Chickahominy Lake and Chickahominy River Overview
Located in the tidewater region of Virginia and separated by Walker's Dam,
Chickahominy Lake and Chickahominy River are both home to fine fishing for
many species, such as striped bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, chain
pickeral, bowfin, yellow perch, and catfish. The largemouth bass population
declined significantly due to serious drought from 2000-2002 (particularly in the
river); however strong 2004-2005 year classes and the 2005 restocking of over
100,000 largemouth bass fingerlings by Concerned Bass Anglers of Virginia (see
our Conservation page) have the population on the upswing. According to VDGIF,
angler catch rates for largemouth bass doubled between 2002 and 2005.
Electrofishing catch rates in 2006 hit an all-time high. The lower river is
unquestionably sensitive to drought. Fish the upper river and tributaries during dry
conditions.
Walker's Dam features fish ladders that accommodate the migration of
anadromous fish, such as striped bass and herring. A manual lock allows boats
to pass between the river and lake.
The abundance of visible fishy-looking (and in many cases fish-holding) cover can
be overwhelming: docks, cypress trees, and surface vegetation (lillies) are
prevalent. Add submerged vegetation and there is no shortage of fishing options.
Excellent launch facilities and camping facilities are available on the lake and on
the river. Many bass tournaments are held at locations, such as Ed Allen's
Campground, Riverside Camp, Eagles Landing, and Rockahock Campground.
Chickahominy Lake and Chickahominy River are both home to fine fishing for
many species, such as striped bass, crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, chain
pickeral, bowfin, yellow perch, and catfish. The largemouth bass population
declined significantly due to serious drought from 2000-2002 (particularly in the
river); however strong 2004-2005 year classes and the 2005 restocking of over
100,000 largemouth bass fingerlings by Concerned Bass Anglers of Virginia (see
our Conservation page) have the population on the upswing. According to VDGIF,
angler catch rates for largemouth bass doubled between 2002 and 2005.
Electrofishing catch rates in 2006 hit an all-time high. The lower river is
unquestionably sensitive to drought. Fish the upper river and tributaries during dry
conditions.
Walker's Dam features fish ladders that accommodate the migration of
anadromous fish, such as striped bass and herring. A manual lock allows boats
to pass between the river and lake.
The abundance of visible fishy-looking (and in many cases fish-holding) cover can
be overwhelming: docks, cypress trees, and surface vegetation (lillies) are
prevalent. Add submerged vegetation and there is no shortage of fishing options.
Excellent launch facilities and camping facilities are available on the lake and on
the river. Many bass tournaments are held at locations, such as Ed Allen's
Campground, Riverside Camp, Eagles Landing, and Rockahock Campground.
July 21, 2010: Capt. Art Conway of Conway's River Rat Guide Service (804-746-
2475) out of Ed Allen’s Boats and Bait reported that Chickahominy Lake mid-day
water temperatures were in the mid to high 80's on Wednesday. The lake level
was well below full pool. Some crappie and a few nice yellow perch were still
around the creek mouths and on main lake weed flats. Moderate numbers of
bass were still scattered in the creeks and out on the main lake flats early in the
mornings. Wright Bait Co. two inch curly tail grubs, tubes, swim baits, and live
minnows were the most effective baits for crappie and yellow perch.
May 25, 2010: Eddie Griggs of Virginia Elite Outdoors Guide Service provided the
following Bass Fishing Report for the Chickahominy River. Visit Eddie at www.
vaeliteoutdoors.com.
The spawn is over here for the most part. In the James, you can catch the fish
moving out of the pits on soft plastics and smaill topwaters. Some of the fish have
moved out into the main river already, where cranks and small plastics will do the
trick on jettys and main river wood. On the Chick, the topwater action has started
up and the frog bite is on in the pads upriver; downriver, small poppers and
cranks will catch you some nice chunks on the lower end of the tide.
2475) out of Ed Allen’s Boats and Bait reported that Chickahominy Lake mid-day
water temperatures were in the mid to high 80's on Wednesday. The lake level
was well below full pool. Some crappie and a few nice yellow perch were still
around the creek mouths and on main lake weed flats. Moderate numbers of
bass were still scattered in the creeks and out on the main lake flats early in the
mornings. Wright Bait Co. two inch curly tail grubs, tubes, swim baits, and live
minnows were the most effective baits for crappie and yellow perch.
May 25, 2010: Eddie Griggs of Virginia Elite Outdoors Guide Service provided the
following Bass Fishing Report for the Chickahominy River. Visit Eddie at www.
vaeliteoutdoors.com.
The spawn is over here for the most part. In the James, you can catch the fish
moving out of the pits on soft plastics and smaill topwaters. Some of the fish have
moved out into the main river already, where cranks and small plastics will do the
trick on jettys and main river wood. On the Chick, the topwater action has started
up and the frog bite is on in the pads upriver; downriver, small poppers and
cranks will catch you some nice chunks on the lower end of the tide.
Virginia Outdoors - A Resource for Virginia Anglers and Hunters
Virginia Outdoors - Chickahominy Lake and River
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Fishing Chickahominy Lake and Chickahominy River
Chickahominy Lake and Chickahominy River Fishing Guides
A number of 4+ lb fish from a strong 1998 year class are available. As with fishing
the tidal James, in general, downsize your bait selections - 4" plastics, 1/4 oz.
compact spinnerbaits, and small jigs work best. Plastic lures in dark colors like
black, tequila sunrise, and red shad are good choices. Fishing remains good
throughout the summer. A buzzbait worked near cover will produce in low light
conditions during the summer months. Much of the best fishing is in the feeder
creeks, such as Diascund and Morris. Don't be afraid to approach cover closely
and pitch lures back in the weeds or drop lures vertically by cypress knees. Long
casts or pitches to cover are not necessary. When fishing in the river, it is
essential to understand the tide and its effect on the bass. During the outgoing
tide, fish the outer edges of weed lines, creeks, and docks. During the incoming
tide, probe the cover more deeply. The most natural presentation is made by
moving the lure with the tide.
Crappie, Pickeral, Bowfin, and Yellow Perch: Lumping these species together may
be overly simplistic, but all may be targeted using live minnows around woody
shoreline cover, docks, cypress trees, and vegetation. Small crankbaits and
spinnerbaits used used by bass anglers can also produce some nice chain
pickeral and (black) crappie. The pickeral fishing is best in February and March.
Bowfin up to 10 lbs may provide a hard fight for a pleasantly-surprised bass
angler. Head into the creeks to specifically target crappie.
Striped Bass: Striped bass in both the lake and the river fall under the sea run VA
striped bass regulations. At times, schools of stripers are visible feeding in
relatively shallow water. Target these stripers with flashy, fast-moving lures, such
as lipless crankbaits. Trolling deep-diving crankbaits and vertical jigging is
effective, particularly in the river channel below Walker's Dam.
Herring: The spring river herring (blueback and alewife) run is a unique and
treasured event in the tidewater area. The run draws many anglers to the river
below Walker's Dam from early March through May. At times, the fishing is so easy
that bare gold hooks and small spoons will load the boat.
Catfish: Stocked in the James River in the 1970s, blue catfish soon migrated into
the Chick. Channel catfish up to 5 lbs are good eating and readily caught by
angers using nightcrawlers or cut bait. However, the big blue cats are the most
sought-after catfish species. Blue catfish up to 70 lbs have come from the river.
Freshly cut gizzard shad is the most common bait. Heavy tackle is a must. See
the Lower James River page for a list of fishing guides specializing in giant blue
catfish.
the tidal James, in general, downsize your bait selections - 4" plastics, 1/4 oz.
compact spinnerbaits, and small jigs work best. Plastic lures in dark colors like
black, tequila sunrise, and red shad are good choices. Fishing remains good
throughout the summer. A buzzbait worked near cover will produce in low light
conditions during the summer months. Much of the best fishing is in the feeder
creeks, such as Diascund and Morris. Don't be afraid to approach cover closely
and pitch lures back in the weeds or drop lures vertically by cypress knees. Long
casts or pitches to cover are not necessary. When fishing in the river, it is
essential to understand the tide and its effect on the bass. During the outgoing
tide, fish the outer edges of weed lines, creeks, and docks. During the incoming
tide, probe the cover more deeply. The most natural presentation is made by
moving the lure with the tide.
Crappie, Pickeral, Bowfin, and Yellow Perch: Lumping these species together may
be overly simplistic, but all may be targeted using live minnows around woody
shoreline cover, docks, cypress trees, and vegetation. Small crankbaits and
spinnerbaits used used by bass anglers can also produce some nice chain
pickeral and (black) crappie. The pickeral fishing is best in February and March.
Bowfin up to 10 lbs may provide a hard fight for a pleasantly-surprised bass
angler. Head into the creeks to specifically target crappie.
Striped Bass: Striped bass in both the lake and the river fall under the sea run VA
striped bass regulations. At times, schools of stripers are visible feeding in
relatively shallow water. Target these stripers with flashy, fast-moving lures, such
as lipless crankbaits. Trolling deep-diving crankbaits and vertical jigging is
effective, particularly in the river channel below Walker's Dam.
Herring: The spring river herring (blueback and alewife) run is a unique and
treasured event in the tidewater area. The run draws many anglers to the river
below Walker's Dam from early March through May. At times, the fishing is so easy
that bare gold hooks and small spoons will load the boat.
Catfish: Stocked in the James River in the 1970s, blue catfish soon migrated into
the Chick. Channel catfish up to 5 lbs are good eating and readily caught by
angers using nightcrawlers or cut bait. However, the big blue cats are the most
sought-after catfish species. Blue catfish up to 70 lbs have come from the river.
Freshly cut gizzard shad is the most common bait. Heavy tackle is a must. See
the Lower James River page for a list of fishing guides specializing in giant blue
catfish.
Chickahominy Fishing Report
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| Copyright © 2009 Virginia Outdoors, LLC Ruckersville, VA |
Other Useful Info and Links
Chickahominy Lake Campgrounds, Marinas and Boat Ramps:
Ed Allen's Campground: (804) 966-2582
Eagles Landing: (804) 966-9094
Chickahominy River Campgrounds, Marinas and Boat Ramps:
Rockahock Campground: (804) 966-2759
Riverside Camp: (804) 966-5536
There is also a free public boat ramp located on Morris Creek - within the
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Follow Route 5 eight miles east
of Charles City Courthouse to Route 623 N.
Ed Allen's Campground: (804) 966-2582
Eagles Landing: (804) 966-9094
Chickahominy River Campgrounds, Marinas and Boat Ramps:
Rockahock Campground: (804) 966-2759
Riverside Camp: (804) 966-5536
There is also a free public boat ramp located on Morris Creek - within the
Chickahominy Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Follow Route 5 eight miles east
of Charles City Courthouse to Route 623 N.
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| Featured Article: Catching Tidal River Largemouth Bass |