Claytor, 30 OCT 2016

[31airborne]

Got out for a few hours mostly to run the boat. Had to make a few casts while I was out there (it's a rule). Claytor remains gin clear. Temps dropped a bit since last weekend. Saw 64.5 at the state park ramp, 64.9 midlake, 64.7 midway back into Peak Creek.

Repeated the circuit I fished last weekend to see if there was any bait movement. Didn't see any new signs down lake but mid- and uplake had plenty of change. Bait is balled up into big pods and has moved /3 to 1/2 way back. Bait was concentrated in hard channel swings. No feeding activity associated w/ any of the pods but the fish are def keying on baitfish. Every fish I caught was plump. Had several smaller baitfish spit up as I reeled them in or unhooked them. Jig (green), squarebill (LC BDS 2.2), and the fluke all produced. Best fish - a chunky 2.9 lb LM - came on the jig. Did hook up on a solid SM finally - 2.25 lbs and fat fat. He nailed the fluke as I swam it thru some brush. I did score the Claytor Slam today. No big spots but they were eager to eat the jig.

Observations: 1) Better fish were holding on secondary points. A little wood nearby didn't hurt. 2) Stratified rock was better than chunk rock. The more horizontal the better. 3) Huge pods of gizzard shad are pushing their way back into the creeks, main lake cuts. Threadfin pods are smaller and still a lil deep (>25'). 4) Wind blowing across the structure was better than wind blowing directly in on it.

Sorry there isn't more but it was a quick trip. Had the boat in the shop last week because I had a low oil pressure alarm during my last outing. I checked the big motor reservoir and the main tank - both full and the motor is using oil. I was troubled that the pressure sensor was still activating so I had the Watson's crew check it out. Turns out I had a bad check valve (the gizmo that plugs into the block and regulates oil pressure and flow). Warranty covered it and I'm back in business.

Colors are just spectacular down here in SW VA. If you're up for trip to see leaves come this way.

peace,
B

[Lipripper]

Thanks for the report and glad you caught some fish