Lake Gaston
By mid-April the water level on Gaston was around 199.80’ (200’ is full pool) and Dominion was holding the level steady for fishing spawning. Water temperature was 62-67 degrees. Anglers can expect 70+ degree water temperatures this month in most parts of the main lake.
For May fishing on Gaston, BASSMaster Open angler and guide Rick Morris says the most consistent bass bite will occur around docks and shoreline willowgrass. Many bass will be guarding fry early in the month while others will be starting to feed heavily in post-spawn packs. Look for blueback herring and shad spawning and the bass won’t be too far away. Wading birds are helpful clues to note when post spawn fishing Gaston.
The last of the bass will bed around the full moon on May 5, so you can still target them closer to docks and other shallow structure then. By the end of the month, Morris says to try topwaters (think dog walking baits) and soft plastic jerkbaits for post spawn fish on bait.
Holly Grove Marina is a family-friendly tackle shop, boat ramp, restaurant/gathering place on the lake and we’re glad to have them with us this season. Holly Grove is located about 10 minutes off I-95 at the Bracey exit on Rt. 903 in the upper end of the lake.
Kerr Reservoir (Bugg Island)
The water level on Kerr Lake by the W2 late April deadline was 302.65’ and rising (about two feet higher than last month). 300’ is full pool. Daytime water temperatures were around 63-70 degrees depending on the region of the lake late last month.
This month, anglers should expect a significant rise in water temperatures – to around 70-76 degrees.
Guide Rick Morris says Kerr Lake largemouth will be finishing up spawning all over the lake and especially in creeks like Nutbush, Rudds, Eastland, Grassy and Bluestone. For May he’ll employ War Eagle spinner and buzzbaits as well as topwater frogs. He says on bright still days you’ll want to flip a lizard or creature bait to flooded bushes. By the end of the month Morris notes it’s time to be looking for the Spook bite on short, flat points for post spawners.
Striper anglers will enjoy good fishing around the Clarksville area this month. The striper made their annual migration into the Roanoke River and will linger around the mouth of creeks near Clarksville to eat gizzard shad. Up in the Hyco you can still target white bass.
Before you head out onto the lake, be sure to stop by Bobcat’s Bait and Tackle to get a current fishing report and all the gear on your list.
The sixth VA/NC Crappie Trail for 2022/23 was held March 25. First place went to the team of Dean and Shane Grindstaff with 12.57pounds, good for $1,505. Five fish over two pounds were weighed. After six events, the team of Morris and Smith maintain a slim lead in the Team of the Year race.
Most Buggs crappie should be post spawn this month but some could still be spawning on the May 5 full moon. Look for them around bridge pilings, brushpiles and submerged wood cover.
Bobcat’s Bait & Tackle is fishing headquarters for Buggs Island. They stock gear for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and striper fishing supplies and welcome your visit.
Stinger Supply in nearby Boydton is the area headquarters for Garmin gear. You find excellent in stock supplies of Garmin Livescope sonar units, Force trolling motors and Alpha dog tracking collars. Rick Morris
Smith for winning the final event of the VA/NC Cappie Masters Trail with a two-day total of 14 fish weighing 22.03 – good for $970. Team Whitlow was second with 22.22 and won $530. Frank Nelson took third with 21.99 and won $260. The Whitlows took Team of The Year.
Stinger Supply in nearby Boydton is the area headquarters for Garmin gear. You’ll find excellent in stock supplies of Garmin Livescope sonar units, Force trolling motors and Alpha dog tracking collars.
Smith for winning the final event of the VA/NC Cappie Masters Trail with a two-day total of 14 fish weighing 22.03 – good for $970. Team Whitlow was second with 22.22 and won $530. Frank Nelson took third with 21.99 and won $260. The Whitlows took Team of The Year.
Stinger Supply in nearby Boydton is the area headquarters for Garmin gear. You’ll find excellent in stock supplies of Garmin Livescope sonar units, Force trolling motors and Alpha dog tracking collars.
