Printable View
I want to make my annual trip to the Chick area for some spring crappie area. I am from near Gettysburg Pa and would like some local info. When would be a good to come for shallow water crappie, I like to catch them on my flyrod. I have spent some time in the past in this area but would like some advice. Please feel free to PM me if you wish. And thanks in advance.
Sorry I can't help you. Its been about 50+ years since I fished there but we do have some people that go there regularly. I did catch my first black fish there. LOL
I really can't address flyrodding on the Chick, I've never tried that. Usually when the fish are shallow we have a good bit of breeze, which might make that tough unless you catch the right day. Here is some info on the upper river, from Walkers down to Lanexa: Generally from late March/early April through very early May the fish are shallow. At the start of April you will find them along the edges of the large flats, making occassional moves up onto the flats and roaming. During the summer season these same flats are weed covered and the fish will hold in the emerging weed patches when not active. At high tide these areas will hold about 3-4 feet of water. As the spawn progresses the fish will move into the Cypress knees, particularly the knees that hold a foot or more of water at low tide.
During this period I usually use an ultralight 6' spinning rod. A 1" weighted foam float and a 1/24 oz jig with a Bobby Garland's shad tail makes a good presentation. You can adjust the depth below the float as needed to keep the jig just above the knees or weed patches as the tide changes, cast and retrieve. Either side of high tide is usually best. The fish get very skittish at low water when they are shallow because of the Ospreys which fly over the flats looking for a meal. They will stay tight on cover and its hard to get a bite duirng low tide. Switch over to a large single blade spinnerbait and crawl it over the flats during the lower water and you may catch an impressive bass. Riverside camp in Chickahominy Shores has cabins and a boat ramp and makes a good base for visitng anglers this time of year. I checked the dates on some photos from last year. I had some really good days April 3 and 4 fishing in the cypress knees. This could change depending upon the weather. Hope this helps.
Hey Bill,Quote:
Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill
Black fish??? I don't know if I have ever seen one. Please enlighten me.
Dean
It's a Grendel . Looks kinda like a snake head it has a red spot on it's tail and it's blackish.
Same as a Grinnell or Bowfin.Quote:
Originally Posted by Idunno
Bowfin Anglers Group - What is a Bowfin?
Sounds good to me and the info is what I need. I use some small jigs also but it is a hoot on the fly rod. If there are some other areas please let me know I can assure I will not catch all of them. Inlaws live in Williamsburg but are elderly so I stop by and see them when I am in the area. Also I enjoy pierces barbque. Real food.
Pierce's is good, but I grew up on "Down East" style BBQ. Try the applewood smoked pork BBQ at Two Drummer's Smokehouse, on Rte 60 between Anderson's Corner and the Chick (Right hand side coming west on 60) . The Cuban sandwich is also very good. If you are in Williamsburg; I have heard that the crappie fishing can be good around the back side of Jamestown Island. I have never tried it, seems kind of brackish to me, but someone else might know better. College Creek could be good, as well. I think you can still rent a boat at Little Creek Reservior (electric only). Riverside camp rents john boats with small outboards, bring you own electric and battery to clamp on the back. Good Luck, enjoy the river, let the big ones go so they can spawn.
Never tried Two drummers but will next time down. I have caught some strippers in college were it crosses the park way this summer and once I the fall. I have a canoe and a small v bottom but it sometimes easier to just rent one. Our Pa crappie has gone down the tubes. Too many guys keeping 7 inch fish. Look forward to some warmer weather.