Claytor Lake State Parkon New River
Current conditions are cool and overcast
- 01Current conditions are cool and overcast, ideal for streamer fishing.
- 02USGS flow data is unavailable, so anglers should scout conditions firsthand.
- 03Walleye, Muskellunge, and Smallmouth Bass are actively feeding on baitfish and crayfish.
- 04Focus on deeper pools, current breaks, and areas with submerged structure.
- 05A slow, methodical retrieve with streamers will trigger strikes from cold-water predators.
What to tie on at Claytor Lake State Park
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most prolific and active insect in the New River during the winter months; a size 20-22 is a staple for both trout and opportunistic smallmouth.
Buy at AmazonBlack Woolly Bugger (Bass)
The slow Pulsing movement of marabou is necessary to trigger lethargic winter smallmouth. Fishing this very slowly through deep pools mimics leeches or small forage fish.
Little Black Stonefly nymph
Winter stoneflies are among the few large insects active in February. This nymph is an excellent high-protein lead fly for a multi-fly nymph rig.
Articulated Streamer (Drunk Sculpin)
For high-reward targeting of Muskie or trophy Brown Trout, a large sculpin imitation stripped slowly through deep runs can trigger territorial strikes.
Buy at AmazonHellgrammite Fly
Hellgrammites are a consistent food source on rocky smallmouth rivers, making this a reliable subsurface pattern for fall bass and opportunistic Walleye and Muskellunge.
Zonker
A highly versatile baitfish imitation, effective for aggressive Walleye and Muskellunge in varied fall conditions, especially when fished near structure.
Buy at AmazonClouser Minnow (Bass)
This baitfish imitation is effective for aggressive predatory fish like Walleye, Muskellunge, and Smallmouth Bass, especially in clear to slightly off-color water.
Buy at AmazonArticulated Streamer (Drunk Sculpin)
Sculpin imitations are excellent for aggressive predatory fish like Walleye and Muskellunge in fall, targeting deeper holding areas.
Buy at AmazonOlive Woolly Bugger
A versatile and essential streamer for predatory fish, imitating leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources in cooler fall waters.
Virginia season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.