Hunting for Musky on the Upper James River

In this report join Alex McCrickard, Aquatic Education Coordinator, and John Kirk, Access Education Coordinator, as they team up on their first ever fishing trip targeting the elusive Muskellunge, or "musky." Alex and John put in a long hard day on the beautiful Upper James River in search of the fish of 10,000 casts. Jason Hallacher, District Fisheries Biologist, provides a wealth of information about musky biology, management, and population trends across the state. Learn how DWR manages and maintains some of the best musky fisheries across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast!
For additional information on musky fishing in Virginia, visit our Musky landing page at the following link: dwr.virginia.gov/wildlife/fis...

[@naimayaman4975]

Alex McCrickard better get a hefty raise as this KZbin Channel is a Gem and serves its purpose well

[@johnniecarter3013]

The best no catch fishing video I have watched in a long time, possibly ever. I’m being serious I learned a lot. Mainly I had no idea how involved VGIF is with Musky in general and how it’s been an ongoing study . Sounds like with a good amount of “gettin after it” in the last thirty years or so. As al life long Virginian I want take this opportunity to say thank you to all of y’all at VGIF for protecting our greatest resources and I hope you all have a Merry Christmas a Happy New Year!!!

[@willcasler4809]

Thank you for this informative video, time to hit the upper James!!

[@michaelfunk5951]

Go to Glasgow or Natural Bridge Station and go out there to the dam. Kayak and canoe ramp right in Glasgow.

[@georgecaylor8579]

No fish,. But a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of most anything else!

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

What a great Fishing report ! An honest go at the Virginia Musky, you don't always catch fish that's for sure! Great work on the video Jason and Alex !

[@kevinmctarsney36]

Great video! Glad I found it nearly a year later. Perfect timing...

[@robwestbrook1128]

These videos are very informative and it is great to hear what DWR is doing.

[@jonahbowles7341]

Super video!

[@johnmcmann4905]

Today you guys learned one of my frequent comments. I do a lot of fishing but not a lot of catching. Great video!

[@hookum]

Good job guys thanks for all the hard work seeing this was awesome

[@gofish2233]

Great video!! I've floated the upper James a few times musky fishing and really enjoyed the experience

[@LuizNunes74]

You guys should have watched the DWR "Musky 101" video before the trip. Lol

[@theyesman2119]

I like Muskie

[@robertcardwell6019]

I just caught this episode on Va. muskies. While fishing the upper James River near the town of Buchanan last weekend I hooked my first muskie ever. I was smallmouth fishing using a Ned rig with a TDR grub, had a bump and then seen my line racing upstream. When I set the hook the musky stripped drag, came out of the water for a impressive tail walk and threw the hook. It was both exciting but a little depressing, either way it was the end of the fishing story. While talking with a local, he made a statement that the smallmouth fishing is not as good as it used to be since the musky population has increased. From what I have read, it doesn't appear that they heavily feed on smallmouth but of course as mentioned in this article they are optimistic feeders. Has Virginia wildlife done any studies on the effects of the smallmouth population by muskies?

[@Jeffwalleye]

I call bushee on the locals take. Its proven over and over that muskies feed on the local forage fish.

[@michaelfunk5951]

Y'all need to get Kacie Shiflett or Mike Shiflett to show you how to get it done. I believe Kacie works out of Natural Bridge Park. Check out their catches on FB. Phenomenal success!!!!

[@kevintod6075]

If you guys want some lessons bit me up...the first one is always free

[@nbenicewicz]

Can you keep them to eat or are they catch and release only?

[@matthewrehak2574]

Catch and release

[@kevintod6075]

O fish is not common I've caught them on the first cast and the last.Ive caught 10 in one day and86 is the most in one year.usually 2-3 an outing

[@markcuster698]

Good old va ! How bout ya go somewhere besides James or the 2 lakes u always go too you no ya never do anything on the Norfolk river! But va game is a mismanaged state!

[@the10xgroup23]

Do not eat any fish out of that nasty river. The Jackson River and cow pasture creat the James. The Jackson is heavily polluted in covington.

[@rjwintl]

Where are the Muskies ??? … come on , we won’t practice Filet & Release !!! … honest !!!