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BASIC INFO:
River sampled:
Roanoke River
Fisheries Biologists conducting sampling:
Jeremy McCargo, Katy Potoka and Bennett Wynne
Date of sample:
April 2, 2014
Area(s) of river sampled, and water temps:
Hwy 48 bridge to Powerlines near Gaston BAA: 51oF
Boat ramp(s) used to access river:
Gaston BAA
Species (spp) information:
· Spp. captured:
128 American Shad
Striped Bass not sampled
· Numbers by spp:
· Size range by spp:
American shad – 14-22 inches
· Max size for spp:
550 mm (22 inches), 2.0kg (4.4lb), Female American Shad
· Sex ratio by spp:
American Shad: 42 females, 86 males
· Were the fish tagged?
No tagging of American or Hickory Shad
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS:
River level and other water quality observations (turbity, etc.):
Moderate flows at approx. 10,000cfs and muddy
Weather conditions on sampling date?
Sunny and warm. Beautiful day!
Your observations of other people fishing on the river:
A few boat-anglers were fishing for Striped Bass and a few bank fishermen were bottom fishing.
Comments to anglers about your sampling results, and fishing-related conclusions that can be drawn from your data:
We collected far more American Shad this week than last. The Roanoke River American Shad spawning migration appears to be in full swing. We did not sample Hickory Shad at Weldon this week, but angling reports suggest Hickory Shad are still abundant in the Weldon area. As water temperatures continue to warm, the Hickory Shad numbers will decrease and Striped Bass should begin to show up further up river.
Creel Survey Information
Hickory shad fishing at Weldon was very good to great for many anglers this past week. Anglers reported catching 50 to 100 per angler. Creel clerks reported most striped bass harvested from Williamston, Jamesville and Hwy 45 with the lower river being pretty consistent in striped bass catches this past week, although there were a few in the upper river reportedly caught.
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.
Wildlife Commission Anadromous Research Coordinator Bennett Wynne with an American shad collected from the Roanoke River on Wednesday, April 2.