Thread: Chickahominy trip

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.

Originally Posted by Barnacle Bill

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

Hey 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.

Originally Posted by Idunno

Hey Bill,

Black fish??? I don't know if I have ever seen one. Please enlighten me.

Dean

Same as a Grinnell or Bowfin.
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.