Pony Pasture On The James

[Kobalt]

Well, went out to Pony Pasture yesterday on foot and got skunked. I was out there from about 5 - 7pm wading around; throwing a crawfish crankbait and a jig.

 

Last weekend I was on the James in my kayak around Maidens Landing and then Huegonot Flatwater and had two great days fighting smallies. I figured I need to find more places to fish that dont require hauling the boat around, so I thought Pony Pasture was a good place to start and I could at least catch some smaller fish. I read a few posts on here from years ago about places to fish at Pony Pasture, but I just didnt have any luck. The river was at about 4 feet and I stayed on rocks that were above water, didnt wade in anything past my knees really. I certainly didnt make it across the river to the Island, not even sure how thats possible.

 

Anyone else have any luck there recently? Any tips on where to go at Pony Pasture?

 

Does anyone know any other good small mouth spots on the James that can be accessed without a boat? I was thinking about heading to the Texas Beach area sometime next week.

 

Today, I think Im going to hit Lake Rooty, try my hand at a pond instead of the river (and its nearby my work).

[flyfisher]

Well, went out to Pony Pasture yesterday on foot and got skunked. I was out there from about 5 - 7pm wading around; throwing a crawfish crankbait and a jig.

 

Last weekend I was on the James in my kayak around Maidens Landing and then Huegonot Flatwater and had two great days fighting smallies. I figured I need to find more places to fish that dont require hauling the boat around, so I thought Pony Pasture was a good place to start and I could at least catch some smaller fish. I read a few posts on here from years ago about places to fish at Pony Pasture, but I just didnt have any luck. The river was at about 4 feet and I stayed on rocks that were above water, didnt wade in anything past my knees really. I certainly didnt make it across the river to the Island, not even sure how thats possible.

 

Anyone else have any luck there recently? Any tips on where to go at Pony Pasture?

 

Does anyone know any other good small mouth spots on the James that can be accessed without a boat? I was thinking about heading to the Texas Beach area sometime next week.

 

Today, I think Im going to hit Lake Rooty, try my hand at a pond instead of the river (and its nearby my work).

Don't bother with lake rooty......i think there was a fish kill or soemthing going on there.  Last year i could count on going out there on my lunch break and catching at least one or two.  This year all i have caught are a few sunnies but no bass and i have seen a ton of dead fish near the dam area.

 

One day i saw at least 10 dead fish with 6 beign sunnies and the rest bass.

 

It still doesn't stop me from going out there though

[Kobalt]

Oh wow. I had no idea about Lake Rooty. I had read some posts about it but those were all a few years old, I  was wondering why no one had posted about it recently.

 

Know of anywhere else in that area that is publicicly accessible and has decent fishing?

 

I was hoping Lake Rooty could be my new go to spot after work...

[Sam]

Try a white one-inch grub on a 1/64 jig head you can get at BPS.

 

Throw into the current over the rocks on an ultralight spinning rig with 4 pound test fluorocarbon line.

 

Wear a PFD as you can get into trouble very easily. Go with a buddy as you know if you fall and hit your head you will be in big trouble.

 

Felt soled boots work great.

 

Deep holes between the River Road and the City's bank across the river. Great catfish fishing. Don't try to walk it unless you can swim. Don't try to walk across the Z-Dam. Too dangerous.

 

Great fishery up river from the Pony Pasture where the kids go to party and get some sun. Just be very careful as the Historic James River is very unforgiving and we need you around to pay your FICA.

 

Let me know how you do.