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BASIC INFO:
River sampled:
Roanoke River
Fisheries Biologists conducting sampling:
Katy Potoka, Chris Smith, and Kevin Dockendorf – NCWRC Fisheries Biologists
Bernie Jeffries – NCWRC Weldon Depot Technician
Date of sample:
April 11th and 14th, 2016
Area(s) of river sampled, and water temps:
56-58 F near the Gaston Boating Access Area at the Hwy 48 bridge and Weldon
Boat ramp(s) used to access river:
Gaston Boating Access Area
Weldon Boating Access Area
Species (spp) information:
· Species and number captured:
19 American Shad
99 Striped Bass
· Size range by spp:
American Shad ranged in size from 15 to 20 inches
Striped Bass ranged in size from 13.5 to 38 inches
· Max size for spp:
American shad – 20 inches and weighed 2.9 pounds
Striped Bass – 38 inches and ~30 lbs.
· Sex ratio by spp:
7 female, 12 male American Shad
5 female, 94 male Striped Bass
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS:
River level and other water quality observations (turbity, etc.):
River flows were 8,500 cfs. Water clarity was stained, yet mostly clear.
Weather conditions on sampling date?
65-70 F, clear skies, wind 0-5 mph
Your observations of other people fishing on the river:
Numerous boating parties fishing at near Weldon, with mixed results, some anglers reported catching their limits while others reported very few Striped Bass caught. Anglers near the Gaston BAA were fishing for Striped Bass, 3 angling parties were observed, fishing above Hwy 48 bridge and one party below the Kapstone bridge.
Comments to anglers about your sampling results, and fishing-related conclusions that can be drawn from your data:
This was a slow week for American Shad near the Gaston Boating Access Area, water temperatures are still warming and should trigger a pulse of fish moving into the area. The three largest Striped Bass collected this week were sampled near the Gaston Boating Access Area.
Projected flows are anticipated to decrease and should result in warmer water temperatures. These warming conditions should continue to drive American Shad and Striped Bass up the river.
Roanoke River Creel Survey Information: (April 5- April 11, 2016)
Kevin Dockendorf, Coastal Fisheries 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 (RRMA).
Upper Region: WRC Boating Access Areas (BAA) near Gaston, Weldon, Scotland Neck
Fishing Activity: Creel clerks interviewed anglers at Weldon and Scotland Neck with a good number of limits of Striped Bass this week. Anglers reported using artificial lures, cut shad, and live bait. Anglers were also catching and releasing a fair number of hickory shad on artificial baits.
For reference, links to the websites of the USGS gages and projected flow releases are available in the Roanoke River Water Conditions pod located on the right side of this webpage.
Lower Region: WRC BAAs near Lewiston, Hamilton, Williamston, Jamesville, Plymouth
Fishing Activity: Anglers caught Striped Bass at Williamston, Jamesville, and Plymouth this week, with most of the angling effort around Williamston and a few more anglers at Hamilton and Lewiston, our new WRC boat ramp in Bertie County. Creel clerks reported a tagged striped bass being caught from anglers launching at this site this week. Blue catfish and channel catfish were also being caught in fair numbers this week.
Shad and Striped Bass Regulations for Roanoke River
The daily bag limit is 10 shad per angler, of which only one may be an American (white) shad on the Roanoke River and its tributaries.
The daily creel limit for Striped Bass is two fish per angler and the minimum size limit is 18 inches in total length. No fish between 22 inches and 27 inches in total length shall be retained in the daily creel limit. Only one fish larger than 27 inches in total length may be retained in the daily creel limit.
Single Barbless Hook regulation – NOW in effect
April 1–June 30 in Inland Waters of Roanoke River upstream of U.S. Highway 258 bridge to Roanoke Rapids Dam, only a single barbless hook or lure with a single barbless hook (or hook with barb bent down) may be used.
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.
Bernie Jeffries, NCWRC Conservation Technician, holding large female Striped Bass collected from the Roanoke River near the Gaston Boating Access Area on April 14, 2016. This 38 inch fish was estimated to be around 30 lbs.