2008.07.13
A day with the Jackson River's tiny smallmouths
When I get questions about good spots to take kids fishing, one of my suggestions is the lower Jackson River between Covington and Clifton Forge.
In years past the river has been full of smallmouth bass, rock bass and sunfish.
A recent trip on the river, you can read the whole story here, was somewhat disappointing.
Although it appears the river still has a decent number of smallmouths, they were really tiny. Roanoke Times photographer Sam Dean and I caught maybe 40 to 50 smallmouths between us and not a one topped 8 inches.
Like the James and Cowpasture rivers, the Jackson was hit by the fish kill this spring. Those kills seem to be hitting larger fish harder, and maybe that's what happened on the Jackson, where "larger" fish tend to be 10- to 12-inchers.
It's still a good place to take novice anglers. Just make sure you take ultralight tackle.
Rifle season 2008 November 15th to the 29th of November? Is this a shorter gun season or am I reading the book wrong.
Great video, but whats happening in the hunting world.
Comment by Static Lines — July 17, 2008 @ 4:14 am
Mark,
I really enjoyed the article. The upper Jackson's acclaim as a fantastic cold water trout fishery is well deserved. However, the warm water section below MeadWestvaco doesn't get near the attention it deserves. Growing up in Covington, my buddies and I have spent many days fishing the "dirty" and the days were rare when we didn't catch 20+ smallmouth. As you said, many fish are between 6-10", but there are good fish throughout.
Although I've never fished it, rumor has it that the section of river that runs just below the mill up to the plant's small dam is one of the best spots to fish. I was wondering whether you had heard about it as well and if you have fished it. You can only fish this section by canoe, as MeadWestvaco owns both sides of the river, but several friends have reported catching citation catfish and good smallmouth.
Comment by M — July 29, 2008 @ 11:23 am
M,
Glad you liked the video. Wish we could have caught a least a few decent fish that day. I know they're in there. Larry Andrews as the Bait Place says the guys up there are giving me grief (behind my back) about catching only dinks.
I haven't fished up in Covington but have heard it's good. Of course the other thing about that dirty water is it also has some trout, especially up around Covington.
Thanks for the comment.
mt
Comment by Mark Taylor — July 29, 2008 @ 2:27 pm