Sarah Whites Fishing Guides Notebook
Editor’s note: The Fishin’ Report is put together from recent reports from more than 20 fishing guides, marinas and avid anglers for major rivers and lakes all across the state. Sarah is off for this edition and we have gathered reports from most of the regular contributors. The websites or telephone numbers are listed for all of our reporters, so contact them for latest information, as with spring weather conditions and fish activity may change quickly. We encourage you to take advantage of the unusually warm sunny days and head out to your favorite river or lake and take a kid fishing. Please use caution in planning any outdoor activities or going on the water. Always wear your life jacket and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Check conditions before you venture out. For more information on a particular area contact the guide or marina listed through their website, Facebook page, or telephone and please mention you saw their contact info in The Outdoor Report.
• Claytor Lake: Rock House Marina. For more info call at 980-1488, or go to www.rockhousemarina.com.
• New River: Tangent Outfitters, (540) 257-0415 tangentoutfitters@gmail.com. Shawn Hash notes the warm weather has fishing improving on the New, check the website for current conditions.
• Upper New River: Contributed by Captain Forest Pressnell, 818-5274. For information go to www.newrivercharter.com. The Upper New River walleye are in full swing feeding mode for the upcoming spawn which should occur around the March full moon. Fishing has been very good for them considering we have been battling low clear water and sunny days but the recent rain has finally put some stain in the river. Muskie have been so so but I expect them to pick up for the next few weeks before they spawn. Small mouth are still on the slow tube or jig presentation. Remember the water is still cold, back down in to the mid 40’s so be safe on the water and call me if we can help you with a trip.
• Top New River: Contributed by local guide Richie Hughes, owner of New River Trips LLC., newrivertrips@gmail.com. Needed rain has helped the water levels on the “Top New” (Mouth of Wilson to Fries), but the gauges are still below average. Water temps are around 50 which is warm for this time of year. Air temps will be closer to normal for the next few days with some possible wintry weather. Should be some good early spring fishing for smallmouth when we get the next warm up. Go to newrivertrips.com for trip info. Check out newrivertrips.com for trip info.
• New, Clinch and Holston Rivers: Contributed by Tommy Cundiff of River Monster Guide Service, (844) 588-2347. If you would like to get a trip in during one of the most beautiful times to be on a river in Southwest Virginia, call 844-luv-2fish now.
–Sarah White, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
