Fishing report

RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER: Mark Faulhaber of the Rappahannock River Fishing Report says the fall bite will turn on after the river cleans up. Catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie and snakehead will be very active. Water temps are still in the 70s, so look for fish at all depths.

POTOMAC RIVER: Machodoc Creek Marina in King George reports 75-degree water and a bite that has slowed a bit. Good rockfish are being caught south of Colonial Beach on the troll with a few Spanish mackerel and blues mixed in. Puppy drum are still around, along with some big white perch and big spot. Quality catfish are also being caught in the river.

LAKE ANNA: McCotter's Lake Anna Guide Service (mccotterslakeanna.com) reports largemouth bass are finishing their threadfin shad feeding frenzy and soon will migrate to the back of tributaries. Look for bass eating crawdads, bluegills, herring or gizzard shad; the up lake region is the best bet. A shallow-diving crankbait can be effective. Striper and wiper are also moving up lake. You'll find the most keepers from The Splits to the top of each branch. Swimbaits, topwaters and soft plastic jerkbaits are your best bets. Bridge pilings will be holding crappie in 12-18 feet of water the lower lake 5-10 feet up lake. Brush piles are the best. Try 2-inch jigs and small minnows fished under slip bobbers. Please refrain from keeping any crappie under 10 inches.

MOTTS RESERVOIR: No report.

LAKE ORANGE: Darrell Kennedy of Angler's Landing (540/672-3997) reports water temperatures in the low to mid 70s with bass and crappie heading to the shallows for the fall baitfish feed. Topwaters and spinnerbaits should produce quality fish. Crappie are moving shallow (4-6 feet) toward structure, with minnows the bait of choice. A few walleye were caught this week trolling with harness rigs tipped with nightcrawlers. The lake's annual Youth Fishing Day is Saturday, Sept. 21, noon-4. This is a free event open to children age 2-16, rain or shine.