- Region 1 (Southeastern/Tidewater Virginia)
- Region 2 (South Central Virginia)
- Region 3 (Southwest Virginia)
- Region 4 (Northern Virginia)
- Map of DWR Administrative Regions
Written by the Aquatics Reservoir Committee Team, Edited by John Odenkirk
Region 1 (Southeastern/Tidewater Virginia)
Lake Chesdin
Lake Chesdin is a 3,100-acre impoundment located in Chesterfield and Dinwiddie Counties and a popular destination for very respectable Largemouth Bass. The 2025 spring electrofishing survey yielded 307 bass for a catch rate of 102/hr. The collection of 83 preferred-sized bass (≥ 15”) revealed a decline in catch rate (28/hr.) from past surveys. Survey date and timing play major roles in catch rates and size structure. Lake Chesdin received 6 stockings of F1 Largemouth Bass (2020-2025) as part of a DWR experimental stocking program. Some trophy potential will exist from these stocked fish if they can escape their initial encounters with Black Crappie and White Perch. The survey failed to crack the 6-pound mark for bass, but many 3-to-5-pound bass were present. The crappie fishery consists of both Black and White Crappie. The crappie community has historically suffered from stockpiling but has the capacity to produce quality fish. Lake Chesdin’s crappie populations have been producing some extremely large hybrids (natural cross between black and white) that have been foraging on juvenile shad. Anglers are encouraged to harvest crappie in the 8-9” range to thin out this segment. One of the better fishing opportunities on Lake Chesdin comes from Channel Catfish with 3-to-5-pound fish available. The 2025 surveys revealed a large concentration of saugeye from the 2023-year class with a good mix of fish in the 3-to-4-pound range.
Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir
Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir is a 635-acre impoundment in Gloucester County that provides valuable angling opportunities on the middle peninsula. Gloucester County Parks & Rec. operate Beaverdam Park just northwest of Gloucester providing a fishing pier, public boat ramp, boat rentals, and decent shoreline access. A full community, spring survey was not conducted in 2025. The 2024 electrofishing survey yielded limited excitement with only 31 Largemouth Bass collected (CPUE = 18.6/hr.) — a decline from 2023 (23/hr.). The April 25th survey found the bass population well past their spawn, and catch rate suffered as bass moved to deep water. The bass population receives a great deal of pressure from tournaments, so anglers are encouraged to try new and different lures and patterns to entice these heavily pressured fish. The reservoir was stocked with F1 Largemouth Bass fingerlings for five years (2020-2024) as part of an experiment to assess survival and contribution to the fishery. Some potential for larger bass growth may exist. The White Perch and Black Crappie populations continue to provide excitement during late winter to early spring. The 2025 trap net survey yielded an abundance of White Perch and Black Crappie with several citations.
Chickahominy Lake
Chickahominy Lake is a popular destination for anglers who enjoy fishing in a 1,230-acre reservoir with plenty of habitat and cover. This lake has historically been predator heavy with an abundance of Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel, and Bowfin. The Blue Catfish population has started to provide more excitement for anglers that target them. The 2025 spring electrofishing survey collected 219 Largemouth Bass for a catch rate of 73/hr. The survey yielded 98 preferred-sized bass (≥ 15”) for a favorable catch rate of 33/hr. The ideal timing of the survey found a high proportion of bass still in a pre-spawn pattern. The survey yielded 13 bass greater than 5 pounds, with three weight citations from 8.3 to 8.6 pounds. The bass fishery still has potential to produce a few citations, although the abundance of 9 pound plus fish has declined. Chickahominy Lake continues to produce an abundance of Bowfin with the average size showing a decline from past surveys. From all indications, the Black Crappie population continues to produce quality fish in the 11-14” range. Anglers will find a wide variety of species that can provide an enjoyable day on the water.
Little Creek Reservoir
Little Creek Reservoir is a 947-acre Newport News water supply located in James City County just south of Toano. It’s a scenic place to fish for a variety of species. The fishery is enhanced by annual stockings of Striped Bass and Walleye. Decent fishing opportunities exist for Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch. James City County operates a park with a boat ramp, courtesy pier, fishing pier, and concession. The reservoir has numerous arms and coves with plenty of area for anglers to explore with steep shoreline drops and clear water. Hydrilla growth in northern creek arms from June-November has become a problem. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. The reservoir has been drawn down over the last few years in preparation for upcoming dam repairs. Community electrofishing is conducted every other year to assess the fishery. The 2024 survey revealed a limited abundance of Largemouth Bass with 53 collected (26.5/hr.) and showed similarity to 2022 (26/hr.). The abundant Blueback Herring population provides a great forage base for predators. Anglers are encouraged to fish deeper here than normal.
Diascund Reservoir
Diascund Reservoir is a Newport News water supply reservoir of 1,110-acres that lies within James City and New Kent Counties. There are several large arms with plenty of interesting contour and structure. Submersed aquatic vegetation (primarily Hydrilla) disappeared in 2025 after several stockings of triploid Grass Carp by Newport News Waterworks. The use of outboard engines is prohibited, but trolling motors are permitted. The 2025 spring survey collected 105 Largemouth Bass for a CPUE of 52.5/hr. Most bass were 14-18” with average weight at 1.7 pounds. The catch rate of preferred bass (≥15”) was a decent 27/hr. but less than previous surveys. The survey collected a few Alabama Bass (n = 9, CPUE = 4.5/hr.) with the sample set primarily juveniles. It is illegal for anglers to move Alabama Bass from Diascund Reservoir, and they can only be held alive (in possession) if actively fishing a tournament. Two of the more attractive components to this fishery have been White Perch and Black Crappie. The perch population has a respectable abundance of 9-11” fish. Recent reports have crappie being scarce, as natural variability in spawning success may have produced several weak year classes. Diascund Reservoir provides anglers with additional excitement from Bowfin and Longnose Gar populations.
Region 2 (South Central Virginia)
Briery Creek Lake
During the early to mid-2000’s Briery Creek Lake was arguably the best place in the commonwealth to catch a trophy Largemouth Bass and even scared the current Largemouth Bass state record of 16 pounds 4 ounces. Since then, the trophy bass potential has declined slightly because of several factors including reservoir aging, Largemouth Bass virus, and the introduction of Hydrilla. However, Briery Creek still boasts a unique combination of size and numbers of Largemouth Bass. Since the implementation of the 16–24-inch protected slot limit, abundance of bass in that size range tripled and has remained consistent. The lake continues to boast a strong bass population, with a total of 257 fish collected during spring 2025 electrofishing samples. Within the population of adults (8 inches or larger) 53% were 15 inches or larger, and 4% were at least 20 inches. Although Briery’s hay day is distant, it remains one of the best Largemouth Bass fisheries in the state. Anglers will find no shortage of casting targets with the lake’s abundant standing timber, stumps, and fallen trees. Target transition areas leading to spawning flats in early to mid-spring. Later in spring and through summer, main lake points and creek channel ledges should consistently hold fish. Briery is not just a bass lake; it also provides moderate sunfish and crappie fisheries. Bank anglers wishing to target sunfish and crappie will find ample opportunities along the shoreline, two trails and three ADA compliant piers. For more information, visit the Briery Creek Lake webpage.
Sandy River Reservoir
For quite some time Sandy River Reservoir has played second fiddle to its sister lake, Briery Creek, located just down the road. Sandy offers the same caliber Largemouth Bass fishery as Briery with far less standing timber to complicate navigation. Overall catch rates for Largemouth Bass continued a recent decline in 2025 electrofishing samples, largely explained by lower-than-normal catch rates of fish under 12 inches. This change is likely a result of increased coverage of submerged aquatic vegetation, which can reduce catch rates for smaller fish during surveys. Catch rates of fish over 12 inches have remained consistent. Within the population of adults (8 inches or larger) 71% were over 15 inches, and 9% were at least 20 inches. Additionally, age and growth analysis conducted during 2025 samples revealed excellent growth rates conducive to the continued production of trophy fish. Sandy boasts one of the strongest Channel Catfish populations in the region. Sunfish and crappie are also abundant throughout the lake. Anglers should find success around beaver lodges and fallen trees which create ideal panfish habitat. The fishing pier at Sandy also provides excellent opportunities for bank anglers during spring and summer months. For more information, visit the Sandy River Reservoir webpage.
Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir)
Buggs Island (Kerr Reservoir) is in south-central Virginia and north-central North Carolina. Largemouth Bass 2–4 pounds are still common; however, density of larger bass has declined due to reduced productivity and the recent illegal introduction of Alabama Bass. The overall trend in bass over 15 inches in spring surveys has improved since lows observed in the late 2000’s, but we have seen a decline recently. However, abundance of bass over 15 inches was only slightly lower than average in 2025. The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and in the lower creek arms, especially during high water in spring. The catfish fishery has become dominated by a world-class Blue Catfish fishery with many fish 5-30 lbs. Larger fish are caught, and Buggs Island boasts the state and world record Blue Catfish at 143 pounds in 2011. The Striped Bass population is healthy with larger individuals still in the fishery. Net samples in 2025 suggested average striper recruitment recently, but there are older, strong year classes maintaining the fishery. During spring, Striped Bass are found in the upper end and in the rivers above the lake as fish travel upstream to spawn. During summer, habitat (combination of temperature and dissolved oxygen) forces Striped Bass to occupy the lower end (dam to about Buoy 9 and in the mouth of Nutbush Creek), but target Goat Island to Clarksville Bridge in fall and winter, although fish may be found throughout the lake. Buggs Island is also one of Virginia’s best places to catch crappie with fish over two pounds not uncommon and is typically best from February through April (pre-spawn and spawn). However, many anglers enjoy high catch rates year-round. Buffalo, Grassy, Bluestone, and Butcher Creeks are very productive for crappie. Walleye catch rates have risen recently due to increased stocking in the Staunton River drainage. For more information on this fishery please visit “Fishing Reports” link on our website and look at Walleye Fishing Forecast. Other species available include Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, White Bass, White Perch, and Freshwater Drum. Drum densities have increased greatly in recent years.
Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake’s Largemouth Bass population has been improving since 2015. Catch rates for bass of various size groups (≥ 8”, 15”, 20”) in 2018-2025 were all higher than the previous 10-year average. An experimental Largemouth Bass stocking program was initiated in 2015 to determine if supplemental stocking of F1 bass in Virginia’s larger lakes can improve populations. While the increasing bass population coincides with stocking, the primary reason for increasing bass numbers at Smith Mountain Lake has been higher than average spawning success. To date, stocking has only added approximately 5% more bass to each year class, so anglers will not be catching very many more bass due to stocking. However, there has been an increase in bass over 4 pounds because of stocking. Twenty percent of bass over 4 pounds collected in 2024 by DWR were stocked, and the percent has increased annually since 2019 when the first F1 bass over 4 pounds was collected. Smallmouth Bass make up less than 10% of black bass but still contributes to the fishery. This species has generally mirrored Largemouth Bass trends with overall numbers increasing the past two years. Anglers should expect another excellent year for bass fishing. Striped Bass fishing was very good in 2021-2024 due to high stocking rates and recruitment for 2017-2020, but the higher numbers began impacting forage and striper growth. Consequently, the Striped Bass population needed restructuring through reduced stocking, and anglers started to see catches decline in 2025. On a positive side, the current population is starting to grow better, due to increasing forage, and there should still be good numbers of quality stripers available in the 22”-30” range. The crappie population has been generally consistent for both numbers and size. The number of crappie collected in DWR samples declined in 2024-2025 but quality remained high with many fish 9–13”. White Perch increased dramatically from 2000-2016 and provided a popular fishery, but the population declined due to poor recruitment. There was a 95% reduction in White Perch numbers from 2016 to 2025. Channel and Flathead Catfish should be comparable to past years.
Leesville Lake
The Leesville Lake Largemouth Bass population has been stable for many years. Most bass are 12-17”, but there are fish up to 20”. Electrofishing catch rates of bass 15–18” are very good. The best areas are from the dam to mile marker 6, as most of the upper lake has poor habitat due to Pigg River sediments and fluctuating water conditions from Smith Mountain Lake discharges. This reservoir has historically supported a fair Striped Bass population that has varied in both number and size due to inconsistent recruitment. Different stocking protocols since 2017 improved survival and produced DWR catch rates 4-times higher in 2021-2025 than historical averages. Increasing Striped Bass numbers should provide anglers with great fishing opportunities. Walleye are stocked annually but most go through the dam within 2 years after stocking, limiting opportunities for lake anglers. However, these escapees sustain a good population in the Staunton River and provide broodstock that supplies much of Virginia’s Walleye production. Channel and Blue Catfish are the most abundant catfish species, but Flathead Catfish numbers have been steadily increasing since 2020, and there are limited numbers of White Catfish. The crappie fishery is composed of Black and White Crappie and has historically produced quality sizes but low numbers. Recruitment has been much stronger recently producing a much-improved fishery with good numbers 8–11”. It is unclear why recruitment improved, so it is uncertain if these populations will sustain themselves or return to historic levels. White Perch are also abundant and provide additional fishing opportunities. This reservoir can be challenging due to quickly rising and falling water levels and lack of submerged structure. However, many anglers who spend time learning about the lake are rewarded with great fishing.
Philpott Reservoir
Fishing Philpott Reservoir in 2026 should provide anglers with good recreational opportunities. Philpott supports a variety of sport fish with the most popular being Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, and various species of sunfish. Fisheries surveys from 2025 showed a strong Largemouth Bass population with abundant numbers of 12–16” bass (0.5–2.5 pounds). Smallmouth Bass were less abundant, but anglers do target them with success. Smallmouth Bass were stocked in 2025 to enhance the population. The black bass populations are abundant enough to support small scale fishing tournaments weekly during most of the year. Within the past 9 years, Alabama Bass were illegally introduced, and they’ve been showing up in surveys and tournaments. Informational signs about Alabama Bass and how to identify them are posted at access points. Alabama Bass have displaced (replaced) largemouth and extirpated smallmouth (genetic introgression) at many southeastern US reservoirs where they were introduced. The Walleye fishery continues to be stable, supported by annual stocking, and the fishery continues to produce good numbers > 18”. Anglers can also catch decent numbers of Black Crappie and Sunfish.
Carvins Cove
Fishing Carvins Cove in 2026 should be decent and offer anglers a variety of fish. This 630-acre impoundment located in Roanoke and Botetourt Counties, owned by the Western Virginia Water Authority, is managed primarily for municipal water supply for the City of Roanoke. The lakes levels were down because of drought conditions in the later part of 2025, but recent rains are slowly refilling the lake. The most popular sportfish are Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, hybrid Striped Bass, Black Crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Largemouth Bass are abundant with good numbers of fish up to 16”. Smallmouth Bass are present, but in lower numbers, typically in deeper water. Smallmouth bass were stocked in 2025. Hybrid Striped Bass were stocked in 2013-2015 & 2017–2024, and Striped Bass were stocked in 2017 to diversify fishing opportunities. Anglers fishing for sunfish can find a variety of smaller species including Redear, Redbreast, and Pumpkinseed Sunfish, but Bluegill dominate. Most Bluegill are small with sizes ranging from 3–7” but most 4–6”. Seven fish reefs have been constructed in the lake, and anglers can focus fishing efforts on these locations to improve success.
Region 3 (Southwest Virginia)
Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake black bass catch rates remained similar to previous years despite experiencing a major storm in fall 2024. Visible impacts from Hurricane Helene lasted through much of 2025 with the Army Corp of Engineers and Friends of Claytor Lake removing thousands of cubic feet of debris. During 2025 spring electrofishing surveys, Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass catch rates remained similar to numbers observed in 2024 throughout all size ranges, while Spotted/Alabama Bass catch rates were higher. Catch rates for catchable size black bass included Largemouth >8” (16/hr.), Smallmouth (5/hr.) and Spotted Bass >7” (25/hr.). The best areas to target largemouth are shallow coves like Peak Creek, State Park, Macks Creek, or Clapboard Hollow during warmer months (May or June). Smallmouth Bass were most abundant in lower lake areas like Peak Creek and State Park and upper lake areas from Little Wytheville to Allisonia. Spotted/Alabama Bass can be easily found throughout the lake. Due to current agency budget constraints, F1 Largemouth Bass will not be stocked in 2026; however, biologists are looking to bolster the smallmouth population by stocking fingerlings. Claytor Lake has a commendable native catfish fishery (both Flathead and Channel Catfish). Many fish at night during warmer months using cut bait, hot dogs, cheese, or other fragrant baits. It is not uncommon to see 10–15 lb. channels and flatheads to 40 lb. Both Striped Bass and hybrid Striped Bass continue to be popular. However hotter, dryer summers have led to a “summer squeeze” of habitat for stripers resulting in major fish kills of adults. The last major fish kill occurred in late July 2025. Unfortunately, this persistent problem isn’t going away any time soon. Unsuitable habitat has also impacted striper growth. Fall net data suggests fewer fish are growing above 32” compared to 20 years ago. Additionally, data shows a negative trend in abundance and condition over the past 24 years, likely due to unsuitable summer habitat. Hybrid Striped Bass have a higher temperature tolerance and therefore are not majorly impacted by the “summer squeeze”. Striped Bass will be stocked in 2026, but at a much lower rate to help alleviate pressure on the population during these critical times. Hybrid Striped Bass will also be stocked if efforts made to raise them in-house are successful, as all agency fish purchases have been canceled due to budget cuts. Sunfish and Black Crappie also provide opportunities. Target structure like downed trees or Christmas tree reefs. Additionally, The Walleye population has been improving with years of constant stocking near Allisonia. Fish run up lake to Allisonia during spawning in late February/ early March before moving back into the deeper sections of the lake. Below Claytor Dam is also a great spot to target Walleye during the spawn.
South Holston Lake
Anglers can expect excellent fishing opportunities for black bass (Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass) in 2026 at South Holston Lake. Fifty-six percent of largemouth collected in 2025 were preferred size (15” or larger), while 70% of smallmouth were preferred (14” or larger). Catch of preferred fish was greater for smallmouth (18 fish/hr.) than largemouth (11 fish/hr.) in 2025, which was likely a function of water temperature and lake level. Angler catch rates for Smallmouth Bass are higher in winter and early spring, while Largemouth Bass are predominately caught during late spring and summer. An exceptional Black Crappie fishery is available for anglers looking for above-average fish. Crappie grow very fast in South Holston Lake and reach legal size (10”) by age-3, with 90% of the population larger than 10” and 38% of the population larger than 12”. Additionally, South Holston Lake offers the best Walleye fishery in the state, with 23% of Walleye collected 20” or longer. Walleye reach legal size (18”) by age-2 and rarely exceed age-5 due to high exploitation.
Flannagan Reservoir
Flannagan Reservoir should provide anglers with good bass fishing in 2025, especially for Largemouth Bass. Sampling in spring 2025 revealed good numbers of fish and good size structure. Bass in the 2025 sample ranged from 3–22” with an average length of 13”. Seventy-nine percent of the adult (≥8”) Largemouth Bass were over 12”, and 42% exceeded 15”. Largemouth Bass ≥20 inches accounted for 2% of the sample. Smallmouth Bass were less abundant, and anglers targeting this species should focus on lower lake portions. Fishing for Walleye and saugeye should be very good in 2025 with the past several years stocking quotas have been met or exceeded. Combined catch of Walleye and saugeye in 2025 fall net samples was 15.1 fish/net night which exceeded the target 12 fish/net night established in the Walleye Plan. Fishing Flannagan Reservoir is a great option in 2026.
Region 4 (Northern Virginia)
Lake Moomaw
Primary forage in Lake Moomaw consists of Gizzard Shad and Alewife. Alewife are shallow and in-shore during late spring, then move to the thermocline when the reservoir stratifies in summer. Anglers should target Alewife depth when fishing for bass, crappie, Yellow Perch or trout. Moomaw is home to Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, but largemouth have declined recently. There are still a fair number of 12-18” fish available, and in 2025; the catch rate of preferred size (> 15”) largemouth was 7.6/hr. Smaller Largemouth Bass were less abundant – likely due to historic droughts in 2023 and 2024. The upper lake, preferred by Largemouth Bass, was devoid of water for months in those years. Moomaw has developed better habitat for Smallmouth Bass. In spring 2025, the electrofishing catch rate of preferred size (> 14”) smallmouth was 32/hr. with memorable size (> 17”) at 7/hr. Both these have increased over the past 5 years. Based on electrofishing data and angler reports, black bass anglers should once again add Moomaw to their list of lakes to visit in 2026, particularly if anglers prefer lake fishing for Smallmouth Bass. It appears recent droughts have pushed largemouth to lower lake portions. Depending on the year, the deeper, cold waters of Moomaw have potential to provide suitable trout habitat. Brown and Rainbow Trout are stocked as fingerlings annually. The Brown Trout population mainly consists of three cohorts when habitat suitability is present. Anglers can distinguish these cohorts by size. Brown Trout are stocked between November and February at 6– 7” and grow to 12–13” by the next summer (age-1). The next size class is 16–20” (age-2), and the third cohort produces fish > 20” (ages-3 to 4). Historically Rainbow Trout are less abundant than Brown Trout, but growth is similar. Trout numbers dipped in the 2010’s; however, the fishery may be responding to an adjustment in stocking. Biologists are working diligently to explain reasons for low numbers in the mid to late 2010’s. DWR experimented with stocking “steelhead” Rainbow Trout from 2009–2017, but these did not survive as well as McConaughy Rainbow Trout stocked prior. McConaughy became unavailable due to fish disease concerns, and they did not recruit as well as Brown Trout. Sterile (triploid) Brown Trout were stocked as a substitute for “diploid” browns in the mid- 2010’s, as expectations were for triploids to grow faster and reach larger size. However, survival and/or catchability of triploids may be lower than the diploids traditionally stocked. DWR has returned to stocking diploid Brown and Rainbow Trout at historic densities when hatchery production allows. Survey catch rate of both trout species was average in 2025, and angler reports improved in 2023 and have remained stable. Brown Trout catch for larger fish should be like in recent years. While black bass and trout are mainstay fisheries, anglers should also find favorable populations of Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish and a few Yellow Perch. Channel Catfish anglers should focus on August–October after the spawn. In 2023 DWR’s hatcheries were very successful hatching and raising Walleye, and surplus fish were stocked in Moomaw. Net surveys in winter 2025 showed abundance was very favorable compared to other Virginia reservoirs. Anglers should be able to target Walleye and expect to catch fish 18–23”. However, Walleye will only be stocked when surplus fingerlings are available. Anglers are encouraged to check out fish habitat “reefs” created by DWR over the past decade.
Lake Anna
Population metrics describing abundance and size structure of Lake Anna Largemouth Bass in 2025 remained at near record levels for the fifth consecutive year, and fishing should be fantastic in 2026. There are currently as many (or more) bass in the lake as there have been for over 25 years with a commensurate number of larger fish. Catch rate of bass over 15” was 46 fish/hr., and catch of bass over 20” was 3 fish/hr. This positive trend was likely a function of increases in primary productivity and habitat improvements related to the return of aquatic vegetation (both submersed and emergent). Recent creel surveys estimated very high voluntary release of Largemouth Bass– over 99%, which undoubtedly is helping keep mortality rates low (about 24%). Bass up to age-16 were found in 2019 in an age study prior to F1 supplemental stocking. Lake Anna is one of several reservoirs in Virginia that received supplemental F1 (original cross between Northern and Florida) Largemouth Bass stocking from 2020–2025. It appears these stockings (now discontinued due to budget cuts) contributed to the unusual number of large fish observed recently during sampling and tournament weigh-ins. After years of variable stocking rates for Striped Bass, annual minimum stocking rate of 10 Striped Bass and 10 hybrid Striped Bass per acre began in 2019 and continued through 2025. Budget cuts ended purchase of hybrids, so the future of these fish in Anna is uncertain despite their immense success. Black Crappie fishing should be above average, and experimental saugeye stockings have so successful; this fish will be stocked annually.
Occoquan Reservoir
Occoquan Reservoir stunned biologists in spring 2020 by producing an extraordinary Largemouth Bass electrofishing catch rate of 94/hr. for fish over 15” and 11/hr. for fish over 20”. These were the highest levels ever documented in the northern district in any water. Since then, this fishery has maintained lofty numbers, as catch rate of bass over 15” was 106/hr. in 2024 (and bass over 20” was 8/hr.) and now is the top reservoir in the state for trophy bass based on sampling data. Any bass angler even close to northern Virginia should plan at least one trip in 2026 to either Fountainhead Park on the Fairfax side or Lake Ridge Park on the Prince William side (or both). There are copious water willow beds along many shorelines and lots of submerged timber in this 2100-acre reservoir. A robust forage base of Gizzard Shad, Alewife, White Perch and Bluegill support predators here. Illegally stocked snakehead can also be found in willow beds, and their abundance seems to be stable. Known as a good crappie lake as well, both White and Black Crappie populations are strong. There are still some Flathead Catfish, although they are not abundant.
Lake Mooney
Lake Mooney is a 520-acre water supply reservoir opened to public fishing on July 1, 2017. The lake experienced protracted filling, finally reaching full pool in early 2016. The lake’s name (originally Rocky Pen Reservoir for its impounded stream) was changed to honor the late Stafford Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Mooney. The reservoir is very clear, steep sided and deep with moderate residential development along shorelines and features abundant submersed brush and rocky outcrops. Several fish habitat structures were constructed in 2015. Initially, the fish community was “predator heavy” with a bass population composted of overabundant smaller fish. However, the fishery has matured; and the lake is now known as a destination for quality bass. The submersed plant Hydrilla has been prevalent recently, and limited Grass Carp stockings have been made to control, but not eliminate, this habitat feature. Mooney is probably the most difficult lake for biologists to sample without bias due to low conductivity and clear water which results in fish avoidance. This explains why 2023 electrofishing catch of bass >15” was only 21/hr., and catch of bass >20” was 1/hr. Bass forage here on various sunfish species and Alewife. The Black Crappie population is dominated by small fish, but there is a very good Channel Catfish population, and Blue Catfish are present after being illegally stocked. Walleye, stocked for the first time in 2023, have been added annually and are now harvestable (>18”) size.