05-12-2004, 04:37 AM
[size 2]Water temperatures have been close to 80 degrees in the afternoon hours. BIG crappie have been caught by many fishermen/ladies. A lady recently hooked up with a 3 lb. black crappie; many crappie better than 2 pounds have also been caught. Minnows and jigs fished over and around brush, in 6-to-15 feet of water, has been the best area to catch crappie, but this could change rapidly. Most crappie have not spawned and there could be a big push into the shallows almost anytime. Bass fishing has also been exciting with a few fishermen catching heavy stringers flipping jigs along shallow river bluffs and near heavy cover, along chunky rocks in the sloughs. Pumpkinseed is always a good choice. In clear water a heavier jig seems to get a reaction strike and in the muddy areas a lighter jig is the better choice. The fall of the jig can also be dictated with the choice of the trailer. A bigger, chunkier trailer will cause a slower fall. Crankbaits have also been used along the same areas for some significant bites. Any color has been productive as long as it is "in the zone". Some fishermen have used spinnerbaits and plastic worms for a few good bass but the bite has been smaller. Large catfish can be caught using shad along the river bluffs. A 50 lb. catfish was caught in the last few days and returned safely back into the water. Tailwater fishing below Ft. Loudoun has been great for stripers. Jigs, spoons, and shad have all been used to catch many fish. Even a few have been caught on those $10 plugs. [/size]
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