution on windy days. Also sign me up for tips and deals from the Omnia newsletter. Bragging size fish are scarce, but the action is non-stop. While most anglers troll or float live Gizzard Shad and Alewife, many are taken with topwater baits (Redfins, Rapalas, etc.) The second cohort is in the 1620 range, and the third cohort produces fish > 20. Size and creel limits are designed to protect large females while allowing some harvest of more abundant males. During your visit you can fish for bass, catfish, walleye and muskie from shore, boat or the universally accessible fishing pier. 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). During spring 2019 electrofishing, 69% of the Largemouth Bass collected over 8 inches This popular destination continues to produce very respectable Largemouth Bass. Those numbers declined slightly in 2020 and 2021 but are still well above levels observed in the mid-2000s. Several small islands, numerous large points, and bridge crossings all add to the extreme variability of the topography. Anglers should find success around beaver lodges and fallen trees which create ideal habitat for sunfish and crappie. Largemouth Bass with a black n blue spinner. Very, very good kelp fishing here. Capt Mike Pritchard just called in an on the water report from the Tribute, as of 8am this morning we have 40 Bluefin Tuna on the deck from 30 - 40 pounds. along with two saugeye. In fact, samples from 2019 yielded the highest catch rates for bass > 15 and bass > 20 ever observed on the lake. In partnership with Appalachian Power Company, Claytor Lake State Park, Friends of Claytor Lake, and the Virginia BASS Nation, DWR fisheries biologists have worked to enhance fish habitat across Claytor Lake. of electrofishing. Harvest of more abundant males Mouth bass, Musky known for sport fishing and boating of kayak anglers discovered. 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