Wow! It has been one full week since our last update and what a week it has been. The infamous St. Paul construction has found its way to our street but that hasn’t kept ya’ll (and FedEx) from finding a way here. The stories, good and bad, we have heard regarding the navigation of downtown St. Paul have kept us entertained. How did you guys spend the long weekend? We spent President’s Day ordering new items for Spring Turkey and Spring Fishing seasons. Hopefully you have enjoyed the last couple of days of sunshine because it will be rain from here on out.
Fishing:
According to the weather forecast, we could be in for some historic flooding in parts of our region this week. We do rent kayaks year-round so if you need an alternate means of transportation to work later in the week, we have you covered. But – in all seriousness – please turn around, don’t drown.
The Clinch River is still flowing at a high rate of 5730 cfps and the water temperature is 46 degrees Fahrenheit, per USGS Water Data information recorded this morning. The river is still rising and we have more rain on the way. Oxbow has been productive this week, with customers catching catfish, largemouth and crappie on our live bait. Per the Farmer’s Almanac, fishing this week will range from poor – fair. This is in part due to the full moon tonight, February 20, and of course the rain.
This week’s featured new product: Dude Perfect Spincast Combo! Try your hand at some trick shots like those of YouTube sensation, Dude Perfect, with this fishing kit!
Firearms:
We still have a special price on the Glock G19 Gen 5 w/night sights – only $626! Come see us and we may make an even better deal. Also this week, we have three new products arriving: Henry US Survival 22LR (it is waterproof!), DPMS – Oracle 223/5.56 and the Springfield XDM 45ACP.
Be sure to check out these new products as well as our featured firearm of the week – J. Steven’s Arms Model 1915 32L Rifle with an octagonal barrel. This firearm is in very good shape and would make a great addition to any collection.
Unique Item:
This week’s unique item is a Siesta Ware Western mug. Benner Glass Company of Jacksonville, FL trademarked the Siesta Line in 1963. Siesta Ware is known for its barrel shaped mugs with their characteristic metal bands at the top and bottom, often with wooden handles. The mug featured depicts a cactus, wagon wheel, bovine skull and cattle brands and could be found as part of a set on a wooden tray embellished with a similar theme.
Q&A:
Q: Can you tell me a little about the walleye in the Clinch River?
A: Yes, we would love to! We love to fish for walleye in the Clinch River from Nash’s Ford to Clinchport. According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website, in May 2014 they stocked the Clinch River with 54,500 walleye averaging about one inch in length. On average, a walleye will grow to 18 inches in about 3 – 4 years, meaning our walleye should be reaching the Virginia length requirement of 18+ inches by now.
We have caught several walleye the last few years that are 18+ inches, some measuring 24 inches. We catch and release all of our fish to help provide better angling opportunities for others. If you do prefer to keep your catch, we ask that you follow the creel limit of no more than 5 combined walleye and saugeye daily. Right now, anglers are catching walleye on live minnows and mostly in the deep holes. Have you caught a trophy walleye from the Clinch? DGIF Trophy Walleye must be at least 5 pounds or 25 inches. Let’s make 2019 a year for trophy walleye and we will proudly display your picture in the shop when you get one!
Don't forget to send us your questions, comments and other feedback each week. We love hearing from our best resource: our customers. Thank you for reading and until next week, get outdoors and "Clinch Life!"