Well guys, I got off work early enough to spend the last hour of today on the river and here is the current situation;

It was a beautiful warm evening with a picture perfect sunset and almost no other boats could be seen.

There was quite an improvement in water temperature from just a week ago (47F), this evening I was reading 61.5F.

The tide was dead low below Walker's at sunset and crappie were chasing minnows on the flats in 2-4 feet of water.

Still well out from the shoreline cover, but back in from the drop off. fish could be seen feeding here and there. Every once in a while a small shad minnow would pop out of the water, only to be engulfed as it splashed down.

Fishing a 00 bettle spin harness with a Bobby Garland's 1/16 oz head and one of his tiny shad bodies I scarfed about a dozen nice fish, some with swollen bellies- obviously full of eggs. A 4 lb bass joined the catch along with some smaller bass. It was really enjoyable after a day spent installing a new main drive assembly in a printing press.

If you are fishing the river below Walker's Dam be sure to bring along a pair of binoculars and spend some time observing the Blue Herron rookery- it's just above the first creek on the right hand side going down river from the dam (Charles City side of the river). There are at least 20 nests in the cypress tops and the Herrons can be seen coming and going with food for the chicks. It is said that the Cypress stands from the Dam to Riverside Camp on the Charles City side constitute one of the largest Blue Herron rookeries on the east coast. It's fun to watch those awkward looking birds landing in the tops of trees. It sure looks funny, but they always seem to make it.

If I could appeal to your better nature, consider releasing any fish that you catch with swollen bellies for the next four weeks, especially the larger specimens. You will be assuring a good fishery for the next time you come down and fish the river.

Best Wishes