Warm weather provides big boost to freshwater scene
So far this year, every day but one has seen above-average temperatures — with several of them 20-or-more degrees above normal.
That translates into warmer water and better fishing on the freshwater scene.
Anglers working several tidal rivers and local lakes and ponds have been reporting excellent catches of crappie in locations more suited for spring fishing than in the dead of winter.
Fish are taking live minnows in and around structure in less than 10 feet of water. Many of these beautiful and tasty panfish are being taken near the bottom using a bottom rig known as drop shot. It’s a small weight at the end of the line, then a loop knot about 6 to 12 inches above the weight. Attach a small hook to the loop, put a minnow on it and bounce it off the bottom.
Most strikes have been soft, but during aggressive feeding, you’ll know you’ve gotten a bite.
Anglers also have been slow- or bumptrolling with a series of telescopic cane poles and slip-bobber rigs. Start by fishing at varying depths until you figure out how deep the fish are.
Bass anglers also are enjoying the warmer January waters, with fish showing around shoreline cover far more often than they usually would this time of year. A slow presentation still is your best bet.
Yellow perch that usually turn on in February already are being caught in many of their favorite haunts. The Northwest River in Chesapeake and Indiantown Creek in Currituck County are some of the best locations in the region.
Look for white perch around creek mouths that spill into larger tidal rivers.
Big blue catfish also are providing lots of action on tidal systems.
Tautog and speckled trout are providing the best action in Virginia’s salt waters.
Trout are being caught in the Elizabeth River and all three southside inlets. Some fish also are being taken in the York
River. Most strikes are light, and fish have been harboring closer to the bottom. A few puppy drum also are being found.
Tautog action has been good along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, around any number of wrecks, artificial reefs and rubble piles in the bay, and from most coastal wrecks.
Deep-droppers will find tilefish at the ready, but remember that only goldens are currently in season. You’ll likely find seabass, but that species also is out of season.
Big striped bass are becoming more and more plentiful in the bay from Cape Charles to the north, but the action is strictly catch-and-release.
Bluefin tuna have finally shown off the Outer Banks, where action has been pretty good for yellowfin and blackfin tuna when the weather permits.
Speckled trout along the oceanfront and in the sounds have been plentiful.