FOSTER FALLS, Va. (WFXR) — When you think about great fish migrations, thoughts of the salmon runs in the Pacific Northwest or the shad runs on the Chesapeake Bay may come to mind.
But, southwest Virginia has a fish run of its own. It happens every year in the late winter on the New River.
“The next two weeks, this is going to be the time to hit this stretch of the river,” said guide Chase Bowman of New River Charter. “These fish came up out of Claytor Lake.”
The New River has its own unique genetic strain of walleye. While many spend most of their lives in the deeper water of Claytor Lake, many others are river natives. All of them move to areas below falls or dams from Fries Dam downstream to Allisonia to spawn in late February and early March.
“Historically, this is their spawning grounds,” Bowman said as he gestured toward Foster Falls. “Year after year they’re going to make this run to this location.”
Walleye are the largest member of the perch family in North America. They are broadcast spawners, meaning they do not nest. Males and females congregate, release eggs and milt, and then they swim off. The fertilized eggs drop to the bottom where they hatch in 10 to 15 days. Walleye need highly oxygenated water and rocky or sandy bottom to spawn successfully.
Once those fish spawn, they go looking for something to eat. Bowman uses a variety of techniques to target them.
“One of your most versatile techniques would be trolling,” said Bowman. “For trolling, I like to be using stickbaits or jerkbaits; crankbaits will work, too.”
Rapala Shad Raps and Dynamic Lures Z-Specs are Bowman’s favorites. The day we fished, Smithwick Perfect 10s and jointed Bombers also produced.
Bowman says casting those same baits can be effective, as can throwing swimbaits or jigs. When, the bite is really tough, sometimes live bait is the only thing that will trigger a bite.
“When it’s the toughest of all tough, you just can’t beat live bait,” said Bowman, as he lip-hooked a chub minnow on circle hook.
Because the genetic strain is unique, found nowhere else on the planet, New River walleye are tightly regulated. There is a two-fish per angler harvest limit a day, and any fish between 19 inches and 29 inches long must be returned to the water. That slot protects breeder-sized fish to ensure enough fish spawn to sustain the population.
The other thing to know about the New River strain is they have propensity to grow big. A mix of genetics, a year round growing season, and ample forage means there are many fish in the system in excess of ten pounds.
The current state record of 15-pounds-15 ounces came from the New, as did the historical record 22-pound-8-ounce fish. New River walleye are also vibrantly colored, often in shades of gold, green, and even blue.
“They’re beautiful!” said Bowman
While walleye are a popular gamefish, they are also prized table fare. They are good cooked in almost any way, and can be used in any recipe that calls for mild, white-fleshed fish.
