Have You Fished Chickahominy River in Virginia?

[VA Clay]

If you fish Chickahominy Lake/ River, What are the biggest obstacles when navigating this body of water? More specifically, is there a boat ramp that you prefer to use? Trying to get dialed in on how to fish this area and I figured I'd start here. Thanks.

[Sam]

Yes, fished it in September.

 

I like two places to launch.

 

If you are coming from Chesterfield County cross the Historic James River and take Route 5 to the mouth of the Chick where you will find Chickahominy Riverfront Park. Check out this web site.

 

https://jamescitycountyva.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Chickahominy-Riverfront-Park-2

 

Second place is in the middle of the river, Helen's as we called it. But its name has changed to Rivers' Rest. Check out the web page and note the best way to drive to the hotel and restaurant.

 

https://riversrestblueheron.com/

 

These are the two most popular places to launch. Safe, good bathrooms, good ramps.

 

Watch the tides. Get a GMCO map of the Chick River and go have some fun.

 

Good luck.

Part 2 - Biggest Obstacles

 

Mud flats. Get a GMCO map where they show the water depth at low tide and stay away from the mud flats.

 

So many great places to fish up and down the river that it will take you years to fish them all.

 

Big ones are up by the dam.

[Sam]

Part 3

 

I forgot Roc-A-Hoc's ramp.

 

Check it out.

 

It is by the dam on the river side.

 

There is a launch fee at all places.

[VA Clay]

Thank ya, Sam. I see you're a solid contributor here at BR. I appreciate your information. I hear alot about the Chick and intend on spending some time there next year. Got a lot of friends that love that place. 

[Sam]

15 hours ago, VA Clay said:

Thank ya, Sam. I see you're a solid contributor here at BR. I appreciate your information. I hear alot about the Chick and intend on spending some time there next year. Got a lot of friends that love that place. 

You are most certainly welcome.

 

Please get a GMCO map of the Chick River (and lake if you want) so you can see the ramps and other interesting places to fish.

 

Salt water will encroach the river if we don't get much rain for some time and you can see the crabs swimming on the surface.

 

There is one other ramp you can use but you have to go through a neighborhood, making lots of turns, to get to the ramp. The three I mentioned are easy to get to and so far they have been safe.

 

The bass will feed when the tide starts to go out and come in. So always check the tide charts:

http://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/virginiasites.html

 

And if the wind is from the east you may as well stay home.

 

 

Just be careful of those mudflats.

 

And don't speed on Route 5. Not only is it an unforgiving road with lots of animals along the road your friendly local sheriff departments monitor the speed limits.

[IgotWood]

Lots of water to fish there. I fished it for the first couple times this early fall and it was great! Lots of different types of water to fish. There are a few sharpies on the Chic who slam them year round. 

[Sam]

9 hours ago, IgotWood said:

Lots of water to fish there. I fished it for the first couple times this early fall and it was great! Lots of different types of water to fish. There are a few sharpies on the Chic who slam them year round. 

This is the river where the Florida strain bass were released.

 

Due to tournament weigh-ins at Osborne Landing, the big ladies were brought up the Historic James River and released at Osborne.

 

I caught a 4.5 pounder by the nuclear power plant just down river from Osborne Landing. In the past this would have been a sensational catch in the main river.

 

Head to the dam for the big ones as that is where they were released into the Chick and so many have stayed in that area.

 

Be safe. The Chick can get rough when the wind gets strong.