Hey guys,

I'm now living in the Virginia Beach area and have been fishing Back Bay for just over a year now.  I've recently grown interested in the Northwest River which isn't too far from me.  I read everything I could find online about it (which isn't much), but am still wondering how the bass fishing is in the river?  I'm about 10 minutes from my launch ramp at Back Bay, Bob's on the Northwest is 30-40 minutes from my house.  Is the fishing worth the further trip?  Thanks.  If anyone has experience fishing in the VB area let me know, I have an open back seat fairly often, or I'm happy to ride along with someone and cover some gas to learn some new areas

Northwest River is worth the drive.  Very scenic, lots of lilly pads, fallen timber, cypress knees, and such.  I've always done well there with good numbers of fish but not much in Big bass.  The river is also very good for Yellow Perch in early spring

Thanks for the reply Brayberry.  Is there a particular section of the river that is better than others?  Do a lot of guys run down into the NC portion?  How about aquatic vegetation like milfoil, is there much or any of that?  Any dangers I should be aware of in terms of running the river?  Basically any info you can pass on would be much appreciated

Try from bobs to the state line. Junebug is a great color. Once sun is up they'll hug tight to any wood. I've had great days and humbling days out the...

How many miles is it from Bobs to the state line?

About 2 miles. Look for and intersection with a large creek on your left

North Carolina put up a buoy a couple of years ago to mark the state line.  The river makes a 90-degree right turn after the Northwest River Park.  Follow the river straight down and you will see the buoy in the middle. 

 

   As for cover, there haven't been pads on the river for some time.  However,  you can get some great grass in the creeks.  Generally, the farther back you go in a creek the more grass you get.  There is no shortage of wood cover.

 

   Don't be afraid to throw topwater all day long this time of the year.  Those river fish will jump on it any time of the day.  Other than that, about any plastic you like will catch fish right now. 

 

   I have also fished Back Bay a lot over the years.  I'll take the river over the bay just about given time.  I've had great days in Back Bay, but my largest bags of bass always come from the river.  It has some serious chunks.

Fished Northwest River a few weeks ago. Caught 2 in the 2-3 lb range and a couple smaller ones. Seemed to be better fishing on the Va. Side of the bouy.

Anyone fished NW River this year? 

Yes.  Still fishing great.