BRIGHT FUTURE FOR SMALLMOUTH IN 09

Recent studies conducted by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries continue to suggest a bright future for smallmouth bass angling on the Rappahannock River. 2008 saw record size structure due to a "string" of four average to excellent year classes (2004 -2007). Fisheries Biologist John Odenkirk stated that this four-year string links together the strongest consecutive year class grouping documented to-date in this river system — it was first noted last year, and the fish have carried through into another season as hoped. The time to catch big smallmouth bass on the Rappahannock and Rapidan is now. Near perfect environmental conditions (primarily rainfall during the month of June) occurred during these years and allowed for strong recruitment. Also, fish growth has been accelerated. In the first evaluation of smallmouth bass growth since Embrey Dam was removed, it was found that bass were growing much faster than before — for example, an age-4 bass was nearly 3" longer in 2008 than in 2001.

John Odenkirk  - “We also believe that the shad run will be steadily

improving over the next few years with more fish ascending to Kelly's Ford and

past Elys Ford during spring months.  Anglers should find channel

catfish in increasing numbers and size in the same areas, and small

striped bass will continue to become more abundant especially below the

junction”.