Crappie

If you're chasing crappie in central Virginia, Scottsville offers access to some fantastic freshwater opportunities. The Rivanna River, as it winds through the area, is a local favorite, but the real draw is nearby Lake Monticello. This reservoir, while private, holds a healthy population of black crappie. Focus your efforts around submerged structure like fallen trees, brush piles, and docks. Spring is prime time, as crappie move shallow to spawn, but the fall can also be productive as they feed up for winter. For Lake Monticello access, you'll need to look into rental properties or know a resident. On the Rivanna, try launching a kayak or canoe from the public access point near the Route 20 bridge and working your way upstream, targeting deeper pools and eddies. Local tip: light tackle and small jigs or minnows are key for enticing these sometimes-finicky fish. Be mindful of the river's flow, as it can fluctuate with rainfall.