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2011 Smallmouth Bass River Fishing Forecast

New River

Lower New River (Below Claytor Lake)

Anglers visiting the New River below Claytor Lake in 2011 should catch numerous 7 to 14 inch smallmouth bass, due to the 2004 and 2005 smallmouth bass spawns, which were the best since 1996. Bass fishing in the next 5 years should remain strong, since the 2007 and 2010 smallmouth bass spawns were above average. With these spawns contributing to angler catches now and the potential for these fish to be future trophies, the outlook for New River smallmouth bass fishing is bright. The large spawns during 2004, 2005, and 2007 were reflected in electrofishing samples in fall 2010, with 84% of the adult (over 7 inches long) smallmouth bass catch consisting of bass between 7 and 14 inches. The smallmouth bass spawned in 2004 and 2005 will result in good numbers of 14 to 16 inch bass in angler catches this year. While things look bright for the future, the large smallmouth bass spawns of 1996 to 1998 are mostly gone now, so anglers are less likely to take a trophy bass in 2011. Top locations for smallmouth bass include the Claytor Dam tailrace, the Whitethorne section in Montgomery County, the Parrott to Eggleston section in Pulaski, Montgomery, and Giles counties, and the Pembroke to Rich Creek section in Giles County.

Angler catches of redbreast sunfish and rock bass should be in a good range again, since fall 2010 electrofishing catches for these species were the second highest in the last 10 years. Anglers seeking panfish action in the New River below Claytor Lake should enjoy success in 2011. Good areas for panfish include the Radford to Whitethorne section of Montgomery County and the Pembroke to Rich Creek section of Giles County. Visit the New River website for additional access and fishing information.

Upper New River (Above Claytor Lake)

Fishing for smallmouth bass in 2011 will be slower than the past several years. Annual river sampling produced few numbers of smallmouth bass than previous years. However, while the over all catch was down, it appears that the 2010 year class will be a good one if they survive through another hard winter. There are still good numbers of fish in the 10-14 inch range. Catch rates of walleye and muskie from sampling were good and anglers should try for these species when smallmouth fish is slow. Anglers need to be aware that walleyes they catch in 2010 may have a tag in them as part of a study being done by fish biologist with the Game Department. If you catch a walleye with a tag send it in with the information required and you may receive a reward. Rock bass, redbreast sunfish, catfish and muskie continue to be abundant and will provide fun fishing opportunities. Be sure to check out the New River website to see some of the pictures sent in by anglers.

James River

Middle James River (Scottsville to Richmond)

Smallmouth bass anglers in the middle James might experience a bit of a lull this year. Due to several poor spawning years in succession, the fishery for smaller fish (9-12 inches) will be slower than previous years. On a positive note, the 2007 year class was exceptional and those fish should remain an important portion of the big fish catch in 2011. Additional positive news lies with a strong 2010 spawn for the first time since 2007. Results from fall 2010 smallmouth bass samples indicate that anglers can still expect success targeting bass greater than 14 inches but overall action might be slow due to recent poor spawns.

Bream fisheries remained essentially unchanged in 2010 when compared to the previous years and all fish collected were less than eight inches. Bream populations in this section of the James have been dominated by small fish for a number of years and will hopefully improve. Catfish numbers were variable in the 2010 sample with flathead catfish catch nearly the same as previous years. Most flatheads were sampled near the New Canton landing and the largest fish measured was 35+ inches. Channel catfish numbers declined slightly in 2010 but sample location played a major factor in this observation. Most channel catfish sampled came from the Scottsville area. There are some good fishing opportunities available on this stretch of the James River and the smallmouth bass fishery shows promise with a strong year class in 2010. Hopefully 2011 will give us another good year class. Visit the James River - Upper & Middle website for additional access and fishing information.

Upper James River (Iron Gate to Scottsville)

The upper James River should provide a little better fishing in 2011 than it did in 2010. For smallmouth bass, expect a lot of little fish (less than 9 inches) and a fair number of bigger fish (greater than 14 inches). However, there won't be a lot of fish between 9 and 14 inches this year. This is all due to the spawning success over the past several years. The spawning success of smallmouth bass in the James was very good in 2004 and 2007, but relatively poor in most other years since 2001. At least the spawning success in 2010 was above average, so those fish will be available to anglers this year. When you factor in the fish from 2004 and 2007 that are still out there, this gives you little fish and bigger fish without a lot of fish in the middle. We have been able to tie smallmouth spawning success to spring-time river flows, and have found that years with high or low water do not produce good numbers of little bass. As you might remember, we've had a lot of really wet or really dry springs over the past few years, resulting in not as many smallmouths being produced. So, this year you can expect moderate catch rates, of mostly small fish. At least there will be a few lunkers out there to keep things exciting.

The fish disease outbreaks we've been seeing on the upper James since 2007 will probably occur again in 2011. We are still working on this issue, but have not pinpointed the exact cause yet. We will continue our monitoring of the problem this year, and have made some progress over the past few years towards narrowing down the source(s) of the problems. There have been some fish lost to these outbreaks, but so far, not in catastrophic numbers. The recent spawning success (or lack thereof) has played a larger role in the number of fish in the river than the disease problems.

As for other species in the upper James, channel and flathead catfish numbers may be down a little bit. They are still plentiful in places, but not consistently abundant up and down the river. Numbers of fallfish will continue to be better in 2011 compared to the 1990's, particularly in the Botetourt County portions of the river. Numbers of muskellunge continue to rise in the river from Lynchburg, upstream. There are now enough musky in the upper James to provide a relatively good chance of hooking one. Sunfish (rock bass, redbreast, and bluegill) numbers should also be pretty good this year, following a couple years of lower abundance. So, all in all, 2011 should be a slightly above average fishing year on the upper James River. Visit the James River - Upper & Middle website for additional access and fishing information.

Shenandoah River (North Fork, South Fork, and Main stem)

Chronic disease outbreaks and mortality have occurred in the springtime over the past six years throughout the Shenandoah River. The location, distance of river affected, and severity of these disease and mortality events has not been consistent from year to year. The most recent episode (spring 2009) only occurred in the upstream reaches of the North Fork and South Fork Shenandoah River. These events have mainly affected the adults of four fish species (Smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, northern hogsucker and white sucker). Biologists have only been able to document a slight decrease in the abundance of the largest smallmouth from the overall fish population. In addition, impacts to additional species appear to be minimal. The cause of these fish disease outbreaks and mortality is currently unknown, but DGIF and DEQ are working diligently toward determining what is causing these events. For updated information regarding the ongoing investigation visit DEQ's website.

South Fork and Main Stem Shenandoah

While chronic springtime outbreaks of fish disease and minor mortality continued in 2010, the relative abundance of adult smallmouth bass remains above the 14-year average. In 2010 biologists documented a slight decrease in the number of smallmouth bass >11 inches in comparison to 2008 and 2009. However, the number of smallmouth bass11-20" in the population remained slightly above the 14-year average. The majority of quality-sized smallmouth comes from two excellent spawning seasons (2004 and 2007). The fish from 2004 are currently in the 16-18" range and the 2007 fish hover in the 12-13" range. Spawning success was below average in 2008 and 2009 and anglers could see fewer bass in the 9-11" size range in 2011. Overall, smallmouth bass fishing in the South Fork and Main stem Shenandoah River should be good for 2011. The redbreast sunfish population has also been slowly recovering from past mortality episodes. Density of sunfish varies by location, but the size structure of the population is shifting toward larger fish. Biologists predict an improving sunfish population in 2011. Anglers should not overlook largemouth bass when visiting the South Fork or Main stem Shenandoah. The Shenandoah harbors a quality largemouth bass population and finding good numbers of fish in the 2-4 pound range should not be difficult. Seek out the deeper sections of the river with slower currents and woody debris when targeting largemouth. The South Fork and Main stem Shenandoah River harbor a very robust muskie population. Anglers also reported excellent Muskie catches and sightings in 2010. Fishing deeper pools on the South Fork and Main stem offer the best opportunity to catch one of these "toothy" critters. The Shenandoah is also an excellent channel catfish destination. Cats in the 3-6 lb range are common and anglers should concentrate on the lower South Fork and the Main stem. Overall, in 2011 anglers should encounter similar fish populations in most of the South Fork and Main stem as compared to last year. Visit the Shenandoah River - South Fork and Shenandoah River - Main Stem websites for additional access and fishing information.

North Fork Shenandoah

Biologists have not been able to consistently sample to North Fork due to extreme-low flow conditions the past few years, but were able to do limited monitoring in 2010. While the shortage of long-term electrofishing information makes it difficult to provide an accurate fishing forecast for 2011, DGIF did observe that smallmouth bass spawning success was outstanding in 2010. This means that anglers should experience good smallmouth fishing in upcoming years. DGIF also received some very positive reports from anglers fishing the North Fork in 2010. While Spring-time disease and mortality events occurred in the North Fork 2004-2009, reports of sick or dead fish were virtually non-existent in 2010. In 2011 smallmouth bass fishing should be good with most fish in the 9-12" range. Fallfish are plentiful in some sections of the North Fork, can reach 14+ inches, and should not be overlooked by anglers. Anglers should also encounter adequate numbers of redbreast sunfish in most areas and bluegill in the deeper pools. There is always the possibility of catching a quality-sized largemouth bass, channel catfish, or muskie when fishing the North Fork. If you plan a float rip on the North Fork stick to the spring and early summer as low flows and aquatic vegetation make fishing difficult later in the summer. Visit the Shenandoah River - North Fork website for additional access and fishing information.

Rappahannock River

Fisheries surveys on the Rappahannock River in 2010 were a departure from protocol. First, intensive "depletion" electrofishing occurred in spring when water levels were adequate for 10-15 boats per site to ply the waters. Data collected from this intensive technique will allow for biomass and population estimates and will enable biologists to compare pre- and post- Embrey Dam demolition fish communities. Secondly, normal fall "single pass" electrofishing could not be conducted due to record drought conditions. Thus; 2010 data, while not directly comparable to standard time series from previous years did provide for interesting evaluation due to the number of smallmouth bass (290) in the dataset.

Results continue to suggest Rappahannock anglers may be in for a very good year, or somewhat of a disappointment - depending on expectation. It now appears that the 2009 year class was average (and not a near failure as first thought), but the 2008 year class was indeed below average. However, Fisheries Biologist John Odenkirk stated that this still may a great year to land larger, albeit fewer fish. This is due to the fact that, once again, the 2007 and 2005 year classes proved extraordinary, persistent and continued to drive the fishery. The 2010 year class, based on a recruitment model, should have been average to above average which provides optimism for replacing fish from aging, previously dominant year classes. Fish growth, documented as improved last year, remained high and was noted to be significantly faster at downstream locations; however, nearly half of all bass collected over 18" were taken at one of the upstream locations near Ely's Ford. Visit the Rappahannock River website for additional access and fishing information, or contact Fisheries Division, (540) 899-4169.

Staunton River

Smallmouth bass fishing in the Staunton River in 2011 should continue to be good. Strong year classes produced in 2005 and 2007 should provide anglers with good catch rates of smallmouth bass 14 inches and greater. Growth rates of smallmouth bass are above average and survival is good which helps the Staunton River be a consistent producer of quality-size smallmouth bass. The Stanton has excellent smallmouth bass habitat; anglers new to the river should concentrate on the abundant rocky habitat as well as submerged trees extending from the river bank. The river also holds a number of spotted bass and the chance to catch a spot over 12 inches is very good.

In an effort to maximize the potential of the smallmouth bass population and meet the needs of anglers seeking more trophy fisheries, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries passed a new trophy regulation for all black bass (smallmouth, largemouth, and spotted bass) in the Staunton River. This regulation went into effect on January 1, 2011:

"No bass less than 20 inches, only 1 bass per day longer than 20 inches" regulation on Staunton River from Leesville Dam (Campbell County) downstream to the U.S. Route 360 Bridge (Halifax/Charlotte County Line) near Clover.

In addition to black bass, anglers in the Staunton River will find fishing for channel catfish and flathead catfish to be excellent. Catfish are well distributed throughout the river and should be available to anglers fishing from the shore and from boats. Walleye are also present; while many anglers have their greatest success with walleye in the winter and early spring, they can be caught year round. The area immediately below Leesville dam provides great fishing. VDGIF stocks walleye each year and for the past two years, VDGIF has stocked smallmouth bass experimentally to try and smooth out the erratic spawning production. Visit the Staunton River website for additional access and fishing information.

Maury River:

Although fish kills affected the Cowpasture River and upper James River in 2007, the Maury River has been largely unaffected by poor fish health. Fisheries biologists examined the Maury River at four locations in fall, 2010, as part of their routine monitoring program. Moderate summer flows gave us a strong smallmouth bass year class in 2010, as validated by the number of young-of-year bass collected. Juvenile smallmouth bass, under12 inches long, populate the Maury along its entire length, providing countless recreational hours. Bass growth is slow, but many survive to provide ample trophy fishing in this scenic river. This was evident in the reaches below Buena Vista, where a significant number of memorable size smallies (over 17 inches) were taken and released this past fall. These fish were survivors of a strong year class from 1999 and should continue to show up as 19+ inch fish into the future. Musky and flathead catfish provide modest fishing opportunities to anglers in the Glasgow area. Along with the excellent rock bass and sunfish angling, the Maury River continues to be a popular destination for those seeking stunning scenery, swift rapids, and plenty of sport fishing action on light tackle. Be sure to check out the new concrete boat access ramp at Locher Landing in Glasgow. Visit the Maury River website for additional access and fishing information.

Jackson River

In 2007, the Jackson River, between Covington and Iron Gate, fell victim to fish kills similar to those that have affected some of our western rivers since 2004. Scattered individual smallmouth bass, rock bass, and redbreast sunfish exhibited some bacterial lesions in 2010, but generally, fish health was good. It should be noted that an unknown percent of fish affected with bacterial skin lesions in the spring are fully recovered by fall. The lower Jackson continues to support strong numbers of 8 - 12 inch smallmouth bass that grow extremely slow. The fall, 2010 electrofishing surveys averaged over 130 bass per hour, which shows that there are plenty of fish in the system. Smallmouth bass growth in the lower Jackson is normal up to 3 years of age, but it slows dramatically as they age. Collections of young-of-the-year bass were low in 2010, but that is not unusual in this river. Occasional trophies are reported from its stained waters, but it is the exception rather than the rule. Additional electrofishing surveys with DEQ yielded very good numbers of smallmouth bass over 12 inches long. Improved access to the river can be found at the Island Ford Transfer Station and near Clifton Middle School. Day-long or evening float trips should provide hours of good smallmouth bass and rock bass angling. Quality size rainbow and brown trout are sometimes encountered in areas where springs and groundwater enter the Jackson, especially in the Lowmoor area. Visit the Jackson River website for additional access and fishing information.

Cowpasture River

In fall, 2010, DGIF personnel examined recreational fish stocks in the Cowpasture River. Three locations, spaced along 63 miles, were sampled with electrofishers providing a spatial glance at the fisheries resource. Starting from the station closest to the mouth and moving upstream, they are: Griffith, Walton Tract, and Sycamore Bend. The 2010 smallmouth year class was strong. Young-of-year bass dominated the collections. Our catch rates for smallies could be considered average, with fish on the small side (< 12 inches long). The Cowpasture River is known for its exceptional beauty and outstanding water quality, yet in certain reaches it lacks good fish cover. Shale ledges, the occasional boulder, and fallen trees characterize most of the adult habitat. During our surveys, we noted many trophy size smallmouth bass that managed to avoid our nets (due to very clear water). DGIF has also established an age and growth data set from ototliths (ear stones). This gives us an idea of how long smallmouth bass are at a given age. A five year old smallmouth bass in the Cowpasture River can be 8 to 12 inches long. In general, bass from the Cowpasture River grow more slowly than their counterparts from the New River or the James River as a result of food availability, habitat, and bioenergetics (energy transformation). Other sportfish in the Cowpasture River include the sunfish family, fallfish, chain pickerel, and muskellunge. The river supports a wide variety of sunfish, dominated by rock bass and redbreast sunfish. Chain pickerel are somewhat common, and trophy muskies can be caught primarily in the lower river. Fish health would be considered "very good" in 2010, with few reported cases of bacterial lesions from anglers in the spring. Angler access is limited on the Cowpasture. The U. S. Forest Service provides access at: the Wallace Tract near Coursey Springs, the Walton Tract near Nimrod Hall, and the Evans Tract near Griffith (newly improved river access and parking area). The Cowpasture River is legally navigable to the public from Interstate 64 downstream to its confluence with the Jackson River. Visit the Cowpasture River website for additional access and fishing information.

Middle Fork Holston River

The Middle Fork Holston River offers a variety of good fishing opportunities in 2011. The river has good numbers of smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, rock bass and bluegills located throughout the 32-mile navigable sections in Smyth and Washington Counties. Smallmouth bass are abundant and can grow to decent size, up to 18-20 inches. Anglers may also catch a few largemouth bass, black crappie, channel catfish and pumpkinseed sunfish. The upper portions of the Middle Fork Holston in the town of Marion and Atkins provide excellent trout fishing opportunities, as these sections are part of the departments stocked trout program. Remember when fishing stocked trout waters a trout license is required in addition to a freshwater fishing license. Visit the Holston River - Middle Fork website for additional access and fishing information.

Powell River

The Powell River will provide a variety of good fishing opportunities in 2011. The river has good numbers of redbreast sunfish, rock bass and smallmouth bass. Anglers may also catch a few spotted bass, channel catfish and muskie. There are few public access points on the Powell River so anglers are encouraged to obtain landowner permission when accessing the river from private lands. Visit the Powell River website for additional access and fishing information.

Clinch River

The Clinch River should offer good smallmouth fishing this year. Most of the smallmouths collected during the last electrofishing sample (2009) were less than 14 inches in length, but some larger fish are available. About 15 percent of adult smallmouths exceeded 14 inches in length, 4 percent measured more than 17 inches and about 1 percent was over 20 inches in length. Rock bass size and numbers are good, so they might fill in some of the time between smallmouth bites. Visit the Clinch River website for additional access and fishing information.

North Fork Holston River

Anglers will find very good numbers of smallmouths between 14 and 18 inches in the North Fork Holston River. About 33 percent of adult smallmouths exceed 14 inches in length, and 10 percent measure more than 17 inches long. The abundance of fish in this size range appears to be the result of high annual survival (79%) rather than strong year classes or fast growth. Smallmouths over 20 inches in length are not as common as 14 to 18-inch fish, but many are landed each year. Smallmouth spawning success has been good for the past couple of years, as evidenced by an increase in the number of small fish collected per hour of sampling. Visit the Holston River - North Fork website for additional access and fishing information.