JCrzy4Bass

Find any slack areas where current is blocked up, whether it be a log jam, a bar that comes up and slows down the current, large rocks/boulders, etc. Toss behind these areas as the bass would normally sit in the slack areas. If you can find any deeper pools some of the bass may be sitting in there. In areas like this it's possible you might be able to find multiple hook ups. Work them slow with multiple baits. Kind of like fishing for smallmouth. Except I tend to find that smallies (aside from boulders and islands) will congregate mostly around structure and "with" current whereas the largemouth are mostly gonna wanna be around specific cover and outside of current. For baits I like what Hoki said as a searchbait. Maybe try some jerkbaits (hard and soft), spinners and tubes.

Kev, when you're good to hook up let me know. I'll take you out there.

DC, My dad and I fish regularly out of the Occoquan River (Occoquan Regional Park). We have a few good spots that are good all seasons (especially on the Occoquan), our favorites are out towards Belmont Bay and Occoquan Bay. The grass out there and the spadderdock hold fish come late April and they can be caught there through the late fall. Any boat slips with roofs can be productive once temps get up and the bass start relating to shade a bit more in the summer months. They can be caught on a variety of baits. Just be careful navigating those (especially in a yak) on the Occ as lots of large crafts come in and out of there all throughout the day. They put in a yak/canoe launch at Occoquan Regional sometime last year or the year before. It's real nice and gets quite a bit of use. You can pull right up to the launch and don't have to walk but 10 - 15 feet to get the yak in. I also agree with Andrew on the upper Potomac for smallmouth. Best smallie spot by far up here for size and numbers with the occasional shot at a muski (the further you go up river) and a trophy smallie. If you want a better shot at a big fish (bronze) look for launch sites for your yak along the James near Richmond (just google VDGIF James River). It's a trophy smallmouth river. Lot's of fun to be had here. One of my favorite spots is Pony Pasture. I don't own a yak though and haven't ever been on that water in a watercraft so other guys may have more info about trips down there for you.

What's up Hoki? Hey man, I just read an article in Virginia Game and Fish magazine about the prespawn there at Lake Orange. The bite is really picking up there now from what I hear in that. The key things it focused on were: A) The bank opposite the launch ramp on the other side of the islands (spinnerbait bite) The main points over by the dam (entrance to the cove there). Once inside the cove there work cover within and focus on the ledges as well. There is a deep channel that runs through that cove about 3/4 of the way in before it starts coming back up. The drop on each side of the cove can hold fish. They should be staging around this area getting ready to move back up in there for the spawn. C) Weighted worms are going to work well in this time (according to the article) and if the water is clear enough and temps are right (between 55 - 65) you can't go wrong with a jerkbait bite (in my honest opinion). Get some that dive to intermediate depths so you can cover shallow to mid depths. Even if the fish are down relating to the bottom if worked right they should come up for the baits. Hope this helps. You can pick up a copy of the magazine at Walmart. I think they are still on the shelves. I've never fished here but the folks who have (that I know) like that cove alot. Read up more on the vdgif website. Lots of good info there. Just google "VDGIF Lake Orange".

Andrew it's weird. Alot of the time I catch big fish with jigs it's not really so on the fall. It's either on a shake after I have hopped it pretty good or during a long swift pull of the bait. This day basically they wanted it to make a long slow hop (so I sweeped my rod upwards slowly and let it fall), then I would shake it and fish on. I think a lot of it had to do with the presentation though because both catches were on flips to specific structure, ledges, points, etc. While they didn't hit on the fall of those flips I think since the entrances were quiet and what not they weren't spooked so they hit once they saw it shaking or moving. I really wish Paul Naj got on here more. I need to thank him so much for teaching me that technique last year as a lot of my catches over the last 6 to 7 months have been a result of good flips. It has become one of my favorite techniques. And the bait I was so intimidated by the first couple of seasons fishing has become my go to FAVORITE big bass bait. Of course I think the Rage Craw trailers may have a bit to do with it too. For anyone who hasn't seen the action of those appendages on a jig... just go throw it in some clear water and watch. Then you will know why they hit it.

Every time I read any Bassin' or Bassmaster magazine the anglers there all refer to the Potomac river as one of the best rivers in the country for black bass (issues that discuss it). Not only east coast but in the U.S. We have a lot of pros from the area that call it home. I don't know if any of you know Kurt Dove but I read all the local fishing magazines as well, he is one of the anglers in the Bass Elite series and he hails from Fairfax. Last year at Amistad he placed in the top twelve and was in the running for a shot at the tourney after the first day. He says the Potomac is some of the best water he's EVER fished. I think for the folks that have private access on Anna though they get to take advantage of an early season top water bite, early spawn, less pressured fish than the main lake due to cut off access and honestly a lot different type of lake than the main side. From what I hear as similar as they are, they fish much differently (obviously due to multiple factors like water temp, pressure, different structure, etc). I wouldn't mind being able to fish there but I think both places are a lot of fun regardless and both have the chance at a big fish. If I had to choose I'd honestly take the Potomac but that is because I am still learning Anna. My dad and I found ALOT of productive water there last year, and we honestly feel alot more comfortable with how to fish there after having a couple conversations with Teddy Carr and Charlie Bowles down at BPS over the last couple seasons. Good guys with a lot of great info on both waters. I'm sure they will tell you both bodies of water are good in their own way too. And both have advantages and disadvantages at certain times of the year.

Most of the ponds/lakes I fish are actually damed up areas of local creeks or drainage ponds that lead in (off larger creeks). Over the last year I've managed to find a lot more "big fish" ponds and such, just struggled catching em'. Now that I got jigging down real well though and have broke or tied my pb 4 times since last summer with that bait I think I'm on my way to getting off the dink boat.

From having fished both Anna (mid and upper) and the Potomac (Aquia, Mattawoman, Powell's, Neabsco, Occ Bay, etc) I'd say both have great cover and structure in their own ways. If I want vegetation type fishing, mats, grass, piers, dock pilings, barges, ship wrecks I fish the Potomac. If I want target fishing around docks, boat houses, great structure fishing, etc I fish Anna. The only place I really see on the Potomac where you can have similar fishing to Anna (boat houses, numerous docks) would be Aquia Creek, and yes access to some places is a bit tougher than Anna which has mostly open water. Just my two cents.

In that vicinity. Kind of overlooked. I had never actually fished it prior to yesterday. Bet I'll be out there again though.

Good fish Simon. Solid. Looks like you have figured that place out pretty well over the last couple seasons. Keep at it man, you're off to a great start this year.

So I definitely started the year right yesterday. Fourth time out. Decided I was gonna swing for the fences and not go for the smaller fish today. Water temps at the local ponds now hitting 50 degrees on the mark over the last two days. Caught a personal best 5lb 14oz on an okechobee Greg Hackney jig with a matching Rage Tail Craw trailer, then an hour later landed a 5lber even. Both on the Rapala digi. First pics of the pb were on cell because I forgot I had my cam in the car. Second ones were with my cam, luckily my dad showed up to fish with me so he was able to take em'. What a day, gotta get back out here for the spawn! Trying to figure out pic sizes, brb.

My two cents, I'm in Woodbridge, Va and fish everything from puddles to lakes to rivers, don't matter to me as long as there is fish. I've gotten asked twice outside of trout season at Lake Accotink to present my license which is fine because I see people there poaching ALL the time and it gets on my nerves especially when they are good sized bass. Both times they have been professional about it and did the have a nice day sir as they left. I've also gotten checked with my dad at Burke Lake. This one was kinda rude to be honest, new kid just got named warden type deal on a power trip. Our whole boat passed inspection and we both had a life vest on but because we didn't have a third or a "throw" he said to basically go get one or get off of the lake... seriously? And it's not like he was even nice about it. Honestly though, I'm glad these guys are out there doing there jobs and wish there were more of em. For anyone who fishes around Bull Run or other places on the rez or even out of Occoquan we all know how many people around here poach and how many don't have valid licenses and litter all over the shoreline. It's actually down right sickening to me. As bass fishermen we are conservation mindful at all times (or should be) and here we have people disrespecting our waterways by not cleaning up, not taking care of fish properly and taking illegal fish. I hope once the economy turns around they get more of these guys out at places like I mentioned. Sorry if it turned into a rant.

Mountaineer, my dad has the same boat as you I think, at least same make and length. Don't know about the model. That really clarifies whether or not we will be able to get it in there and not have issues. We will consider Ed's sounds like a good place. Thanks for the extra info man.

Steve, Just off cardinal myself. Not too far away from you it seems. My dad and I launch out of Lees quite a bit throughout the year, normally fishing either Mattawoman, Neabsco, Powells, or Occoquan River/Bay and Belmont Bay. We have a couple of nice spots pegged out and know some of the seasonal patterns on the Occoquan River too so we launch at Occoquan Park a bit as well. Anyway, we should hook up sometime when we are both free. I don't have a boat myself but I'm always up for shore fishing or pairing up if someones got a ride and needs help with gas. Right now I have a few outings pegged for this month, it looks like the Chick is gonna be wiped from our plans, but just for the time being (maybe heading down next month). This month we plan on hitting Anna on the 13th (public side out of Sturgeon), Briery on the 27th (so long as everything works out for this one) and Pohick Bay/Gunstons Cove on the 29. Each week I have half a day off because i work nights (Wednesdays) so that time is pretty open. I just have to be off the water by 11:30 and be less than an hour from my job (Annandale). Also I get one day off every 3 or 4 weeks (rotating schedule when we cover a Saturday), I try and make plans with my dad if he can get off but if it doesn't happen I'm free those days as well. Thanks for all the info on the Chick guys, i appreciate it.

Random questions for you guys down near Richmond and east of there. How does the Chick fish? Ever since my dad and I watched an episode of "The Bass Pros" a couple years back and saw Timmy Horton hitting some cypress trees with jigs and craws we thought it would be a heck of a lot of fun to try. Problem being not many lakes near us in VA that got em'. I know one of a couple other ones but they are even further south or west than the Chick so... Anyway, is the lake heavily pressured? How tough is it to locate bass? I'd imagine with a lot of wood cover and other stuff for them to get up on it could prove challenging. I consider myself a pretty good flipper and have got a lot better with my casting accuracy/ bait entrance / etc over the last year and think this may be good practice for when I'm bed fishing later in the spring (flipping the wood cover here). Any info would be welcome. I guess the best launching site and closest would be Eagle's Landing. Looks like a two hour drive. Last question, how tough is it to navigate with a bass boat? My dad and I fish out of a Lowe's fishing oat, I think it's 16 or 17' can't remember. Oh, couple last things I forgot to mention, we would be planning on fishing it between March 29 and April 2nd (weekday). Does anyone know with current water temps and such where this would put fish down on this lake in regards to the spawn? I know we have water thats about 37 - 39 in the local ponds and lakes here as I went out yesterday and checked a few so I wasn't sure how much warmer the water down there was. Thanks again guys.

Hey Soccr, just a heads up. I drive over the bridge on Burke Lake Road every day. 70 - 80% of the lake still remained covered in a layer of ice when I went by yesterday. With the precip tonight depending on how warm we are maybe some of it melts, but if temps dip lower than 30 it may just be back to complete ice out on Burke. Just lettin you know man, good luck wherever you decide to go.

She's a fattie. What kinda craw you fishin boss hawg? Good stuff man. Keep it comin, get me pumped for the upcoming season. Tight lines!

Froggin, Thnx. Do you know if Whippernock has boat rentals at all, if so do you think this time of the year? Floaters: Dead shad killed off from the low temps? Haven't heard the term before... Figure the water clarity may be a bit better downlake? Thnx again.

Any guys around the Richmond area w/ boat have any info on conditions down there at Chesdin Reservoir? Mostly concerned about water temps and whether or not there is any bite at all currently. Also curious about whether or not that Wippernock Campground/Marina is actually private or public. In other words do you have to camp there to launch there? It's the closest launch to my place and going to any of the other ones is gonna add 20 - 25 minutes to our drive if not more. It's already about a two and a half hour drive from me. Also does Wippernock or any other marina do rentals this time of the year? If so what do they offer as far as rentals? I can't find too much info regarding the launch sites and haven't called any of the numbers to ask yet. Launch times? I think that about covers it... Oh and if rental info what kinda of cost? Is it comparable to the reservoir here (Occ) out of LR or Fountainhead? Thanks in advance guys. Any info is appreciated.

Michelle, when you catch those bluegill. Do yourself a favor... leave one hooked and cast it back out easily near some type of cover. Best to try in a pond first. Let it sit and swim for a while... that's how to catch your first bass without having to worry about baits or how to work artificials. The bigguns bite the live bait most of the time. It may take a while, but the bite will be worth it.

Dave, -Dicks Sporting Goods off the Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge (by Potomac Mills Mall) -Dawson's off of Route One in Woodbridge, it's an archery, fishing and hunting store. Unfortunately Boater's World closed down last month. they used to have some stuff other's didn't carry too often. Anyway, those are my primary two. You can always take a trip south and hit up Gander Mountain in Fredericksburg. Haven't been there yet so not sure of the selection. I think it is off of Route Three if I'm not mistaken but don't quote me on that. I know it's near the central park area.

Agree with JVM on the battery issue at fountainhead. Those guys never charge their their batteries. I went out two days there for four hours and had both die on me and had to paddle the john back. Not fun. Kinda irritating. Wasn't even running it that much either. Slip, slow rolling a spinner at Accotink is the best way to catch the semi decent fish the place has to offer, my favorite tactic here. And the dam is one of the better spots, but that whole side of the lake you can get numbers if you're not afraid of cutting through the woods to get to spots. I think what you caught though was a small largemouth, I'm pretty sure the only lakes/reservoirs that have smallies in em' around here are the occoquan rez up by bull run, beaverdam creek rez, and lake thompson (least it used to before it was drained, don't know now). You can get good smallie action on the rap out of fredericksburg and the james out of richmond. Michelle, the rentals out of Lake Ridge tend to do a better job as far as charging batteries, my dad and I have had numerous full days out of there with no issues. The fishing can be a bit tougher but if you find a spot you can normally sit on it and catch a few before moving on.

Haven't been there in a while but I'd imagine with how dry it's been up until these last couple of storms over the last few days some of the better spots are probably aren't producing as well. I normally have luck here at the d**n with mid depth cranks hitting the bottom on a slow retrieve, lipless over the deeper water with varying retrieves or spinnerbaits in the couple of coves on the lake. But those coves are more than likely too shallow to produce right now. If you fish where the dam is, I prefer standing where the irregular shoreline is by the cove on the right. I cast out torwards the deeper water from that point at the mouth of the cove or working around the rocks there. Also I like cutting through the woods on the opposite side of the d**n and fishing the point on that cove as well. Most of the fish come off the drop or anywhere you can see grass submerged (not much here, but this cove has some). I may be able to get out Wednesday morning if anyone wants to hit up some spots of mine. Hit me up via pm or email: jcrzy4smlmth@gmail.com

Hey guys. I'm hitting the rappahannock river for smallies this morning probably around 8 o clock or so. Looking for a partner to meet up with me here and drive down or just meet me down there. If you're interested I need responses by like 7:10 or so because I'm headed out after that. I have an extra setup and plenty of smallie gear so you don't really need to bring much. Let me know guys.

Lol, ANYWAY!!! I caught two more this morning over in Westridge but the bite wasn't ever really there at all. Caught em' in the corner of the dam by the pads. One on a Cavitron one on a Shad (Rage). Biggest was only a lb on the cav. Tough bite this am. Went to the Occoquan River to hit a couple of my spots but the vegetation has died off from all the rain, pretty much sucked. Tried jigs, spinners, cranks, craws, worms and topwater. No takers. Not even a bite in the hour and 30 minutes I spent there. Looks like the water is real high too from all this rain. Well, I'm done now until next Friday afternoon as I am hitting some muesems in dc this weekend with the wife and son (Saturday). Family weekend and such. If anyone wants to get out with my dad and I in the bass boat next Friday during the morning/afternoon hours pm me and let me know, I'll put you down for the third seat. Later fellas. Tight lines for now. Kev, can you make next Friday?