Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Read Our Blogs

 

The blue catfish is not my favorite species that swims in the York River and its tributaries. Don't get me wrong, I like fried catfish with gravy and onions as much as the next country boy. Catching channel cats brings back fond memories of my Uncle Bob who knew how to find them in the Mattaponi River around West Point.

Blue cats are a spring favorite at York River State Park in Virginia

Since their introduction to Virginia in the 1970's, blue catfish populations have surpassed that of the native species.Indigenous to the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Rivers, blues have become a top predator in our tidal rivers with an appetite that knows no boundaries.

They are a nuisance to recovery efforts of our local herring and shad fisheries and threaten even our crabs. Blues can reach weights over 100 lbs and live for about 20 years. Although a fresh water species, they can tolerate brackish conditions as well.

Blue catfish are a spring favorite at the Croaker Landing Pier.

There is a silver lining with this blue cloud. As the anadromous fishes come up river to spawn, the blues come into brackish water to feed on them. Thus, the Croaker Landing Pier at York River State Park is the perfect place to catch a few catfish for your cooler. There is no creel limit on blues less than 32 inches. 

As this is an invasive species, feel free to take as many as you wish to clean and consume.

I recommend a sturdy medium-heavy to heavy spinning rod and reel combo with 15 lb. test or heavier.  Blues are strong fighters and your little bluegill rig will get broken trying to haul these bruisers up on a pier. Circle or long shank hooks from 1/0 to 5/0 will do. Cut shad, or any synthetic bait that mimics an oily and smelly fish is very effective in March and April. Once the Atlantic croaker arrive in May, the blues aren't quite as common.

Get the frying pan ready at York River State Park in Virginia

Get the frying pan ready

Spring is just around the corner. So, get your fishing gear and your favorite recipe ready. Catching blue catfish at Croaker Landing  at York River State Park is the best way to help our native aquatic creatures and put something on your dinner table at the same time.

Directions to York River State Park's Croaker Landing:  From I-64, take the Croaker Exit 231B. Go north on Route 607 (Croaker Rd) for about three miles. Turn right at the "Croaker Landing" sign and drive to the contact station. Parking & pier and launch fee is $6 per vehicle. Honor parking is enforced.

PARKS
CATEGORIES
SHARE THIS PAGE

If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENT

Tom (March 16, 2016 07:09:40 PM): If you catch more than you want for your dinner table, consider donating your surplus to the Salvation Army! You can do two great things at the same time!

http://www.salvationarmywilliamsburgva.org/

By Park