The Fishin’ Report is abbreviated this edition, but the website and contact information for all the regular fishing guides, marinas and avid anglers for major rivers and lakes are listed so you can contact them directly for information on current conditions. You are encouraged to take advantage of the unusually warm sunny days and head out to your favorite river or lake and take a kid fishing. Please use caution in planning any outdoor activities or going on the water. Always wear your life jacket and let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. Check conditions before you venture out.
New River: Tangent Outfitters, 257-0415, tangentoutfitters@gmail.com. Shawn Hash notes the warm weather has fishing improving on the New, check the website for current conditions.
Top New River: Contributed by local guide Richie Hughes, owner of New River Trips LLC., newrivertrips@gmail.com. The “Top New”, Mouth of Wilson to Fries, is running about 25% below average. Water clarity is good. No ice in the river or local trout creeks, so trout fishing is a good option for this area. Late February through March is a good time for a walleye/muskie/smallmouth trip so let me know if you would like a multispecies adventure. Be extra careful when out on the water this time of year. Check out newrivertrips.com for trip info, or call (276) 236-5492, (276) 235-2514 (cell).
New, Clinch and Holston Rivers: Contributed by Tommy Cundiff of River Monster Guide Service, (844) 588-2347. If you would like to get a trip in during one of the most beautiful times to be on a river in Southwest Virginia, call 844-luv-2fish now. We have some spots available and will put you on some fish. You can also visit our website at rivermonsterguideservice.com, or like us on Facebook and send us a message.
North and South Forks Shenandoah River: Harry Murray, (540) 984-4212, www.murraysflyshop.com. According to Harry, both the north and the south forks of the Shenandoah are good places to bring up a fine smallie. You’ll have the best chances in deep pools. Good flies are: Murray’s Hellgrammite, size 4; and Murray’s Magnum Streamer, size 4. The water is clear, full and 47 degrees.
The action in the delayed harvest and stocked streams in the Valley is pretty hot, especially in the deep pools and below the riffles. Good flies are: Mr. Rapidan Streamer, size 10; and the Murray’s Larva, size 12. The water is 49 degrees full and clear. The mountain brookie streams are too cold to fish.
Lake Moomaw: Local Guide, Mike Puffenberger, (540) 468-2682, www.mapletreeoutdoors.com. “Puff” and his family are getting ready for the Sugar Maple harvest and Festival in mid -March. Visit their website for current information.
Musky season is in full swing, and you can make some money from it in some parts of the Commonwealth.
Musky season is in full swing, and you can make some money from it in some parts of the Commonwealth.
DGIF biologists are tirelessly braving the elements to monitor the musky populations in the South Fork Shenandoah River, Main Stem Shenandoah River, and James River. Each musky they catch is tagged with one or two yellow reward tags worth $20 each.
If you are lucky enough to catch a musky with one of these tags, cut off one or both of the tags and mail them in to the DGIF regional office in Forest to claim your reward.
Editor’s note: We extend our condolences to Sarah White whose father, Mel White died in a vehicle accident last Friday. Mel was a retired information and education media specialists with DGIF and a mentor to many of the current Outreach Division staff including myself and his daughter Sarah. Our views and experiences of Virginia’s great outdoors were enhanced through Mel’s talent and passion for visual media)
— Sarah White, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
