| Steve Smith - a longtime client of Greasy Creek Outfitters - with a Claytor Lake hybrid striped bass |
Claytor Lake Overview
Claytor Lake occupies 4,475 acres in Pulaski County in southwest Virginia. An
impoundment of the New River, Claytor Lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth,
and spotted bass. In addition, annual stocking maintains a strong population of
hybrid and striped bass. Black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, white bass, and
carp (which can reach 30 lbs), flathead catfish, and channel catfish are also
available. Claytor Lake produced the VA state record spotted bass (3 lb 10 oz) in
1993 and produces more citation smallmouth than any other reservoir in the
Commonwealth.
impoundment of the New River, Claytor Lake is home to largemouth, smallmouth,
and spotted bass. In addition, annual stocking maintains a strong population of
hybrid and striped bass. Black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, white bass, and
carp (which can reach 30 lbs), flathead catfish, and channel catfish are also
available. Claytor Lake produced the VA state record spotted bass (3 lb 10 oz) in
1993 and produces more citation smallmouth than any other reservoir in the
Commonwealth.
June 18, 2008: Mike Burchett of the Rockhouse Marina (540-980-1488) provided
the following fishing report for Claytor Lake. Don't forget Rockhouse hosts a bass
tournament every Tue night 6-10 pm during the summer - entry fee $25 with 100%
payback:
Water temperatures are between 79 and 81 degrees.
The stripers can be caught in two ways. Early in the morning, the fish are being
caught near the mouth of Peak Creek on live bait on planer boards. From 11 pm -
3 am, stripers are hitting near the dam on broken back Storm Thundersticks and
Yum Money Minnow / Berkley Hollow Belly swim baits (around the shad spawn in
the Dublin Hollow area).
The bass fishing is decent with some early morning and late evening topwater
bite on small poppers, plus a good night bite on black spinnerbaits and
black/blue chatterbaits. During the day, 4.5" Roboworm on either a drop shot or a
shaky head is your best bet.
The catfishing is excellent on flats above the lighthouse trolling spinner rigs (try
Jasper Lures!) with nightcrawlers or using shad.
the following fishing report for Claytor Lake. Don't forget Rockhouse hosts a bass
tournament every Tue night 6-10 pm during the summer - entry fee $25 with 100%
payback:
Water temperatures are between 79 and 81 degrees.
The stripers can be caught in two ways. Early in the morning, the fish are being
caught near the mouth of Peak Creek on live bait on planer boards. From 11 pm -
3 am, stripers are hitting near the dam on broken back Storm Thundersticks and
Yum Money Minnow / Berkley Hollow Belly swim baits (around the shad spawn in
the Dublin Hollow area).
The bass fishing is decent with some early morning and late evening topwater
bite on small poppers, plus a good night bite on black spinnerbaits and
black/blue chatterbaits. During the day, 4.5" Roboworm on either a drop shot or a
shaky head is your best bet.
The catfishing is excellent on flats above the lighthouse trolling spinner rigs (try
Jasper Lures!) with nightcrawlers or using shad.
Virginia Outdoors - A Resource for Virginia Anglers and Hunters
Virginia Outdoors - Claytor Lake
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Claytor Lake Fishing
Claytor Lake Fishing Guides
Largemouth Bass: Although generally slower-growing and less abundant than in
other Virginia waters, most coves throughout the lake hold largemouth, including
Clapboard, Spooky, and Texas Hollows. However, Peak Creek offers the most
consistent fishing. Areas around the State Park can also produce. Focus on
shallow water in coves and around the shoreline. Lures that imitate baitfish are
good choices, since the largemouth feed primarily on bluegill, shad, and alewives.
Due to the clear water, light lines and finesse lures often work best.
Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass: Smallmouth bass and spotted bass (often
mistaken for small largemouth bass, spotted bass rarely exceed 2 lbs) both feed
heavily on crayfish. Target the steep, rocky shorelines using lures that imitate
crayfish, such as jigs in natural colors. Focus on the mid and down lake areas
below the mouth of Peak Creek.
Striped Bass and Hybrid Bass: Both species are stocked annually and provide
excellent fishing. Live bait, such as alewives and shad, can be caught with a cast
net in the back of coves. Drifting live baits over schools of fish is the most
productive technique. During the late summer, the fish hang out near the
thermocline (typically around 35') in the mid and lower regions of the lake, and in
the winter the stripers are located up to 60' deep in the mid and upper regions.
However, in the spring and fall, stripers and hybrids chase baitfish and can be
caught casting topwater baits (e.g., Redifns) and bucktails.
other Virginia waters, most coves throughout the lake hold largemouth, including
Clapboard, Spooky, and Texas Hollows. However, Peak Creek offers the most
consistent fishing. Areas around the State Park can also produce. Focus on
shallow water in coves and around the shoreline. Lures that imitate baitfish are
good choices, since the largemouth feed primarily on bluegill, shad, and alewives.
Due to the clear water, light lines and finesse lures often work best.
Smallmouth Bass and Spotted Bass: Smallmouth bass and spotted bass (often
mistaken for small largemouth bass, spotted bass rarely exceed 2 lbs) both feed
heavily on crayfish. Target the steep, rocky shorelines using lures that imitate
crayfish, such as jigs in natural colors. Focus on the mid and down lake areas
below the mouth of Peak Creek.
Striped Bass and Hybrid Bass: Both species are stocked annually and provide
excellent fishing. Live bait, such as alewives and shad, can be caught with a cast
net in the back of coves. Drifting live baits over schools of fish is the most
productive technique. During the late summer, the fish hang out near the
thermocline (typically around 35') in the mid and lower regions of the lake, and in
the winter the stripers are located up to 60' deep in the mid and upper regions.
However, in the spring and fall, stripers and hybrids chase baitfish and can be
caught casting topwater baits (e.g., Redifns) and bucktails.
Claytor Lake Fishing Report
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| Copyright © 2007 Virginia Outdoors, LLC Ruckersville, VA |
| Some nice Claytor Lake stripers caught on flyrods by clients of Greasy Creek Outfitters |
Other Useful Info and Links
Marinas, Boat Ramps, and Campgrounds:
Rockhouse Marina: (540) 980-1498
Conrad Brothers Marina: (540) 980-1575
Claytor Lake State Park: (540) 643-2500
In addition to the marina, Claytor Lake State Park offers camping, cabins,
swimming, and picnic areas.
Launch boats for free at Harry's Point (within Pulaski County's Harry DeHaven
Park) and at VDGIF ramps at Allisonia and near the entrance to the state park.
Rockhouse Marina: (540) 980-1498
Conrad Brothers Marina: (540) 980-1575
Claytor Lake State Park: (540) 643-2500
In addition to the marina, Claytor Lake State Park offers camping, cabins,
swimming, and picnic areas.
Launch boats for free at Harry's Point (within Pulaski County's Harry DeHaven
Park) and at VDGIF ramps at Allisonia and near the entrance to the state park.
| Featured Article: Where to Catch Virginia's Trophy Largemouth Bass |
