Crappie

If you're chasing crappie in Virginia's Northern Neck, Irvington offers a fantastic base of operations. The Rappahannock River and its tributaries are prime crappie habitat, especially around submerged structure like docks, fallen trees, and bridge pilings. Spring is undoubtedly the best time to target them as they move into shallower waters to spawn. Look for them in the backs of creeks and coves. Autumn can also be productive as crappie school up before winter. A local tip: focus your efforts around Carter's Creek, accessible by boat from several marinas in Irvington. Use a depth finder to locate submerged timber, and try small jigs or minnows under a bobber. The crappie in this area are known for their good size, often exceeding 12 inches, so be prepared for a good fight on light tackle. Remember to check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for the most up-to-date regulations.