Main Stem Shenandoah River Biologist Report 2024
During the fall of 2024, department biologists and technicians sampled the Main Stem Shenandoah using boat electrofishing equipment. Three permanent sites are sampled annually. The sites are located below the Warren Dam, near the Route 50 boat ramp, and near the Lockes landing boat ramp.
Smallmouth Bass
The Main Stem is on its way back! During our 2024 fall sampling we collected 230 Smallmouth Bass from three sites and observed a catch rate of 71.1 fish per hour. The river’s catch rate has trended upward for three years straight (Figure 1). About 37% of the smallmouth were 11” of greater with 20% topping 14”. Five percent measured 17” plus. The Main Stem suffers from inconsistent fish health issues much like the South Fork as well as low spawning success. However, the spawn from 2022 and 2023 were right on the long-term average of 12 fish per hour which helped improve our catch rates. Our 2024 catch rate of young of the year was below the long term average, but a good number of juveniles remain in the system. This will bode well for the future of the fishery. Overall, we observed a good mix of size classes albeit at low numbers. Anglers can expect good numbers of pre slot fish running 8-11” in length, a benefit from the good spawn in 2022. There is also a variety of quality fish ranging from 14-18” plus. Quality fish numbers remain above the long term average running at 16 fish per hour.
Anglers also have the opportunity to catch Musky in the longer deeper pools. VDWR periodically stocks fingerling-size musky on the Main Stem Shenandoah River at 8 sites stretching from Warren Dam to the route 7 bridge. This summer it was stocked with 1,639 fingerling musky (approximately 4”). There has been limited evidence of muskies reproducing naturally in the Main Stem, therefore they must be stocked to sustain a fishery. Adult musky densities are not as high as some of the other rivers in the state. However, when you come across a pool on the Main Stem, anglers have the chance of contacting one. Anglers should target pools within the upstream reaches of the Main Stem, closer to the Warren Dam.
Sunfish
Another success story for the Shenandoah is the Sunfish population, specifically the Redbreast Sunfish. After an eight year downturn in the population from 2013-2021, the population has rebounded nicely (Figure 2). For the past three years we have seen catch rates running above the long term average, and these aren’t dinks either, 76% of our catch measured >6” in length. A lure mimicking a crayfish doesn’t stand a chance in this river.
Walleye
The Walleye have arrived. In the spring of 2014, DWR began stocking Walleye fry in the Shenandoah River annually to supplement the natural population and increase the number of Walleye present. In the spring of 2024, the Main Stem received 20,023 walleye fry. Anglers should continue to experience steady catch rates and better numbers of big Walleye in 2025. During our January sample we captured 41 walleye at a rate of 11.7 fish per hour, which is right on the long term average. During the February spawning run biologists and technicians handled 54 fish (catch rate = 37.8 fish per hour). The walleye averaged 21 inches in length, with the largest female topping 30”. Most fish sampled were of legal harvest size or greater. We continue to run into anglers who are turning on to this fishery, so plan a trip to the Shenandoah soon.
Flathead Catfish
Unfortunately, Flathead catfish were accidentally or illegally introduced into the river. Biologists have discovered both adults and wild spawned individuals from Warren Dam to the Route 50 bridge. The flathead population continues to expand especially within the upper reaches of the Main Stem. Catch rates have increased from less than one fish per hour in 2021 when they were first discovered, to four per hour in 2024. Biologists will continue to monitor the population carefully in the coming years.
Channel Catfish in the 2 to 6 pound range are very common throughout the Main Stem Shenandoah. Don’t be surprised if you catch quality-sized Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Fallfish, or Black Crappie.
Figure 1
Figure 2