When I start making calls for the fishing report, I can always count on honesty from John Zienius, who helps keep New River Valley anglers geared up from his Big Z's shop in Radford.

I appreciate that, even when he hits me with a barb like he did the other day: "The fishing is getting good again - just in time for you to stop the fishing report for the season."

Big Z knows the drill. As usual, the end of September marks the end of this weekly report until next spring.

We all know that fishing action tends to pick up in the fall. Yet interest in fishing wanes in the face of competition from things such as family obligations, sports and, of course, hunting.

Thanks to all who submitted reports and pictures this season. Keep sending them, too, as I'll still be reporting on the fishing in my columns and on my Wild Life blog at roanoke.com.

Bragging rights

Daniel and Trevis Towe were the big winners in the 152-team Angler’s Choice Marine Classic bass tournament at Smith Mountain Lake, boating a two-day total weight of 30.18 pounds to claim the top prize, a Ranger bass boat.

Lakes

Finesse techniques remain a solid technique for bass at Claytor Lake, reports Mike Burchett at Rock House Marina. After sunset, dark spinnerbaits and chatterbaits are working well around hydrilla.

Walleye action remains good near Allisonia while catfishing has stayed good in the Peak Creek area.

Bass fishing is mixed at Smith Mountain Lake, as evidenced by the results of the big Anglers Choice Marine Classic over the weekend. Winners Daniel and Trevis Towe were among just a handful of teams to boat limits both days.

Mike Snead at the Virginia Outdoorsman reported that no single pattern is proving dominant and that a little bit of everything is working.

Stripers are still most heavily concentrated in the lower part of the lake. They are breaking early and late in the day, but the most consistent action has been for anglers trolling or dropping baits or lures into deeper schools.

Look for crappie action to improve when water temperatures drop into the mid-60s.

Streams

With smallmouth rivers such as the James and New gradually cooling, bass continue to leave the swifter water where they've been holding during the summer and are spreading out into slower, deeper holes.

Jigs, grubs and tubes are all working well.

Trout stocking season resumes in a couple of days.

Saltwater

Dr. Julie Ball reports that fishing for spot has been excellent from Virginia's coastal piers. Lots of nice croaker are also available, while the fall Chesapeake Bay striper season opens Tuesday.