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Do we have any lower Roanoke River striper fishermen on crappie.com?? iVe fished the Weldon area for several years and have said that I was gonna try em in lower part but never have.I watched a video last week of a guy,said they got 50 something,,,not another boat in sight.I just thought that'd be awesome to not have to fight that Weldon crowd.
I don't know what is considered the lower Roanoke. I've been to Jamesville a few times and it doesn't seem like there's a lot of boat traiffic through there.
I fish the lower Roanoke Basin extensively. At this time the water is high as it has been for several months, 11.36 ft today. the water has warmed to nearly 57 F in the last few days, which may cause fishing conditions to improve rapidly. Recently, the fish have been few and far between and mostly under 18". No crowds at the ramps, Williamston, Jamesville, or Plymouth; that's not a good sign, but will probably change quickly.
My suggestion is to wait a week and try to find reports that show some action developing. I'm going out tomorrow and will likely end up chasing crappie as the warmer water may have them moving toward their spawning areas. I will PM you with my cell number and you can contact me any time.
Bruce
Bhgammon, we always camp in Williamson for a weekend in mid April. Our property is cornered on the west by devil's gut. Is my land currently underwater?
The gauge height that I posted is for Williamston (11.36). The river widens and deepens between there and Jamesville, which reduces the flooding effect considerably.
I fished the Devil's Gut last weekend, and I would estimate that the water level is no more than 1 to 2 ft above normal. The land in that area varies, so I cannot say for sure, without seeing it, exactly how much your section is affected, but my guess is probably minimally, unless it is at, or nearly swampland.
In case you always wondered why the land at Jamesville, on the South side of the river is much higher than the North side - - - - - - - lefthanded Indians dug it!
Bruce
Thanks fellas.Bruce,I sure appreciate the reports and will be in contact.
Bear. I started fishing Weldon last year. I always went during the week and was there putting in about the time the sun was coming up. We usually would take out around 3 to miss that ramp traffic. We never once had to wait to put in or take out. May be something to think about if u are trying to avoid the crowds at the ramp. I can't wait to get back out there. Red boat fishes the lower part of the river. Maybe he will chime in.
Sam I saw your PM, but time got away from me. Sorry about that! To me the lower part is a different experience than Weldon for sure. Much more laid back. I don't think the catching will be like Weldon of you are bottom fishing but I still enjoy fishing down there. Don't forget the Cyprus Grill for Lunch!
Hamilton has always produced well for me early on, (abit closer then the lower Roanoke) just go way up past the hwy 11 bridge, river narrows down nicely near Palmyra, also right below the bridge there's a creek that runs in, usually is first to clear up, great holding spot for em right below it. to high now, but once they drop it back down, it should be fish city.
fun stuff,
Lower river is definitely different than Weldon. In Weldon almost anyone can catch at least a few fish. Lower river takes a lot more skill and knowledge especially at this time of year when fish are moving around and not stacked at the mouth.