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BASIC INFO:
River sampled:
Roanoke River
Fisheries Biologists conducting sampling:
Katy Potoka, Kevin Dockendorf, and Chad Thomas
Date of sample:
April 23, 2015-American Shad
April 20, 2015- Striped Bass
Area(s) of river sampled, and water temps:
American Shad- Highway 48 to power lines near Gaston (61.2–63.3oF)
Striped Bass- Weldon (61–63oF)
Boat ramp(s) used to access river:
American Shad- Gaston BAA
Striped Bass- Weldon, BAA
Species (spp) information:
Spp. captured:
American Shad
Striped Bass
Numbers by spp:
61 American Shad
349 Striped Bass
Size range by spp:
American Shad: Males: 15–20 inches
Females: 16.3–23 inches
Striped Bass: Males: 14.7–29.3 inches
Females: 15.7–41.7 inches
Max size for spp:
American Shad: Female, 23 inches, 4.4 pounds
Striped Bass: Female, 41.7 inches, 39.7 pounds
Sex ratio by spp:
American Shad: 33 males, 27 females, 1 unknown (1.2:1 males to females)
Striped Bass: 320 males, 29 females (11:1 males to females)
Were the fish tagged?
American shad were fin clipped to assess stocking contribution by genetic analysis.
All Striped Bass were tagged with yellow reward tags, with the exception of 41 Striped Bass greater than 18 inches that were tagged with red high reward tags, worth $100.
ADDITIONAL OBSERVATIONS:
River level and other water quality observations (turbity, etc.):
Flows from Roanoke Rapids Dam were at 11,000 cfs on April 20th and 15,000 cfs on April 23th during our sampling events. Flows increased to 20,000 late Thursday afternoon, and will remain at 20,000 through the weekend as a result of heavy rainfall in the upper basin. Flows are projected to decrease late next week to near 8,000 cfs.
Weather conditions on sampling date?
April 20th was overcast in the morning, sunny and warm in the afternoon, thunder storms moved into the area around 5:30 PM; April 23th was warm and sunny all day, air temperature in the mid 60’s.
Your observations of other people fishing on the river:
On April 23th ~5 boats were observed fishing near the Gaston Boating Access Area, most were fishing near the highway 48 bridge and above, but a few went downstream below the power lines.
On April 20th ~50 trailers were seen at the Weldon Boating Access Area, many anglers reported catching keeper Striped Bass, many anglers were drifting around the mouth of little river and big rock; about 10 boats were observed fishing above the rapids and train tracks.
Comments to anglers about your sampling results, and fishing-related conclusions that can be drawn from your data:
This week in our American Shad sample, we collected more large individuals than in past weeks, and again we observed almost 1:1 female to male ratios. With the flows being higher this week we heard reports that Striped Bass had arrived at the Gaston Boating Access Area, and during our sampling around the Hwy 48 bridge we collected a 37 inch Striped Bass weighing approximately 30 lbs. We will be sampling again at the Gaston Boating Access Area next week.
Striped Bass continue to arrive on the spawning grounds; this week we observed good numbers of Striped Bass, spanning a wide range of sizes, with males 17-19 inches making up the majority of the sample. One large female Striped Bass was collected above the train tracks (~40 lbs.) and was tagged with a red, high reward tag valued at $100. Additionally, Division of Marine Fisheries staff inserted red, high reward tags on 40 Striped Bass longer than 18 inches during our sampling on Monday the 20th.
We observed many anglers catching keepers around Little River and around big rock as well as above the rapids near the boat ramp. Flows increased from 11,000 cfs to 15,000 cfs on Wednesday, and will increase Thursday afternoon to 20,000 cfs and will remain near that level through Sunday April 26th. This increase in flows was necessary as a result of heavy rainfall in the upper basin. Flows are projected to ramp down next week to 8,000 cfs by Thursday, depending on any additional rainfall amounts. Water temperatures exceeded 60 F this week, and may be influenced in the short term by the increase in flows from Roanoke Rapids Dam. Peak spawning temperatures are 64-68F. We will continue to monitor Striped Bass on the spawning grounds in the coming weeks.
Roanoke River Creel Survey Information:
NCWRC angler creel surveys from the Weldon and Williamston boat ramps this past weekend observed high Striped Bass fishing effort. Most anglers reported catching fish, with lots of limits observed. On Saturday both locations had high numbers of fish harvested with plenty of 19 and 20 inch fish kept. Average weight of individual Striped Bass at Williamston was 3 pounds, with fish weights at Weldon close to 2.5 pounds. Daily limits at Hamilton and Edwards Ferry (258 Bridge at Scotland Neck) were also observed during our creel surveys at those locations.
Striped Bass Regulations on the Roanoke River Management Area:
Harvest of Striped Bass is allowed between March 1 and April 30 unless modified by proclamation. The minimum total length limit for Striped Bass is 18 inches. No Striped Bass between 22 inches and 27 inches in total length may be possessed at any time. Only 1 striped bass larger than 27 inches may be included in the daily creel limit of 2 Striped Bass per angler per day.
Anglers are reminded that the use of a single barbless hook or an artificial lure with a single barbless hook is required above the Hwy 258 bridge at Scotland Neck to the Roanoke Rapids Dam, which includes the Weldon area.
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.
Chad Thomas, Coastal Fisheries Supervisor, with a 42-inch, 40-pound female striped bass captured during electrofishing sampling this past Monday on the upper Roanoke River near Weldon. The fish was tagged with a red, high-reward ($100 tag) and released.