ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, January 25, 1996 TAG: 9601250023
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: OUTDOORS
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
The people who operate marinas and other services for fishermen have been feeling a bit like the Maytag repairman. Business has been slow in January, thanks to deep snow, high water, frigid temperatures and ice-covered fishing holes.
Here are the highlights from a pretty docile fishing report:
SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE: The water is extremely cold, and few fishermen are out. Some largemouth bass are being landed by anglers jigging with Hopkins Shorties.
CLAYTOR LAKE: ``It's a mess,'' is the word from Sam Phillips at Lakeside Marine Supply. ``High water, mud, ice across the lake,'' are the terms Phillips uses to describe conditions.
PHILPOTT LAKE: High water has removed most of the ice from the surface, but, on the down side, it also has put debris in the lake. A few fishermen began venturing out this week, said Phil Helms of Rakes Sports Center in Bassett. One angler reported catching three largemouths on Hopkins fished about 30-feet deep, said Helms.
Downstream, the Smith River has been running full as water is released from Philpott Dam. ``That has put a halt to the wading process,'' said Helms. But bank fishermen are landing trout, following Monday's stocking of the upper reaches of the river by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
Also receiving trout this week have been Barbours Creek and North Fork Barbours Creek in Craig County; Craig Creek and Toms Creek in Montgomery County; Maggadee Creek and Runnett Bag Creek in Franklin County; Douthat Lake in Bath County; Big Fox Creek, Little Fox Creek and Big Wilson Creek in Grayson County; Ararat River and Clarks Creek in Patrick County; and Lake Witten and Lincolnshire Lake in Tazewell County.
SOUTH HOLSTON RESERVOIR: Fishermen on this far-Southwest Virginia lake have a history of coming up with some unusual lures. This winter it is the ``duck jig,'' according to Bill Faber at the Sportsmen's Marina. The offering is a lead-headed jig dressed with duck feathers. The lures are catching smallmouth bass, and one angler hooked and landed a 22-pound catfish on one. Recent heavy rains and snow quickly have raised the lake's level.
LAKE ANNA: This impoundment has a reputation of being a cold-weather producer of trophy largemouth bass, but few fishermen have been showing up to give it a try, said David Fauntleroy of Anna Point Marina.
GASTON-KERR: Kerr Lake is high and discolored, which means most of the fishing in the region is being done at downstream Gaston Lake. Anglers at Gaston have been jigging up white perch with small Hopkins and similar lures. A few stripers are being taken on live bait and by trollers. Bobby Colston, at the Tackle Box, says the water temperature is 37 degrees.
QUAIL IN TROUBLE: January weather has been so tough on quail that officials of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries gave consideration to closing the hunting season under an emergency regulation.
``The staff has considered it sincerely, but we are not recommending it,'' said Bob Duncan, chief of the department's game division. ``The inclement weather we have had has not been good for quail.''
Quail populations were struggling well before the snows, floods and cold temperatures of January. In an effort to reverse that trend, the department has drafted a quail management plan that is scheduled for a public hearing Feb.1 at the department's headquarters, 4010 W. Broad St., Richmond. For a copy of the plan, call 804-598-3706.
TALKING TURKEY: Tom Stuckey isn't just an excellent turkey hunter, he's also an entertainer. That fact should be evident Saturday at a turkey seminar and calling contest sponsored by the Roanoke Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Stuckey, who works for call-maker H.S. Strut, will conduct his calling seminar beginning 1 p.m. at the Northside High School Auditorium.
The seminar will be followed by a calling contest sanctioned by the National Wild Turkey Federation. The winner in the senior division is assured a spot in the 1996 Grand National Wild Turkey Calling Contest. That means the event will attract some of the country's top callers. There also will be divisions for novices and youngsters age 15 and under.
The admission is $5; youngsters under 15 get in free.
LENGTH: Medium: 77 linesby CNB