We just wrapped up our spring season on the upper New River above Claytor Lake. Lots of rain made the scheduling a bit of a juggle but when we were able to get out on the water, the weather was exceptional and the fishing was on fire! Multiple fish over 15" were landed, including several over 18"!!

Many of these fish were caught sight fishing as they were staging in shallow water looking for alewife swimming up the river. The big smallmouth fell to poppers and streamers stripped quickly along or close to the surface. Double Barrel poppers, Miracle Whip Minnow and Shimmering Minnow were our most successful flies.

KTRW will be running some trips in late summer and early fall for topwater smallmouth eating cicadas. Don't miss out on the action!