Sandy River in June

[jighead56]

June 17-20. Planning a few days at Sandy River this weekend with a couple boats and hopefully a productive fishing trip. And am aware its an electric motor or 9.9 only. We just wont start our big motors.

As a newbie to this location but, can say we as a avid bass seekers, can catch fish, was wondering if anyone can give a recent report of their success here during this season here at Sandy River. We may revisit Briery as well.

Assuming it's moved into the post spawn season, any suggestions of a productive pattern(s) and prime locations would be a great help. We hail from the Hampton Roads Va. Beach area and have made one trip to Briery Creek this past early spring with a disappointing creel. 

Topwater early and late sounds good to me but, not knowing the water temp at present, I would think the fish are seeking shade and deeper ledges later in the morning through mid day.

Would it be wise to seek the deeper sharper ledges of the narrower "S" turns of the impoundment? Crankbaits, Jig-n-craw / worms and dropshots, wackyworms seem to be a good presentation for this time of the day. What do you think?

June bug or blue black on the slower presentations. Buzzbaits, Flukes, Grassfrogs sounds productive early and late, at least that's whats working in our hometown impoundments.

But during the higher sun periods, I'm guessing. Obviously slow down but, what's your productive presentation and lure(s) of choice?

Thanks for the updates, if anyone is willing to comment.

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Jighead

 

 

[jighead56]

I was hoping someone would be willing to help out a fellow angler here. And am surprised no one one has commented yet.

Its always a challenge and in most cases fun to figure out a new body of water. But, given the few days we have to hook on to a pattern we could sure use the help.

I figured that's what this forum was all about. I dont need to know where one's honeyhole is just  enough info about the lake to be productive for this time of the year .

Guys, I can catch fish as can, my 3 long time fishing partners. We just heard that this body of water has the potential to be a rewarding visit.

So if you're willing to devulge just enough, it would be greatly appreciated. If the info needs to be kept secret, then mums the word. Send me a private message and I'll keep your best solution for a great weekend on the hush hush.

 

Thx,

Jighead

 

[Sam]

Sandy, as you know, is a small impoundment, so all will have a fun time making your milk runs around the lake.

The spawn is over, for the most part, so anything goes. You will have to find the patterns each day.

With Sandy being small you can have a lot of fun trying many varieties of baits as you travel around the lake. Topwaters, crankbaits, Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and plastics. Senkos can be great.....then again. Zoom Junebug or green pumpkin with black flake trick worms on a shaky head presentation. Anything goes. And the smaller the baits the more hits you will get, just like at other places.

Briery is another story. Can be slow fishing but very rewarding with the big ones that live in that body of water.

Just be sure your trolling batteries are at full charge each day.

Have at least one floatation cushion on the deck at all times.

VG&IF conversation officers can appear at the ramp at any time. They are very nice guys and gals and they may be able to give you some pointers.

Wish I could give you the exact bait and presentation to use but as you know, those little green monsters just keep changing their minds.

Have fun and be sure to let us know how you all do.

Since this is your firs post please do the following for everyone: 1) list your geographical location to help us give you more precise data; 2) go to Introductions and introduce yourself to us so we will know your level of bass fishing; and 3) hang around with us. Don't post and run, never to return.

Good luck to you and your friends.

[jighead56]

Sam,

I (we) do appreciate the reply. I belong to a lot of forums and all have their requested to follow guidelines. I will do as you mentioned and introduce myself. Was having troublewith the app for my phone so I was surprised to see it posted once i got on my home computer. Smart Phones, what would we do without them.

As mentioned in my to posts, we hail from the Va. Beach area and one of is from Clifton Forge. We haave always wanted a try at the famauos Briery Creek location in hopes of a wall hanger. We did fish the lake with some success but most were short fish. So I read about some that would rather fish Sandy which some mentioned was a big fish producer.

Patterns are what they are, fickle and up the bucketmouths digressions.  I guess all that we have learned from our many years on long days on the lakes fished should be all we needed to know. Color choice, water clarity, water temps and key areas (without devulgence of gps cordinates of ones honeyholes...nobody likes giving that info and is respected) was what I was hoping to figure out before we launched.  All baits and tactics you mentioned are in our arsenals and mindset. 

Thanks again for the feedback and hopefully it will be a productive weekend.

And I will be back.

Jighead from Va. Beach.

[Wayne P.]

Don't forget the Alabama rig for Sandy River. Should have a thermocline by the time you go. Fish that rig just above the thermocline where you see shad schools with your electronics.

The hump out from the ramp should have fish on it since it will be just above the thermocline.

As far a plastics colors, makes no difference--use whatever you like, the fish don't care.

Fish the drop-offs along the created flats that are lined with cypress trees. Also the creek channel edges in the two standing timber areas.

Look at the Navionics Sonar Charts map.

 

[Shaun737]

I am up near Richmond area and fished Briery about 4 weeks ago. Took the kids out between 10am and 4pm. Got 12 in the boat but biggest was probably 2lbs. Mostly on senkos. Daughter caught some on crankbait. Normally fish chickahominy lake and last 2 weekends we've pulled out a 5 and two 4s. Thinking about hitting Briery again today or tomorrow. Nice lake to putt around in. Chick has been distributing some big bass tho early morning and late afternoon.

[Wayne P.]

I fished Briery on June 7 and June 13. Caught a total of 91 bass with several 5# and 6# class.

[jighead56]

Been fishing Sandy River Res. for the past two days. 

1st day we found fish hitting our soft plastics, while working the 5-12' dropoffs up the impoundment. Took a few on jig-n-craws...pumpkin seed.

Today I wanted to fish down the lake to the right of the ramp. Planned on the channel edges with 16'-20' of water with deep ledges.

Took two 6.1 lbers (22.5" & 21.75"). But both identical wieghts. A number of 3 lbers to sweeten the creel pot.

Heading back in the morning for a few hours before taking the 4 hr. trip home.

I'd post some pics but, I guess I'm not allowed too pull from my phone gallery.

Oh, well.

Again thanks for the guys.

 

Jighead

 

 

[jighead56]

Thanks to everyone that chimed in and the tips given.

We launched early and headed right to the ledges down by the standing Cypress flat. Worked the channel towards the back end and stopped before the standing timber.

Picked up 4 more lunkers on this route using cranks and pumkinseed jig-n-craws. Landed 2 more 6 lbers. Largest was 6.3lb. Tails were sore on these post spawn fish.

So in three days we boated six 5 lb plus fish. A number of 3 lbers to add to the successful weekend.

Did have a mishap pulling out, noticed one of the boat trailers tongue snapped. No way we could haul the boat any real distance. We seeked out a welding shop in Farmville and "Rod & Staff" fixed us up. Good thing we pulled out early on Monday. Or they would have closed by the time we found the shop.

Again thanks for the tips.

Jighead

[jighead56]

10/13-15 is our next trip.

Forecasted weather next weekend is favorable for another enjoyable trip to this impoundment.

I'm guessing the water temp wouldn't be a factor in October and figure it to be probably in the 60s.

Ideal baitfish activity water temps. The bass should be active and fattening up.

 

Given its only a couple days on the water again for us,

What is your go to for another chance on fooling another lunker?

 

Pattern?

Location on the lake?

 

 

Our June trip last year was very productive with jig-n-craw offerings on the sharp ledges of the channel in the "S" turn and the bluffs down and across from the ramp.

 

I appreciate whatever feedback is thrown my way.

 

I'd post pictures of our June 2016 trip but, my pictures are to large for this site. I'm not bright enough to figure out how to resize them. Non the less a handful of 6 lbers were taken that weekend.

 

Jighead

 

[Sam]

Pattern: Topwaters and plastics. Crankbaits can also work.

Where:  Everywhere!!!!!

 

Good luck.

Sam

[jighead56]

Thx Sam. I know I haven't been back here since last year but, this is the place to go if help is needed.

Haven't been on the boat since our last trip to Sandy.

That's my excuse anyway.

Thanks again for your feedback.

 

Jighead... aka JD from Norfolk

[jighead56]

It's our annual Father's Day weekend fishing trip. Will be heading to the Sandy again. 6/15 - 6/17

Was disappointed last year as the fishing dock and ramp was closed for repairs.

I'm betting that won't be an issue this year.

 

We have done well here during the post spawn season in the past but, the question before we head out this time is, since we've had a late spawn everywhere else,

"Are the males still guarding the fry, or has the spawn completely finished with nothing but bluegills commandeering the bass beds now?"

It would be ideal if the Sandy River water stayed cool as it has here in the East, forcing a late spawn.

But, I'm sure the water has warmed up and the females are done.

 

Thanks for the tips from the last request and this year if you're willing.

Here is one of the largest from the 2016 trip.

I was excited to see the first 6+, as you can see.

jighead

 

[jighead56]

Anybody been out since last weeks " Fairfax's" report?.

Water gotten any clearer, last report was muddy with 2-3' clarity?

Thx in advance.

jighead