BASS, BROOKIES, AND MORE.
Have I said the fishing has been amazing this year? I think I have and not only has it already been amazing, it’s been getting better every day. The Shenandoah, James and it’s tributaries are producing more fish then I’ve ever seen and some of the largest fish I’ve ever seen.
The top water bite is really turning on and should continue to improve as summer progresses. Angler Mike R. had the surprise of his life when he noticed a fish sip his blue Boogle Bug and set the hook. What he thought was a decent smallmouth bass turned out to be about 40″ musky. Although we do end up hooking a musky or two while smallie fishing, I’ve never seen one eat a size 4 popper.
Weather and water conditions are looking great for this week and weekend. If you haven’t had a chance to get out and chase some smallmouth yet this year, I would encourage you to do so as soon as possible. If you have a handful of poppers, kreelex, and a few clousers you should be able to trick a fish or two. There are plenty of great wading options on the James and its tributaries if you don’t have the means to float it. If you do have a canoe or kayak but, are not familiar with the float options in Virginia, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is a great resource. If you’d like to try one of our guide trips, we offer float trips seven days a week and are happy to share our knowledge of Virginia’s outstanding smallmouth fisheries with you.
Most of the higher mountain brook trout streams are still fishing well. If we don’t get a weekly rain shower or two the brookie bite can get a little tough and it’s best to not target them when water levels are low and temperatures are high. For the time being terrestrials, beetles, ants, and hoppers should keep your net wet.