Intro: New to Richmond area.

Hi All, I am recently relocated to North Chesterfield from Coastal NC, trying to alleviate my saltwater fishing addiction but I know I can do it based on how much I previously enjoyed fishing for slabs at Jordan Lake NC (I lived in Apex NC). I still have my rods/reels setup for longlining/slowtrolling although I have downsized from 18foot center console to a little 12 foot boat and a kayak. A couple questions:1) Is Lake Chesdin the best crappie fishing within 30-45minute drive from North Chesterfield? is slowtrolling/longlining/spiderlining a popular technique there? 2) is the Dutch Gap Boat Ramp still open, but scheduled to be Closed when some new ramps are built nearby? 3) is the January/February fishing any good here? While living in Coastal NC (Carteret County to be exact) the saltwater inshore bite got pretty slow/nonexistent most years (past season was exception for speckled trout) but we had many fine days fishing tributaries of the Neuse/Trent Rivers catching a lot of crappies, raccoon (yellow) perch, largemouth bass, etc. The winter freshwater bite was a very pleasant surprise for me in NC, although very downsized (icefishing sized) tackle and baits were key. 4) Are there any Crappie.com (or other club) gettogethers here?
Any starter "pointers" would be much appreciated. I am retired, so avoiding crowded weekends is possible. Thanks in advance.

Dave

Welcome.

Chesdin is FULL of crappie. Most are 5-9”. They bite well. All techniques work.

James river has plenty. Bigger class of fish. Dutch gap is open. Starting point is the off channel bay north of Dutch Gap on the right. It’s shallow. Deepest is about 9’. Good crappie and bass in there. Does your 12’ have a gas motor? If so, plenty of crappie from Dutch Gap. Every piece of water out of the current will hold crappie. Including main channel piers, poles, wing dams and trees.

Diascund Lake has good fish. Wood Duck will be along with info.

Chickahomny river and Lake have great crappie and bass fishing. Both great for gas or paddle.

Good luck. Have some fun. James River is a mess this weekend.

Welcome aboard

Thanks a lot for the info. Sorry I overlooked the thread elsewhere describing the Feb 15th NW River event.

Wow! there are a number of good locations you have advised here. These locations should keep me busy for a while. Yes I have outboards (6/8/9.9hp) for the 12 foot boat. Also a Minnkota trolling motor. My wife told me yesterday that I should buy another bigger boat. Who am I to argue with that???!!!

I have heard good things about the James River but as Ranger690 mentioned dirty/high water can torpedo plans. So good to know some lakes (if not fed by large river or streams ) as a Plan B.

Thanks again folks. Tight lines to ya!!

Welcome. It was nice to meet you at the bash.

Welcome aboard, yes indeedeedy thars crappie abound. Chickahominy lake and river hold nice crappie in the winter months. The pits on the james have crappie in them but my reach with a kayak limits me. Diascund, Little Creek, Waller Mill, Beaver Dam Swamp are all good reseviors but will be a good drive. Pocahontas State Park has fishable waters with crappie that might be a little closer. Swift Creek would be a good bet for a kayak if you can find parking. Tight lines