End of April in Virginia

[JohnCal]

I live in Richmond and have taken off work fro April 28 to May 5 to bass fish around here.  I’m still learning and am trying to figure out the spawn vs post spawn.   I know they are spawning now but what stage will they be in at the end of April.  If it is post spawn is it true they will shut down and if so should I move my week off until later May or June.   I usually fish reservoirs, should I move to the rivers in this time frame if that would work better.  I just don’t want to use my week at a not so good time for fishing.  I can take the week anytime I need to.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  

[Bubba 460]

4 hours ago, JohnCal said:

I live in Richmond and have taken off work fro April 28 to May 5 to bass fish around here.  I’m still learning and am trying to figure out the spawn vs post spawn.   I know they are spawning now but what stage will they be in at the end of April.  If it is post spawn is it true they will shut down and if so should I move my week off until later May or June.   I usually fish reservoirs, should I move to the rivers in this time frame if that would work better.  I just don’t want to use my week at a not so good time for fishing.  I can take the week anytime I need to.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  

Well I guess you could count this as "any help" because I'm not an expert on fishing bedding bass because I try not to intentionally bother/or fish for bedding bass. I feel they are too vulnerable and stressed out in their very important cycle of life. I give them their space if I know they are on a bed. Now I know everyone may be different about it but that's the way I feel.

 

With that said, bass don't all spawn at once and it may run from April until June before all the bass spawn (in this area of the country). I would say that mid-April to mid-May it's at its peak; water temperature is the key.  Many factors enter into the time of spawning or at least the start of spawning. Water temperature, water fluctuation, clarity, human activity, early cold spells and many other factors effect spawning. As for me, I'm always glad when the spawn is for the most part over and fishing gets back to "normal".

 

I do like fishing pre-spawn when the big girls are putting on weight and eating well. I target deeper (5 to 10 feet) water just off southern bedding areas with spinnerbaits, glide-baits, swimbaits, cranks, and jerk-baits. Once the water temperature stops fluctuating and settles at a steady 68 degrees or higher, I'll add more top water as well. Post spawn, which can run from late April to early June is also a good time to catch a nice bass, although weighing a little less than an egg-filled sow that has done her job.

 

So unless some really bad weather settled in later this month (which will likely not happen), I'd say your dates sound good for a little R&R.  

[Bird]

I've been fishing all over VA in the last 3 weeks but mostly western part of state.

Water temps are well behind last year and so is my catch ratio. 

I believe you picked a great week to fish.

[JohnCal]

Thanks guys, feeling better about my plans. Thanks!

[Sam]

John, the Dogwood trees have bloomed so the bass are on their beds.

 

As stated by Bubba 460, the spawn lasts for a few months. In fact, the spawn can start in April and go all the way to October on various bodies of water.

 

Do you have a bass boat?  If so, there are many places to fish. All you have to do is find the ramps, which is easier said than done. Go to Green Top or BPS and get the GMCO maps of the waters you want to fish to find the ramps and also get a feel of the places you go.

 

While at Green Top or BPS pick up a free copy of the Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing in Virginia booklet as it is full of tips and laws/regulations and places to fish all over the state.

 

As for bodies of water to fish, fish them all!  Start with the Historic James River out of Osborne Landing and then progress up to Route 5 and fish the Chick followed by Lake Anna at any of the marinas and Lake Chesdin via Seven Springs Marina.

 

Plan on launching at Hopewell on the Appomattox and fish that river, counting the water moccasins as you drift along. They will leave you alone so don't worry about them climbing into the boat from your big motor. ?

 

Then find the ramps on the Mattaponi (Walkerton) and the Rappahannock (Hicks and Hopyard Landing) and the Pamunkey (Williams) followed by Lake Gaston (Poplar Creek) and Buggs Island (Rudds Creek or Eastland).

 

Don't forget Sandy River Reservoirs and if you really want to go after the big ladies hit Briary Creek.

 

And if you like heavy traffic and high ramp fees  you can go up to Hope Springs on Aquia Creek and fish the Potomac and Aquia Creek. Just watch the weather as the Potomac can be a difficult place to control your boat in high winds.

 

When fishing local Virginia rivers the tides play a very important role. Check out the tides and remember you want a high tide going out, https://www.saltwatertides.com/dynamic.dir/virginiasites.html

 

Good luck, wear your PFD and have the lanyard attached to it from your kill switch, don't forget your throw cushion in the open, your needle nose pliers, and always have your license with you in case you are stopped by a conservation officer.

 

Post pics of what you catch and on what lakes or rivers.

 

 

[JohnCal]

Thanks Sam!

[Johnbt]

Looks like water temps might finally come up a little. It will be in the mid-80s today and 88 Wed and Thur. before a little rain comes in Fri.

 

I was at Pocahantas State Park Friday and the water temp was 61.5 to 62. We caught fish, but it was slow.

[Sam]

Full moon this weekend coupled with the Dogwood trees blooming and the water temperatures going into the 60s paints a great picture for the end of April and start of May.

 

The spawn is on and with early spawners resting and late spawners still seeking a good place for a bed you should be doing well finding the bass.

[Brad Reams]

On 4/18/2021 at 7:46 AM, JohnCal said:

I live in Richmond and have taken off work fro April 28 to May 5 to bass fish around here.  I’m still learning and am trying to figure out the spawn vs post spawn.   I know they are spawning now but what stage will they be in at the end of April.  If it is post spawn is it true they will shut down and if so should I move my week off until later May or June.   I usually fish reservoirs, should I move to the rivers in this time frame if that would work better.  I just don’t want to use my week at a not so good time for fishing.  I can take the week anytime I need to.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  

I've been waiting to wade fish the James (above the falls) for a few months now, the gauge has been high for forever, and now it looks like it's finally back to normal levels, I'm thinking the SMB and Flatheads should be biting good, also the shad should be running.  

 

I'd say your Best bet for a good chance on big largemouth is Chick Lake. 

1 hour drive from Richmond but worth it.  Chick river is good also, but you got to deal with the tide there. 

 

 

[Guest]

Fished south Holston last week. Fish were still prespawn in 8-12’. Caught them in the middle 3rd of pockets on docks and then on the main lake in 10-20’ fow. All fish were on a t rigged craw.