November 2022 Blue Ridge fishing reports

November typically means Deer season for most people but we are hunting something different on Blue Ridge Lake this month. Walleye, and big ones at that . It’s my favorite time of year to run and gun looking for hungry fish pinned to the bottom.  Vertical presentations fished right in their face is the go to . Spoons, jigs, and blade baits in all sizes are the ammo for this hunt. It’s a fast pace reaction bite that’s hard to beat . If you like to jig and cover water this is the time to do it . Look for fish anywhere from 25 to 75 ft of water typically in the river bends , near the islands , or in the mouth of the river where it enters the main lake .  Color choices will change day to day and you should have a vast selection. Chrome , yellow, purple, orange ,and gold are all great options.

   The yellow perch bite will also peak this month . Look for big schools of the yellow and black barred beauties to congregate on grass beds in 15 to 30ft of water . Little spoons are the fastest way to catch them and minnows on a jig head is another great alternative if they won’t eat the spoons . We only keep the bigger fish letting the smaller ones go and sometimes you have to weed through the little ones to find quality fish. Fish in the 12 to 16″ range is what we are after this month.

   There’s been a good top water bass bite first thing in the morning. Zara spooks and chrome spoons are my go to baits for this. Something I can throw a lot of way and draw attention. If they won’t chase the spook throw the spoon and just let it fall on a slack line .

  Please remember the lake is at winter pool (-18ft )and there are no public docks that are usable this time of year. Watch for shallow water hazards and stay warm. We will see you on the water .

Capt Eric Crowley