The tidal Rappahannock, and Piankatank provide anglers with a variety of piscatorial opportunities. Similar to other areas throughout the Bay region, croaker have been abundant to the point of becoming a nuisance. Big growlers have arrived as early as the first week in April during recent years. Early in the season, some of the best catches are made in water as shallow as three feet on or near high tide. Rockfish are experiencing another population surge and many smaller, school rock were caught by plug casters all during the summer of 2001. These fish school and become more active as the water begins to cool in October. November sees an increase in larger rock at the lower end of the tidal rivers. Grey trout and tailor bluefish action has been sporadic from May to October. Action is good one day and nonexistent the next. Spot arrive in late May and build to a peak in late summer/early fall. Flounder action has also been sporadic in these rivers, but some 5 to 7 lb. doormats have been landed. Speckled trout and puppy drum make occasional appearances in this area, but action on speckled trout has been unusually poor during 2001. Most anglers prefer to bottom fish with bait in these rivers for a relaxing, lazy afternoon on the water. Don't overlook opportunities to to jig or cast soft plastics over channel drop offs or shallow flats near deeper water. You might catch grey trout, bluefish and rock while bait dunkers are limited to spot and croaker. Live-lining with small spot can be very effective for larger grey trout and bluefish during early fall. The same technique is deadly for rockfish near bridge pilings during October and early November. The Piankatank River presents anglers with a unique opportunity to fish for both fresh and salt water species on the same day. Boaters can run upriver towards Dragon Run for bass and pan fish, then move down river later in the day for a variety of salt water species.
Rappahannock River
Canoe House Landing - A small recreation area on McKans Bay at the end of Rt. 605 from Jamaica.
Mill Stone Landing - A public ramp area with bank fishing. Take Rt. 640 to 608 from Samos.
Saluda Landing - Located at terminus of Rt. 618 from Saluda.
Upper Mill Creek Landing - Public ramp/recreation area with extensive beach area east of the ramp. Big croaker are numerous in the mouth of the creek from spring through summer. Rockfish, trout and spot occasionally show up. Pier is lighted for night fishing. Beach area presents good opportunities for plug and fly casters. Croaker swarm the beach drop offs and bulkheads at high tide during spring and summer. Take Rt. 623 from 33 to end of Rt. 626.
Piankatank River
Deep Point Landing - Bank fishing at public recreation area. Take Rt. 606 from Rt. 198 at Harcum. Croaker and rockfish are the most likely targets. Bass and pan fish fish may also present in the brackish waters here. Canoes and john boats can be carried in and launched to reach freshwater areas further up river. Anglers will find action there on largemouth bass, pickerel, crappie and bream. Down river the water is saltier and croaker, spot and trout dominate.
Hallieford Public Landing - A salt water recreation area near the mouth of the river. Anglers will find rockfish, spot, croaker, trout and an occasional flounder here. Take Rt. 626 to Rt. 632.
Warehouse Landing - A small boat launch area just up river from Hallieford Landing. Take Rt. 631 from Rt. 198.
Roane's Point Landing - Another small boat launch area just up river from Warehouse Landing. Take Rt. 630 from Rt. 198.