Briery Creek Lake... 2024

IMPY03 reply :

Sounds like it has a some great bass fishing and I'm making the trip tomorrow with one of my friends. Is anyone else around here going to be out on the water tomorrow morning?

This will be my first trip there so hopefully it'll be an enjoyable one.

Wayne P. reply :

Super Flukes with weighted swimbait hooks and weighted weedless wacky rigged Trick worms. PM sent. The weather calls for HOT, I'm staying home, LOL

IMPY03 reply :

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Super Flukes with weighted swimbait hooks and weighted weedless wacky rigged Trick worms. PM sent. The weather calls for HOT, I'm staying home, LOL

Thanks Wayne!!Check your email btw. Yeah its always hot lol but I want to get some fishing in this week.

Wayne P. reply :

Your e-mail hasn't made the trip via India, and Indonesia yet.

Sam reply :

Sent a PM.

IMPY03 reply :

WayneP - i got your email finally but its was after I got home but thanks anyway. I'll use it another time.

It was a rough hot day out on the lake me and my friend only caught 6 bass in about 6 hours of straight fishing.

BTW how do you guys dive around on this lake without completely demolishing your prop? I only found only a few open areas to use my outboard without having to worry about hitting a tree! I put my TM through the ringer tuesday but it was fun none the less.

Sam reply :

The best way to get around the lake is to jump into the water and tie a rope to the boat and place the other end of the rope between your teeth and swim with it to your next location.

This is the only way to avoid the tree tops, etc.

Of course, just kidding. But you have pointed out the problem with this body of water and why me, and others, do not fish it anymore.

Sorry you did not get one of the world famous lunkers.

IMPY03 reply :

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The best way to get around the lake is to jump into the water and tie a rope to the boat and place the other end of the rope between your teeth and swim with it to your next location.
This is the only way to avoid the tree tops, etc.

lol yeah I actually forgot to tell the story of tree hell cove....Once apon a time we were trolling through some "open" water to get out of a cove and ran over a slightly submersed tree that was barely visible to the eyes and the tree actually stop the boat and held us in place like an anchor for 20 minutes! Finally I came up with the bright idea of using my river anchor as a type of grapling hook to hook onto another tree and pull us off. I did all of this in 90 degree heat....very VERY fun if I do say so myself

Wayne P. reply :

I've been fishing Briery Creek Lake since it opened for fishing in Jan 1989. I know it well enought to run on plane in most areas of the lake. When I launch at the Rt. 701 ramp, I get on plane out from the dock and run all the way to the upper end weaving through the trees. I've seen several other do it too. With the water level like it is now, most of the usual hangups are above the surface and visible-piece of cake !!!

I'm going there tomorrow.

IMPY03 reply :

I wish I could be there tomorrow, I think we could do a lot better now that we have got some experience fishing there and maybe you could show us some pointers on where to travel from the ramp.

We had most of our luck on baby bass flukes and I caught one off of a C-riged senko. I'm planning on coming back up there either saturday or sunday depending on whether I go to buggs island or not saturday.

curiousangler reply :

So is the water real low I was thinking of going up there sunday myself?

IMPY03 reply :

Its not too bad I dont think

Wayne P. reply :

couriousangler, the water is not real low, just about 2' below normal pool, which is good for navigation since you can see most of the trees.

I got a torn up thumb from catching bass today. I decided to quit fishing at 5:00 so about 2 minutes before 5, I made what was going to be my last cast. After the Super Fluke hit the bottom in 18', my line started moving, set the hook, 7 pounds and 4 ounces. That was the 22nd bass I caught today in that same spot.

johnkook73 reply :

Go ahead Wayne, good job!!

Sam reply :

Wayne, exactly where is this location????? ;D

NitroMan reply :

Rondef was telling me about this lake yesterday, would like to try it out if anyone has any secrets to this lake. I have fished lakes before that are stump fields and not had much luck.

-Joe

Wayne P. reply :

Sam, I'd be happy to show you where it is. Send me an e-mail and I'll send you a satellite photo with the spot marked. I've done it for several persons. I like to see fisherpersons have the same success as I do. I took two kids out on Smith Mountain Lake today, one caught a largemouth bass that weighed 4-14 and his brother caught a 5-0. My largest catch was a 2# smallmouth. Do yourself a favor, take a kid fishing.

purdum43@aol.com

NitroMan, some may keep fishing secrets, but I don't. Just read my reports on fishingva.com. I fish the lake like I would any other lake with or without timber.

Wayne P. reply :

The other kid's fish

rondef reply :

Wayne, great job bringing the kids out fishing, you are the man.

IMPY03 reply :

Sweet pics wayne.

I'm going to briery again tomorrow, the weather is suppose to be awsome early in the morning with the temperature being in the low 60s until mid day. Hopefully I can catch me a hawg ;D

IMPY03 reply :

So last thursday I had some problems with my battery (thought I didnt charge it earlier in the week) so it wasn't a good trip but we still managed to land 3 fish 1 being between 12 - 16 inches.

So I charged my battery lastnight and went out again today early this morning and what do ya know! the battery dies again!! So I went to wally world to get it checked and it went bad but they traded me even for a brand new one that actually works! But despite the fact of having no trolling motor, the first 2 1/2 hours me and my friend managed to land 8 or 9 fish mostly being dinks but my buddy caugh a nice 17 incher so all in all it was a good moring.

WayneP. - Are you still going this week? I'll be down there again wednesday morning around 6:30 am.

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, yes I'm going tomorrow. There might be some dampness by week's end with the tropical storm headed this way. I'll probably go to Hunting Run Wednesday or Thursday.

IMPY03 reply :

Caught this one this morning at briery.....the bite was on pretty good from 6am until about 8am then it slowed down quite a bit. This bass measured out to be 19 inches long, I'm not sure on the weight. All in all we caught 10 fish most of them being between 1lb to 2 1/2 lbs.

I think I'm going wacky for wacky rigging lol

slomoe reply :

Nice!

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, good catch, that group of 3#-7# bass I had located must have dispersed or just were not biting. My total catch for yesterday was 24 less than the two weeks ago. It looks like the tropical storm is going to stay South.

IMPY03 reply :

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IMPY03, good catch, that group of 3#-7# bass I had located must have dispersed or just were not biting. My total catch for yesterday was 24 less than the two weeks ago. It looks like the tropical storm is going to stay South.

Thanks!

That was the very first fish of the day and after that the biggest might have been close to 3lbs. I dont know if we were getting winds from the storm already or what but it was a constant 6/7 MPH winds the whole day and I actually think that was keeping most of the decent size bass more active. I think I'll be heading back up there sunday or monday if weather permits.

IMPY03 reply :

Anyone going to be heading out wednesday morning? Sounds like some decent weather that day and not too hot.

johnkook73 reply :

Nice fish!! I am going to try and hit Briery or Sandy River here soon!!

IMPY03 reply :

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Nice fish!! I am going to try and hit Briery or Sandy River here soon!!

Where abouts do you fish sandy creek?

Wayne P. reply :

Sandy River Lake: I rarely fish the part of the lake near the dam or the arm with the bridge crossing it. I have the most success fishing the man made drop offs at various places about the lake. Most of those can be identified by the cypress trees growing along the top of the dropoffs. Also the creek channels at the upper end of the main lake and the one at the back of the major feeder creek cove about 2/3 uplake on the left that has the standing timber at its end. Its an easier lake to fish than Briery. Crankbaits can be utilized for some pretty good action.

Nottoway reply :

Hey Wayne P.

You are missing some of the best fishing in Sandy. Most guys run to the back, and never hit the dam, just sit and watch.

johnkook73 reply :

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Nice fish!! I am going to try and hit Briery or Sandy River here soon!!

Where abouts do you fish sandy creek?

Actually I have never been to Sandy, a buddy of mine fishes alot and loves it there!!

IMPY03 reply :

Oh I gotcha!

Well I went out to briery again this morning and boy was I in for a suprise...I got out on the lake around 6:30 AM and noticed that bait fish were busting the top of the water almost every where I could see! I just happend to have brought my spinner bait set up along with me and decided to throw a white/chartuese a few times just to see what happend. Boom! 3rd cast I catch a decent size LM that was #1 1/2. So I move on up a bit to some flooded timber and start throwing and boy oh boy FISH ON!!! I fight this guy for over 2 minutes (atleast it seemed like it) on 12# test and finally he jumps not once but twice and I get to see this amazing fish! I'm guessing he was anywhere between 8 - 12 pounds, this dude was a hawg and in all the excitement I drag him up to the boat and didnt leave any slack in my line and as he takes one more dive he goes directly under the boat and I get to watch as my line just "pops" and the biggest bass of my life swims off with my lure, go figure right? :'(I felt like leaving the lake after that...I was so down. Oh well guess I'll find him again another day and I did manage to catch 4 more bass all being a pound or less.

I'm going to buy 50lb braid tomorrow lol

johnkook73 reply :

I hate when they go underneath the boat. Looks like you had another good time though, cannot wait to head out there again.

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, I use 30# braid for finesse presentations. I'm glad to see that the schooling action has picked up. My best producing presentations for those fish are a 1/2 oz Rat-L-Trap and a Super Fluke. I always have those tied on a few rods when I am there. This rain from Hanna will drop the water temp and increase the schooling action.

IMPY03 reply :

Went out again today and the water level is up a good 4 - 8 inches. Me and my friend fished from 6:30 AM til 12PM and they were loving white 1/2 oz spinners, I caught 12 all together between 1lb and 3lbs. 9 on spinners and 3 on wacky rigged trick sticks. The fish were scattered as for the most part, I caught most of the fish around standing timber in different parts of the lake and a few around weed cover.

Very productive day for me but still no master like WayneP. lol ;D

slomoe reply :

Nice job, glad to hear they're starting to chase the spinnerbaits.

Wayne P. reply :

Thanks for the report, I can't decide whether to fish Briery or Hunting Run tomorrow. Did you check the water temp?

Nottoway reply :

Hey guys, try a spook jr. over the weed bed that run along the old creek bed. Last week caught a 8 lber, it came 2-3 ft out the water went she hit. She jumped 4x , with 3x grip hooks, she only had one way to go, to the boat.

Had 3 over 5, several at 3, caught in an area where the old creek turns back across the lake. Looks to be an old sand bar in the bend, that loads up with bass, hourly. And the lure, I have found a new hand poured worm that works at several lake. And sorry, but I will pass on more infor, about this new find, after my tournaments this month.

IMPY03 reply :

So after some motor trouble and a long wait, I finally have my outboard back in business(and it was a very expensive business to get into) and I should be heading out in the morning to try briery again. Has anyone been out there lately? Does anyone know if the topwater bite is good?

I'm planning on throwing buzzbaits, spinners, and ratltraps to start the day off so hopefully I'll have some luck there. Wayne P. I know you know whats going on, lol so let me know whats up!

Wayne P. reply :

I haven't been there since Sept 23 just before I went to Lake Guntersville for a week. I fished Hunting Run yesterday and today which were the last two days the lake was going to opened for fishing this year. My total bass caught there this year is 1,989. I'll start picking on the Briery bass now.

IMPY03 reply :

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I haven't been there since Sept 23 just before I went to Lake Guntersville for a week. I fished Hunting Run yesterday and today which were the last two days the lake was going to opened for fishing this year. My total bass caught there this year is 1,989. I'll start picking on the Briery bass now.

Thats great! thanks anyway! Tomorrow will be a little cool early in the AM so hopefully I can catch some fish schooling. I'm also going to hit some other spots on the lake to expand my range of finding fish. I definently want to hit up a couple of the sand bars. 8-)

IMPY03 reply :

Very rough day of fishing for me. Out of 5 hours of fishing, I missed 3 small dinks and caught a pickeral. I used spinnerbaits, trick sticks, and ratLtraps all day. There is still a good amount of vegetation on 0-8ft of water and the water temperature was between 68-69 degrees.

Where are the fish!?

osbornj2 reply :

Thanks for posting all these reports and keeping this thread alive!

Glad we didn't make the trip down to Briery today (Stu and I were thinking of fishing either Briery or Sandy Run today, but decided to stay a little closer to home instead due to some work stuff), as it sounds like the fish are a little "off". We certainly didn't have much luck at all today, here at a local lake...I'm guessing it's because of the cold front that's getting ready to push through???

Wayne - how is Briery ? What's the current water temp? Are the baitfish back in the coves yet? Are you still throwing wacky-rigs and flukes?

We want to make the trip down there maybe next week, and I'd love to know where to find them. You mentioned to someone that if they sent you their email address, then you'd send a satellite photo with the spots marked. Are you still willing to do the same? If so, just mark a couple of indications about where you think that they may be by next week (meaning - don't reveal all of your hotspots...just a little hint about where they MAY be ). My email addy is: osbornj2@comcast.net.

Thanks again for all of your willingness to assist all of us "newbies" :

IMPY03 reply :

No problem, Briery is my new favorite lake(as I'm not a fan of big water since I'm pushing a 12ft jon lol) but yeah be glad you didn't make the trip today. Me and my friend went down again today and fished sandy river for the first time and had no idea it seemed like on what we were doing fishing wise. Needless to say we left around 11am without boating a single fish and headed up to briery for a few hours and it was the same there. No fish until the last 20 minutes and they came on a june bug color trick stick wacky rigged. My buddy just decied to drop it straight off the side of the boat in about 10-12ft of water and caught a dink and then he did the same thing again and catches a pickeral, very surprising catches to both of us.

As for the water temperature, it started around 68 at sandy and ended up being between 72-73 by 1:30 PM before we left Briery.

Wayne P. reply :

osbornj2, e-mail sent. Thanks for asking

osbornj2 reply :

Wayne - got your email...it was FANTASTIC !! Thanks so much for sending that over..it is greatly appreciated!

With this cold front pushing through, we are thinking about trying to head up there later in the wee next week (probably on Thur., weather and work permitting, of course!) Don't know if anyone else is planning on being there then, but, if so...maybe we could hook up and say hello!

When we do go, I'll be sure to post a report on this thread (and hopefully be able to add a decent photo too )

Wayne P. reply :

osbornj2, when you are ready for some early pre-spawn fishing, I have another one.

Wayne P. reply :

I fished Briery today. The water in mid lake area was brown tinted, I assume from turnover since the last few nights have been close to freezing and the surface temp was 59-60. I didn't see the thermocline with my electronics. I fished the upper end where the water was clear. Didn't catch any big ones, just 28 bass under 3# and 5 pickerel. The 10-30 mph winds made finesse presentations difficult. I didn't see any bass chasing shad or any shad schools on my sonar units.

osbornj2 reply :

Wow...sounds like the water turned over pretty quickly and cooled down significantly.

Stu and I are still planning on heading down on Thur am. Weather.com says low 60's and sunny.

So, no baitfish or shad balls yet?? We'll still probably start off with atleast a little bit of topwater just after daybreak...just because why not?!?! Wayne - do you have any particular thoughts about this? Since Stu has never fished Briery before,I told him that we could launch the boat and not even lower the gas motor and just troll back into the cove there at the ramp. I noticed that you had the opposite bank marked on your map...isn't there a "mini-cove" there with lots of lily pads and laydowns?

Also, is this cove productive,since it was essentially closed to fishing for, what, like 2 years I believe?

We are thinking Flukes, spinnerbaits, and maybe jerkbaits. Anything that you could add that we're overlooking?

Again,I appreciate all of your help, and I hope to be able to post a report here after Thursday's adventure!

Wayne P. reply :

No coves were involved in my catch yesterday. At no point was I fishing anywere within 100 yards of shore. I don't fish the shorelines unless it is prespawn and spawn. I caught all but four of the fish on a weedless wacky rigged Zoom Trick or Finesse worm. Two came on a Super Fluke with a weighted swimbait hook and the other two were on a Chatterbait. The cove you mention where I marked is not referring to the shore, its the creek channel just offshore in that area.

I don't use topwater lures early when the air temp is very much lower than the water temp. edited: this time of year when the air temp is within 10 degrees of freezing.

osbornj2 reply :

I appreciate your advice! We'll have to re-think our strategy now! :-/

I am curious, though, about one other thing that you mentioned earlier. You indicated that you were fishing a Fluke, and that "when it hit the bottom", a 7-lb'er picked it up! To clarify, then - do you put them on a weighted hook, and then let them sink to the bottom and fish them essentially like a T-rig worm?

Maybe I have always completely missed the mark, because I have always used Flukes like a jerkbait, letting it glide down a few feet, then jerking it back and letting it dart around like a wounded baitfish. It has never really occured to me to fish it like I just described, but I can definitely see how that might be a huge benefit!

And the same with the wacky-rigged trick worms? Do you let them sink all the way to the bottom as well, and then fish them slowly? If they're wacky-rigged, how do you keep from getting hung up alot?

I hate to sound so "elementary", but these are burning questions!! Thanks again !

Wayne P. reply :

Good questions, yes I let both sink to the bottom when the fish are on or close to the bottom. With the Super Fluke and weighted hook, I am using it in about 15' depths and working it through the timber laying on the bottom. I use the wacky rigged woms in the same areas. If you will notice my presentation description I use the term "weedless wacky" and if you are not familiar with how I rig it, send me an e-mail to purdum43@aol.com and I'll forward instructions.

For your presentation of a Fluke or wacky rig, I prefer to use a suspending hard jerkbait.

Another note, I haven't gotten my last three fishing reports posted on the other site since some parts of the site are experiencing some problems.

osbornj2 reply :

Wayne - you are, totally, "'da man" ! 8-)

This is really super that you're so willing to help a young whippersnapper out! Too bad you won't be on the boat with us tomorrow, coaching us!! ;D

Check your inbox...I'm sending an email now!

Wayne P. reply :

INCOMING-----

IMPY03 reply :

If it wasnt for Wayne I dont think I would have boated as many fish as I did this year, he knows his stuff!

I think I need to start fishing along the creek channels, I've still been fishing mid lake around the banks and weed cover and havent been catching much of anything. Hopefully by the time I head out again the bass will be chasing shad. Will the upper end of the lake and coves be the place the bass will be pressuring the bait fish to?

osbornj2- I'm anxious to get your report tomorrow because I may be heading up Friday or Saturday.

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, my guess is after the water temp stabilizes some that schooling will be going on all over the lake. I went to several areas of the lake North and South of the ramp looking for concentrations of bass and shad, but didn't find any. The last 3/4 to 1/2 mile of the South end is where I found the fish.

par4fishin reply :

Hey I have been reading all of yalls post for the last couple of weeks. I'm new to this here website and I'm liking what I'm have been reading. I went up to Briery Creek here last month. Buddys of mine told me about it and I have been reading about it. Once I got up there i seen what everyone was talking about. TREES!!! I put in at the dam and trolled along the shore and to cove across from the ramp. I got alittle neverous about all the trees and decide to go up to Sandy River. What I'm tring to get at is can anyone help me out getting around Briery without missing up my boat, and where are good places to fish. I'm thinking about making a return trip up there soon and if not next spring.

OH yea if you know anyone that is looking for a boat I have one for sale. Its a 1968 Lonstat jon boat with a 3hp motor and a trolling motor.

roadwarrior reply :

Welcome aboard!

8-)

Wayne P. reply :

allst8rnnr, don't be afraid of navigating Briery Creek. Bumping into the submerged stumps won't damage your boat at trolling motor speeds. Getting hung up on top of one is a challenge sometimes though. What I do is when I feel the boat hitting one, I keep up my monentum and I usually just slide over it. Shifting your weight to opposite the hang up helps too. I run my jon boat with a 9.9 outboard on plane just about everywhere on the lake that I choose to fish but take it slow to a fast idle in some areas. I hang up on stumps on purpose lots of times to hold the boat in position while fishing so I don't have to keep using the trolling motor especially when its windy. I have been fishing there since it opened in Jan 1989 so I know it quite well. The next time you go, use the Rt. 701 (mid lake) ramp as some the best catching areas are within sight of the ramp.

Dan: reply :

Wayne, I don't know if I ever plan on fishing this lake but I am truly impressed by your willingness to help other members, you are a helluva guy

par4fishin reply :

Thanks Wayne. The reason why I'm so worried about the trees is because I just got the boat here couple months ago. Where is the 701 boat ramp at. I done that whole mapquest thing but it got me confused on getting there, so that is why I just went to the dam. Are there less trees up on that end of the lake or are they just easier to see?

IMPY03 reply :

When you get on route 15 you need to keep strraight past the road that leads to the ramp near the dam and look for 701 on the right(I'm guessing you are coming from north VA) and once your on that road just follow it to the end and you will see the parking lot and ramp.

As for trees...its about the same but I find it a little easier to find navigational paths to the upper end of the lake and other areas.

Wayne P. reply :

Rt. 701 is about 3 miles South of the entrance to the dam area. There is a brown Game Commission sign just before the turn off on Rt. 15. It is a right turn heading South from Farmville. Just follow the road to the end and when you hear a splash, you are there. LOL. The number of trees is not much difference but there are open shallower areas without any trees. There are some boat lanes thru the trees that are not obvious unless you are familiar with the lake. When you were there a month ago, the water level was such that normally submerged broken off trees were visible. When the level gets back to normal like in the Spring, those short stumps you saw will be just under the surface. Now is a good time to get familiar with the mid lake and upper end areas so you will know what is hidden later. There are some broken off trees right at the surface now but are around some that are visible so it helps.

Wayne P. reply :

Check this VDGIF site for lake info including a map. http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=21&section=maps

Wayne P. reply :

This is what the upper end looks like when the water level is about 1' lower than it is now.

Wayne P. reply :

This is what the lake looks like as you look across the lake from the 701 ramp at normal water levels. The first few years after the lake was opened to fishing, the 701 ramp was not there and you couldn't see across the lake because of the thick timber and bushes.

IMPY03 reply :

I've noticed that when I head up towards the upper end of the lake that once I get so far up there really isnt any open paths to navigate through, do you just stay straight and try to go up the middle of the lake to avoid most of the submerged trees or is there another way?

I haven't been all the way to the end yet because I was a little worried (afraid of the unkown I guess you could say).

It looks as if that is where most of the boat traffic is, toward the upper end.

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, I usually get on plane just out from the boat dock and stay on plane until I get near the large shallow clearing at the upper end where Briery Creek and Little Briery Creek enter the lake. Of course I know where the creek channel is amongst the trees and which stumps lean in towards the channel middle. The creek channel is about in the center of the lake in the middle of the trees. It makes a few turns in some places though. It takes a few times going slow using a sonar to find the path or you can watch someone blasting thru like I do and get an idea if you are in the area. Ocassionally someone will put some barely visible markers on trees that are close but they don't last long.

IMPY03 reply :

Thanks wayne!

I'm still a little uneasy of running my outboard after i get so far from the ramp but I'm going to try it and just idle around for a bit until I get to where I want to fish hopefully I wont get stuck on a tree on fall out of the boat! lol I'll be sure to wear my life jacket.

par4fishin reply :

thanks guy for the help. next time i get a chance to get up there i will surely remember what yall said. one other question i have that i read was yall was using wacky rigs. to you was a wacky rig with a weight or do you go weightless? also what is the prefered color to use up there?

IMPY03 reply :

I use weightless and weighted wacky rigs, to me it just depends on the depth I'm fishing. If I'm in 0-8 ft of water I use weightless but if its deeper I usually tie on a very small split shot weight.

As for color I've had luck on lots of different ones but my most productive ones are watermelon seed and pumpkin seed. Junebug and black/silver are also good colors to try.

Wayne P. reply :

I know from over 19 years fishing there using dozens of worm colors including several colors on a particular day that it makes no difference to the fish. Just use whatever color you like and it will work. I prefer to insert a nail into the worm head if weight is needed.

osbornj2 reply :

Well...I promised a report, so here it is....Windy!

I think that they just opened a wind-creation factory at the end of the lake, and that they were running all 3 shifts on Thursday! I'm not talking about periods of calm, punctuated by occasional gusts. No sir! I'm talkin' about an all-day steady thumping of wind!

Sounds like a good spinnerbait day, huh? NOPE! Not happening! Although, we did manage to catch a few pickeral on spinnerbaits. However, between the two of us (and we're real pro's, now, mind you!!), I think that we boated a grand total of about 4 bass, the largest about 1.5 lbs!

Sorry, Wayne, that I didn't really have the opportunity to gear-up before we went on the trip, as I would really have loved to throw the wacky rig. I printed off all your notes and pictures so that I can head out to Sportsman's Warehouse to get me some mosquito hooks!

But, we threw EVERYTHING else that we had, and all to no avail. :-[ There were NO baitfish schooling yet, and the surface temp was right around 60 all day (we were fishing the upper end the whole time). In fact, we never even really found any concentrations of fish on the electronics. Maybe it just needs to cool down a little bit more before they start moving into the coves? Your thoughts, Wayne?

Wayne P. reply :

Well, you doomed your trip by not being prepared with the wacky rig, ;D

The fall transition has the whole food chain messed up, it will get better after all that settles down. The wind will speed up the process some.

As far a the shad migrating into the coves, I have never seen that type of behavior at Briery Creek based on time of year. The only times I have seen it is prespawn when there was a heavy warm rain that raised the water temp up significantly or during the warm months when there is a heavy cool rain that cools the water down significantly. I don't think the lake is large enough for that like it happens on large bodies of water.

IMPY03 reply :

Osbornj2- Nice pickeral...I caught my first one out of briery a couple weeks back they are some fun fighting fish! ;D

I forgot to post a report last friday when I went because it really wasnt a fishing trip to me. I was un-prepared as to warm clothing and no gloves and the cold definently got to me after the first 2 hours on the lake. I did have 3 hits on some wacky rigged trick stick but couldnt set the hook on em. The upper half of the lake it where I had the bites. Water temp. was around the low 60s when I left. Only 2 other boats out that I saw.

Wayne P. reply :

IPMY03, I was going thru some of my picture files and found this one of the low water level last year and on the right side of the picture showing no stumps is the mostly straight part of the main creek channel as viewed from the intersection of Briery Creek and Little Briery Creek looking towards the dam end of the lake. I was fishing in the creek channel as I often do. There is really some safe places to run once you learn them.

par4fishin reply :

Well if my plans and weather fall through, I'm going to make another trip out to Briery. Where should I start fishing at? Since I only been to the lake once and don't make about it. Should I fish deep water or near the banks? I'm going to do what you said Wayne and take my time and just go slow until I get a feel for the water. Where are the hot spots on the lake?

IMPY03 reply :

WayneP. - I don't have any problems navigating towards the dam end of the lake, I've found most of the paths bewteen trees to get to where want, that end is pretty easy. Its the other end where I have problems but on my last short trip I managed to make it down far enough to reach the 2 - 3 ft waters but like I posted earlier, it was just too cold for me that morning so I didnt fish it much.

EDIT: I had my directions messed up, sorry about that I meant the southern end the whole time lol oops ;D

Wayne P. reply :

allst8rnnr, the whole lake is a hot spot. I have the most success fishing in or close to the upper end creek channels. From the 701 ramp, I go under the powerline (South) and navigate the East side of the lake where there are no standing trees until the open water ends and then stay against the shore for about 100 yards where the lake widens some and start fishing the creek channel on up to the very end of the lake.

During the warmer months, I fish out from the ramp along the main lake tree line where the water is around 20'-25' deep with subtle depth changes that hold the bass and shad.

When I fish near the dam, I am always getting hung up on the small trees between the island and the dam as I fish the gradual dept change out from the island. I don't fish near the shore anytime but during the late prespawn and spawn except when the lake is mostly frozen and a warm South wind has the water melted against the dam.

IMPY03 reply :

Hows the fishing Wayne? Have you been in a while?

I'm thinking I might try and make another trip in a week or two.

Wayne P. reply :

The fishing is been good and the catching is good too. I've been deer hunting a few times but its too hot now for me. I fished 5 hours today and caught 39 bass and 5 crappie at a private subdivision lake.

I'm going to Briery tomorrow.

Micro reply :

How about some advice on shore-fishing this lake? I have a friend who's young son will be fishing there this weekend. Any advice on areas or techniques from the shore would be great. I've never fished it so I can't offer him much advice.

Wayne P. reply :

The best shore fishing area is around the gravel parking lot where the handicapped pier is located near the dam.

Wayne P. reply :

A nice day for November. 74 degrees this afternoon with the surface temp at 61 degrees. I didn't see any bass chasing shad on the surface so I just fished the upper end creek channels and caught 31 bass and 6 pickerel. A weedless wacky rigged Trick and Finesse worm produced the most. I also caught a few on a Chatterbait and swimbait.

par4fishin reply :

Sounds like you had a great day Wayne. I wish I could get up there one more time but looks like I won't be able too. We are stand by right for my sister to have her baby, so I figure I better stay close to home. But this spring I'm going to head up there a few times and try to catch a few of them fish.

IMPY03 reply :

Its been mighty quiet lately, I haven't made a trip since november or maybe even the end of september. I wish this cold weather would go away for a while.....

Hows the fishing wayne? have you been lately or is it not really even worth fishing this time of the year? I was thinking about going sometime and trying out some jigs.

s13john reply :

i guess ill bring this back up...

Went to briery about a week ago now on one of those warm days. caught a 4lb and a dink on 6in shadalicous swim bait. Went last weekend too but it was really cold and didnt catch any thing. Just cant wait for it to warm up so i can get out in the boat. love this lake though except the getting hung up on trees part :

IMPY03 reply :

Quote
i guess ill bring this back up...
Went to briery about a week ago now on one of those warm days. caught a 4lb and a dink on 6in shadalicous swim bait. Went last weekend too but it was really cold and didnt catch any thing. Just cant wait for it to warm up so i can get out in the boat. love this lake though except the getting hung up on trees part :

lol yeah getting hung up is really fun especially on a blistering hot day

Glad to hear someone else has made the trip recently, I also cannot wait until it warms up a bit because I have the itch to try out my new spro swimbaits and maybe catch me one of them famous 10lb briery bass ;D

Wayne P. reply :

I went there this past Friday 1/20 to get some more break-in time on my outboad motor. Most of the lake within sight of the 701 ramp was clear of ice and the water temp was 37-38 degrees. I only fished about 15 minutes, then it got cloudy, the wind got to about 20mph, so I left. There were two other boats out and they left about the same time. I like the submerged stumps as I pull up on them to hold in position and don't have to use an anchor to fish an area when it is real windy.

par4fishin reply :

Spring well be here before we know it. I know briery gets alot of attention during the spring, but is there a day of the week that might be as busy as the weekend?

Wayne P. reply :

During April and May, its hard to tell what day of the week it is judging by the parking lots. Possibly Mondays and Tuesdays might be the least crowded.

Wayne P. reply :

I fished there today, only two other boats out. The warm weekend got the water temp up to 43-44 degrees from mid lake to the upper end. All I caught were slot fish on a Chatterbait and Trap--2 were just over 5#.

osbornj2 reply :

Quote
I fished there today, only two other boats out. The warm weekend got the water temp up to 43-44 degrees from mid lake to the upper end. All I caught were slot fish on a Chatterbait and Trap--2 were just over 5#.

...What?!? No Wacky-rigs ? : What has this world come to ?!?!

Wayne P. reply :

I did throw the wacky rig some, but the horizonal presentation to cover a lot of water was the pattern. A couple of kids and I caught some on the wacky rig Sunday at Lake Anna on the hot side though.

A.Do? reply :

Quote
I fished there today, only two other boats out. The warm weekend got the water temp up to 43-44 degrees from mid lake to the upper end. All I caught were slot fish on a Chatterbait and Trap--2 were just over 5#.

You sir are amazing I'd be satisfied to wet a line, happy to hook up with a dink, and ecstatic to catch a keeper, but you're catching 5 lbers in February! Very nice! Keep it up!

Wayne P. reply :

I went there again today to take advantage of the 70 degree weather. The water was 5 degrees warmer. I caught them on a Chatterbait and Trap again. 26 more bass than yesterday with the largest being 7 pounds, 12 ounces and 7 others over 4 pounds. My thumb and palm are torn up so I'll give them a few days rest.

Its a tough job, but someone has to do it.

SimonSays reply :

Awesome fish Wayne, in Feb too...Hey Andrew we gotta go and try this lake out one day =D

Micro reply :

Gorgeous fish, Wayne.

mudkart reply :

I'm green with ***.....

s13john reply :

wow thats awsome man i was going to go today but forgot to charge the battery for my motor. but with this report ill be their if not tomorrow then thursday.

and if you dont mind me asking what end of the lake were you on and was it shallow or deep. just curious and thing by the power line? by the 701 ramp

IMPY03 reply :

wow this thread has came alive!

Nice report and pics Wayne, your always on point!

Wayne P. reply :

s13john, I found the active fish at the upper end of the lake near the creek channel edges on stumps and also along a couple of contour dropoffs. I launched at the 701 ramp and passed under the power line and keep on going to the end of the lake.

I'll send you a PM with some more details.

SMfisher reply :

nice fish!!

rondef reply :

Nice catch Wayne.

Aluma-Bass reply :

good ol briery creek!!! I love that lake...getn my boat ready for this season at the moment, but ill be hitting Briery up for sure by march!

Nice one Wayne!!

osbornj2 reply :

Great fish, Wayne! Thanks again for your willingness to share your "hard-earned" intel! I know that I speak for all of us when we say how much we appreciate your generosity in making this site one of the top bass fishing sites on the web

Wayne P. reply :

Yep, I picked on the ole bass again today. It sure was windy (at least 20 mph+). The water temp got up to 53 in some downwind areas and that is were the most active bass were. I fished the same areas as before catching them on the Chatterbait and Trap until about 2:00 and tried the weedless wacky rigged Trick worm in creek channels and caught 11 bass doing that. I had to hold my rod tip at the water's surface to keep the worm in the water especially on cross wind casts. I didn't catch as many as I did Tuesday.

IMPY03 reply :

sounds good....I think I'm going to head up there tomorrow and test my luck since its going to be pretty nice

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, check the water temp at the ramp area and then at the upper end. Which ever has the highest temp is where you should spend most of your time. With colder daytime and nightime temps today and tomorrow, the catching is going to be tough. Falling water tempertures are a turn-off this time of year. Don't even bother to get on the water before 9:30-10:00 as the air temp is supposed to be close to freezing tonight. Good luck

Triton9 reply :

briery is an awesome lake, especially in the spring.but BE CAREFUL! this is a dangerous lake.just take it easy and have fun, its an awesome fishery.

Wayne P. reply :

Triton9, this year is my 20th year fishing Briery Creek Lake. I have never felt like I was in any danger doing so. Its not big enough to create any dangerous conditions from high winds. Why do you consider it "dangerous".

J.Huddleston reply :

Hi my name is Jason. Found this site a few weeks ago. Been reading on it. I've been fishing Briery for the past 6 years. Really enjoy your fishing reports Wayne. Just wondering if you did anything this past weekend? Thanks

Wayne P. reply :

Jason, PM sent

ABU 804 reply :

Hi Wayne P.

After looking at all the post on Briery you appear to be the man to ask for help after fishing there for 20 years. I have never fished the lake but plan on doing so in March. Any help you could give me would be appreciated.

My name is Jerry and for 10 years I was Director of Special Event Marketing for ABU GARCIA. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards

Wayne P. reply :

ABU, just send me an e-mail with any questions you may have. I'd be most pleased to assist you.

DaveBro1 reply :

A beautiful Fish Wayne. What's your best from Briery. I would like to talk to you more about the hot spots I am planning a trip there soon.

bigfruits reply :

are there any places to camp in the area besides twin lakes state park?

Wayne P. reply :

bigfruits, I don't know of any formal campgrounds any closer. I have seen some fishermen just camp at the lake in the "primitive" version. Some even have a truck bed camper or self propelled camper with a generator for battery charging.

There is a lot of "contruction" at the first curve on 701 that may be for accommodations. I'll stop by and ask about it Thursday before I launch.

bigfruits reply :

Thanks Wayne P. No need to ask, primitive camping on the lake would be perfect. Im thinking about taking the canoe down there for a few days this spring.

s13john reply :

Quote
bigfruits, I don't know of any formal campgrounds any closer. I have seen some fishermen just camp at the lake in the "primitive" version. Some even have a truck bed camper or self propelled camper with a generator for battery charging.
There is a lot of "contruction" at the first curve on 701 that may be for accommodations. I'll stop by and ask about it Thursday before I launch.

good luck tomorrow wayne. Almost went today but had to do some crap around the house. Its gonna be pretty cold tonight hope their biting tomorrow, heck i might even try to make it up their in the afternoon for some bank fishing or i might go put the battery on charge now. :o

so if you see a big guy with an orange pole gimmie a holla :-?

Wayne P. reply :

s13john, this time of year, I only go if there is a warming trend. Its supposed to be about 60 tomorrow and close to 70 Thursday. I'll be launching around 9:30-10:00 at the 701 ramp. Wed night is supposed to be above freezing and that will help a lot.

Aluma-Bass reply :

did you hit the water today wayne??

Wayne P. reply :

No, not on Wednesday. I am going today though.

Wayne P. reply :

A little slow on the pond today. The water temp ranged for 41 to 45 degrees and didn't start warming up until after noon when the clouds moved out. The largest caught was 4# 4oz. Only caught them on the Chatterbait and Trap.

No one was working at the construction site this morning or afternoon, so I couldn't find out what is going on.

daviscw reply :

Wayne, what color and what kind of retrieve are you having with the Chatterbait?

Wayne P. reply :

daviscw, Sexy Shad skirt with a white Zoom double tail trailer, chrome blade, 1/4 oz, slow steady retrieve about 2'-3' deep. 50# Stealth

s13john reply :

goin tomorrow morn ;D ;D got the boat hook up and everything its pretty warm tonight too about 50 at the house now at 10. hope i catch a few

IMPY03 reply :

Looks like this sunday is going to be a great day to be on the water with temps in the mid 70s and being around 50 the night before.

Wayne are you heading out any this weekend?

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, Sat. I am helping someone practice for a upcoming Buggs Island tournament. Sunday I'll be at the Orange County Sports Show. I'll probably hit Briery on Monday and Hunting Run on Thursday or Friday. Hunting Run opens this Sat and will only be open Thursday thru Sunday for a while.

The schedule is posted on the Spotsylvania County web site.

IMPY03 reply :

Oh ok I see. I was going to head up to Briery but I think I'm going to hit up lake Mayo in NC because its a little closer to my house and see if the bass will be moving up shallow and if not maybe I'll catch a few nice size pickeral.

I think I'll still give Briery a few more weeks to warm up before I make the trip.

Aluma-Bass reply :

i went on sat for lil while and didnt do much. Even though it was in the 70's water temp was still in low 40's. Top side of lake was a bit murky and bite was slow. Going to go again end of march and hope water temp start to come up.

p-funk reply :

I went Saturday as well. Highest water temp I found was just a little over 51. We caught ours on Rattletraps and shallow cranks in 2-6ft of water. Biggest was only 3 1/2 lbs. Warmest water we found was against the wind blown points.

Wayne P. reply :

I fished Briery today and it sure was WINDY. Warmest water I found was 55 degrees. The air temp got up to 79 this afternoon. Largest bass caught was 5 pounds, 5 ounces with a 1/4 oz Trap. Two of my Traps got one of the hooks of a treble broken off by large bass, one of the hooks was the cheap factory chrome and the other was a Owner.

Aluma-Bass reply :

man wayne must be nice to land a 5 pounder or better everytime you go!

Wayne P. reply :

Aluma-Bass, I don't everytime I go but at Briery it's a common occurance. Even those with minimal fishing skills don't find it remarkable when fishing there. When they are schooling in late summer, you can catch them that size two at a time on multi-hook lures.

This is the 5-5:

drmnbig reply :

I've only been there 3 times and I caught a 5+ pounder each trip there. I was fortunate enough to catch them schooling near the dam on my last trip there. They had some bluegill pushed together and were slamming them. I threw a bright red and yellow chug bug and tore them up for quite a while. The biggest that day was my dad's and it was a little over 8lbs. That place is something else.

Wayne, what kind of camera setup do you have? I see you are holding a remote to take the pics. Just curious because it gives some nice pics.

Wayne P. reply :

drmnbig, I use a Canon mini-DV video camera. It takes videos on small tapes and also does stills on an SD card. It can take a still picture of a frame of the video tape too.

I just turn the view screen around so I can compose the picture and hit the remote to do a still or a video.

I made a camera mount that inserts into the rear deck seat pedistal socket of the boat I have now. On my previous 12' jon boat I had the same mount attached to the transom. When I had a fiberglass bass boat, I just used a standard camera tripod held down by bungee cords to the rear deck.

Aluma-Bass reply :

nice catch wayne you are the man! how deep did you catch that one?

Wayne P. reply :

Aluma-Bass, that one and most of the others I caught were within the top two-three feet of water above the submerged vegetation.

Wayne P. reply :

Fished there again today in the RAIN and 41 degree air temp. The water temp was 47.7 The only reason I went was to show the person that bought my 12' jon how to operate it and also show him the lake. Only two other boats there. I almost lost a rod overboard when setting the hook with my COLD/WET hands. Everybody else had sense enough to stay home-LOL

Aluma-Bass reply :

how did ya do wayne??? land any biggins?? thinking about going this weekend i just cant stay away from that place for long lol

Wayne P. reply :

Aluma-Bass, PM sent

IMPY03 reply :

I'm finally set on going sunday. Should be very nice weather, just wish it would be a little warmer the night before.

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, it's ONLY going to be 73 there tomorrow and mostly sunny. I guess I'll just force myself to pick on them ole bass. I want to give the Tracer line a little more workout.

Aluma-Bass reply :

wish i could go tmw...i have to work >. I may go to nottoway this weekend try that out only bc i was invited other wise i would be at briery this weekend. let me know how you do wayne! good luck!

Wayne P. reply :

The catching was tough today. The water in the areas I usually fish was muddy but got up to 52 degrees this afternoon. I did manage to catch a few though on a spinnebait, Chatterbait, and Trap.

Wayne P. reply :

Another slow catching day even though the water temp got up to 57 degrees this afternoon and started out at 51 degrees. Only caught them on a Rat-L-Trap and weedless wacky rigged Trick worm.

Wayne P. reply :

The catching is picking up. I saw some 60 degree water this afternoon with bass and carp in the depths less than 3'. The Chatterbait was the most productive presentation working it just under the surface.

SKEETER369 reply :

HEY GUYS IM NEW IN TOWN DID LM SPAWN YET IN BRIEY OR SANDY RIVER IM A NEBEE LOOKING 4 INFO

Wayne P. reply :

SKEETER369, since neither lake is in Florida, I would guess the answer is no.

SKEETER369 reply :

THANKS NOT BEEN OUT YET SOME LAKES R EARLIER THAN OTHERS JUST LOOKING 4 INFO

s13john reply :

me and a pal were on briery on the 31st caught about 10bass all together and a ton of pickerel all the bass were on the upper end of the lake in about 3-4 ft of water. caught on a superfluke, senko and redeye shad

DaveBro1 reply :

I am heading out there 8-10th, this will be my first trip to Briery. The weather may not be perfect but that is the only time I have to go. I will update you after my trip.

Wayne P. reply :

Since you have never been there, go SLOW and expect to run over stumps just under the surface. When you hit one, keep up the momentum or you will get stuck.

Aluma-Bass reply :

yes what wayne said keep momentum goin or you will get stuck! Ive done it several times and now im a stump pro Also if you go with partner good to have him look out front as you navigate along let you know when stumps is comin up so you can prepare! I hear people motors winding up when they get stuck which usually follows with some cuss words as you see them spin in circles stuck on stump. Ive been there before ;D

jerry s reply :

Hey Wayne wondering what the water temp is? I will be down there the 9th and 10th.

Wayne P. reply :

The highest water temp I saw Saturday was 60. It is supposed to be in the 20's tonight with highs in the 50's. I wouldn't expect to see a lot of bass on beds unless they have a blanket-LOL

jerry s reply :

thanks for the info wayne. i think they sell those bass blankets at bass pro now i'll pick a couple up. LOL

Wayne P. reply :

I'll be there on the 9th also. Hopefully the somewhat warming trend will get them active. If you see any carp activity in the shallow areas, some bass will probably be shallow too.

Aluma-Bass reply :

I will be going out tmw also till about 2-230pm. Maybe will see you guys out there! Good luck!!

vatrpr reply :

Went out there today with my brother and had no luck whatsoever. My brother caught 3 pike and that was all. Water temp was between 56-58 all day. We fished from about 10:30-4:30p. The wind was WHIPPING something fierce...it really got annoying. This is the third time I have been out there and I just feel lost at that place. I put in this time at the 701 ramp. I fished everything from buzzbait to carolina rigged worm to super fluke, spinnerbait, swimbait...and NOTHING...haha. I didn't beat up the Stratos too much. Wayne, it sounds like you are the resident pro on that place...if you have any hinters of where to throw, I would greatly appreciate any advice b/c I have about had it with that place I know today was not the ideal day considering it was right in the middle of a cold front, just frustrated I guess.

Wayne P. reply :

vatrpr, thanks for asking, I'm going there tomorrow to check it out.

edited: you didn't mention the three top producing lures that I have success with there this year so far. Chatterbait, Rat-L-Trap, weedless wacky rigged Trick worm.

Wayne P. reply :

Well, it was tough fishing today since the water temp this morning was about 8 degrees lower than the last time I was there. I just fished some deeper stuff near spawning areas and found a few. Caught every one on a weedless wacky rigged Zoom Trick worm.

jerry s reply :

I was down there thursday and friday. We reeled in plenty of bass and pickrel, none bigger than 4#s. We spooked a ten plus in the shallows she came clean up out of the water!!!!!

jerry s reply :

We also had good top water action on a devil horse late evening and after sun set.

IMPY03 reply :

Ok I've been slacking on making a trip to briery but this saturday will be one of the only days I can make it for a while and I'm hoping the catching is going to be plentiful. Im going to burn up the shallows all day with spinners chatters and wacky rigged worms, so hopefully I'll have some luck.

On another note, I fished Mayo Lake in NC last saturday and found water in the high 60s and there were tons of bass spawning and plently of pickeral biting. So what is Briery's temperature around now a days?

Wayne P. reply :

I'm still fishing there but the catching has been slow due to the cold periods that force the shallow fish out deeper. I've only caught around 50 total for the last 4 trips there. A kid caught a 27" long, 21" girth bass there this past Friday and sent me a picture of it. His father didn't have a scale to weigh it so they just did the measurements and released it.

IMPY03 reply :

Quote
I'm still fishing there but the catching has been slow due to the cold periods that force the shallow fish out deeper. I've only caught around 50 total for the last 4 trips there. A kid caught a 27" long, 21" girth bass there this past Friday and sent me a picture of it. His father didn't have a scale to weigh it so they just did the measurements and released it.

Well I know its suppose to be pretty warm friday night and around 90 saturday so maybe the water will warm up a bit. Yeah he also sent me a picture this moring, man that thing was a monster!

Aluma-Bass reply :

could you guys post the pic...i would love to see it! sounds like a HAWG!

Wayne P. reply :

No, I won't post the picture on this site. The person may not what his image displayed world wide.

Aluma-Bass reply :

i seen the pic on other site... and who wouldnt want to be pictured worlwide with 27'' bass?? anyways i understand what your sayin....

Wayne P. reply :

I got permission to post that picture from the boy's father so now I'll put it here too. I talked to a Game Commission employee doing a creel survey today and he said that a 12-8 and a 13+ was weighed at Worsham's store last week.

Aluma-Bass reply :

Quote
. I talked to a Game Commission employee doing a creek survey today and he said that a 12-8 and a 13+ was weighed at Worsham's store last week.

hope they were released back into lake, like most i hate to see big fish like that be taken out. Seems like briery is starting to turn on!

IMPY03 reply :

i went saturday and I couldnt catch a cold...I dont know what I was doing wrong.

Wayne P. reply :

IMPY03, I'm guesssing that the lake was crowded Sat. with everybody trying to catch the spawners and had all the fish spooked. There were 3 vehicles at the North ramp and I was the 7th at the 701 ramp this morning. The very large bass were spooky but the smaller ones were aggressive.

IMPY03 reply :

Yeah it was...I'm not scared to say it was 35 - 45 boats there Saturday. The 701 ramp was rediculous, I had to find a spot in the grass to park. I didn't even get a chance to see a fish on the bed much less catch one.

s13john reply :

haven't been very much lately but the few times i have been hasnt been anything to brag about.

anybody else ;D

Wayne P. reply :

I fished there 5 times in May and caught a total of 252 bass with none over 6#. Yep, it's been kind of slow.

Aluma-Bass reply :

yea i would say its slow by waynes report...d**n wayne you gonna need to keep a counter with you for that amount of fish

Wayne P. reply :

Aluma-Bass, yes I do have a counting system.

SimonSays reply :

that is a huge bass...need to hook into one of those!

Aluma-Bass reply :

Quote
Aluma-Bass, yes I do have a counting system.

nice wayne! wish i caught that many to where i needed one, sounds like you gotem figured out!

Shawn OConnor reply :

I was there for about 5 days with a friend and we caught 40-50. Most of them small but did manage a 19" 3 pd 9 oz. Caught a lot in the smaller range. Most of our fishing was done with weedless rigs. Water was very warm and the good ones were deep. Here's a pic.

Shawn OConnor reply :

It was a good night. Start off slow until I found a good spot. Got 10 fish from about 630 to 815. Don't have a fish finder yet so I don't know water temp. Start off a little windy and air temp was about 72. Wind died down and it was glass. Averaged over 2 pounds. Two biggest were 3.8# and 3.9# at 18 and 19 inches. Missed about 3 getting hung up on structure. Pulled once and thought I was stuck on a log until the log pulled back and slammed my pole on the boat. Needless to say, it got away. I was the last one off the 701 ramp and didn't want to leave. I'm sure the fully moon helped. Fished all plastics weedless. I'm wacky for weedless. Talked to another guy getting out and he said he got a 19 and 23 and threw them back. I'm absolutely hooked on Briery. I'll attach the pics of the larger ones.

Shawn OConnor reply :

another

Wayne P. reply :

Aluma-Bass, I need to do a rebuild on one of my fish counters. The thread has worn out from keeping count and re-settngs lots of times. It gave up Friday at Hunting Run, LOL

Aluma-Bass reply :

Quote
Aluma-Bass, I need to do a rebuild on one of my fish counters. The thread has worn out from keeping count and re-settngs lots of times. It gave up Friday at Hunting Run, LOL

Man Wayne your wearing those things out!! lol i need to get back up to briery soon. Been fishin some tourneys and havent really had time.

IMPY03 reply :

I haven't been around for a while but I see this thread hasn't been alive for a while...Hopefully this spring I'm going to make a 2 or 3 day trip to Briery with my new jon boat and goodies ;D

scottb123 reply :

I'm bumping this thread. I'll be heading to Briery after the first of the year. Yall send me any tips/hints yall have for catching big bass this time of year. Also, does anyone know where I can find a good map of Briery? Thanks in advance. I'm not sure what I'm more excited for - the fishing, or the Sundrop I'll get at Worshams. Yall take it easy.

Aluma-Bass reply :

Wayne will have to tell ya on whats working lately as i havent been in several months due to hunting.....goodluck!!

Wayne P. reply :

scottb123, PM sent

XLFISH reply :

I think I got that PM. Something about wacky rigs on creek channels. You slay me Mr. P. Yes tis me. I got bored and ventured out. Apparently its all the same though. The visual of the graves however was a good twist I must admit. I will see you on the other side.

quanjig reply :

Is Briery frozen?

XLFISH reply :

No but there may be some ice along certain edges. You guys got two feet of snow up there did you not? That place is terrible when it comes to trying to drive somewhere and I know it is insane when it snows. You better wait until March to start thinking about Briery. Put in for a weekday off to avoid the insanity of the "Weekend Warriors".

Aluma-Bass reply :

Quote
I think I got that PM. Something about wacky rigs on creek channels. You slay me Mr. P. Yes tis me. I got bored and ventured out. Apparently its all the same though. The visual of the graves however was a good twist I must admit. I will see you on the other side.

I thought that was you chris jenk .... what do you know bout wacky rigs, your just a newb on this site

XLFISH reply :

I saw your posts Cowboy. I tend to crawl out from under my rock in the winter and see what the rest of the world is doing to pass the time. I can only stare at maps and read my log book so many times. You have my email address if you get bored.

quanjig reply :

Yes XL, 2 ft. I just am not a fan of snow, especially that much. Would have been fine if we all of the sudden were to have temps in the 50's to meltit all away as quickly as it for here!! I have a terd of a vehicle that is almost unstoppable in the snow ('95 Tahoe 2 door). Had to get some people to my wifes work, so I was out in the thick of it with all the yahoos that for some reason thought it would be fine to get places in their cool guy rice rockets!!

XLFISH reply :

Hey Q-jig I have a trip that may help the cabin fever this wintwer. Check your PM's. Aluma bass you already know about these beasts.

s13john reply :

hey if yall are planing a trip to briery let me know im about 30 min away, and always ready to do a lil fishin.

s13john reply :

figured i'd bring this thread back

hit briery up today, it was super windy but still managed to catch 7 on a trick stick, but nothing to brag about.

its defiantly cooled down since last week i stayed mostly around the 701 ramp. temps were 55-6ish near power line and almost 59 on the north side of 701 ramp. had a good time though.

Jake Freeman reply :

I went yesterday as well and pretty much had my butt handed to me. Launched at 701 and headed straight across the lake and drifted that huge flaton the main lake and caught a 2 1/2lber in the first 15 minutes and then got nothing but a pickerel the rest of the day. I had no electronics and no way to know the water temps anywhere I was fishing. I found out what the water temps were when back at the ramp and wish I had,ve focused on a little bit deeper water. Oh well ya win some and lose some. Think I will take my bass boat out there next time instead of the jon. Got beat to death in the wind and couldnt hold the jon on anything I wanted to thoroughly fish. Hard to really concentrate on fishing when you"re frustrated from trying to hold the boat in position >

s13john reply :

hey man if you ever want to meet up their just let me know. if its just me goin i got the back seat open on my lil jon

Wayne P. reply :

With the air temps in the mid 20's tonight, it's going to be tough tomorrow. The bass had backed off almost 5' Wednesday from where they had been last Friday because of the 5-8 degree water temp drop.

Bigs reply :

mid 20's ? I looked at weather.com and it says low of 30. Either way its not gonna do anyone any good for weekend fishing. This weather has been up and down in typical virginia fashion. Im hopin for some rain to wash this pollen away, my allergies are killin me right now. Lake anna seems like the most logical choice for anyone tryin to get on some big bas this weekend, they are in full spawn on the warm side.

Dan: reply :

Steve when did they start spawning? I was there this past weekend and we saw a few in the shallows but fishing was very tough for everybody.

JCrzy4Bass reply :

We (my dad and I) were gonna hit Briery this weekend but a three hour drive with these conditions isn't really up our alley. We are fishing lake curtis in stafford instead and saving Briery for April, maybe get on some spawners. Good luck if anyone does try it this weekend. One things for sure the pressure on the lake will probably be minimal tommorrow, maybe the only advantage I can see.

Jake Freeman reply :

S13 I am definitely up for hitting Briery with you sometime. Just let me know a couple days ahead of time if you decide to go and have an open seat and hopefully I will be off. We can meet up there or near the house as I only live 5 miles from ya. let me know.......Thanks alot

jerry s reply :

I am heading to briery saturday the 17th was wondering if anyone could give me some input on water temp.

Wayne P. reply :

Yes, PM sent

Drew Austin reply :

I went last week, but it was sunny, clear, and way too hot to fish. I also was trying to fish from a canoe, but that compounded the issue. I fished the entire area from the dam all the way to the other side of the handicap pier. Got nothing, but I want to go back. Any advice? I know several of you fish there often, so I would appreciate it. I tried a large variety of lures and presentations.

fishguts reply :

Quote
I went last week, but it was sunny, clear, and way too hot to fish. I also was trying to fish from a canoe, but that compounded the issue. I fished the entire area from the dam all the way to the other side of the handicap pier. Got nothing, but I want to go back. Any advice? I know several of you fish there often, so I would appreciate it. I tried a large variety of lures and presentations.

Drew,

Fish small stuff, even on top in the middle of the day, and you'll do just fine. Even when it's blistering hot and sunny. In fact, there's no such thing as too hot at Briery.

Wayne P. reply :

I got a phone call this morning about 9:30 from the lake and the guy had caught an 8-12 (his PB). He called back about 10 minutes later and had caught a 6-2. Both were with a weedless wacky rigged finesse worm in about 7' depths.

June is one of the top months for numbers.

s13john reply :

yeah they were defiantly on at briery this morning i probably caught 20 on top water frogs between 6-730 kinda died down after the sun came out ... went a lil deeper caught a few but nothing 5+...... cant beat a toad bite though ;D

joleree reply :

I'll be visiting the lake for my 1st time Wed. Unfortunately I have to fish from the shore.

Can anyone please recommend a strategy?

I'm taking the typical arsenal......Rat L Traps, Heddon Torpedos, spinners and worms.

Thanks man!

John

Aluma-Bass reply :

most anything will work at briery this time of year, but if your on shore i would get a dozen jumbo minnows and hold on!

joleree reply :

Nice to have that 1st day out of the way.

Fished precisely how Wayne suggested, caught fish at the dam and the peninsula..........largest for the day around

3-3.5 total fish 10 plus a Pike.

I'm so blown away at this place.

Peace!

joleree reply :

I'll be at Briery at 6:30 am Tuesday. If anyone has an open seat please let me know. I'll bring lunch and drinks!......PLEASE GET ME OFF THE SHORE. :'(John

702-755-7603

Mr.steve reply :

looking for any advise i can get on fishing briery. I've been there twice in the last month and had limited success. I got there 6am both times and fished towards the upper end of the lake. fished with top water frogs, senkos and other soft plastics in shallow and deeper water but just didn't do much. any tips/advise would be greatly appreciated. thanks

fishguts reply :

Briery has been a major disappointment for me this season. I can only attribute it to the addition of 5,000 grass carp two years ago. The carp are now at least ten pounds and have rid the entire lake of every stalk of grass. The water is a funky brown (used to be nice and clear) and I've seen a dozen or so dead bass on each of my last outings.

I used to be able to catch 20-30 fish in a typical summer afternoon, but my best day has been around 10--most at or under 15 inches.

Anyone else having better luck? How about you Wayne? Are your numbers still holding up?

DieselvRR reply :

This was from kayakbassfishing.com...a member went there this past weekend and saw this.

Wayne P. reply :

fishguts, the lack of grass and constant dingy water hasn't affected my catch rate, but it has eliminated the very successful grass patten I used for the past few years.

I have fished there for 20 1/2 years so I have just adjusted to patterns I used before the grass appeared.

Mr.steve reply :

wayne p. from what what i've read you seem to know briery better than any body is there any chance you could give me some tips/advise on fishing there? i've been there twice and not done very well. thanks, steve

Wayne P. reply :

steve, PM sent

Mr.steve reply :

thanks wayne. good info there.

p-funk reply :

We were there on the weekend of the 19th. We noticed at least 6-7 dead fish in different areas of the lake as well. I've never seen this before at Briery???

As for catching, we caught about the same amount of fish as we normally do on trips down there.

joleree reply :

I was there on the 26th..saw two dead at the dam, 2.5 to 3.5's easy. Disturbing.

Wayne P. reply :

I'm going there tomrrow. Gonna be a nice post cold front day.

Wayne P. reply :

I saw several of the dead bass today. I was told that the rapid warming of the water was the culprit. It didn't hurt the catching though (well except the dead ones wouldn't bite, LOL)

shimmy reply :

Wayne as always is being modest. What he didn't tell you is that he caught a 9.3 pound bass the other day. The man knows this lake. Truly a machine

Mr.steve reply :

wayne p definitely knows his stuff. he provides a wealth of information just from his posts i can only imagine what one could learn fishing with him in person.

hookingem reply :

Wayne your such a modest guy and your posts are alwasy super helpful! out of curiostiy whats the biggest fish youve caught in briery?

Quote
I saw several of the dead bass today. I was told that the rapid warming of the water was the culprit. It didn't hurt the catching though (well except the dead ones wouldn't bite, LOL)

Wayne P. reply :

hookingem, I'm not as successful at landing the really large ones like some others are. I hook several in the 12#-16# class every year, even getting some within a rod's length of the boat, and haven't completed the task. My largest one landed there is 10 pounds and 4 ounces 27"

hookingem reply :

I read how succesfull you are there and i swear your gonna catch the next state record! I know the new state record is in that place!

Quote
hookingem, I'm not as successful at landing the really large ones like some others are. I hook aeveral in the 12#-16# class every year, even getting some within a rod's length of the boat, and haven't completed the task. My largest one landed there is 10 pounds and 4 ounces 27"

Lawdog 107 reply :

I've been reading alot of the post form Wayne about Briery Creek sounds like he really knows his stuff. I've got some time off from work in August the week of the 16th taken my son and going to Breiry. Wondering if the flukes w/weighted hooks and wacky worms are good that time of year. Also you said keep ur back to the bank fish the deep water near the power lines. Only been there 1x.

Wayne P. reply :

hookingem, I've had the record hooked three times. I just haven't been lucky enough to get that one back out of the trees after having it close and on the surface only to have it dive back into submerged laydowns.

Lawdog, PM sent

hookingem reply :

Your gonna do it wayne! You know briery all too well!

Quote
hookingem, I've had the record hooked three times. I just haven't been lucky enough to get that one back out of the trees after having it close and on the surface only to have it dive back into submerged laydowns.
Lawdog, PM sent

s13john reply :

just curious wayne was it recent that you had some thing pushing the state record or was it a while back ... just wondering i hear so many things for old timers in my parts that its gone down or gone up. ive only been able to fish the for about 2 years with a boat and getting a gas motor this year defiantly made a difference.

Wayne P. reply :

john, I hooked that fish about 4-5 years ago.

Wayne P. reply :

The hot weather hasn't affected my catch rate. The most significant thing about this year is the lack of weeds that had the benefit of keeping the water a whole lot clearer. The upper end has looked muddy to very dingy all year even with the infrequent rains. I fished there yesteday and the surface water temp got up to 91 degrees due to the water color and air temp.The thermocline is beginning to form at about the 20' level. That will eliminate a lot of water to try and find the bass.

Here is the thermocline at that level in 2D sonar and Down Imaging:

Aluma-Bass reply :

i will probably head out tomorrow morning for a bit 8-)

s13john reply :

went to briery today ... not much luck water is pretty murky and saw some more dead fish. overall better than working.

joleree reply :

Got out there on Sunday for 3 hours. 5 to 8 pm, 10 bass,

all over 16 inches, largest 4 ish. All on a ragetail watermelon craw using a 1/16 oz weighted hook.

Lawdog 107 reply :

Can anyone give info on the briery creek cottages was thinking about stayin there. thanks

Aluma-Bass reply :

Quote
Can anyone give info on the briery creek cottages was thinking about stayin there. thanks

http://www.brierycreeklake.com/

Phone: 434.223.7663, 434.390.6838

Cottage Rental Rates March-September:

$75.00 Daily

$175.00 Weekends

$450.00 Weekly

Cottage Rental Rates October-February:

$65.00 Daily

$165.00 Weekends

$400.00 Weekly

Lawdog 107 reply :

Thanks Aima-Bass have u stayed there? If not do u know that the inside looks like clean ect. the pictures make it look nice. Thanks

Lawdog 107 reply :

sorry. Aluma-Bass

Aluma-Bass reply :

i have never stayed there just bc i live about 45min away so i just drive...they do have pics of inside some of the cottages posted on the site did you see them?? It would be cool though to get handfull of people to rent one out for the weekend!

Wayne P. reply :

I've been inside one of them (the last one down the road) visiting an angler from Ohio. They are very nice.

Lawdog 107 reply :

Thanks guys. Thinking of renting 1 08/16-08/21 since it takes about 1.5 hrs from where I live to briery creek and the hotels around farmville had several bad reviews

Wayne P. reply :

Good luck getting one that weekend because that is when the two colleges in the area start populating.

Lawdog 107 reply :

Thanks for info Wayne I believe I got one of the cottages. If your down at briery creek that week I'll look for ya. Thanks again

Wayne P. reply :

Actually I will be there for a couple of days and staying in one of the cabins with a couple of guys from Connecticut.

JorgeVA reply :

Great thread. I've recently changed careers and now have time to fish. What a relief. Been exploring local Charlottesville lakes that I had never fished and learning a lot.

For my first time fishing Briery - say this Friday, would you mind providing some tips Wayne ( or any tips you'd share about CHO area lakes?).

Thanks so much. Really enjoying being back out on the water again - even if I did launch my boat across the lake without me last Friday (Bowler's Mill).

Wayne P. reply :

Jorge, PM sent

Eksmith4703 reply :

hey Wayne P you think you could send me a map of the briery creek hotspots? Im 15 and i go there every once in a while, just wanted to know the good spots.

shimmy reply :

well that is getting right to it eh. That takes balls. The kid deserves a bone with that subtlety.

Wayne P. reply :

Eksmith, I don't know of any "hot spots", the whole lake is one.

I can suggest a pattern based on when you are going to be there with areas that match that pattern. The "hot spot" will be where you catch them at a particular time; that can and will change at any time and any place.

What is your fishing experience level, your craft, electronics, and tackle?

You can respond via my e-mail address -- purdum43@aol.com

s13john reply :

i looked for this thread the other day and couldnt find it, glad it got bumped. Wayne is definatly the person to ask about briery, hes defiantly got a method its something to see him work his way up the lake, methodical is the word.

Eksmith4703 reply :

Quote
Eksmith, I don't know of any "hot spots", the whole lake is one.
I can suggest a pattern based on when you are going to be there with areas that match that pattern. The "hot spot" will be where you catch them at a particular time; that can and will change at any time and any place.

What is your fishing experience level, your craft, electronics, and tackle?

You can respond via my e-mail address -- purdum43@aol.com

I've been bass fishing for about 4 or 5 years now and i go to briery with my cousin and he's got a 16 ft bass tracker don't know what electronics he's got though, we went a couple time last summer and we didn't do much....any help would be nice

Wayne P. reply :

PM sent

Eksmith4703 reply :

Quote
PM sent

Thanks Wayne can't wait to get out there!

tbassfin28 reply :

Anyone fish Briery this time of the year? I was thinking about giving it a try and was wondering if anybody had any suggestions? Thanks

Wayne P. reply :

I do if it isn't frozen. I base my presentations on the water temp. If the surface temp is below 39. I fish the bottom, Above 39 and I start looking shallower and have caught them on Traps in less than 5' depending on the weather trend. Warming up=good, cooling down=bad.

IMPY03 reply :

I can't believe this post is still alive...Wayne is the man for sure.

Wayne P. reply :

I got an e-mail from someone that went there yesterday. He had called the Worsham Grocery to check if they knew if it was frozen. They said it wasn't. He went to the North end and a lot of it was. He couldn't get to an area I suggested he try. He didn't catch anything and the water temp was 38. He talked to someone later that had been to the mid lake area and there was some open water there.

deep reply :

Wayne, have got any suggestions for shore-fishing Briery Creek this Saturday? Any info would be great, even what rods to take. I did see some pics of Briery, and it seems it's a sea of stumps. Are treble hooked baits out of the question?

I went through most of this thread. About the finesse presentation with 30lb braid you mentioned; do you use a leader?

P.S. I've never been to Briery before.

EDIT: I also sent you an email.

luv2fish33 reply :

Deep im also curious about the shore fishing at Briery creek since I do not have a boat. Folks I talk to say yes you need a boat, but that lake is so big there has to be some good areas to fish somewhere along the banks.

Wayne P. reply :

luv2fish, there is a large shore fishing area at the North end with three docks to fish from as well as all around the gravel parking lot. Just go to the lake at the first entrance where the Game Commission sign is and go to the end of the road.

The water temp at that end of the lake was 46.4 this morning.

luv2fish33 reply :

Thanks for the info Wayne

jerry s reply :

Does anyone have any info on water temp. down there? probably heading down this weekend coming up. Any info would be helpful. Thanks.

Wayne P. reply :

I fished there Thursday and Friday. I'll PM you the revelant information.

I won't be going again until tomorrow.

Aluma-Bass reply :

Quote
I fished there Thursday and Friday. I'll PM you the revelant information.
I won't be going again until tomorrow.

Wayne where have you been?? haven't seen you post in awhile or maybe i just haven't been on as frequent??

Wayne P. reply :

Aluma-Bass, thanks for asking.

I visit this site almost daily and multiple times during those days. I comment when appropriate.

Aluma-Bass reply :

been waiting for some of your reports over at fishingva..that board is kinda slow right now.

YankDerJawOut reply :

I am supposedly heading to Briery either this week or the next. I am wondering how the recent cold weather will effect the fishing. Been thinking of sticking to the 701 ramp and head to the shallower end of the lake working a suspending crank bait, and maybe some trick worm action.

Has anybody done anything there lately? What is the water temp like? I haven't been there since last june/july which was a HOT, still had fun those two weeks, nothing huge, but fun nonetheless.

Wayne P. reply :

Haven't been since Tuesday. The highest surface water temp I saw was 62. The dropping water temp should make finding them easier since they won't be as scattered.

k o reply :

Hello Wayne and other Briery fans. I came up last year in late march. 2 inches rain, first night I was there and the water looked like coffee with cream in it. Not sure about this year as the Tidewater area offers some great freshwater fishing of it's own. Last weekend I went to Lake Smith (dishpan lake) The water temp was 59. Had a nice three pounder and a 6.25 that measured 22 inches. White spinnerbait on top--Pretty girl , fat but not obese. I expect she will spawn next month. I Will let you know if I am coming up. Including picture.

k o reply :

Just to qualify that picture---when I rotated it in my camera phone she came out looking fatter.

bassmanb69 reply :

Hello, everyone. I just want to say thanks for all the information in this thread. I have read it twice now. My friend and I are going to be heading to Briery for the first time on the 16th. I was wondering if anyone has been there recently and knows the current conditions. This thread has given me a ton of ideas to try and I can't wait to see what happens. Thanks again to everyone that has been kind enough to share thier knowledge and tips. Its nice to see a group of people that are willing to help others have a shot at being successful.

Mrbassface reply :

My girlfriend and I are going to Briery Creek this weekend and I have never been there before. The little bit that I know about the lake is that I should expect lots of standing timber. I can't seem to find a good map anywhere online so I will only have a map of the lake for a few hours before I launch. I would love to put my lady on some good fish and I would greatly appreciate all of the help I can get. I read a lot of people talking about wacky worms on Briery and I am not really confident with that technique. Is that something I shoud focus on or do they take lipless crackbaits and other soft plastics like senkos as well? Does anyone catch those giants on swimbaits at Briery? I am new to this forum and I really look forward to sharing and learning with everyone. Thank you very much in advance for any insight you can offer about Briery Creek Lake. I will post again early next week to share my experiences and hopefully post a picture of a nice fish.

bassmanb69 reply :

Mrbassface,

Good luck this weekend! I too have been told that the wacky rig is great. I have also heard good things about Rat-L-traps. I have been looking at the map found here- Briery Map. I have also been using the program Google Earth and really studying the layout as well. It really helps since its an aerial view. I have no idea what the water level is like but I saw some pics of the lake when the water was down and it was covered with stumps and timber. I was told that at normal levels, many of the stumps are just under the surface. Again, good luck and i hope the map might help. Looking forward to seeing some nice pics!

Mrbassface reply :

Thanks bassman!

Mrbassface reply :

bassmanb69,

I don't ussually fish a wacky worm. Do you know if I should fish it weightless or weighted? If I fish it weighted, should I use a bullet weight or a weight that doesn't slide?

Bigbarge50 reply :

So I am thinking about making a weekend run down from the D.C. area to see the action at Briery Creek and think might be way too big for me to hit with my zodiac and no outboard....

Anyone know of a good guide or someone who take people out for a day?

bassmanb69 reply :

Mrbassface,

I am by no means an expert on the wacky rig but most of the time I have used them or seen them used they are weightless. I have seen it used on occation with a weighted hook. After reading this thread I am pretty sure the authority on wacky rigs would be Mr. Wayne P. His posts and articles about wacky rigs are what started me using that rig to begin with. I am willing to bet he will be along at some point to correct me if I am wrong.

Aluma-Bass reply :

Mrbassface

at briery you can catch them off anything that you would normally use for bass.Wayne has great success with wacky rig but that's not only thing they will take. Main thing is place is loaded with timber/stumps. First couple outing i would just throw weedless stuff till you get use to lake then start throwing cranks and other stuff bc you will get hung up alot and get frustrated. Fish it like you would any other lake...things should be starting to heat up at briery!!

Wayne P. reply :

I fished there today. The water temp was about 54 this morning and got up to 62 in some downwind areas this afternoon since the air temp got up to 75 degrees.

I fish the weedless wacky rig with 30#-40# braided line, so I use 4'-5' of 20# fluorocarbon line for weight to make the braid sink faster. If it is windy, I use a nail in the worm head to reduce the bow in the line.

I was told that someone caught one over 15# recently on a live minnow at the North end of the lake.

Mrbassface reply :

Thanks a lot for the help guys. Will any of you be fishing Briery this weekend?

Mrbassface reply :

I see why everyone loves this lake so much. It is beautiful and I can see the potential it has to offer. I only caught 9 fish Saturday with the best one being 3 lbs but I learned a lot about the lake. All of my fish came on soft plastics and lipless crankbaits. I stayed midlake near the 701 ramp and the water is very clear with only a slight stain. It was between 55-56 degrees.

Mrbassface reply :

Also, I am going to Kerr/ Buggs Island this weekend and I will be staying all the way up-lake a few miles past Ochaneechee. I have been to Kerr a few times but always stayed near the dam. I know this might not be the right thread but I thought I would ask if anyone has any tips. Thanks!

Wayne P. reply :

I fished Briery Sunday and yesterday. Caught a few off beds yesterday where I could find some calm water due to the wind.

Bigbarge50 reply :

So does anyone have a guide or service they would recommend on this lake? I am really looking forward to making a trip down from D.C. to hit the water, but would love to have someone show me around and have a boat to use. Any info would be great if someone could recommend someone.

Shane J reply :

I'll be at Briary in two weeks, so hopefully the action is picking up down there. I'm expecting to find prespawn fish with swim jigs, maybe?

Wayne P. reply :

Shane, I have aleardy been catching some off beds there so you will find prespawn, spawning, and post spawn going on in two weeks.

Shane J reply :

That's what I was hoping for, Wayne. Thanks.

vegas679 reply :

My buddy and I are thinking about going here on Wed. I have a 12 ft jon boat w/ a trolling motor. Will I be ok here w/ just a trolling motor. Also has anyone been here recently, and can help me with finding a pattern.

Thank you

Aluma-Bass reply :

trollin motor is fine to get around...maybe bring couple batteries if you plan on exploring the lake. As far as fishing i havent been this year yet...Wayne could help ya on a pattern. Wacky rig will be on the list im sure

Shane J reply :

I was there Sunday, and the water temp was 65, slight wind, and partly overcast most of the day, with a little rain in the early part of the day. From what I could determine, most of the big girls have spawned, and are suspended in 12-18 foot water, hanging around the 9-12 foot depth. The smaller fish (2-3lbs) are hitting everything under the sun up shallower, especially around lily pads, but the big fish were not hitting anything. We tried a ton of stuff, with no luck with the bigger fish. I was really hoping to figure out what those post-spawn females would hit, but it just didn't happen. Good news for me, is I will be back there in a little over a week, so I get another shot (actually two, since I'm fishing there back to back days). Anyone with any thoughts on how to get those bigger suspended fish to bite would be nice. I do love that place, though.

Wayne P. reply :

I fished there today and yesterday and didn't catch any over 6# either day. I caught the most in the 4'-5' depth range yesterday and moved out deeper today and caught more and found several schools of 3#-4# bass. Once I figure out the depth that the fish are suspended in deeper water, I fish areas where that depth is the bottom, especially at creek channel drops. Side Imaging makes finding the fish kind of easy (doesn't make them bite though)

intheweeds reply :

Hi Briery gang,

I am heading to Briery tomorrow for an annual trip I do with some fishing buddies. I was just wondering if any of you have been there lately? Last year I got my PB at Briery (and it was a trophy). Thanks in advance for any info you may give.

Wayne P. reply :

On 5/18/2011 at 10:45 PM, intheweeds said:

Hi Briery gang,

I am heading to Briery tomorrow for an annual trip I do with some fishing buddies. I was just wondering if any of you have been there lately? Last year I got my PB at Briery (and it was a trophy). Thanks in advance for any info you may give.

PM sent

intheweeds reply :

Thanks Wayne.

Bigbarge50 reply :

intheweeds,

how was the trip down? How was the fishing?

intheweeds reply :

The fishing was tough. The fish were suspended in about 10 feet of water. I got a few on a swim jig with a baby craw trailer. My buddy picked up a 6.6. we worked very hard for the fish we got.

Rippinglips reply :

Thinking about heading to briery or sandy river on sunday. Any tips or suggestions? I dont have an outboard unfortunately just two trolling motors. All help is appreciated

Wayne P. reply :

On 5/28/2011 at 11:50 AM, Rippinglips said:

Thinking about heading to briery or sandy river on sunday. Any tips or suggestions? I dont have an outboard unfortunately just two trolling motors. All help is appreciated

If you go to Briery Creek Lake, use the Rt. 701 ramp. All of the lake can be accessed easily with electric power from there.

Rippinglips reply :

any tips or suggestions on where to fish off the 701 ramp?

Wayne P. reply :

On 5/29/2011 at 3:19 AM, Rippinglips said:

any tips or suggestions on where to fish off the 701 ramp?

Along the shoreline in the cove the ramp is in on the opposite side from the ramp is a good catching location. Most of the depths in the 8'-15' range on the Briery Creek and Little Briery Creek channel edges at the South end is a good producing pattern.

If you have the tendency to beat the banks, the fish will be behind you.

Rippinglips reply :

So ur saying dont fish shoreline in the main channel as the fish will be suspended behind in deeper waters? I appreciate all your help.

Rippinglips reply :

Fishing was tough this morning. Started out with a decent bite an caught 11 in the first 3hrs of being there. Me an reelcrzy both missed the big girl today unforutnatlely. biggest bass landed was 2 12 #. Fish were suspended in 12 to.20ft of water. Overall good first trip out there catching 18 total for the day.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

I’m heading out to Briery for the first time this weekend. I'm not sure what to expect when I get there. I would be appreciative of anyone willing to share some insight, tips, or suggestions on fish Briery this time of year. I do have small outboard, so covering the entire lake is not an issue.

Aluma-Bass reply :

as far as safety goes go slow till you learn lake as stumps are every where just under water and will surprise you when you ride up on one. I would put in at the 701 ramp as you will be at about mid lake easier to access all parts of lake from there. Good luck!

Wayne can fill you in on pattern...i haven't been yet this yr!

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Thanks! The stumps are concerning to me. Are they that trouble-some navigating around the lake? Just want to take the opportunity to see for myself how productive the lake is, don’t want to ruin my boat doing it.

Aluma-Bass reply :

there are handful of guys that know narrow lanes to run in that have minimal stumps. I have also learned a line from top to bottom where i can go and maybe only nick few stumps. Just go slow you will be ok...maybe take partner to help if for some reason you do get lodged up on a stump as they can be a pain to get off. If you go slow you will be fine...only use gas motor to make big moves i would say, use trolling motor for rest.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

I definitely take my oars just for that reason. Experienced being trapped on stumps out Sandy a couple weeks ago, and it wasn't for my oars, I'll still be out there. Using the 701 ramp, would you recommend heading left off the ramp or right towards the dam?

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/2/2011 at 3:27 AM, Aluma-Bass said:

there are handful of guys that know narrow lanes to run in that have minimal stumps. I have also learned a line from top to bottom where i can go and maybe only nick few stumps. Just go slow you will be ok...maybe take partner to help if for some reason you do get lodged up on a stump as they can be a pain to get off. If you go slow you will be fine...only use gas motor to make big moves i would say, use trolling motor for rest.

When I had a 12' jon boat with a 9.9, it would go 25 mph. I ran it on plane at WOT from the ramp to just about any part of the lake I wanted, but I've been fishing there for 20 years. Now the 16' Tracker only goes less than 8 mph with a 9.9-the 4-stroke doesn't seem to have the performance of a 2-stroke.

When you hit a submerged stump, keep your momentum going and most of the time you won't get hung up.

The most likely casulty would be a transom mounted sonar transducer.

Aluma-Bass reply :

On 6/2/2011 at 4:23 AM, Wayne P. said:

When you hit a submerged stump, keep your momentum going and most of the time you won't get hung up.

i agree...as wayne said hit stump keep on the gas till your over it. Momentum is key!

s13john reply :

http://i99.photobucket.com/albums/l285/s13drift_2006/th_briery.png

kinda like this

but yah take it easy, i went yesterday and the water is super clear and will be going tomorrow so ill let you know what is up

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Appreciate the help on tackling the stumps. @s13john: Let me know how you do tomorrow, curious to how the bite is now.

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/2/2011 at 9:35 PM, kaotic1 said:

Appreciate the help on tackling the stumps. @s13john: Let me know how you do tomorrow, curious to how the bite is now.

Historically, June has been the top month for numbers and size for me.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Is June better for topwater bites or jigs and plastics still the way to go?

Wayne P. reply :

I catch about 90% with the rig shown in my avatar.

I rarely use topwater unless there is schooling going on. The only jig type presentations I use there are 1/8 oz. shakey heads. The heavier jigs are just anchors in the timber.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

What do you call the rig in your avatar? I noticed, but thought it was something thrown together. Appears to be a cross between wicky-rig and t-rig and they had a offspring. Is that what it is?

Wayne P. reply :

Yep, that is what it is. I call it the Weedless Wacky Rig.

The hook is a Gammy 3/0 #02413 Octopus Hook and the black band is 1/4" electrical heat shrink tubing on a Zoom Trick worm.

I do the same with a finesse worm and use the 2/0 hook.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

You have a larger picture of it?

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/3/2011 at 2:25 AM, kaotic1 said:

You have a larger picture of it?

Yes, but my computer that has the photos is being worked on. I'll post it when I get it back.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Thanks. Did you have any success with weedless cirle hooks wacky style out there? I see you used trick worms...love those. Used bubblegum weightless out the Chick last weekend...deadly.

Rippinglips reply :

I went for my first time last weekend only ran up on one stump. Just take your time it wasnt to bad

s13john reply :

they didnt seem to want to cooperate today fished about every thing in the boat, channel edges on the upper end and laydowns in deeper water mostly what we fished. talked to one of the regs on the upper end said he caught a handfull before 6:30 but the bite died off after the sun. even tried to catch some beding bluegill on a fly rod but they just seemed complacent. The temp is supposed to drop tonight so that might help for the week end

good fishing to you

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/3/2011 at 4:12 AM, kaotic1 said:

Thanks. Did you have any success with weedless cirle hooks wacky style out there? I see you used trick worms...love those. Used bubblegum weightless out the Chick last weekend...deadly.

Never seen or heard of a weedless Circle hook. I don't use Circle hooks unless I don't want to catch any.

Gamakatsu has a Weedless Finesse Wide Gap hook with a flimsy plastic weed guard and they can't handle a big bass in heavy cover. The hook point is too close to the hook eye on those with or without the weedguard which causes missed hooksets.

S13john, I catch the most during mid day like around 10:00 to 3:00

Reel_Kaotic reply :

On 6/3/2011 at 9:00 AM, Wayne P. said:

Never seen or heard of a weedless Circle hook. I don't use Circle hooks unless I don't want to catch any.

Gamakatsu has a Weedless Finesse Wide Gap hook with a flimsy plastic weed guard and they can't handle a big bass in heavy cover. The hook point is too close to the hook eye on those with or without the weedguard which causes missed hooksets.

S13john, I catch the most during mid day like around 10:00 to 3:00

Yes, those are the hooks I'm referring to. Brought those things a few years ago, and never used them. Not too often that I fish near heavy structure and need a weedless finesse wide gap hook. I used the finesse hooks (without weedguard) for drop shots, do you think that's a bad choice for that same reason, you mentioned above?

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/3/2011 at 7:32 PM, kaotic1 said:

Yes, those are the hooks I'm referring to. Brought those things a few years ago, and never used them. Not too often that I fish near heavy structure and need a weedless finesse wide gap hook. I used the finesse hooks (without weedguard) for drop shots, do you think that's a bad choice for that same reason, you mentioned above?

IMHO, the hook shank is too short on the finesse wide gap hooks to get a high percentage of hookups when drop shotting.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Just maybe that the reason for little success I've had drop shoting. Try using a EWG 3/0 hook t-rigged.

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/3/2011 at 11:31 PM, kaotic1 said:

Just maybe that the reason for little success I've had drop shoting. Try using a EWG 3/0 hook t-rigged.

If you want more "reach" with the hook for large baits, use a straight shank worm hook.

Most dropshotters use an Octopus hook or a slightly longer shank version of it that is marketed as a dropshot hook. That is for nose hooking the bait.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Went on BPS site...how would you rate the Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot Hook or the Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks? I've always nose hook the bait, never tried using t-rigged plastic.

fisherman2014 reply :

If you are having trouble catching bass at Briery Lake, just keep on fishing. I live like 10 minutes down 15 toward Keysville and I've been fishing there a lot. I've had my days where you don't catch hardly anything, and then the other days where you find that one location and catch 22! I've seen a 29" bass come out of there so keep your hopes up! There are big bass in that lake, and always have been.

joleree reply :

Spent 7 hours on the lake on Thursday.

Really, really worked it from the main ramp to the upper shallow end.

Threw my arm off and got one 3lb fish...rough day I know....here's why

I'm writing though. My friend I fished many colors, sizes ect. on the bottom, he

had nothing I had the one.

He put on an old, beat up bass color super fluke and literally Wham!! He hooked up twice

in 20 minutes,on the drop, 2 fish that were 14 to 16 inches, it got nailed another 3 to 5 times

and was finally torn in half. It was the only fluke style, jerk bait we had.

So here is my question, in a lake like Briery, where we know they are there, if the bite is

not happening on the bottom, does it stand to reason that they are definitely suspended? Also,

do the fish suspend at varied depths for varied reasons i.e bright sun, heat, high/low front?

Can someone in a basic boat with no electronics find the thermocline?

For all of its incredible potential it seems that the standard school of thought is that Briery

is actually a fairly tough lake, most of the time (local legends excluded) anyone here have any

stories or suggestions regarding fishing a suspended pattern? How and what?

s13john reply :

went today from 5-9:30 in the evening. i had some good bites but lost them in cover. my buddy caught probably 6 and missed that many more fishing a spook and one on a trick worm. nothing with too much size but it was a good evening fishing.

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/4/2011 at 5:24 AM, joleree said:

Spent 7 hours on the lake on Thursday.

Really, really worked it from the main ramp to the upper shallow end.

Threw my arm off and got one 3lb fish...rough day I know....here's why

I'm writing though. My friend I fished many colors, sizes ect. on the bottom, he

had nothing I had the one.

He put on an old, beat up bass color super fluke and literally Wham!! He hooked up twice

in 20 minutes,on the drop, 2 fish that were 14 to 16 inches, it got nailed another 3 to 5 times

and was finally torn in half. It was the only fluke style, jerk bait we had.

So here is my question, in a lake like Briery, where we know they are there, if the bite is

not happening on the bottom, does it stand to reason that they are definitely suspended? Also,

do the fish suspend at varied depths for varied reasons i.e bright sun, heat, high/low front?

Can someone in a basic boat with no electronics find the thermocline?

For all of its incredible potential it seems that the standard school of thought is that Briery

is actually a fairly tough lake, most of the time (local legends excluded) anyone here have any

stories or suggestions regarding fishing a suspended pattern? How and what?

Yes, you can find the thermocline depth with a remote temp sensor thermometer. I use one to verify what looks like a thermocline on my electronics (plankton will look like the thermocline sometimes).

As far as presentations, any slow falling plastic lures will work great. You just have to be patient enough to use them in the whole water column. I caught 41 bass there yesterday and the most productive presentation was my avatar.

For productive locations, the prominent bottom features are the key to finding were they are (steep drops like creek channel edges and points are the most prominent). Finding those without electronics is as easy as paying attention to how long it takes a weighted lure (Tx. Rig or jig)to hit the bottom with several casts in a fan pattern.

For a hint of the thermocline in the summer, leave a jig or Tx rig on the bottom for about 30 seconds when you throw into what seems like deep water. When you reel it in, feel the lure, and if it feels cold, you are fishing too deep. Below the thermocline the water temp is in the 50's when the surface water temp is higher than about 85 degrees. A thermometer is an inexpensive instrument that will give you an idea of what is going on below.

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/4/2011 at 2:32 AM, kaotic1 said:

Went on BPS site...how would you rate the Gamakatsu Split Shot/Drop Shot Hook or the Gamakatsu Octopus Hooks? I've always nose hook the bait, never tried using t-rigged plastic.

That hook is better for the presentaion than the octopus hook ( longer shank )

Bigbarge50 reply :

Quote
For a hint of the thermocline in the summer, leave a jig or Tx rig on the bottom for about 30 seconds when you throw into what seems like deep water. When you reel it in, feel the lure, and if it feels cold, you are fishing too deep. Below the thermocline the water temp is in the 50's when the surface water temp is higher than about 85 degrees. A thermometer is an inexpensive instrument that will give you an idea of what is going on below.

Thanks wayne..... that is a great post and a really good idea.

fisherman2014 reply :

yea who would have thought to use a thermometer when fishing???

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/9/2011 at 2:40 AM, fisherman2014 said:

yea who would have thought to use a thermometer when fishing???

I have a couple of versions of this Minn Kota. The ones I have come with 25' cords and will work for most small lakes in Va.

http://www.cabelas.com/product/Minn-Kota174-Water-Temperature-Sensor/733944.uts?Ntk=AllProducts&searchPath=%2Fcatalog%2Fsearch.cmd%3Fform_state%3DsearchForm%26N%3D0%26fsch%3Dtrue%26Ntk%3DAllProducts%26Ntt%3Dminn%2Btemp%2Bsensor%26x%3D24%26y%3D9&Ntt=minn+temp+sensor

I also have a 50' cord model by another company that is no longer made.

DRegan reply :

Looking to hit Briery Creek for the first time and wanted to run this issue past anglers more experienced with this water. I fish out of an 11 foot inflatable, the SeaEagle 9, and was obviously a bit concerned with having the amount of trees/stumps that Briery has. While it is constructed out of a vinyl hybrid that's extremely durable (its rated for class 3 rapids), you can understand my concern with the type of vessel. Opinions? Worth going out there? or not without an experienced Briery angler?

Also, for the first time out I saw some concerns earlier in this thread with outboards. First time out, the 4 HP Outboard or rely on the trolling?

Wayne P. reply :

I wouldn't want to take an inflatable on that lake. Deflation is just about a sure thing at any speed.

Rapids don't have wooden pointed thingys like Briery has.

Tallent88 reply :

finally caught a decent one out here thanks to everyone I finally caught a decent one! best advice do your homework and apply diffrent technics

Reel_Kaotic reply :

I'll finally make it out there for the first time this Friday; trying to do my homework for the past few days.

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/29/2011 at 1:47 AM, kaotic1 said:

I'll finally make it out there for the first time this Friday; trying to do my homework for the past few days.

I just got back to this site after some screwed up AOL connections.

I fished there Friday 6/24--Slow day, only 38 bass.

Nitrofreak reply :

On 6/29/2011 at 3:04 AM, Wayne P. said:

I just got back to this site after some screwed up AOL connections.

I fished there Friday 6/24--Slow day, only 38 bass.

LOL...YOU ARE TOO MUCH !!!

I hope I do half that good when I get there in August or September Ha Ha I would consider that a good day !!!

s13john reply :

Hey ill be theirfriday in the am let me know and we will meet up. I went on sunday 4-8 caught about 10. wayne is the thermocline set up at 15 ft i took a picture of it on my unit ill post it up later

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/29/2011 at 6:19 AM, s13john said:

Hey ill be theirfriday in the am let me know and we will meet up. I went on sunday 4-8 caught about 10. wayne is the thermocline set up at 15 ft i took a picture of it on my unit ill post it up later

I won't be there this coming Friday.

I didn't see any strong indication of the thermocline, it looked like it is still kind of weak, but getting there. I checked all the way out to 30' depths.

Tallent88 reply :

i might come friday yall mind helping me unload the boat ? here is that pic of the decent one i caught out there finally

Bigbarge50 reply :

Nice work, think that qualifies as a lot better than "decent"

Reel_Kaotic reply :

@Wayne P.: 38 a slow day! I'll take that count any day!

@s13john: We should be out there by 6-630 at the lastest, if nothing changes. At the rt 701 ramp.

@reelcrazy: No problem, if you need some help. Let you know if any changes.

Tallent88 reply :

im gonna try to get there at 600 630 i probley wont need help but i just want to make sure if i do need help i got a hand usally always have a partner with me but probley not friday

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Ok, no problem. I'll have a partner with me.

s13john reply :

heres that pic of what i thought was thermocline.

see you their on friday kaotic

Wayne P. reply :

On 6/29/2011 at 10:56 AM, s13john said:

heres that pic of what i thought was thermocline.

see you their on friday kaotic

Yep, that looks like it and it is at the typical level for that lake.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

See ya there. Hopefully pick up some good pointers.

endless reply :

On 6/29/2011 at 10:56 AM, s13john said:

heres that pic of what i thought was thermocline.

see you their on friday kaotic

Got yourself a new unit?

To everyone going Friday have fun and good luck.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

Briery 1, Us 0! We tired everything the tackle box, but nothing. Left around noon and went to Sandy after lunch. Caught six there, biggest being 4+. Still had a great time visiting the famous Briery Creek. I will see her again...soon.

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/2/2011 at 8:46 AM, kaotic1 said:

Briery 1, Us 0! We tired everything the tackle box, but nothing. Left around noon and went to Sandy after lunch. Caught six there, biggest being 4+. Still had a great time visiting the famous Briery Creek. I will see her again...soon.

Where on the lake did you try everything?

I took a former co-worker there yesterday to show him how to bass fish on a lake (he has only fished rivers and hasn't had any bass catching luck). He said he would like to catch at least one bass. I told him as we were driving to the lake that he would probably catch one on the first cast (he did--with a Tx rigged finesse worm). He caught 15 bass, 1 shell cracker, and one catfish. He had several others get off due to lack of hook setting experience. I caught 21 bass. We caught the most during mid-day and caught them at every location we tried but one and that one didn't match the pattern (was just checking some odd stuff).

Tallent88 reply :

any size to them wayne i have also been catching much better numbers out there lately what pattern is that thats been working for you

s13john reply :

i dunno what was up today i fished creek channel edges from the power line up and only got 2 the whole way. used a wacky trick worm, darter head grub, t-rig, jig and senko in the rotation, had the best luck on the grub but broke off a few fish in laydowns.

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/2/2011 at 10:24 AM, reelcrazy said:

any size to them wayne i have also been catching much better numbers out there lately what pattern is that thats been working for you

There was a combination of two patterns. We didn't fish deeper than the thermocline (around 16'). Plus only fished where there were shad schools and bass that were not in the middle of the creek channel (had to be on the ledge or just off the ledge) or they had to be close on the bottom at the thermocline level on points. I used my electronics to determine those. I only tried one area that did not have those elements and didn't get a hit there, every other place was productive.

Most were caught with the weedless wacky rigged finesse worm.

We didn't catch any over 4#.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

On 7/2/2011 at 9:22 AM, Wayne P. said:

Where on the lake did you try everything?

I took a former co-worker there yesterday to show him how to bass fish on a lake (he has only fished rivers and hasn't had any bass catching luck). He said he would like to catch at least one bass. I told him as we were driving to the lake that he would probably catch one on the first cast (he did--with a Tx rigged finesse worm). He caught 15 bass, 1 shell cracker, and one catfish. He had several others get off due to lack of hook setting experience. I caught 21 bass. We caught the most during mid-day and caught them at every location we tried but one and that one didn't match the pattern (was just checking some odd stuff).

@Wayne P.: We fished the two coves to the right of the 701 ramp and up the tree line, just left of the ramp, also the area directly across. Even fished the channel mid-lake, sjohn13 showed us. We wacky rig trick worms, t-rig trick worms senkos, cranks, drop shot, spinners, jigs, beavers...everything. We were there at 7am-around 1pm. Caught up with sjohn13 before we pulled out. Sounds like you got there later, just after we left. Talked to another friend that fished near the dam mid-day and they caught a number of bass, just maybe we should have waited later to fish. Next time.

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 1:27 AM, kaotic1 said:

@Wayne P.: We fished the two coves to the right of the 701 ramp and up the tree line, just left of the ramp, also the area directly across. Even fished the channel mid-lake, sjohn13 showed us. We wacky rig trick worms, t-rig trick worms senkos, cranks, drop shot, spinners, jigs, beavers...everything. We were there at 7am-around 1pm. Caught up with sjohn13 before we pulled out. Sounds like you got there later, just after we left. Talked to another friend that fished near the dam mid-day and they caught a number of bass, just maybe we should have waited later to fish. Next time.

Weren't you guys there Friday?

I was there Thursday from 8:30AM until 5:30PM. I launched at the 701 ramp. My truck was the red Colorado with the Tracker trailer. All the boats I saw on the lake were not fishing the correct pattern, most were fishing the bank and one was fishing in the trees not far from the ramp in water that was too deep. I mentioned to my friend that those boats were not where the fish were, then I showed him where they were.

When I left the ramp, I went out to the middle of the lake to check the thermocline level. That determined where I would even attempt to find the fish.

hookingem reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 2:59 AM, Wayne P. said:

Weren't you guys there Friday?

I was there Thursday from 8:30AM until 5:30PM. I launched at the 701 ramp. My truck was the red Colorado with the Tracker trailer. All the boats I saw on the lake were not fishing the correct pattern, most were fishing the bank and one was fishing in the trees not far from the ramp in water that was too deep. I mentioned to my friend that those boats were not where the fish were, then I showed him where they were.

When I left the ramp, I went out to the middle of the lake to check the thermocline level. That determined where I would even attempt to find the fish.

You know Briery so well it is almost scary

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 4:57 AM, hookingem said:

You know Briery so well it is almost scary

Yes, I do know the lake quite well (20 years of experience) but I fish Sandy River the same way or any other man made lake. It has nothing to do with the lake itself, it's being familiar with seasonal patterns and fish behavior.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 2:59 AM, Wayne P. said:

Weren't you guys there Friday?

I was there Thursday from 8:30AM until 5:30PM. I launched at the 701 ramp. My truck was the red Colorado with the Tracker trailer. All the boats I saw on the lake were not fishing the correct pattern, most were fishing the bank and one was fishing in the trees not far from the ramp in water that was too deep. I mentioned to my friend that those boats were not where the fish were, then I showed him where they were.

When I left the ramp, I went out to the middle of the lake to check the thermocline level. That determined where I would even attempt to find the fish.

We were there from 630am to 1pm. I had the only trailer connected to a car (gold honda accord). I remembered you'd said that once, "if you are fishing the bank, the fish will be behind you." It may have been us fishing in the trees not far from the ramp, we had just left the cove next to the ramp. The only reason we stop to fish that area is because we spotted fish on the depth finder. But we continued to the area opposite the ramp. Were you in the boat where one of the guys left some rods in truck, so the boat returned to the ramp? And the two were arguing and joking about it.

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 5:21 AM, kaotic1 said:

We were there from 630am to 1pm. I had the only trailer connected to a car (gold honda accord). I remembered you'd said that once, "if you are fishing the bank, the fish will be behind you." It may have been us fishing in the trees not far from the ramp, we had just left the cove next to the ramp. The only reason we stop to fish that area is because we spotted fish on the depth finder. But we continued to the area opposite the ramp. Were you in the boat where one of the guys left some rods in truck, so the boat returned to the ramp? And the two were arguing and joking about it.

Nope, wasn't me. I have a Tracker PT 170 TX with a 9.9 4-stroke. I left the dock and immediately went out to the middle of the lake where the Briery Creek channel is to check for the thermocline depth. After that I went uplake past the powerline until the creek channel ledge was at that depth. The only conversation going on was me discribing what the sonar unit was showing. My boat is set up like this:

mudkart reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 6:15 AM, Wayne P. said:

Nope, wasn't me. I have a Tracker PT 170 TX with a 9.9 4-stroke. I left the dock and immediately went out to the middle of the lake where the Briery Creek channel is to check for the thermocline depth. After that I went uplake past the powerline until the creek channel ledge was at that depth. The only conversation going on was me discribing what the sonar unit was showing. My boat is set up like this:

Wait a minute Wayne, I thought those Humminbird units were "useless" in sunlight.

They look OK to me in your pic.

s13john reply :

Yah I fished about the same way as wayne. I think I need to use my marker bouys next time I think I was getting off the channel ledges ... Will be back tuesday

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 6:47 AM, mudkart said:

Wait a minute Wayne, I thought those Humminbird units were "useless" in sunlight.

They look OK to me in your pic.

The older units in the same size and the newer ones in the 800 and 900 series are somewhat less bright. I guess you have read about all that stuff, LOL

Reel_Kaotic reply :

On 7/3/2011 at 6:15 AM, Wayne P. said:

Nope, wasn't me. I have a Tracker PT 170 TX with a 9.9 4-stroke. I left the dock and immediately went out to the middle of the lake where the Briery Creek channel is to check for the thermocline depth. After that I went uplake past the powerline until the creek channel ledge was at that depth. The only conversation going on was me discribing what the sonar unit was showing. My boat is set up like this:

I don't remember seeing it. Looks as though I need to get more studying and practice and a few upgrades.

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/2/2011 at 7:48 PM, Wayne P. said:

There was a combination of two patterns. We didn't fish deeper than the thermocline (around 16'). Plus only fished where there were shad schools and bass that were not in the middle of the creek channel (had to be on the ledge or just off the ledge) or they had to be close on the bottom at the thermocline level on points. I used my electronics to determine those. I only tried one area that did not have those elements and didn't get a hit there, every other place was productive.

Most were caught with the weedless wacky rigged finesse worm.

We didn't catch any over 4#.

This is an idea of what I was looking for except there were no bass near these schools of shad. I took this screen shot from a recording I did as I was leaving the upper end and going to the mid-lake area to check some thermocline points. I changed the settings somewhat to clean up the image-normally I have it set to highlight the fish better. I was following the creek channel at this point.

AllanM reply :

Went fishing on 7/15/2011, most success in creek channel. Friend I brought caught a citation bluegill. Seems they are suspeneded in about 12 +/- water. Are bluegill normally suspeneded above or below the bass (or with)? Yes I am new at bass fishing. Trying to learn Briery creek so my boys (10,8,5) will have huge success, lifetime memories and love of fishing.

Wacky worming-color? White? That is what I tried to use, you would have laughed at me, I know I did.

For boys, what works to catch pickeral? Catfish at briery?

Thanks,

Allan

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/19/2011 at 1:29 AM, AllanM said:

Went fishing on 7/15/2011, most success in creek channel. Friend I brought caught a citation bluegill. Seems they are suspeneded in about 12 +/- water. Are bluegill normally suspeneded above or below the bass (or with)? Yes I am new at bass fishing. Trying to learn Briery creek so my boys (10,8,5) will have huge success, lifetime memories and love of fishing.

Wacky worming-color? White? That is what I tried to use, you would have laughed at me, I know I did.

For boys, what works to catch pickeral? Catfish at briery?

Thanks,

Allan

I don't use a solid color worm with that rigging (just used the white for picture clairty). I use colors with lots of metal flakes in them since they are the softest. Color does not matter.

I don't fish for those species, catch a few occasionally with bass lures though.

donnelley reply :

has the lake been a little "off" this season.

I have fished it pretty hard and caught very little.....opinions?

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/22/2011 at 8:13 AM, donnelley said:

has the lake been a little "off" this season.

I have fished it pretty hard and caught very little.....opinions?

I haven't caught as many over 5# this year as I usually do. Numbers have been about the same as previous years (698 so far).

hookingem reply :

On 7/22/2011 at 7:25 PM, Wayne P. said:

I haven't caught as many over 5# this year as I usually do. Numbers have been about the same as previous years (698 so far).

Whats your biggest this year Wayne?

Tallent88 reply :

that number makes me shake my head at me being nowhere near that all season anywhere and bow at the same time you are truely the man at briery creek good job wayne!

That being said should we be harvesting more of the smaller ones out there?

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/22/2011 at 10:02 PM, hookingem said:

Whats your biggest this year Wayne?

My biggest there this year is 8# - 8 oz. caught May 3rd. I caught 39 bass that day.

Wayne P. reply :

On 7/22/2011 at 10:05 PM, reelcrazy said:

that number makes me shake my head at me being nowhere near that all season anywhere and bow at the same time you are truely the man at briery creek good job wayne!

That being said should we be harvesting more of the smaller ones out there?

The slot limit was set for the harvest of the smaller bass, but most bassfisherpersons don't keep any--including me.

Tallent88 reply :

nor do I but I see plenty of guys fishing from the docks keeping whatever they catch so im sure they are plenty being removed

Lawdog 107 reply :

I was at briery creek for the the first (August) time this year looked like the water level was low any insight. Caught 6 between my son and I biggest 4bls.

amykerns67 reply :

Were going to try Briery Creek Today! First time for me but Jimmys been there before. Over the past 2 years we have always headed to Sandy. Hopefully this forum will help me outfish my man for once.

Reel_Kaotic reply :

On 1/28/2012 at 9:45 PM, amykerns67 said:

Were going to try Briery Creek Today! First time for me but Jimmys been there before. Over the past 2 years we have always headed to Sandy. Hopefully this forum will help me outfish my man for once.

How did you do?

amykerns67 reply :

Not to good. The wind was blowing about 30 mph tried to fish the creek channels but the wind wouldn't allow that to happen. Gosh does that place have stumps. Never been anywhere like that. Any tips? We went in on 701. Started of heading to the right and on the righthand side. Then across to stump heaven ended up on a flat about a foot deep as we were trying to head back to the landing. After the fact, my man said figured out we were suppose to go to the left when we left the landing. Guess we'll give it another try as it gets warmer.

BlackMagic82 reply :

Heading out to Briery this weekend with the warm front coming through (70s both days this weekend with lows only in the upper 40s/lower 50s for 3 straight days. This will be my first trip to Briery and I am fishing out of my 9' pond prowler with a 50# MinnKota, which I am sure is going to limit where I can go. I have been studying the maps and am trying to decide where I want to head and how I want to fish... Not really chasing a big bite, just would like to catch some fish since my wife will be with me (she gets bored with the finer aspects of fishing but likes catching them).

Any input about fishing 70 degree weather in early January or tips/ideas about where I should head would be greatly appreciated.

Wayne P. reply :

On 1/9/2013 at 12:23 AM, BlackMagic82 said:
Heading out to Briery this weekend with the warm front coming through (70s both days this weekend with lows only in the upper 40s/lower 50s for 3 straight days. This will be my first trip to Briery and I am fishing out of my 9' pond prowler with a 50# MinnKota, which I am sure is going to limit where I can go. I have been studying the maps and am trying to decide where I want to head and how I want to fish... Not really chasing a big bite, just would like to catch some fish since my wife will be with me (she gets bored with the finer aspects of fishing but likes catching them).

Any input about fishing 70 degree weather in early January or tips/ideas about where I should head would be greatly appreciated.

Message sent

flyfisher reply :

I am debating on hitting there on saturday myself as i have not been out there for any witner fishing yet. The only thing i do know is that it always seems to be windy out there no matter what the weather forecast says which in a kayak can be somewhat problematic at times.

Hanover_Yakker reply :

On 1/9/2013 at 3:00 AM, flyfisher said:
I am debating on hitting there on saturday myself as i have not been out there for any witner fishing yet. The only thing i do know is that it always seems to be windy out there no matter what the weather forecast says which in a kayak can be somewhat problematic at times.

That's why you need a brush clamp man!!! You can either buy one from BPS in their saltwater tackle aisle or use a DIY kind like I made. I just bought an oversized plastic clamp for woodworking and tied on a 25' length of general purpose nylon 1/4" cord. I'll be upgrading the clamp to a true welders or brush metal clamp soon though. I'm hoping to get out as well just not sure if I can do a weekend trip right now. My trip would have to be on Friday even though they are calling for a chance of showers right now.

flyfisher reply :

On 1/9/2013 at 3:07 AM, Hanover_Yakker said:

That's why you need a brush clamp man!!! You can either buy one from BPS in their saltwater tackle aisle or use a DIY kind like I made. I just bought an oversized plastic clamp for woodworking and tied on a 25' length of general purpose nylon 1/4" cord. I'll be upgrading the clamp to a true welders or brush metal clamp soon though. I'm hoping to get out as well just not sure if I can do a weekend trip right now. My trip would have to be on Friday even though they are calling for a chance of showers right now.

I have the brush clamp and the remaining stationary part isn't that bad. It is more of the paddling back to the ramp against the wind after fishing all day that gets to me I have been there and had to fight 20+ MPH winds and it is not that much fun but it does keep you on your toes since you have to avoid all the dead heads but at least now with my commander i don't have to worry about getting a limb caught in my scupper.

Hanover_Yakker reply :

I wonder what WayneP would do or if he is planning on heading out anytime during this warming trend?

flyfisher reply :

On 1/9/2013 at 3:33 AM, Hanover_Yakker said:
I wonder what WayneP would do or if he is planning on heading out anytime during this warming trend?

Probably out fish everyone on the lake I have learned a lot reading his posts that is for sure

Wayne P. reply :

I'm not planning to be there, BUT I don't have to make plans, LOL

I'm fishing another lake tomorrow.

Aluma-Bass reply :

Just follow the guy with the 2 large "flat screen tv's" on his boat, that will be Wayne!

Hanover_Yakker reply :

I'll definitely be on the lookout if I go. I know I have fished the general area he fishes, so it is highly likely. Just looking for some general pointers on gear to take. I usually only take 2-3 rods anyway to keep it simple. I have a couple ideas but wanted to simplify.

BlackMagic82 reply :

Got to Briery at about 10:30 Saturday... Foggy as all get out and about 58 (64 when we left) out. Water was at 50 - 54 depending on where we were. Fished stumps and trees in the 5 - 20 transition on a ledge with a 3/8 jig and craw trailer, slow to very slow presentation. Caught one chunk that went about 1.25 and that was it. Pretty rough day overall as the sun never really broke through and the wife was not loving the January chill. We fished until about 2:30 and then had to head back in.

This was my first trip to Briery and I can definitely see why it produces so many big fish... what a body of water. With that said, oh man was it an adventure trying to cross that lake - everything I have read about the stumps is true and then some. I was glad to get out there though and even happier when I realized it's only about an hour and 15 minutes from the house. Gonna try out Sandy River next and then hopefully tournament season will be upon us.

Thank you to everyone who gave me some pointers, the spots I tried were amazing... I am actually excited to get out there and fish some ledges in June and July. I learned how to do it last year on Kentucky lake and wowza does the deep water layout at Briery get me excited.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Chip M. reply :

Fished briery for 9 hrs yesterday..stuck to the main lake the whole time...rained early then hung around 60 degrees all day...fished banks and deep water but only had three bites! Threw everything in the tackle box! Hooked into one but got me around a log! No electronics this time and water was rather muddy looking. I've put close to 40 hrs on this lake and jus cant seem to find fish! Putting another 8 hrs on it next weekend so any advice on where to fish in these conditions would be awesome! Kind of tired of getting my butt whipped! Thanks!

Hanover_Yakker reply :

I'm getting ready to try it out here soon myself again. It's been far too long for me.

Wayne P. reply :

On 3/18/2013 at 11:46 PM, Hanover_Yakker said:
I'm getting ready to try it out here soon myself again. It's been far too long for me.

The last time I was there was the 10th and there were a few yakers on the water South of the power line.

T-Simp reply :

How feasible/worth it is it to use a kayak on Briery? Or do you need a powered boat to fish it well due to its size?

Hanover_Yakker reply :

You can fish Briery in a kayak - do it all the time. You just need to take your time and not go to fast. My advice would be to go out with someone a few times first. It can be quite a challenge trying to unsnag a kayak that is stuck fro ma submerged stick that is caught in a scupper hole. The tree limbs flex a lot, so once you are stuck it becomes difficult to get free. Last thing you want to do is have to get out and lift the kayak off but it can be done.

lefty reply :

You will be fine with the yak. Lots of people take em out there. Put in at 701 ramp. Its mid lake.

Rustyhook24_7 reply :

The fishing is getting good and fast on the lake. Went out yesterday and caught between 30 and 40 bass and a citation size crappie. The bass ranged from about two pounds to a little over four pounds but the trip was still fun. Might go back tomorrow and look for that lunker that has been avoiding me. Speaking of lunkers, I saw that an individual pulled about a twelve pounder a couple weeks ago. Congrats to him and to the fish of a lifetime. Anyone else been on the lake or heard of any action?

T-Simp reply :

Awesome, thanks for the responses. I'm not sure what to expect with all the submerged timber but I'll give it a go in the next few weeks hopefully and report back.

Wayne P. reply :

I fished there yesterday and today. While the surface temp got up in the low 60's, the bottom temp in 5' or more was still in the low 50's. Caught most in the 3'-6' depth range.

Yep, caught a bunch both days-no DD though.

armentdw reply :

Does anyone know what the main forage is for the larger bass in Briery Creek?

I've read that blueback herring have been introduced. Are they present in large numbers?

madweazl reply :

Are there boat rentals at Briery? I havent been able to find anything about it so I'm leaning towards no. Was really hoping to head down tomorrow but wont do it without a boat

Wayne P. reply :

On 4/25/2015 at 7:57 AM, madweazl said:
Are there boat rentals at Briery? I havent been able to find anything about it so I'm leaning towards no. Was really hoping to head down tomorrow but wont do it without a boat

No, there is nothing at Briery Creek but some fishing piers and lots of shore access at the dam area

madweazl reply :

Poo. Fishing near the dam any good? I need to buy a boat.

flyfisher reply :

Get a kayak and it will open up many lakes that were previously inaccessible. I still have yet to fish out there this year but it looks like i may have a few days off before i start my long term sub position so i am gonna try and get out there this week.

cmaher reply :

This page was a great page why no activity in 2 years??

DaveT63 reply :

Any recent word on either Briery or Sandy River ? Some friends and i are going to be fishing there weekend after next. We stay at Sandy River Resort, fish Briery from sun up until about 2 or 3, then Sandy from about 5 til dark.

Dan B. reply :

I'm new here. Just wanted to thank everyone who posted on this thread. There's some great info here (special thanks to Wayne P.). Wish I'd seen this before fishing Briery on Sunday, because it could have come in handy. :-)

I went to Briery on 4/12 for the first time. Water temp was 70, and water was stained. I figured bass might be on beds, so I was concentrating on shallow water sheltered from the wind. I caught 7 and lost a solid 8th pitching creature baits to shallow water structure in a few different coves and pockets. All the fish were in skinny water hugging the shoreline or laydowns. I couldn't actually see any beds or bass guarding fry, but there were definitely bass acting like they were spawning (I also saw or heard multiple fish inches from shore or shallow laydowns splashing around, and they weren't carp). Biggest was 21.5" and 5 lbs. 11 ozs. (a PR for me). Three more were 18 inchers, and the other three were 12-15". The one I lost was probably in the 3 lb. range. I also threw a chatterbait for a bit in slightly deeper water without any bites. A guy at the ramp when I was launching claimed his son caught and released an 11 lber. that morning on a plastic worm in the cove opposite the ramp by the dam.

I went back on 4/16 hoping to maintain the pattern and try it in new spots, but conditions changed. Water temps increased to 72-73. The wind was fierce and nearly constant (there were whitecaps), and it muddied up the water. I looked for sheltered water, and hooked a 3 lb. class bass on a creature bait in a couple feet of water by some laydowns outside of the wind (water was still dirty). I lost that fish when it jumped. I tried to repeat the pattern from 4/12 in other spots, but it wasn't working well. I hooked and lost one other smaller bass, also on a creature bait, in some water that was actually windier but also clearer than the first spot. That was all for me that day. I didn't land anything, or get any other bites. I probably should have covered more water, including deeper water, with a chatterbait or spinnerbait, or used my electronics more. A guy at the ramp, who I saw at one point fishing slightly deeper than me, said he caught 8.

I also went to Sandy a couple times earlier in April. I had a similar experience there. One day I caught 8, including a 19" 4.25 lber., and another day, I just got one dink. However, there I did the opposite. I was concentrating on deeper water first (and not getting bit), and the next time when I focused on shallower water, I did well (for me).

DaveT63 reply :

On 4/19/2017 at 1:00 AM, Dan B. said:

I'm new here. Just wanted to thank everyone who posted on this thread. There's some great info here (special thanks to Wayne P.). Wish I'd seen this before fishing Briery on Sunday, because it could have come in handy. :-)

I went to Briery on 4/12 for the first time. Water temp was 70, and water was stained. I figured bass might be on beds, so I was concentrating on shallow water sheltered from the wind. I caught 7 and lost a solid 8th pitching creature baits to shallow water structure in a few different coves and pockets. All the fish were in skinny water hugging the shoreline or laydowns. I couldn't actually see any beds or bass guarding fry, but there were definitely bass acting like they were spawning (I also saw or heard multiple fish inches from shore or shallow laydowns splashing around, and they weren't carp). Biggest was 21.5" and 5 lbs. 11 ozs. (a PR for me). Three more were 18 inchers, and the other three were 12-15". The one I lost was probably in the 3 lb. range. I also threw a chatterbait for a bit in slightly deeper water without any bites. A guy at the ramp when I was launching claimed his son caught and released an 11 lber. that morning on a plastic worm in the cove opposite the ramp by the dam.

I went back on 4/16 hoping to maintain the pattern and try it in new spots, but conditions changed. Water temps increased to 72-73. The wind was fierce and nearly constant (there were whitecaps), and it muddied up the water. I looked for sheltered water, and hooked a 3 lb. class bass on a creature bait in a couple feet of water by some laydowns outside of the wind (water was still dirty). I lost that fish when it jumped. I tried to repeat the pattern from 4/12 in other spots, but it wasn't working well. I hooked and lost one other smaller bass, also on a creature bait, in some water that was actually windier but also clearer than the first spot. That was all for me that day. I didn't land anything, or get any other bites. I probably should have covered more water, including deeper water, with a chatterbait or spinnerbait, or used my electronics more. A guy at the ramp, who I saw at one point fishing slightly deeper than me, said he caught 8.

I also went to Sandy a couple times earlier in April. I had a similar experience there. One day I caught 8, including a 19" 4.25 lber., and another day, I just got one dink. However, there I did the opposite. I was concentrating on deeper water first (and not getting bit), and the next time when I focused on shallower water, I did well (for me).

Thanks for the post! Friends and I are going nest weekend. It's those stories of the 10, 11, 12 lb bass that keep us coming back every year. Our best so far is 7lbs. Water temps are much warmer than I thought they would be, based on recent water temps here in MD. Gonna have to revise our strategy for sure! Nice looking fish, BTW!

Wayne P. reply :

On 4/19/2017 at 10:01 PM, DaveT63 said:

Thanks for the post! Friends and I are going nest weekend. It's those stories of the 10, 11, 12 lb bass that keep us coming back every year. Our best so far is 7lbs. Water temps are much warmer than I thought they would be, based on recent water temps here in MD. Gonna have to revise our strategy for sure! Nice looking fish, BTW!

Fished Briery yesterday none over 6#, all shallow, 44 bass. Water temp was 67-70. Sort of breezy again.

Dan B. reply :

Any recent reports from people who have fished Briery or Sandy? Thinking of going down there this weekend, but wondering what impact the weather from the past couple weeks has had.

joecarroll42 reply :

Curious as well, heading down this coming weekend. It'll be my first

time fishing Sandy River, I've been to Briery Creek once before. But curious what the conditions are like down there right now!

TravisVirginiaAngler reply :

Thinking about going for first time next week. Early June have the bass moved deep or is the shallow bite still on? Never hear word one on any top water bite success but at 7 am with a popR or frog it's gotta be good yeah?

kfili reply :

Heading out to briery in the am, for the first time. Anyone have any advice on finding the ledges without electronics? Im assuming there deep, I plan on putting in at the 701 ramp and fish my way up north. thinking carlolina rig, texas rig, dropshot if it gets tough? whatre your thoughts?

david in va reply :

get there early 5:30 am , best fishing will be from then till about 9 am you can mess up a lower unit there, be carful. Wacky rig and deep running crank baits, Frog early on or so I am told

Good luck

kfili reply :

What a nightmare...one of my rods fell out of my boat somehow on 460, spent a long time looking but never found it...worst day. Anyway if anyone finds a lefty Lews LFS on a hellbent rod in a red sleeve, I would really appreciate it...

Jef87 reply :

Hi all, I would like to thank all of you for your informative posts throughout this thread. I am new to the site and have just started getting back into bass fishing, and hoping to land a trophy bass or 2 by this time next year. Naturally, Briery is probably my best opportunity to catch a lunker, so I have fished it the last two weekends with a little bit of luck and landed a couple 2-4 pounders each day. Mostly fished the mid-lake treeline, and also caught a few in about 10 foot of water. I was wondering if any of you had any advice on what depths I should be targeting this time of year for the big girls? Any advice would be helpful, as this lake is a bit intimidating to a former farm pond fisherman with its endless cover. Thanks, and hoping to see some of you on the water soon!

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