In March of 2019, fisheries biologists and hatchery production staff collected adult walleye from the New River, Staunton River and South Holston Reservoir for the production of fingerling walleye to stock in selected lakes and rivers in Virginia.
Walleye were spawned or hatched at Vic Thomas, Front Royal, King and Queen, and Buller Fish cultural stations and were raised in ponds until they were about 1.5 inches long. They were then stocked in locations across the state.
Walleye fishing is on the minds of anglers of all ages.
Additionally, female walleye were crossed with male sauger to produce the hybrid saugeye. These hybrids perform well in some systems and are stocked with or in place of walleye. In 2019, VDGIF stocked approximately 677,149 walleye and 60,000 saugeye fingerlings. Overall, 2019 was a fair production year but slightly below the long-term annual production average for the past decade of 890,852 fingerlings statewide.
The following report offers walleye sampling results and fishing forecasts on those waters that are stocked with walleye and saugeye fingerlings. Anglers who want the challenge of catching a walleye or saugeye should fish one of the locations in this forecast.
Southwest Virginia Upper New River: In 2020, walleye fishing on the Upper New River from Buck Dam downstream to Allisonia will be consistent with recent years due to the annual stocking since 2014. The 2014 and 2016 stockings were limited to Allisonia due to poor survival in the hatchery ponds.
In 2015 and 2017 to 2019, walleye were stocked at multiple sites from Allisonia to Fries. Walleye fishing from Fries Dam to Byllesby Reservoir should also be good in 2020 from the recent annual stocking.
Anglers catch most walleye in the Upper New River from February through April, but walleye are also caught throughout the year. Crankbaits, jigs, and live minnows work well for catching them during the late winter and spring season. Ivanhoe, Foster Falls, and Allisonia are all good areas to fish.
While anglers will have to return 19- to 28-inch walleye under the spring season size limit (explained below), they should catch plenty of walleye under 19 inches.
When you fish for walleye on the Upper New River, follow these size and creel limits:
- From Buck Dam downstream to Claytor Lake Dam from February 1 through May 31: All walleye 19 to 28 inches caught must be released unharmed. Anglers may keep two walleye per day less than 19 inches or over 28 inches.
From June 1 through January 31: A 20-inch minimum length limit with a five-per-day creel limit is in effect. This regulation allows anglers to harvest a few smaller male walleyes (typically less than 19 inches) or a trophy female walleye (typically greater than 28 inches) while protecting the best spawning-size walleyes during the spring months.
- From Fries Dam downstream to Buck Dam: A 20-inch minimum length limit for walleye with a five-per-day creel limit is in effect year-round. This regulation is designed to protect the walleye population stocked in Byllesby Reservoir that runs upstream to Fries Dam.
- Hungry Mother Lake: This 108-acre lake provides anglers with a great opportunity to catch walleye in a small lake setting. Located in Hungry Mother State Park, the lake is also a great destination for families.
The walleye population is stable or slightly increasing. There are good numbers of fish up to 20 inches and just enough larger ones to cause anglers to lose some sleep this summer. Walleye up to 28 inches in length have been landed in recent years. April, May, and June are the three best months, with night fishing generally being more productive. Most anglers use artificial lures, but live shad, minnows, and night crawlers are also very effective.
— Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
