Photo by Ron Sinfelt

By Mark Fike

Biologists are excited at the potential of the crappie fishery in a number of Virginia waters this year. While compiling the interviews for our annual crappie fishing roundup, we found biologists noting that the wet year kept water levels up and the fish in good shape for this season. Successful spawns in previous years will allow the fishing to really shine this year. Each area of the state has great destinations.

Greenlee said, "I would include the tidal James River in any black crappie article. In most cases, on the tidal James and its tributaries, when good structure occurs near channel drop-offs, good numbers of nice-sized crappie will be there."

Greenlee said the James carries abundant crappie in the 11- to 13-inch range. Greenlee also pointed out that the James River was fourth in the state in producing black crappie citations. There were 101 citations issued from 1998-2002.

According to sampling data gathered by Greenlee and his fellow biologists, crappie that hit the 3-year mark average 12 inches and weigh over a pound and a half. After reaching 12 inches, the fish's growth slows somewhat.

Greenlee was quick to point out that anglers should fish the Chickahominy River system for crappie, too.

"I would include the tidal Chickahominy River as a good destination for crappie fishing. The numbers and size were way up last year in the Chickahominy and things look good for the spring. The Chickahominy River was eighth in the state in producing citations from 1998 to 2002. The average size of crappie in the Chick is slightly smaller than the James, but there are a bunch just under 12 inches and right around 1 pound."

Osborne Landing or Deep Bottom Landing in Henrico County provide good access to the Jones Neck and Turkey Island areas of the James, and are both good for crappie.

At the mouth of the Chickahominy River anglers can use Riverside Park (formerly Powhatan Resort), which is a James City County owned ramp. The Brick Yard Landing is in the middle Chickahominy River and offers anglers a chance to run upriver toward Walker's Dam. There are plenty of weedbeds and lily pads, sloughs and backwaters with standing timber that hold good crappie angling. And it's a scenic trip, complete with Spanish moss.

When asked if Hurricane Isabel hurt the fishery, Greenlee responded, "The hurricane did no damage to the fishery, and the heavy rain this year just meant no issues with salinity - a good thing after last year's drought."

For more information on the Tidewater Region, call (757) 253-7072.

Gaston is located just below Buggs Island. Both lakes honor Virginia fishing licenses. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission does much of the fisheries work at Gaston. Wayne Jones is the fisheries biologist with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission. Jones just finished sampling Gaston at press time. The news that Jones gave us is good.

"We netted several nice 1- to 2-pound fish and the fish numbers are about what they were the last time we sampled. Crappie average around 3/4 of a pound in Gaston with several being caught in the 1 1/2-pound category."

Jones also has a few recommendations for anglers looking for crappie in April and May. "The best fishing is around boat docks in April, as the vegetation hasn't really started growing yet. We have had particularly good success in the Hubquarter Creek, Pea Hill and the Lizard Creek areas with our trap nets. Increased catches from last year would indicate that the next few years should be good fishing in Gaston."

These creeks have a lot of deep channels, turns and bends, and are of substantial size with development along their shores. There are docks and other structures, not to mention trees and stumps along the banks. Target these areas until you find a school of crappie. Do not be afraid to move the boat up or down the creek. During wet years, begin fishing near the upper end of the creeks.

The fishing is best using traditional techniques such as bright jigs tipped with minnows, grubs and, of course, small minnows and even tiny spoons work well at Gaston.

There are numerous places to stay, gas a boat or truck and launch boats on or near the creeks suggested above. Many of the facilities are in North Carolina.

Call (434) 525-7522 for more information on fishing for crappie in other Southern Piedmont waters.