Fishing Report for Dec 31, 2021

Saltwater:

Loads of big Rockfish continue to be caught inside the Chesapeake Bay. There have been many fish over 50 pounds reported in the last week.

Most are catching the bigger fish using eels in the Cape Charles area of the bay. The eel presentation is usually best when fish are being marked in the middle of the water column or suspended. When marked on or near the bottom, the heavy mojos and bell sinkers attached to 3-way swivels can be great.

Unfortunately, the Chesapeake Bay season for Rockfish closes on December 31. This also includes the bay tributaries. Some continue to have good luck jigging buck tails and spoons inside the rivers and even in the bay. Trolling various presentations is the most popular method for locating Rockfish in Virginia. Tandem rigs, umbrellas, and stretches all seem to be working.

The ocean season for Rockfish begins January 1st. The minimum keeper size is 28 inches and the maximum size is 36 inches.

Die-hard Speckled Trout anglers are finding a few fish inside Lynnhaven Inlet and also Rudee Inlet.
Tautogs are being caught inside the bay at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and out in the ocean on wrecks and reefs. Fresh crab is the preferred bait for the Togs.

Seabass season closes on December 31 also. This has been another excellent year for the Seabass anglers. A special season will open for the month of February for those who obtain a permit.

Surf anglers along the Hatteras beaches are finding Sea Mullet in various places. Catches of Black Drum and Puppy Drum are occurring too.

Freshwater:

Water temps have fallen into the 40s in many places. When faced with dropping temps, clear water is generally easier to trigger strikes from Bass than stained water.

Virginians are fortunate to have clear water opportunities within close range such as Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, the Chickahominy River, and usually the lower ends of Kerr and Gaston. However, with the abundance of rain lately, some of these bodies of water have become stained and haven't cleared much.

We still have excellent opportunities for trophy catches and heavy limits. Traditional lures for the cold water are the silver buddy, jigs, jerkbaits, crankbaits, swim baits, and the old single-tailed grub on a jighead.

In recent years, the Alabama rig has become deadly for many. Dress for the elements and phenomenal catches can occur during this time.

Reports from Lake Anna are saying that the Bass fishing, Striper fishing, and the Crappie fishing are still good especially in the cleaner water.

Kerr Lake elevation is 305' currently. Reports are that even the main body of Nutbush Creek is still stained. More rain is expected.

Smith Mountain continues to produce excellent catches of both Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass.

The rains have a stronger effect on our rivers particularly the upper James and Rappahannock. Many look forward to this time of year on these sections of rivers due to the outstanding Smallmouth opportunities. However, the upper James River is not in good shape right now being high and stained. The lower James and Chickahominy Rivers will be much better options. The Chick river and lake can take a lot of rain before becoming muddy. However, the current can be a challenge.

Bright, sunny days can warm shallow flats surprisingly fast. So, these areas should be checked frequently.

Happy New Year and GOOD RIDDANCE TO 2020!