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Sample Date
Area Sampled
Water Temp (oF)
Boat Ramp Used
5/24/19
Hwy 48 Bridge
75.2
Gaston BAA
Species
Striped Bass
American Shad
Number Collected
70
54
Min. Size (in)
10
15
Max. Size (in)
32
20
Max. Weight (lb)
18
Sex Ratio (M:F)
3.5
Fisheries Biologists conducting sampling:
Katy Potoka and Chris Smith
Biologists’ Observations:
The American Shad run is near completion. A few females still contained eggs, but most fish were spent and in poor condition. A few small schools of Striped Bass are still present around the HWY 48 bridge. Some slot females are still around but were also spent; These females aren’t likely to be around much longer.
River level and other water quality observations:
Flows from Roanoke Rapids Lake are decreasing from 8,000 cfs to 7,000 cfs. Water was warm and clear.
Weather conditions on sampling date:
Clear skies, air temperatures in the low 90’s. Northwest wind at 5-10 mph.
Observations of people fishing on the river:
Three boats were observed fishing mostly for Largemouth Bass. Several bank anglers were targeting sunfish and catfish.
May 18–24
Upper River (Roanoke Rapids Dam to Scotland Neck)
We concluded our creel survey at Weldon over the weekend. Striped Bass fishing effort dropped off tremendously on Saturday and Sunday. There were only a few boats and anglers fishing each day. Those that fished caught a few stripers, but the bite was slow compared to previous weeks. It appears most of the Striped Bass have moved down river in response to the warm water temperatures and completion of this year’s spawning run. Many thanks are due to our creel clerks: Patrick Railey and Jim Castelloe. We also appreciate the numerous anglers who participated in the creel survey this year.
Lower Region (Scotland Neck to Plymouth)
No report.
Shad and Striped Bass Regulations for the Roanoke River
The daily creel limit per angler is 10 Hickory Shad and American Shad in combination, only one of which can be an American Shad.
The daily creel limit for Striped Bass is two fish per angler, and the minimum size limit is 18 inches. No Striped Bass between 22 inches and 27 inches in total length may be possessed at any time, and only one fish greater than 27 inches may be included in the daily creel limit of two fish. Striped Bass may only be harvested March 1–April 30 unless the season is extended or closed early by proclamation.
From April 1–June 30 in Inland Waters of Roanoke River upstream of U.S. Highway 258 bridge, only a single barbless hook or lure with a single barbless hook (or hook with barb bent down) may be used.
Jeremy McCargo, Anadromous Research Coordinator of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), will share some creel survey information collected from different stretches along the Roanoke River during March, April, and May this season. The Roanoke River Creel Survey is designed and administered by the NCWRC through Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funding to estimate angler effort, catch, and harvest of Striped Bass in the Roanoke River Management Area.
District 1 Fisheries Biologist, Katy Potoka, takes a tissue sample from an American Shad for genetic analysis. These samples will be used to determine the proportion of Shad that are of hatchery origin.
5/15/2019
Weldon
Weldon BAA
5/16/2019
Roanoke River near Hwy 48
Hickory Shad
141
62
11
14
30
19
12
3
9:1
4:1
Katy Potoka, Chris Smith, and Jeremy McCargo
Although we collected a few more stripers this week than last, Striped Bass numbers appear to be declining on the Roanoke River spawning grounds near Weldon. We only collected a few females, and many of them as well as the males appeared to be post-spawn. The majority of our Striped Bass catch occurred upstream of the Weldon boat ramp. American Shad numbers were similar to last week. Several of the fish we collected were spent, but there were a few fish that appeared to have recently arrived on the spawning grounds. The peak of the American Shad spawning migration is over, but it should continue at low levels for a few more weeks.
Flow from Roanoke Rapids Dam was approximately 9,500 cfs at the time of sampling. Water temperatures were in the upper 60s to lower 70s, and the water was clear.
During sampling, air temperatures were in the upper 70s.
There were approximately 12 boat trailers at the Weldon boat ramp on Wednesday. Most anglers were around Big Rock; however, a few were in Little River and upstream of the boat ramp. We observed anglers catching Striped Bass, but those we spoke to said fishing was a little slow. Three boats were observed at the Gaston BAA on Thursday. One was fly fishing for stripers and the others were catfishing. Some bank anglers were trying their luck as well.
May 11–17
We interviewed catch-and-release anglers over the weekend and on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. Fishing effort was fairly light during the weekend, but those who were out there reported excellent catches on artificial bait. During the week, anglers were able to catch some fish, but they reported the bite had dropped off significantly.
District 1 Fisheries Biologist, Katy Potoka, with a Striped Bass collected from the Roanoke River near Weldon.
5/6/2019
5/9/2019
69
436
25
16
21
3.3
20:1
3:1
The large schools of Striped Bass that were seen in previous weeks upstream of the Weldon boat ramp were not present on May 6th. With the reports of Striped Bass spawning and the reduction of flows, Striped Bass are likely moving downstream. A few larger females (10-20lbs) that had yet to spawn were collected this week, and spawning activity is likely to continue throughout the next week. Striped Bass were collected in fair numbers between the bridges at the Gaston BAA. American Shad catches in our electrofishing sample continue to decrease each week. Spawning is winding up as most of the fish captured on May 9th were spent and in poor, post-spawn condition.
Flow from Roanoke Rapids Dam was 8,500 cfs at the time of sampling. Water temperatures were in the upper 60s to lower 70s. Water was clear.
A good number of anglers were fishing at Weldon on May 6th. Most anglers were down stream of Big Rock; however, a few anglers were in Little River and upstream of the boat ramp.
Five to six anglers launched from the Gaston BAA on May 9th. Most were down stream of the paper mill, while a few were above the Hwy 48 bridge. Several bank anglers were present, most were targeting catfish.
May 4–10
The harvest season has ended, but we have continued our creel survey to estimate catch-and-release success during the month of May. Over the last week, effort remained high at Weldon but was lighter than during the harvest season. Anglers reported good catches on live bait this week. The fly and artificial bite was slower, but anglers caught fish with all types of bait. Anglers are reminded to use safe handling procedures when practicing catch and release. Single barbless hooks, keeping the fish in the water, and using a de-hooker tool, are all great ways to minimize catch and release mortality. Be sure to check out this video for information about safely releasing stripers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99MFTHkdTVw
Jeremy Combs, a technician with NCWRC, holds a Striped Bass collected from the Roanoke River.
4/29/2019
65
5/2/2019
Hwy 48 bridge
435
66
13
44
39
2.4
4:8
Striped bass abundance appears to be peaking on the spawning grounds at Weldon. Still a decent number of striped bass at the Gaston boating access area. American shad numbers are starting to decrease. Biologists saw a some female American shad that had already spawned.
Flows on the upper Roanoke were moderately high all week, approximately 13,000 cfs. Water levels are expected to decrease over the weekend. Check the links on this page for current water levels. During sampling, water temperatures were around uppers 60s F.
Sunny and warm.
On Monday at Weldon, there were at least 100 boats on the river and everyone seemed to be catching stripers. Only two boats were fishing at Gaston BAA. 2 to 3 bank anglers were fishing for catfish.
April 28-May 3
Anglers fishing at Weldon had excellent catches throughout the week. When the season was open, most anglers harvested their daily limit and they caught and released many more.
Anglers fishing in the lower river saw a steep decline in catch rates. A few fish were landed at Hamilton and Williamston but far less than previous weeks.
Anglers are reminded the season for harvesting Striped Bass in the area of the Roanoke River from Roanoke Rapids Dam downstream to the mouth of the river at Albemarle Sound, including the Cashie, Middle, and Eastmost rivers closed at 11:59 PM on April 30, 2019.
Barbless Hooks Required April 1– June 30 in Upper Roanoke River From April 1 through June 30, anglers fishing in the upper Roanoke River are required to use a single barbless hook or a lure with a single barbless hook. The upper Roanoke River is defined as the main river channel and all tributaries, upstream from the U.S. Highway 258 Bridge near Scotland Neck to Roanoke Rapids Lake Dam.
Jeremy McCargo, Anadromous Research Coordinator of the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), shared creel survey information collected from different stretches along the Roanoke River. The Roanoke River Creel Survey is designed and administered by the NCWRC through Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration funding to estimate angler effort, catch, and harvest of Striped Bass in the Roanoke River Management Area.
Chris Smith, NCWRC fisheries biologist, with a 39-pound striped bass caught in Roanoke River at Weldon.
4/22/2019
64
4/25/2019
386
89
26
24
4
4.5:1
2.7:1
Our electrofishing catch of Striped Bass increased from last week. Striped Bass are now abundant on the spawning grounds near Weldon. Water temperature has risen steadily since last week. The majority of the Striped Bass collected this week were in the Weldon area; however, we still saw a good number of fish during the American Shad sample near the Hwy 48 bridge in Gaston. American Shad catches in our electrofishing sample were lower than last week. Very few Hickory Shad were seen in the Weldon area indicating their spawning run is near completion.
Flow from Roanoke Rapids Dam was moderately high (around 16,000 cfs) on both sample days. Water temperatures were in the mid 60s.
During sampling, air temperatures were in the high 70s to mid-80s.
Fishing effort was heavy at Weldon on Monday. Numerous boats were observed catching Striped Bass in all areas of the river from the Gap to downstream of Big Rock. About 10 boats were observed at Gaston on Thursday. Multiple bank anglers were also fishing around both boating access areas, but fishing appeared to be slow.
April 19–26
Striped Bass fishing effort was high in the upper Roanoke this week. Our creel clerks saw some busy days with striper anglers fishing at Weldon and Edwards Ferry boat ramps. Excellent catches of Striped Bass were reported. There were no reports of shad catches.
Striped Bass fishing effort in the lower river remained steady during the last week. Good catches of Striped Bass were reported at Williamston and Hamilton.
Wildlife Resources Commission Safety Director, Allen Strickland, with a Striped Bass collected from the Roanoke River near Weldon, NC.
4/15/2019
4/18/2019
61
217
128
8
12.5:1
4.3:1
Our electrofishing catches were similar to last week, but it appears Striped Bass are becoming more numerous on the spawning grounds near Weldon. Water temperature has risen since last week. The majority of the Striped Bass collected this week were in the Weldon area; however, we still saw a good number of fish during the American Shad sample near the Hwy 48 bridge in Gaston. American Shad catches in our electrofishing sample were similar to last week as well. They are still migrating to the spawning grounds of the Roanoke River, and their numbers should continue to increase over the next month. We observed quite a few Hickory Shad in the Weldon area during our Striped Bass sample. Hickory Shad usually spawn and leave the river before Striped Bass and American Shad, so they should be on their way out soon.
Flow from Roanoke Rapids Dam was 7,900 cfs at the time of Striped Bass sampling on Monday but had increased to 13,000 cfs by Thursday during our American Shad sample. Water temperatures were in the lower 60s. The river was much clearer than it had been in previous weeks.
During sampling, air temperatures were in the high 60s to mid-70s. It was very windy.
Fishing effort was fairly light at Weldon on Monday. Most anglers were shad fishing near Big Rock, but we also saw a few boats fishing for Striped Bass. We noticed 7 boats near the Gaston BAA on April 18th. They were fishing from the tailrace downstream to the paper mill. Multiple bank anglers were also fishing around both boating access areas, but fishing appeared to be slow.
Striped Bass fishing effort and success increased in the upper Roanoke this week. Our creel clerks saw some busy days with shad and striper anglers trying their luck at Weldon and Edwards Ferry boat ramps. Good catches of Striped Bass were reported, but the shad bite has slowed.
Striped Bass fishing effort in the lower river was yet again concentrated around Williamston and Jamesville this week. Anglers successfully caught and harvested Striped Bass in both areas.
A fly-fishermen landed this Striped Bass while Commission staff were electrofishing on the upper Roanoke River near Weldon.
4/10/2019
58
4/11/2019
269
173
27
1.5
7:1
1.2:1
Katy Potoka, Chris Smith, Jeremy McCargo, and Chad Thomas
Striped Bass are beginning to arrive on the spawning grounds near Weldon and should continue to increase as water temperatures rise. The majority of the Striped Bass collected this week were in the Weldon area; however, a good number of fish were also seen during the American Shad sample near the Hwy 48 bridge in Gaston. American Shad catches in our electrofishing sample continued to increase this week. They are still migrating to the spawning grounds of the Roanoke River, and numbers should continue to increase over the next month. We observed, but did not collect, numerous Hickory Shad in the Weldon area. Those Hickory Shad we did collect were netted during the American Shad sample in Gaston. A few of the Hickory Shad captured were spent or partially spent. Hickory Shad are likely at their peak and will soon be heading back downstream.
Flow from Roanoke Rapids Dam was 13,500 cfs at the time of sampling. Water temperatures were in the upper 50s. The river continued to be turbid but wasn’t as muddy as last week.
During sampling, air temperatures were in the high 60s to mid-70s.
Around a dozen fishing parties were observed in the Weldon vicinity on April 10th. Most were shad fishing near Big Rock. Four boats were observed catching both shad and stripers between the Gap and the Weldon boat ramp. Bank anglers were also catching shad near the Weldon boat ramp. About 8 fishing parties were observed near the Gaston BAA on April 11th. Most were drifting the center channel around the Hwy 48 bridge, but several were observed fishing downstream of the paper mill. The boat anglers were catching Striped Bass. Multiple bank anglers were also fishing around the boating access area.
Fishing effort increased in the upper Roanoke this week. Most of the anglers in the upper river targeted Hickory Shad, and they reported good catches in the Weldon area and at the Edwards Ferry boat ramp near Scotland Neck. Bank anglers were having good luck catching shad around the Weldon boat ramp as well. Some anglers targeted and caught a few Striped Bass at Weldon during the past week.
Striped Bass fishing effort in the lower river was again concentrated around Williamston and Jamesville this week. Anglers caught and harvested Striped Bass in both areas. We also documented limited effort and harvest in Hamilton.
Ray Starmack, a technician with in NC State University, holds a female striper collected near the Hwy 48 bridge in Gaston, NC.
4/4/2019
53
129
23
-
3.6:1
0.8:1
1.8:1
American Shad catches in our electrofishing sample were again good this week. They are still migrating to the spawning grounds of the Roanoke River, and numbers should continue to increase as water temperatures continue to rise. Hickory Shad are near their peak and will soon be heading back downstream. Although our sampling focused on shad this week, we collected a good number of Striped Bass in the Gaston area as well. Stripers are beginning to arrive on the spawning grounds near Weldon and should continue to increase as water temperatures rise. We will begin sampling Striped Bass next week.
Flow from Roanoke Rapids Dam was 18,000 cfs at the time of sampling. Water temperatures were in the low 50s, and the river was very turbid.
During sampling, air temperatures were around 65-70 degrees, and it was breezy.
Six fishing parties were observed near the Gaston BAA. One was in the tailrace, while most others were drifting the center channel around the Hwy 48 bridge. Another fishing party was observed fishing downstream of the paper mill. The boat anglers were observed catching Striped Bass, and one angler we spoke to reported catching a limit of stripers. Multiple bank anglers were also fishing around the boating access area.
March 30–April 5
Fishing effort was light in the upper Roanoke this week. Those anglers targeting Hickory Shad reported sporadic catches in the Weldon area and at the Edwards Ferry boat ramp near Scotland Neck. Bank anglers appeared to be having good luck around the Weldon boat ramp, but the higher water this week made bank fishing a little tough. Only a few anglers targeted Striped Bass at Weldon this week, but some were rewarded with decent catches.
Striped Bass fishing effort continued to be concentrated around Williamston and Jamesville this week. Anglers reported success from both areas, and we also documented harvest of Striped Bass in Plymouth.
One of many American Shad collected by Wildlife Resources Commission fisheries biologists this week. Photo credit: Thomas Harvey, WRC Social Media Coordinator.
District 1 Fisheries Biologist, Katy Potoka, takes a tissue sample from an American Shad for genetic analysis. These samples will be used to determine the proportion of Shad that are of hatchery origin. Commission biologist, Chris Smith, with a 23-inch Striped Bass from the upper Roanoke River.
Click here to view map. Note: This map is to be used for general informational purposes only and not for navigation of the Roanoke River. Rocks, logs, and other hazards are likely to be encountered anywhere in this area.
Click here to view map. Note: This map of the Roanoke River Boating Access Areas is to be used for general informational purposes only.
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