"Smallmouth bass year-class strength was above average and tied for second strongest documented after a record year in 2004 (43 per hour). The excellent 1997 year-class followed two reproductive failures in 1995 and 1996, and moderate year-classes were observed from 1998 through 2002. A near failure occurred in 2003, but record and near-record production in 2004-2005 should result in increased catch rates of stock and quality fish over the next several years."

The removal of Embrey Dam several years ago continues to have a positive effect on the Rap, Odenkirk said. The biologist said that anglers should expect channel catfish, yellow perch, small striped bass and white perch to continue to be found farther upstream from Fredericksburg as these populations build following Embrey Dam's demise. Abundance of shad and herring should also continue to increase. Once "critical mass" of forage is reached (in maybe five years), noticeable increases in smallmouth growth rates and condition should be evident.

Odenkirk is also very pleased that the Fredericksburg City Council agreed to place 4,232 acres of riverfront land, a 31-mile corridor on the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers, into a permanent Conservation Easement. That ensures that this land will never be developed and that a healthy riparian zone will always exist -- superlative news for anglers and indeed all outdoorsmen, as well as likely resulting in some future events.

"With the new partnership with The Nature Conservancy, The Virginia Outdoors Foundation and VDGIF, expect additional public access (and enhanced access) sites on the system," Odenkirk said. "These improvements may take a few years to materialize as priorities are established. The best news here, though, is that anglers and floaters will always have those thousands of acres of riparian lands to camp, fish and enjoy along the river. They will not change!"

Jeff Kelble has been named as the first Riverkeeper for the Shenandoah system, but was also active in promoting the conservation easement on the Rappahannock system, describing it as "unbelievable." Kelble worked on a number of projects relating to the easement:

• Created a letter-writing campaign directed to the two swing votes on the City Council, mayor and the Fredericksburg papers.
• Rallied the United Women's Methodists to express their church's desire that these acres be protected as God's creation.
• Wrote a letter, which in Kelble's absence was read on the floor at the official hearing. As Shenandoah Riverkeeper, he suggested that city council take this opportunity to protect the Rappahannock, which in comparison to the Shenandoah, has vitality and health. The easement is a great way to preserve this resource.

Peter Pfotenhauer, editor of The Buzz, the publication of the Potomac River Smallmouth Club (PRSC), has been one of the leading voices concerning the placement of a Conservation Easement on the Rappahannock.

"Protection of the riparian streamside lands in the Rappahannock watershed ensures that the unique beauty of the river between Kelly's Ford and the city will be protected forever," he said. "The benefits to the water quality are preserved for the fish, though the lack of bank buffers above the city-owned lands continue to load the river with silt. Perhaps the city's example will encourage other landowners to follow suit and help protect this Virginia treasure.

"One other impact of the easement has been an increase in enforcement patrols on the river, especially around the area of the confluence of the Rapidan and Rappahannock rivers. This is a popular summer camping area for paddlers and fishermen doing overnight floats on the river. The city asked the VDGIF to step up enforcement in this area because of the heavy use, so don't be surprised to find a game warden patrolling the area, especially on weekends or holidays. Indeed, the easement is only as good as enforcement efforts, as trespassing, especially from ATV riders, continues to be a serious problem."