South River Biologist Report 2022
On May 11th and June 2nd, 2022 department biologists and technicians conducted spring sampling using raft electrofishing gear. Two permanent reaches are sampled every 2-3 years. Our sample sites are located within two floats, Dooms Landing to Crimora Town Park and Crimora Town Park to the village of Harriston. In total, 343 fish were collected during the sample, representing 10 gamefish species (Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill Sunfish, Redear Sunfish, Green Sunfish, Rock Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout). What South River lacks in overall numbers of Smallmouth, it makes up for with diversity. Anglers should try an early spring float targeting both warm and cold water fish species. Within the larger pools you can expect to find quality largemouth and smallmouth and in the riffles you will have the chance to catch stocked trout, quality fallfish, and various sunfish species. South River is a unique and diverse resource.
Smallmouth Bass & Largemouth Bass
The Smallmouth population is currently lower than we have observed in previous samples. A total of 230 bass were netted at a catch rate of 52.2 fish per hour. This catch rate is lower than we would like, but we did have some higher water during the June sample that could have attributed to the reduction in numbers. During the 2022 sample the bass’ sizes ranged from 3-16″ in length, with a majority of the catchable sized bass measuring 7-10 inches. 87% of the bass captured were considered adults or stock sized fish (>7”), within that group 14% are considered quality sized smallmouth (>11”) and 3% were >15″. The South River suffers from inconsistent spawning, so it can take some time to rebuild the fish population. Biologists plan to start a supplemental stocking program in 2023 to help boost the smallmouth population.
The Largemouth can be challenging to sample with the raft, but we did capture a handful of quality individuals. Target the deepest pools during the float to have the best chance for encountering a quality Largemouth.
Sunfish
Redbreast Sunfish and Rock Bass are the two dominant sunfish species in South River. We encountered 76 individuals at a catch rate of 36.9 fish per hour. Their average sizes measured 5.2″ and 6″ respectively.
Trout
There are a number of large springs and cold tributaries that keep the water temperatures within South River cooler than the other Shenandoah River tributaries. This allows stocked trout to hold over within certain river reaches throughout the summer months. During our sample we encountered a number of trout (Rainbow, Brook, and Brown). The department stocks five different areas throughout the South River watershed, which provides an ample supply of trout. Despite what some may say, our stocked trout spread out throughout the system. We often find them miles from the nearest stocked section. Anglers should target riffle areas early in the spring or deep shaded pools during the warmer months.
