Made it out 2 days back to back on the river.  Heavy lunar tides have the water very churned up.  Day 1 was a struggle, only managed 3 bass and some catfish.  Day 2 was much better.  We fished upriver from Hopyard Landing.  There was a tournament out of there and we saw 2 boats all day so I assume they all went downriver.  Baits that worked: Ned, dropshot, crankbaits.  Locations that worked: deep water close to the bank on outside river bends.  

Just a little add on for those that fish out of Hopyard Landing. There was some internet banter about the launch going private since there is now a housing development being built and for us fiberglass bass boat guys it’s the best access to the upper river.  Here is the exchange:

 

So there was a bunch of talk about Hopyard being turned into a private launch once the new development is finished.  To clear it up I sent an email to John Odenkirk a Fisheries Biologist at Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (see below).  His answer is quoted below.  He also forwarded my question on to John Kirk who is the Virginia Statewide Access Coordinator.  Even though his response is a little more vague as far as far as future plans, I think we can put this rumor to rest once and for all.  

My initial question:

Mr. Odenkirk,

I was wondering if you could shed a little light on some internet comments regarding Hopyard Landing Boat launch.  Those of us who are fiberglass bass boaters and like to fish the upper river have very limited launch points.  Because of my location in Warrenton, Virginia I am partial to Hopyard.  The Little Falls ramp is pretty unimproved and the parking is sketchy.  City Docks is unusable at low tide.  That leaves the next downriver launch at Hicks as our only option.  This leads me to my reason for contacting you.  With all of the new development going in on the access road to Hopyard, it has been said that the state gave the property back to the county and they plan on making it a private launch.  Is there any truth to this?  Is there anyway Hopyard Landing could be made private?
 

His response:

This is news to me, and I am very doubtful it's true.  Sounds like one of those classic rumors that gets started.  
I agree with you that the tidal Rapp has very poor access which is one of the reasons we all pushed so hard to acquire the Hopyard.  
I've copied two of our facilities folks to be sure I'm correct on this....
Thanks.  

The Statewide Access Coordinators response:

All,

Hopyard Landing is still owned and being maintained by DWR. There hasn't been any change.

So there you have it.  Looks like Hopyard will be available for the foreseeable future.  Parking is tight and will be very tight if tournaments start using it more.