The heat is on and many fish are starting to transition to summer patterns.

Rappahannock River
Ken’s Tackle (898-1011) reports the river is looking good and the fish are biting. Crappie slacked off, but largemouth are hitting well on cranks and plastics. Smallmouth are taking a variety of lures in the upper river. Most are not large fish but they are plentiful. Nice sized bluegill are hitting on beetle spins and live bait too.

Potomac River
We heard that croaker are becoming more plentiful, but are still on the small side. White perch are hitting in the creeks and on gravel bars. Catfish are everywhere. Please take as many as you can home! Some skate are showing up downriver.

Inland waters
Pond and lake fishing is good when you don’t have to compete with jet skis and crowds. Fish early and late. Anna is a good destination for striped bass, they’re chasing bait from Rt. 208 to the Splits. Pond bass fishing has turned on for topwater early and late and plastics during the day.  

Saltwater
Captain Danny Crabbe reports great chumming for striped bass. (See pic above.) Some bluefish are soon to show. Croaker are around too. Call him to line up a trip at (804) 761-0908.

Hunting
Don’t forget the spring squirrel season on private lands this year! Also, groundhogs are plentiful. If you are adventurous, try a young groundhog slow cooked and quartered. Season as you would roast beef. They are quite good.  

Notes
Hopyard Boat Ramp will be closed until mid to late June for repairs. Run by and check out the ramp before you haul your boat there.
June 5: Kids Fishing Derby at Motts Run. Call 786-8989 for info.
June 5-19: Squirrel season on private lands and some WMAs to include Pettigrew and Phelps in our area.
June 25 and July 23: Night fishing event at Motts Run Reservoir.

Mark and Missy Fike