2009.09.03
People are still fishing: Big New River smallmouth
With the arrival this week of cool weather, as well as the quickly approaching bow opener, many of us are focusing on hunting season. But plenty of folks are still fishing, and doing well.
Doug Goldsmith sent me this shot of his buddy, Paul Johnson of Salem, with an awesome New River smallmouth bass. The fish was 20.5 inches long and was the biggest of a recent day they spent on the river's Whitethorn section. They were drifting and bouncing baits along the bottom, and also took a number of fish in the 14- to 18-inch range.
I actually got on the James yesterday for a few hours. I didn't focus on fishing but did have my gear and spent some time casting. I caught a few smallish bass on Senkos. The water is pretty low, but still better than it has been at this time the past few years.
The highlight of the day was when I spotted a large fish near a tree that had recently toppled into the water. At first I thought "carp," but then I realized the thing was at least 3 feet long. Muskie! It had seen me and was swimming so there was no point to even fish for it. But at least I know where he was so maybe I can go back there and try for him later this fall.
I also saw four river otters bobbing around together. I'll say this: They were cute. But those things can really do a number on fish populations.
Nice smallie, congrats!
A friend and I were on the New yesterday as well. I caught a nice 3 pounder on an ultra-light rod & reel with 2 pound test while fishing for red eyes. That was fun!
Spotted a river otter also, along with wood ducks, mallards, geese and a mink. Have seen several mink this year on the New in broad daylight.
--Sounds like a sweet day on the water, Tscott! Congrats on the great fish on light line. It's all relative and that's like a 6-pounder on regular gear. Interesting on the mink. Never seen one. Did you guys have shotguns along for a cast-and-blast? mt
Comment by TScottW — September 3, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
Nice Smallmouth!!! We floated the James last Saturday from Gayla to Craigs Creek and didnt catch but a few. That was the last float of the summer, now I'm in huntin' mode until January. Man I love the outdoors!!!
--I just hope we have some cool weather like this in early bow season, J.R.! mt
Comment by J.R. — September 3, 2009 @ 6:53 pm
Betcha that smallie nearly tipped the boat over. Awesome!
Comment by Backlash — September 9, 2009 @ 8:19 am
We floated the Upper James from Gatewood to Buchanan on Labor Day. We lipped a lot of fish, but not much size. Best production was in ambush pockets at the tail of a rapid, especially if any grass or break in the shoreline creates a pool. I had a blast with a popper in a 2 foot estuary that was FULL of redeye and 6-8" smallies and sunfish. One sunfish completely swallowed by Dover's Orange. Nothing but the bead sticking out. The best thing was, no sign of lesions or virus at all. Dad and I both caught 1 or 2 in the 10"-12" range, and they were hitting on Clouser minnows, Clouser Mad Toms and Dover's Peach (Orvis).
The only downside to this run was a lot of unproductive water. One run it felt like we paddled uphill against a headwind with no current for a mile.
Oh well, I saw my first James River eagle. All black, so it was still young, but huge none the less. He flew right over me and you could feel the wind off his wings. AWESOME!
--Great report, John! Thanks. I'll be on the river Friday. Wish there was a bit more water, but it could be worse. Again, thanks for taking the time to send such a detailed report. mt
Comment by John Hopkins — September 9, 2009 @ 1:19 pm
One other note, as mentioned above, we also spotted a nice-sized Muskie, in the long straight section. I've got to get a fish-finder for my kayak.
Comment by John Hopkins — September 10, 2009 @ 10:07 am