WATER TEMPS · 5 USGS GAUGES

Virginia lake & river water temperatures

The latest reading from every Virginia gauge we track, with the jerkbait call for each. Numbers refresh from USGS when the page loads. Tap a water for the 7-day trend, cadence and picks.

RIVERS

EVERY BAND, ONE TABLE

The jerkbait water-temperature chart

Surface temperature decides how long a jerkbait should sit still. These are the bands we fish by. They're a starting point, not a law: clarity, the last front and the fish themselves get a vote.

WATERTHE CALL
Below 45°FPause 15–30 secToo cold to rush. The jerkbait is a long-pause gamble.Throw: Rapala Husky Jerk 12, Z-Man TRD TubeZ (Ned Rig), Pautzke Fire Neds Micro Finesse Jigs
45–52°FPause 5–15 secPrime suspending-jerkbait water. Slow down and let it hang.Throw: Megabass Vision 110 Jr., Smithwick Suspending Rogue, Rapala Husky Jerk 12
53–60°FPause 2–5 secPeak jerkbait window. Fish are awake and chasing.Throw: Megabass Vision 110 Jr., Jackall Rerange 110SP, Lucky Craft Pointer 100SP
61–68°FPause 0–2 secSpeed it up. Short pauses, more water covered.Throw: Jackall Rerange 110SP, Rapala X-Rap SubWalk 09, Zoom Super Fluke (5")
69–76°FPause BarelyWarm water. The jerk moves to soft plastics and the surface.Throw: Zoom Super Fluke (5"), Heddon Zara Spook 3/4oz, Rapala X-Rap SubWalk 09
77°F and upPause NoneBathwater. Jerk early, jerk late, or jerk at night.Throw: Heddon Zara Spook 3/4oz, Zoom Super Fluke (5"), Yamamoto Senko 5" Green Pumpkin

OTHER STATES