Shad run in VA

[Hannock]

*edit: im having a hell of a time with this new site layout. First post in almost a year and already ran into 3-4 bugs.

 

I want to take my gf shad fishing so she knows what it feels like to have sore arms from catching so many fish. Are the shad running through yet? Mainly speaking, Rappahannock R./Fredericksburg area. Was at Aquia 2 weeks ago and small groups were splashing along the banks.

 

Un-related, but I caught a real nice bass last week at Anna! First of the year. Felt glorious. However, I'm ready for it to get warm so I can start targeting my species of choice - snakehead

 

 

 

 

[Sam]

Little Washington? Where all the rich people live. Rappahannock County were the schools close on the first day of the hunting season. Where the Inn at Little Washington has outstand cuisine.

 

Yes gang, Little Washington is a great place for a romantic weekend. Check out the bed and breakfasts and walk around the small town if you are in any condition to walk. Eat at the Inn and try to find the mushroom farms for a visit. Take in the beauty of the mountains.

 

OK, you want to know if the shad are running. Sorry, I have no idea. I know they are not running at Ancarrows on the Historic James River. But that is going to change in the near future.

 

Google "shad fishing reports" and wade through them until you find a link that gives you the information you are seeking. Or call the Virginia DG&IF and ask the receptionist for the person who can tell you about shad runs in the state.

 

Now, onto another topic. Aquia Creek.  Have you fished the creek, lately? Gone up creek or headed out to the Potomac, hitting places along the way? My bass club won't fish the Aquia Creek or Potomac any more. Too many wackos and wierdos on the water plus the $20 ramp fee at Hope Springs.

 

Good luck shad fishing and enjoy Little Washington.

 

 

[Hannock]

Sam,

 

Thank you for responding. While typing the OP, I was secretly hoping to read a response from you.  We've chatted about LW and the Inn in the past (2 years maybe??).  My gf is the expediter in the kitchen, so if you eat there and something is wrong with your dish its her fault!! (not likely but she's human) We live a block away too so if anyone does come through, decides to take a walk through town and sees a car driving by with a german shepherd sticking his head out the roof - that's us!

 

Aqua Creek it is by far and away my favorite place to fish.  I grew up in Stafford and know that creek well.  The launch fees are astronomical.  I feel bad for who ever puts in at Hope Springs. $20 to launch is robbery. A mile before Hope Springs there is willow landing. Though not much better at $15, its better than $20 at least.  I'm extremely fortunate to have a friend let me use their pass at Aquia Harbor ($40 for non-residents! )  As for the weirdos and whackos, they only come out on the weekends. A lot of people with big money and big boats just flying by fisherman in their boats and kayaks without a care.. I have a few recordings on my gopro of boat after boat roaring by creating big wakes.

 

The shad have to be coming through right about now.  In the back of Aquia there were small schools already spawning creating a huge ruckus on the shorelines.

[Choporoz]

Posting...simply to keep an eye on this thread.  Looking forward to hitting them hard up here in the Occoquan.  Just got a big package of darts from Mr. Russel in NJ.  Great guy and great source if you're in the market. 

[Hannock]

  On 3/20/2017 at 2:41 PM, Choporoz said:

Just got a big package of darts from Mr. Russel in NJ.  Great guy and great source if you're in the market. 

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Unfamiliar with Mr. Russel. BR user? Got a link to the darts?

[FishnFritz]

If you want to know if the shad are running in the Rap by Fredericksburg call Ken's bait and tackle. They always have the lowdown when it comes to the shad run. 

[Sam]

Hannock, great post and thanks for responding.

 

I like to leave Hope Springs and go up creek. Good fishing in the smaller section of the creek.

 

Willow is a good place but when the grass takes over it can be a pain to launch and trailer you boat.

 

I just attached a "weed eater" to my trolling motor and can't wait to give it a try this year.. It chops up the grass and weeds so you can work your boat into the foliage to reach places you could not fish in the past.  I will send you a PM about it.

 

And yes, those big ocean sailing vessels don't care about us small guys. Many times I have been bounced around as those boats head in and out of the Potomac and they never slow up or try not to throw a wake. I think it is a game for them.

 

As for visiting Little Washington, not in the near future. Taking wife to UVA on Thursday to meet a  back surgeon about her medical situation so fishing is up in the air, especially of the doctor says she needs more surgery.

 

The Inn at Little Washington is known for its great food. Congrats to your girl friend for continuing this sustained excellence. I suggest to everyone reading this post to head to Little Washington if you are in the area of Washington DC and enjoy some excellent cuisine.

 

As for the shad run, I will ask my friend about it. Used to keep up with it via Tackle Express but they closed their doors last year. May I suggest calling the Ashland BPS fishing department, 804.496.4700.  Ask for the fishing department and maybe one of the clerks will know about the shad run. Ask for Conner. Conner is a great bass fisherman and he may have the answer.

 

Once again, great hearing from you. Enjoy Little Washington as it is a beautiful place in the mountains.

[Choporoz]

  On 3/21/2017 at 12:33 AM, Hannock said:

Unfamiliar with Mr. Russel. BR user? Got a link to the darts?

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Paul Russel of NJ.  Has an ebay store, but you can bypass the middleman and contact him directly.  (PM sent.)  He uses quality hooks, paint, feathers.   He will hook you up with your preferred sampler of colors and weights. 

When you get out there play around with different depths, speeds, etc.

 

Some days, it doesn't matter what you throw if you get near them.  Then, there were a few days last year when a fast retrieve at around 6-8 feet was the only thing they'd hit.  Achieved that by tying a 1/8 oz dart on with long tag line, and then, putting an 1/8 oz inline spinner (like Mepps) about 12-15" below.  The extra weight allowed the lure to get down quick, but stay down with real fast retrieve.  Killed them when others were struggling -- lots of doubles, too, which is crazy fun.

[Hannock]

Buddy sent me this today from the Rappahannock around Fredericksburg 

[Choporoz]

Been out on Occoquan river in kayaks 3 of past 4 days.  My wife caught a few shad (5, I think was the most on one day.)   I only got a perch  --- couldn't get a shad bite, so I hit docks and cleaned up on LMB while she fished for shad. 
 Nobody's catching a bunch of shad yet.  We're still probably a couple weeks from them getting thick up here.