- Región 1 (Sureste/Aguas de Marea, Virginia)
- Región 2 (Centro-Sur de Virginia)
- Región 3 (Suroeste de Virginia)
- Región 4 (Virginia del Norte)
- Mapa de las Regiones Administrativas del DWR
Escrito por el equipo del Comité del Embalse Acuático, editado por John Odenkirk
Región 1 (Sureste/Aguas de Marea, Virginia)
Lago Chesdin
Lake Chesdin is a 3,100-acre impoundment in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie Counties and a popular destination for very respectable Largemouth Bass. The 2023 spring electrofishing survey yielded 391 bass for a catch rate of 104/hr. which was a decline from 2022 (129/hr.). A large proportion of fish were 16-20”. The collection of 192 preferred-sized bass (≥ 15”) provided a decent catch of 51/hr. placing Chesdin in first place again for district lakes. This catch rate of preferred-sized bass matched 2022. Survey date and timing play major roles in catch rates and size structure. Lake Chesdin had a surprisingly high abundance of large males in the 4-5 lb. range. High relative weights indicated bass were finding plenty of forage. Gizzard Shad provide a great forage base but also can make fishing tricky for average anglers. Recent surveys continue to reveal an abundance of 3-5 lb. bass which should make tournament anglers happy. Lake Chesdin received supplemental F1 bass stockings for four years (2020-2023) as part of a DWR experiment. Two additional years of stocking will be conducted in an attempt to improve top end size structure. DNA analysis from fin clips will allow for assessment of stocking success. Bluegill are extremely abundant, but very few make it past 6”. Redear Sunfish are not as abundant, but sizes are better with fish reaching 9-11”. The crappie fishery consists of both Black and White Crappie. The crappie community has historically suffered from stockpiling but has the capacity to produce quality fish including some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between black and white) that have been foraging on juvenile shad. Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie in the 8-9” range to thin out this segment. One of the better fishing opportunities on Chesdin comes from Channel Catfish with 3-5 lb. fish available. The Flathead Catfish population has shown recent growth, and a 2023 net survey found most fish in 8-12 lb. range with the largest at 28. Lake Chesdin received saugeye (Sauger x Walleye cross) fingerlings in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 with Walleye fingerlings stocked in 2020. The 2023 surveys revealed an abundance of saugeye from the 2019 and 2021 year classes. Some larger saugeye collected were females that weighed nearly 6 lbs. Anglers are reminded minimum size for saugeye and Walleye is 18” at 5/day in aggregate. The Chain Pickerel population has produced some very healthy fish with many 2-3 lbs. and an occasional trophy. Anglers should not expect many large White or Yellow Perch, as both have a difficult time growing past 9”.
Embalse del pantano de Beaverdam
Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir es un embalse de 635acres en el condado de Gloucester que ofrece valiosas oportunidades de pesca en la península media. Parques y Recreación del Condado de Gloucester. opera Beaverdam Park justo al noroeste de Gloucester y ofrece un muelle de pesca, rampa pública para botes, alquiler de botes y acceso a la costa. El 2023 estudio de pesca eléctrica produjo poca emoción, ya que solo se recolectaron 37 lubinas para una tasa de captura de 23/ h. La encuesta del 24de abril encontró que la población de lubinas había pasado mucho más de su desove, ya que la CPUE se clasificó por debajo de 2022 (54/h.). Este embalse tiene costas poco profundas que se calientan rápidamente y muchas lubinas abandonan los bancos una vez que se completa el desove. La población de lubinas recibe una gran presión de los torneos, por lo que se anima a los pescadores a probar nuevos y diferentes señuelos y patrones para atraer a estos peces fuertemente presionados. El embalse se abasteció con alevines de lubina F1 durante cuatro años (2020-2023). Estas repoblaciones son parte de un estudio de 6años para evaluar la supervivencia y la contribución a la pesquería. El objetivo final de las medias suplementarias es aumentar el potencial de tamaño de gama alta. Las poblaciones de perca blanca y cangrejo negro continúan proporcionando emoción desde finales del invierno hasta principios de la primavera. Un estudio 2023 con redes trampa arrojó una abundancia de perca blanca (n = 606) y cangrejo negro (n = 590) con varias clases de años claramente identificadas. Históricamente, la pesquería ha producido perca amarilla, pero recientemente ha habido una disminución con la afluencia de reclutamiento de perca blanca. Estos peces de cardúmenes pueden proporcionar una gran acción y pueden mantener a los jóvenes comprometidos. Las branquias azules y el ocasional bagre de canal completan la acción. La población de Bluegill ha estado produciendo algunos peces 68" y es mejor que la mayoría de los embalses del distrito.
Lago Chickahominy
El lago Chickahominy es un destino popular para los pescadores que disfrutan de la pesca a 1, embalse de230acres con mucho hábitat y cobertura. Históricamente, este lago ha sido un gran depredador con una abundancia de lobina negra, cangrejo negro, pepinillo de cadena y aleta de arco. La población de bagre azul ha comenzado a proporcionar más emoción para los pescadores que los seleccionan. Un estudio de redes trampa 2023 encontró una población saludable de peces 11-13". Los cardúmenes de peces migrarán a aguas poco profundas a finales del invierno. Los pisos de Johnson y Lacey Creeks siempre son lugares atractivos para encontrar acción a principios de temporada. El estudio de pesca eléctrica de primavera 2023 recolectó lubina 128 para una tasa de captura de 77/ h. Este aumento favorable de 2022 (51/hr.) reflejó un aumento en la lubina juvenil. El momento de los muestreos en el lago Chickahominy es fundamental para obtener una muestra representativa de peces más grandes. Las fechas de la encuesta posterior al desove generalmente omiten la mayoría de los 3-5 libras. Hembras. El estudio arrojó 30 lubina de tamaño preferido (≥ 15") para una tasa de captura de 18/h. lo cual fue una disminución menor de 2022 (20.3/hr.). La encuesta 2023 no pudo encontrar ninguna lubina en el 5:7 libras. lo que fue una sorpresa. Dos rampas privadas, Ed Allen's y Eagles Landing, proporcionan la mayor parte del acceso y albergan numerosos torneos. Los pescadores que dedican suficiente tiempo generalmente pueden encontrar puntos calientes y límites de calidad de captura. El lago Chickahominy continúa produciendo una abundancia de aleta amarilla con un tamaño promedio que muestra una disminución con respecto a los estudios anteriores. El peso promedio de la aleta de arco recolectada fue de 3 libras. con el más pesado a 6. Las poblaciones de pez luna Bluegill y Redear han estado produciendo peces más grandes que pueden ser disfrutados por pescadores con mosca y pescadores que usan aparejos ligeros. Los pescadores aquí encontrarán una amplia variedad de especies que pueden proporcionar un día agradable en el agua.
Embalse de Little Creek
Little Creek Reservoir is a 947-acre Newport News water supply located in James City County just south of Toano. It’s a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. The fishery is enhanced by annual stocking of Striped Bass along with previous Walleye stockings. The reservoir’s small watershed can be supplemented by water pumped in from Chickahominy Lake or Diascund Reservoir. James City County operates a park with a boat ramp, courtesy pier, fishing pier, and concession stand. The reservoir has numerous arms and coves with plenty of area for anglers to explore with steep shoreline drops and clear water. There is often thick Hydrilla growth along shorelines in most northern creek arms from June-November. Outside edges of Hydrilla provide great locations to catch bass, Chain Pickerel, and sometimes Black Crappie. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. Community electrofishing is conducted every other year to assess the fishery. The 2022 survey was different than past years, as Newport News was in the process of lowering the reservoir in preparation for dam repair. The pool was roughly 8’ below full at the time of sampling, and it’s currently down even more now. The survey revealed a limited abundance of bass with 50 collected (26/hr.). This catch rate showed an increase from 2020 (23/hr.). Little Creek has historically been a difficult place to collect bass during daytime surveys, and the reduced elevation added another complication. Bass appeared to be in good health with the length distribution showing a high concentration of 12-15” fish. The survey revealed that 20% of the collected bass were of preferred size (≥ 15”). The abundant forage base of Blueback Herring provides a great source of nutrition for the assemblage of predators. The survey was consistent with past years showing an abundance of medium size Bluegill and Redear Sunfish. The reservoir has potential to produce citation Yellow Perch and Black Crappie, and anglers with good electronics can sometimes find these schools. An abundance of Chain Pickerel and large American Eel can provide additional action. Anglers may still have a chance at catching stocked Walleye and an outside chance at finding saugeye.
Embalse de Diascund
El embalse de Diascund es otro suministro de agua de Newport News. Este 1,110embalse de acres se encuentra dentro de los condados de James City y New Kent. El VDWR, con el acuerdo de Newport News y el condado de James City, construyó una rampa pública para botes, un muelle de cortesía y un estacionamiento cerca de la Ruta 603 cerca de Lanexa. El embalse tiene varios brazos grandes con un contorno y una estructura muy interesantes. Varias islas pequeñas, numerosos puntos grandes y cruces de puentes se suman a la extrema variabilidad de la topografía. La vegetación acuática sumergida (principalmente Hydrilla) se ha extendido a varias áreas y ha crecido bastante espesa. El uso de motores fuera de borda está prohibido, pero los motores de pesca por curricán están permitidos. La encuesta de primavera de 2023 recolectó 112 lubina de boca grande para una CPUE de 56/h. Esto representó una disminución de 2022 (79.5/hr.). La mayoría de los bajos eran 14-17" con una alta proporción de alrededor de 2 libras. La tasa de captura de lubina preferida (≥15") fue de un respetable 39.5/hr., en lugar de 2022 (44/hr.). La encuesta recolectó una abundancia limitada de lubina de Alabama (n = 9, CPUE = 4.5/hr.) con una disminución de 2022 (CPUE = 6.5/hr.). Es ilegal que los pescadores muevan lubinas de Alabama desde el embalse de Diascund y solo se les puede mantener vivos (en posesión) si se pesca activamente en un torneo. La población de agallas azules ha sido históricamente atrofiada, con la mayoría de los peces en el rango de 3-5". La población de peces luna de Redear ha mostrado una disminución reciente, pero todavía tiene el potencial de producir algunos peces más grandes. Dos de los componentes más atractivos de esta pesquería son la perca blanca y la chaparra negra, y la población de percas produce peces en el rango de 9a11". La pesquería de peces podría beneficiarse de la captura de peces de 8-10" en lugar de los más grandes en el rango de tamaño de cita. Aunque no es tan abundante como en el cercano lago Chickahominy, Bowfin en Diascund proporciona emoción y potencial de trofeos. Los pescadores también pueden encontrar emoción en Longnose Gar y Chain Pickerel.
Región 2 (Centro-Sur de Virginia)
Lago Briery Creek
Durante la primera y mediana2000el lago Briery Creek fue posiblemente el mejor lugar de la Commonwealth para atrapar un trofeo de lobina negra e incluso asustó el récord estatal actual de 16.25 libras. Desde entonces, el potencial de la lubina trofeo ha disminuido ligeramente debido a varios factores, incluido el envejecimiento del embalse, el virus de la lubina y la introducción de Hydrilla. Sin embargo, Briery Creek todavía cuenta con una combinación única de tamaño y número de bocazas. Desde la implementación de la ranura protegida 16-24", la abundancia de graves en la ranura se ha triplicado y se ha mantenido constante. El lago sigue contando con una fuerte población de lubinas, con un total de 294 recogidas durante las muestras de 2023 de primavera. Dentro de la población de lubinas de tamaño "capturable" (> 8") 45% fueron >15", y el 5% fueron >20". Esto significa que, en promedio, 1 de cada 20 lubinas adultas en el lago tenían 20" y más. Aunque el día de heno de Briery es lejano, sigue siendo una de las mejores pesquerías de lubina en el estado. A los pescadores no les faltarán objetivos de lanzamiento con la abundante madera en pie, tocones y árboles caídos del lago. Apunte a las áreas de transición que conducen a las planicies de desove a principios o mediados de la primavera. Más tarde en la primavera y durante el verano, los puntos principales del lago y las repisas de los canales de arroyos deben contener peces de manera constante. Briery no es solo un lago de lubinas; También proporciona pesquerías moderadas de pez luna y mojarra. Los pescadores de ribera que deseen pescar peces luna y mojarras encontrarán amplias oportunidades a lo largo de dos senderos de pesca y tres muelles que cumplen con la ADA. Para obtener más información sobre el lago Briery Creek, visite la página del lago Briery Creek.
Embalse del río Sandy
Durante bastante tiempo, el embalse de Sandy River ha desempeñado un papel secundario frente a su hermano Briery Creek, ubicado justo al final de la carretera. Sandy ofrece la misma pesquería de lubina de boca grande que Briery con mucha menos madera en pie para complicar la navegación. Las tasas generales de captura de lubina disminuyeron notablemente en 2023 muestras de pesca eléctrica, lo que se explicó en gran medida por tasas de captura de peces <12más bajas de lo normal". Este cambio es probablemente el resultado de una mayor cobertura de vegetación acuática sumergida, lo que puede reducir las tasas de captura de peces más pequeños durante el muestreo. Las tasas de captura de peces >12" fueron consistentes. Un total de 258 lubinas fueron recolectadas en primavera 2023. Dentro de la población de lubinas de tamaño "capturable" (>8"), el 58% fueron >15", y el 10% fueron >20". Esto significa que, en promedio, 1 de cada lubina de 10 tamaño capturable en el lago era de 20" y más. Sandy cuenta con una fuerte población de bagres con más de 3bagres de canal500 sembrados anualmente para reforzar la pesquería. El pez luna y el mojarra también son abundantes en todo el lago. Los pescadores deben encontrar el éxito alrededor de las cabañas de castores y los árboles caídos, que crean un hábitat ideal. El muelle de pesca de Sandy también ofrece excelentes oportunidades de acceso durante la primavera y el verano. Para obtener más información, visite la página del embalse del río Sandy.
Isla Buggs (embalse de Kerr)
Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir) is located in south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina. Largemouth Bass in the 2–4 pound range are still common; however, density of bass over four pounds has declined somewhat mainly due to reduced productivity. The overall trend in number of bass >15” in spring surveys has improved since 2012, but we did see a bit of decline in 2023. Abundance of bass >15” in 2023 was only slightly below average. Good densities of bass around 12” will help maintain a quality fishery in coming years. This fishery seems to have recovered to a consistent and quality level since 2015. Best fishing is on the upper end and lower end creek arms, especially during high water in spring when water gets into trees. Unfortunately, Alabama Bass have been illegally introduced by anglers into Buggs Island. We expect they will result in negative impacts to the reservoir largemouth fishery and to Smallmouth Bass fisheries in the Dan and Staunton Rivers. We will continue to monitor the spread of this invasive species in coming years. The catfish fishery has become dominated by a world-class Blue Catfish population with many fish 5-30 lbs. Many larger fish are also caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds caught in 2011. The Striped Bass population is healthy with larger individuals from the 2018 year class available. This strong year class and higher stocking densities should maintain a fishery that will provide a lot of action in coming years. Net samples in 2023 suggested below average recruitment, so we’ll be keeping a close eye on this valuable fishery. During spring, Striped Bass are found in the upper lake and in the rivers above the lake as fish travel upstream to spawn. During summer, habitat (combination of temperature and dissolved oxygen) forces Striped Bass to occupy the lower end (dam to about Buoy 9, and in the mouth of Nutbush Creek). Fishing during fall and winter is typically best from Goat Island to Clarksville Bridge, although fish may be found throughout. Buggs Island Lake is also one of Virginia’s best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon. This is best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn); however, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. Buffalo, Grassy, Bluestone, and Butcher Creeks are very productive for crappie. Walleye catch rates have risen recently due to increased stocking in the Staunton River drainage. DWR wrapped up a four-year exploitation study in 2023 where we found consistent catch rates and a popular fishery. For more information on this fishery please visit the “Fishing Reports” link on our website and look at the Walleye Fishing Forecast. Other species available for Buggs anglers include Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, White Bass, White Perch, and Freshwater Drum. Drum densities have increased greatly in recent years.
Lago de la montaña Smith
Smith Mountain Lake Largemouth Bass (LMB) population, based on DWR sampling, has been improving since 2015. Catch rates for bass of various size groups (≥ 8”, 15”, 20”), in 2018-2022 were all higher than the previous 10 year average. An experimental LMB program was initiated in 2015 to determine if supplemental stocking of F1 bass in Virginia’s larger lakes can improve populations. While the increasing bass population coincides with stocking, the primary reason for increasing bass numbers was higher than average spawning success. To date, stocking has only added approximately 5% more bass to each year class (age group). However, there have been increases of LMB over 4 lbs. because of stocking, as 13% of tournament bass checked over 4 lbs. by DWR in 2021 were stocked. Tournament data collected in 2022-2023 have not yet been received from the lab. Stocking will continue for at least two more years and will be evaluated with electrofishing and tournament samples to determine if stocking benefits are worth investment. The Smallmouth Bass (SMB) population makes up less than 10% of black bass but still contributes to the fishery. This species has generally mirrored LMB trends with overall numbers steady and matching historical highs. Striped Bass (STB) fishing improved after 2016 for both numbers and sizes. The STB population was too high from 2010-2015 resulting in a depleted forage base and severely reduced growth. Consequently, the STB population needed restructuring. Poor stocking success and regulation changes reduced numbers, increased forage, and improved striper growth rates. However, the population is again getting too high, which has reduced forage and impacted growth. This means anglers should experience good fishing due to higher numbers and less available forage in 2024. The crappie population has been generally consistent for both numbers and sizes. The number collected in surveys was lower in 2018-2020 compared to the previous 6 years but higher in 2021-2023 than the long term average. Thus, anglers should find a good distribution of crappie 9-13”. The White Perch population increased dramatically from 2000-2016 and provided a popular fishery, but the population declined since 2016 due to reduced reproduction. Although White Perch are still present, there are currently fewer perch available. There has been a 90% reduction in White Perch numbers from 2016 to 2023. Channel and Flathead Catfish should be similar to past years.
Leesville Lake
The Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass population has been stable for many years. Most bass are 13-17”, but there are fish up to 22”. Electrofishing catch rates of bass > 15” are very good. The best areas are from the dam to mile marker 6, as most of the upper lake has poor habitat due to varying water conditions from Smith Mountain Lake discharges. This reservoir has historically supported a fair Striped Bass population that has fluctuated in numbers and sizes due to variable recruitment. The current population is good and improving due to better recruitment. Experimental stockings since 2017 improved survival and have produced the best DWR catch rates recorded at the lake. Leesville has historically produced a marginal Walleye population, but experimental saugeye stockings 2013-2015 worked better. However, only Walleye have been stocked since 2016, and this fishery has declined to historical levels and is too low to provide a good fishery. The return of stocking only Walleye (no saugeye) into Leesville was to maintain genetic integrity since much of Virginia’s hatchery broodstock come from this system. Catfish are abundant with the most common species being Channel and Blue Catfish. There are limited numbers of White and Flathead Catfish, but these species make up a smaller portion of the catfish community. The crappie fishery has produced good sizes but low numbers for the past 20 years limiting the fishery. However, there has been much better recruitment recently resulting in a better fishery with good numbers of 8-11” crappie available. 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 historic levels. White Perch are also abundant and provide another opportunity. This reservoir can be difficult to fish due to quickly rising and falling water levels and lack of submerged structure. However, many anglers who spend the time to figure this lake out are rewarded with good fishing.
Embalse de Philpott
La pesca en el embalse de Philpott en 2024 debería proporcionar a los pescadores buenas oportunidades recreativas. Philpott alberga una variedad de peces deportivos, siendo los más populares la lubina de boca pequeña, la lubina de boca grande, el cangrejo, la lucioperca y varias especies de peces luna. Los estudios realizados en 2023 mostraron una fuerte población de lobina con un número abundante de peces 12-16" (0.5–2.5 libras). Las lubinas de boca pequeña eran menos abundantes, pero los pescadores las cazan con éxito. La pesquería apoya torneos de pequeña escala semanalmente durante la mayor parte del año. En los últimos siete años, las lubinas de Alabama fueron introducidas ilegalmente y han aparecido en encuestas y torneos. En los puntos de acceso se colocan carteles informativos sobre la lubina de Alabama y cómo identificarla. La lubina de Alabama ha desplazado (reemplazado) a la lobina y extirpado la boca pequeña (introgresión genética) en muchos embalses del sureste de los Estados Unidos. La pesquería de lucioperca continúa siendo estable, respaldada por la repoblación anual, y la pesquería continúa produciendo buenos números > 18". Los pescadores también pueden capturar un número decente de cangrejo negro y pez luna.
Cala de Carvin
Carvin's Cove debería proporcionar a los pescadores una acción decente y una diversidad de peces en 2024. Este embalse de 630acres en los condados de Roanoke y Botetourt, propiedad de la Autoridad de Agua de Virginia Occidental, se administra principalmente para el suministro de agua municipal para Roanoke. La piscina del lago bajó 11' debido a la sequía en 2023, pero las lluvias recientes están volviendo a llenar el lago. Los peces deportivos más populares son la lubina de boca grande, la lubina de boca pequeña, la lubina rayada híbrida, la lubina negra, el bagre y el pez luna. Las lubinas son abundantes con buenos números para 16". La lubina de boca pequeña está presente, pero en menor número y generalmente más profunda. La lubina rayada híbrida se sembraba en 2013-2015 y 2017-2023, y la lubina rayada se sembraba en 2017 para diversificar las oportunidades de pesca. Los pescadores que pescan pez luna pueden encontrar una variedad de especies más pequeñas, como Redear, Redbreast y Pumpkinseed, pero las branquias azules son dominantes. La mayoría de las branquias azules son pequeñas, con tamaños que van desde 3hasta7".
Región 3 (Suroeste de Virginia)
Lago Claytor
Black Bass spring electrofishing catch rates were down across the board in 2023 at Claytor Lake likely due to colder water temperatures when sampling. The State Park area contained the highest abundances of Smallmouth Bass (8 fish/hour) followed by Peak Creek with 6/hour. Although Spotted Bass (SPB) catch rates were down, there are still plenty of fish. Spring surveys collected an average of 40 SPB/hour compared to 2022 (56/hour). Many SPB collected in 2023 were well > 11”. Alabama Bass are now well established, so no size or creel limits apply to SPB, since they are nearly impossible to differentiate without a genetic test. Largemouth Bass (LMB) catch rates were relatively similar between 2022 and 2023 with 2022 at 27/hour vs. 2023 at 22/hour. Best areas to target LMB are shallow coves like Peak Creek, State Park, Macks Creek, or Clapboard Hollow during warmer months. Claytor Lake is also a very popular reservoir to target large catfish (both Flathead and Channel Catfish). Anglers fish at night during warmer months using cut bait, hot dogs, cheese, or other fragrant baits. It is not uncommon to see 10-15 lb. channels and up to 40 lb. flatheads. Both Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass continue to be popular. However hotter, dryer summers have led to a “summer squeeze” of habitat for stripers resulting in major fish kills of fish >20”. Unfortunately, this persistent problem isn’t going away any time soon. Unsuitable habitat has also impacted striper growth, and fall net data suggest fewer fish are growing > 32” compared to 20 years ago. Additionally, data show a negative trend in fish condition over past decades likely due to unsuitable summer habitat. Hybrid Striped Bass have a higher temperature tolerance and therefore are not majorly impacted by “summer squeeze”. Sunfish and Black Crappie also provide fun opportunities. Target structures like downed treetops or Christmas tree reefs. The Walleye population has been improving with years of constant stocking near Allisonia. Fish run up to Allisonia during spawning in late February/ early March before moving back into deeper sections of the lake. Below Claytor Dam is also a great spot to target Walleye during the spawn.
Lago Holston del Sur
Anglers pursing both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass at South Holston Lake in 2024 should have an exceptional season. Sampling by VDWR biologists in 2023 documented above average Largemouth Bass abundance. Twenty percent of all Largemouth Bass collected were > 15”, and 10% of Smallmouth Bass measured at least 14”. Past creel survey data indicate anglers target Smallmouth Bass in cooler months and Largemouth Bass in warmer months, as habitat use and catchability change. Anglers fishing during winter focus on trophy Smallmouth Bass with Livescope sonar technology and jigging in water ranging from 25-60’. As spring arrives, anglers focus on rocky points for Smallmouth Bass and shoreline large woody debris for Largemouth Bass with some habitat overlap of the two species. Walleye fishing remains the best in the Commonwealth with increasing fishing success despite a missing 2016 year class. Biologists collected 59 Walleye during fall 2023 net surveys, and most adult fish were over 20” and legal. Female Walleye can reach 30” and 10 pounds, while most males top out around 25” and 5-6 pounds. Anglers can expect good Walleye fishing during the spring run (February through March) on the South Fork Holston River as fish move upriver towards Alvarado to spawn. 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. The excitement of casting to the shoreline and hooking a large Walleye on the bank is hard to beat. Summer trolling for Walleye and Channel Catfish in the main lake is productive and growing in popularity. Anglers should remain flexible during summer; and if trolling is not productive, they should shift to targeting shorelines at night with lures. South Holston offers the best crappie fishing of all lakes in southwest Virginia. Black Crappie were abundant during 2023, as 153 fish were collected during spring and fall surveys. Of those, 93% were legal (>10”). Black Crappie in the 12-17” range were abundant, and as a result; prospects for anglers pursuing crappie look good in 2024. Winter fishing for Black Crappie remains quite popular as anglers focus on creek channels (15-20’) in the upper lake. Springtime crappie fishing is more traditional and consists of fishing structure in 4-10’ around points and coves or concentrating on creek channels. Biologists continue to work on adding fish habitat (brush piles, polypipe trees, and pallet teepees) in designated areas to improve spawning and aid survival. Bluegill are always plentiful in South Holston and provide excellent fishing opportunities in summer when success for other species slows. Anglers can find good numbers of quality size Bluegill concentrated in the backs of coves near wood. For more fishing information on South Holston Lake, go to the South Holston Lake page or the TWRA website.
Embalse de Flannagan
Flannagan Reservoir should provide anglers with good bass fishing opportunities in 2024, especially for Largemouth Bass. Sampling in spring 2023 revealed good numbers of fish and good size structure. Bass in the 2023 sample ranged from 2–20” with an average of 14”. Ninety-four percent of the adult (≥8”) Largemouth Bass were over 12”, and 55% exceeded 15”. Largemouth Bass ≥20 inches accounted for 3% of the sample. Smallmouth Bass are less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on the lower lake. Note that on January 1, 2021, a 15” minimum was implemented for Smallmouth Bass on Flannagan, which requires anglers immediately release all Smallmouth Bass less than 15”. The Largemouth Bass regulation did not change, and Largemouth Bass less than 12” must be released. The combined creel limit for black bass is still 5/day. Fishing for Walleye may continue to be somewhat challenging in 2024, but with stockings reaching or exceeding stocking recommendation; there are several age classes that should be reaching harvestable size. VDWR biologists use the catch rate of Walleye in annual gill net samples as a measure of relative abundance. The combined catch rate of Walleye and saugeye (number/net night) in 2023 (11.1) represented a 33% increase in abundance compared to 2022 (7.4). The higher catch rate was carried by younger fish moving into harvestable size. Flannagan will continue to miss cohorts from 2018 and 2016 which would have been Age-5 and 7 in 2023 and have historically made up a substantial proportion of larger fish in samples. Their absence is reflected in the lower abundance of larger fish. Fortunately, Walleye were stocked consistently outside 2016, 2018, 2021, and this consistent stocking has led to many younger fish nearing harvestable size. Walleye observed in 2023 samples ranged from 16–25” with an average of 21”, and saugeye were 13-19” with an average of 15”. Fifty-seven percent Walleye and saugeye adults were ≥18”, and 38% >20”. So, although overall number of was down, the majority of fish are legal and should provide good opportunity. Many anglers target Walleye on the Cranesnest and Pound River arms during spawning in March and April; however, anglers can also be very successful throwing top-water lures at night May through early June, which coincides with the Alewife spawn. As the season progresses and water temperatures increase, Walleye move deeper. This requires anglers to switch tactics and troll nightcrawler harnesses and crankbaits using reels outfitted with lead core line. Hybrid Striped Bass continue to provide a popular sport fishery, and this system produced a previous state record. Approximately 17,000 hybrids were stocked in 2023. The abundance of hybrids in December 2023 net samples was average, but the majority of fish were >20” and legal. Hybrids are routinely caught in the lower lake on top water baits or by drifting live baits.
Región 4 (Virginia del Norte)
Lago Moomaw
The main forage base in Lake Moomaw consists of Gizzard Shad and Alewife. Alewife are shallow and in-shore during late spring and move to the thermocline when the reservoir stratifies in summer. Anglers should target the depth of the Alewife when fishing for bass, crappie, Yellow Perch, or trout. Moomaw is home to both Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, and the largemouth population has remained consistent. Expect a fair number of 12–18” fish in 2024. In 2023, catch rate of preferred size (>15”) largemouth was 4.4/hr. and memorable size (> 20”) was 0. Over the years, Moomaw has provided better habitat for Smallmouth Bass. In spring 2023 surveys, catch rate of preferred size (>14”) smallmouth was 30.2 and memorable size (>17”) was 4.9/hr. of electrofishing. Both of these numbers increased from 2021 and 2022. Black bass anglers should add Lake Moomaw to their list of lakes to visit in 2024, particularly if anglers prefer lake fishing for Smallmouth Bass. Those targeting Largemouth Bass should focus on the upper end of the lake. Depending on the year, the deeper, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked as fingerlings annually. The Brown Trout population mainly consists of three cohorts (age of fish) when habitat suitability is present over multiple years. Anglers can distinguish these cohorts by size-range. Brown Trout are stocked Nov-Feb at 6–7” and grow to 12–13” by summer (age 1). The next size is 16–20” (age 2), while the third produces fish >20” (age 3 or 4). Historically, rainbows have never been as abundant as browns, but growth rates are similar. Trout numbers dipped in the 2010’s; however, the fishery may be responding to an adjustment in stocking. Biologists are working diligently to explain reasons for low numbers in the mid to late 2010’s. DWR experimented with stocking “steelhead” Rainbow Trout from 2009 – 2017. Steelhead did not survive as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout previously stocked, but McConaughy became unavailable due to fish disease concerns. McConaughy also do not survive and recruit as well as historically stocked Brown Trout. Sterile (triploid) Brown Trout were stocked as a substitute for “diploid” Browns in the mid- 2010’s. The expectation was for “triploid” trout to grow faster and reach larger size. This was predicted because these fish do not produce eggs and put more energy toward growth. However, survival or angler catchability of “triploid” trout may be lower than diploids traditionally stocked. DWR has returned to stocking diploid Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout at historic densities when hatchery production allows. DWR’s sampling catch of Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout was average in July 2023. Angler reports improved in 2023. Traditional stocking of Brown and Rainbow Trout continued in the fall of 2022 and 2023, although at a lower rate due to drought conditions at hatcheries. Anglers may experience a slight decrease in catch rates for trout through 2024. Brown Trout angler catch >14” should be similar to recent years. However, small trout may not be as numerous. While black bass and trout are the mainstay fisheries in Moomaw, anglers should also find favorable populations of Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Yellow Perch, and Channel Catfish. Channel Catfish anglers should focus on August – October after the spawn. In 2023 DWR’s hatcheries were very successful hatching and raising Walleye, so extra Walleye were stocked in April 2023. Anglers should begin catching walleye in the 12” range in early 2024. Walleye will only be stocked when surplus is available, which is not often. Anglers are encouraged to check out fish habitat “reefs” recently created by DWR.
Lake Anna
Population metrics describing abundance and size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass in 2023 remained at near record levels for the fourth consecutive year, and fishing should be fantastic here in 2024. This suggests there are currently as many (or more) bass in the lake as there have been for over 25 years with a commensurate number of larger fish. Total catch rate was 115 fish/hr. 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). Recent creel surveys estimated very high voluntary release of Largemouth Bass– over 99%, which undoubtedly is helping keep mortality rates low (about 24%). Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. Lake Anna is one of several large reservoirs in Virginia under evaluation for supplemental F1 (original cross between Northern and Florida) Largemouth Bass stocking. Variable stockings over the next three years will occur in efforts to determine if abundance or size structure can be enhanced (total of six stocking years at three rates). Fin clips collected from mid-lake sampled bass (n=228) submitted to Auburn University for genetic testing in 2023 revealed 20% were stocked F1s (45 of 221 readable samples). 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. Survival of both has been good lately. This new format should result in consistent recruitment and abundance of legal fish (nearly 200,000 stocked annually). Several cohorts have moved into the fishery following several poor years and should continue to provide increases in “typical” Anna keeper stripers 20-25”. There are now seven 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 in a bit of a “down cycle”, but large fish are still present in good numbers. Saugeye have been stocked the past few years, and survival and growth have exceeded expectations, so there are currently plenty of beautiful, legal saugeye available.
Embalse de Occoquan
El embalse de Occoquan sorprendió a los biólogos en la primavera de 2020 al producir una extraordinaria tasa de captura de lubina de 94/ h. para peces de más de 15" y 11/hr. para peces de más de 20". Estos son los niveles más altos jamás documentados en el distrito norte en cualquier agua. La tasa general de captura de lubina fue de 156/ hora, por lo que cualquier pescador de lubina, incluso cerca del norte de Virginia, debe planificar al menos un viaje en 2024 a Fountainhead Park en el lado de Fairfax o Lake Ridge Park en el lado de Prince William (o ambos). Hay abundantes lechos de sauces de agua a lo largo de muchas costas y mucha madera sumergida en este embalse de 2100acres. Una robusta base de forraje de Gizzard Shad, Alewife, White Perch y Bluegill apoya a los depredadores aquí. Las cabezas de serpiente almacenadas ilegalmente también se pueden encontrar en los lechos de sauces, y su abundancia parece estar aumentando lentamente. Conocido también como un buen lago de cangrejos, las poblaciones de cangrejos blancos y negros son fuertes. Todavía hay algunos siluros de cabeza plana, aunque no son abundantes. Los biólogos planean inspeccionar este lago en la primavera de 2024.
Lago Mooney
El lago Mooney es un embalse de suministro de agua de 520acres abierto a la pesca pública el 1de julio de 2017. El lago experimentó un llenado prolongado, alcanzando finalmente la piscina completa a principios de 2016. El nombre del lago (originalmente Rocky Pen Reservoir por su arroyo embalsado) fue cambiado para honrar al difunto ayudante de la Oficina del Sheriff de Stafford, Jason Mooney. El embalse es escarpado y profundo, con un desarrollo residencial moderado a lo largo de las costas, y presenta abundantes matorrales sumergidos y afloramientos rocosos. Varias estructuras de hábitat de peces fueron construidas en 2015. Inicialmente, la comunidad de peces era "depredadora pesada" con una población de lubinas compostada con peces más pequeños sobreabundantes. Sin embargo, la pesquería ha madurado; Y el lago es ahora conocido como un destino para la lubina de calidad. La planta sumergida Hydrilla ha sido prevalente recientemente, y se han hecho medias limitadas de carpa herbívora para controlar, pero no eliminar, esta característica del hábitat. Mooney es probablemente el lago más difícil de muestrear para los biólogos sin sesgos debido a la baja conductividad y el agua clara, lo que hace que los peces se eviten. Esto explica por qué 2023 captura de pesca eléctrica de lubina >15" fue de solo 7/hr., y la captura de lubina >20" fue de 1/h. Las lubinas se alimentan aquí de varias especies de peces luna y Alewife. La población de cangrejo negro está dominada por peces pequeños, pero hay una muy buena población de bagre de canal y bagre azul está presente después de haber sido sembrado ilegalmente. Se encontró que la lucioperca, sembrada por primera vez en 2023, estaba creciendo bien después de una temporada de crecimiento a casi 12".