Fishing is really good, despite the high winds. The spring spawn is winding down for striper, shad, herring and perch. Bass are coming on strong and panfish are too.  

Rappahannock River
Ken’s Tackle (540-898-1011) reported that there are still some shad and herring being caught in town, but the numbers are dropping off. Rockfish are biting quite well at night on herring. Be sure you familiarize yourself with the laws before going rockfishing. Catfish are biting well in the river. Use cut herring or shad for bait. Largemouth are hitting spinnerbaits. Crappie are taking minnows in the river and in tribs.
Pern’s Supermarket (540 775-7817) reported customers were taking some nice rockfish and catfish in the area. Pern’s has a full lineup of live and frozen bait for any fishing trip and they can easily special order what anglers need too. Just ask for what you are interested in.  

Potomac River
Shady Lane Seafood (804-224-7878) reported white perch are hitting in the creeks, catfish are biting everywhere (try cut bait), some croaker are hitting now and there are still some rockfish hitting too. The wind hurt anglers on the river in boats and the crabs slacked off some due to the wind but as the wind dies down things will improve.

Inland waters
At Motts Run (786-8989) Don Minor reports that anglers hauled in five citation bass this week, two citation shellcrackers and a number of nice stringers of catfish. The bass took a variety of baits to include red shad worms, shaky head jigs and shallow cranks. Try the dam side of the reservoir and the coves down there.  

Saltwater
Our report from Captain Ryan Rogers shows that the striper fishing is incredible. He had numerous fish at 40 inches, plenty just under and a pair over.  He can be booked for any number of bay or ocean trips by calling 804-580-0245. He books fast, so give him a call now if you are interested to ask about his trips. It won’t be long and he will be chumming for blues and rockfish and bottom fishing for croaker.   
 
Notes
Spring gobbler season is now open until sunset until May 15.
June 5: Kids Fishing Derby at Motts Run. Call 786-8989 for info.
June 5-19: Spring squirrel season on private lands and some WMAs to include Pettigrew and Phelps.
June 25 and July 23: Night fishing event at Motts Run Reservoir.