Strange creatures in the James River

[itieuglyflies]

The James has been up and down this Spring and has limited shad/striper fishing due to high and muddy water. In addition to watching the gauges,I often look at the camera at the Bosher Dam fish ladder located just upstream of Richmond to check on water clarity.

Right now the river is high and muddy but large numbers of sea lampreys are moving through the system along with Blue Catfish (a few in the 20lb and larger size). Before the camera I never dreamed these weird creatures even existed in the river! (and no Woolly,I have never taken one on a fly)

If interested in looking at what appears to be a blank brown window go to https://dwr.virginia.gov/shad-cam/ . There seems to be more action at night but for me better than most TV. (once I saw an otter go through!)

[brownhunter]

Was checking this out about 1:30 this afternoon and a bunch of catfish were on the screen. Some quite large, but that was all I could make out. Water was still quite brown and stained.

[Woolly Bugger]

You cannot view this attachment.You cannot view this attachment.

[itieuglyflies]

The Lampreys seem to be much more active at night...strange looking critters. We are at prespawn time for the blue cats and they are very active.