New River in Virginia

[Big Chief]

A couple of friends and myself are planning a float trip on the New River the first week of April. We are planning on fishing in Grayson County one day and Giles County the next. We are straight catch and release and was wanting some info on what would be best to fish with that time of year. I have floated in Giles years ago but the water was muddy and very high. We would like to make the most of this float and any info would be very much appreciated.

[MSWV]

First week of April will depend on what the weather has been during that time.  April on the New can be anything..  I prefer April to have kinda high flows with a little color in the water.  I typically start out with bright colored Spinnerbaits/Crankbaits/Jerkbaits in the early Spring. With a jerkbait, try clown or hothead xraps.  Ill throw painted blade War Eagle Spinnerbaits (White, Chartreuse, or even pink).  Spring Craw or White is usally my best Crankbait colors. If flows are low & on the clear side, I tend to throw tubes/grubs/senkos..  Be sure to slow your tubes down with a split shot rig or texas rig.. JMO  You should be able to find a pattern & some big fish.  

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

[Big Chief]

Hey thanks MSWV, that info was very appreciative. Hope we have good weather and clear water. I will hopefully post some good pictures 

[Turkey sandwich]

Welcome to the forum!

 

To add 2 cents...

I've never fished the New, but have spent a lot of time on similar rivers.  Weather in early April can be anything. Fish could be pre-spawn, dealing with high/flooding water, spawning, or just moving out of wintering areas.  Follow conditions on the river the week leading up to the trip, especially level and temp because that'll tell you what you should plan for and where you'll be finding fish. 

 

Depending which conditions you have, your whole tackle box could be in play. 

[MSWV]

On 2/4/2019 at 10:24 PM, Big Chief said:

Hey thanks MSWV, that info was very appreciative. Hope we have good weather and clear water. I will hopefully post some good pictures 

For April, Id rather see a little stain in the water (not muddy but not clear)..  I also love a little higher flows.. I like to power fish for smallmouth. 

[Htnbuks]

How is the river during normal water running from Riverview Park you n Radford up to the dam.  Looks on Google Earth like there’s one section you’ll run river Left.  Just going off pictures.  Thanks! 

[newriverfisherman1953]

I think you might do it with a jet. Gets pretty shallow below I81 bridge. I  wouldn’t try with my prop. 

[JEFA2]

I'm new to the New River, VA and trying to learn all I can myself.  Here's a river smallie seminar that was made by Susquehanna Fishing Tackle:  

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