Fishing Report for December 16, 2020

Saltwater

Folks are catching plenty of large Rockfish inside the Chesapeake Bay now. The larger fish are falling to live eels fished at various depths. The Cape Charles area of the bay is famous for the bigger Rockfish at this time of year. Reports of 45-50 inch fish being caught there are on the rise.
Plenty of keeper Rockfish (20” minimum size, 36” maximum size) are being caught inside the rivers—mainly the Rappahannock. Anglers are finding good fish inside the James also but the Rapp usually gets more attention. Many are using umbrella rigs inside the Rapp with good success.

There are plenty of Tautog to be caught inside the bay, too, as much of the attention goes to the Rockfish. The Tautog season remains open through the winter. Bay structures and ocean wrecks are both providing action for quality Tautog. Crab and clam are usually the best baits to use.
There have been big numbers of Seabass caught from numerous ocean wrecks. The season for the Seabass is closed after December 31st.

The Carolina surf appears to be quiet these days, other than a few big Drum being caught from the Cape in Buxton. The few charter boats that are venturing out are catching nice King Mackerel.

Freshwater

Lake Anna continues to provide steady action for Bass as 23 pounds won the most recent Winter Series tournament out of Sturgeon Creek Marina. 18 lbs was second. Crankbaits in the mid-to-upper regions of the lake is still a strong pattern. Targeting rocks is also good.

Down lake brush plies are producing fish also. Targeting Stripers is a good option as this is a bite that remains strong throughout the winter at Lake Anna, much like the Bass fishing. Swim baits and even topwater baits are good presentations to have tied on. Cloudy days can be especially good for the topwater action. Walking baits are usually better. A spoon should always be handy as breaking fish can be cast to from long distances with these lures. Of course, they are also quite good for fish directly under the boat. Try the bridge areas for the Crappie as these areas usually neck down the current, providing good ambush opportunities behind the pilings.

Reports from Kerr Lake is that the lake is stained and huge. 304.1' is the current level. The backs of the major creeks seem to be a bit clearer than towards the mouth and main lake.

The upper James River has taken another hit of heavy rain. So, levels are back up again after falling to almost normal. The tidal James and Chickahominy Rivers are in good shape for the cold water season. Opportunities for trophy Bass exist all winter long on both these rivers. Lipless crankbaits, A-rigs, and jigs are typically big fish presentations.

Jerkbaits are another good option for quality fish. Chick Lake is another option that should not be overlooked for trophy Bass and quality catches. Also the pits along the James hold Bass and Crappie through the winter.