Claytor Lake

[htnbuks]

Has anyone made the trip to Claytor lately striper/wiper fishing?  Ive never been on the lake and wondered how much different it was there than compared to SML?  I know its a lot smaller, but it would def be something different. 

[herringbone]

It’s a very cool lake. Smaller than SML as you mentioned for sure. I do not have any info on stripers or hybrids but I am anxious to hear what others have to say. I tried it a couple of years ago, caught great bait (5”-7” herring) pretty easily with a taped net, but no luck on stripers or hybrids. I did catch a few spotted bass pulling boards on and near the banks. I did have 1 big fish hit and break me off as my board got tangled up.

[31Airborne]

Claytor is a superb fishery. It's known for its wiper fishing - they get big there. Bass fishing is good, too. It does get a lot of pressure in the warmer months, not so much in the colder months. Only the hard core doods fish there in the winter (and usually get rewarded).

It's somewhat like SML - deep, clear, riverine. Not as many points or feeder creeks, but plenty of channel swings and bluffs. Some offshore structure (submerged islands). Forage is the same as SML - gizz, herring, ales. You'll find the bait in all the usual locations this time of year. The state park has a terrific ramp/parking area. there's also a public ramp (free) midlake - if you go to the state park you'll see the signs for it before you enter the park (RH turn). Good ramps, plenty of parking.

There is a GMCO map for the lake but you won't find it on any of the digital mapping tools (Navionoix, etc). It is safe to run in the channels. nothing there to reach up and grab you. I have not personally been above the VA 672 bridge but have been told you can run the river for miles beyond.

Happy hunting!

[herringbone]

Thanks for the response, B. I had heard there was a large kill in the hybrids back in 2016, and I can’t find any info to confirm that or if they still stock it.

[31Airborne]

The only kill I know of was a striper kill. Dunno if that included hybrids.

[riverdawg711]

Dec 31, 2023 12:45:45 GMT -5 herringbone said:

Thanks for the response, B. I had heard there was a large kill in the hybrids back in 2016, and I can’t find any info to confirm that or if they still stock it.

yes you can run several miles above the bridge all the way to allisonia. you can go up to 1 st set of rapids on new river, however once you get above the bridge you need to know where the channel is and stay in it. alot of shallow stuff up that way the farther you go the shallower it gets but fishing can be good up there

[herringbone]

Jan 4, 2024 0:10:32 GMT -5 riverdawg711 said:

Dec 31, 2023 12:45:45 GMT -5 herringbone said:

Thanks for the response, B. I had heard there was a large kill in the hybrids back in 2016, and I can’t find any info to confirm that or if they still stock it.

yes you can run several miles above the bridge all the way to allisonia. you can go up to 1 st set of rapids on new river, however once you get above the bridge you need to know where the channel is and stay in it. alot of shallow stuff up that way the farther you go the shallower it gets but fishing can be good up there

I’ve thought about taking my yak and putting in at the Allisonia ramp. Might do it this spring when the stripers, hybrids, and white bass should be up there. Do you know if there is a strong current near that ramp? I’m paddle only so def not trying to fight that, too old for that. Lol

[riverdawg711]

allisonia ramp does have some current. it's right below first set of rapids on new river. but I'd say it's fishable in a yak

[zombiestriper]

Has anyone been on Claytor lately? Used to get bait in Peak Creek. Is there still bait in there?

[31Airborne]

Was out there last THUR - Peak Creek is loaded w/ bait.