Fishing Report: 4-APR-2016

The icy grip of winter has finally slipped away from the smaller ponds, rivers, and streams in the greater Charlottesville area, and the fish are responding accordingly.  Over the past month I've been fishing the upper Rapidan River and Chris Greene lake, and if you have not picked up a rod you should rectify immediately.

The Rapidan is in full dry fly action, with strong bites on the usual assortment of go to spring flies.  Personally, my greatest luck has come from sulpher parachutes in the 14 to 16 size range, although I know plenty of others who have already switched to stimulators.

Got to love the mountain brookies

Over the past month, I've been watching the local lakes and rivers slowly clear from the abundant winter rains, and the big snowmelt from earlier this year.  The coffee colored water was really affecting the bite, although there were some bass already working the shallows enjoying the warmer water.

Although small, this was my first bass of the year (note the coffee colored water)

With the clearer water, the fish are really getting active, and the larger fish are moving into the shallows to begin the staging for this spring's spawn.  Always early for this event are the crappie, and Chris Greene is no exception.  Recently, I've been slamming decent sized crappie along the rock lines, and near beaver homes, with the greatest luck coming from casting small white clousers with a red head.

With the clearer water, the crappie bite has really turned on

All in all, it looks to be a good spring.  Tight lines.