Description
This 400-acre site includes 20 one-acre fish rearing ponds (several ponds along Herring Creek) with water control structures and a 90-acre lake containing bottomland hardwoods. Trails wind along Herring Creek, through mixed hardwood woodlands, and past two seasonal ponds. The riparian woods attract numerous woodland songbirds, as well as, amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies, and the occasional reptile. Harrison Lake is also accessible for fishing.
Look for plovers and sandpipers around the rearing ponds on the way to the woods. Photo Credit: Lisa Mease/DWR
Notes:
- To access Harrison Lake, a Restore the Wild Membership, Virginia hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
- The trails around the site do not require a permit to access.
Wildlife Sightings
178 species have been reported at this site to date.
Birds Recently Seen at Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
- Killdeer
- Wilson's Snipe
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Red-shouldered Hawk
- Belted Kingfisher
- Downy Woodpecker
- Tree Swallow
- Canada Goose
- Great Blue Heron
- Turkey Vulture
Recent Checklists:
| Date | # of Species | Submitted By |
|---|---|---|
| 22 Mar 2026 | 7 | Arun Bose |
| 10 Mar 2026 | 28 | Vickie Bell |
| 8 Mar 2026 | 18 | Jeff Legg |
| 7 Mar 2026 | 14 | Curtis S |
| 7 Mar 2026 | 4 | Cody Pfadenhauer |
Amenities & Accessibility
Amenities
- On-site Parking
- Kayak/Canoe Launch
- Boat Ramp
- Birdability Report Available
Other Amenities: Hiking Trails, Visitor/Nature Center
Accessibility Considerations
This location has a Birdability Site Review available
Learn more about Birdability’s efforts to map accessible outdoor spaces
Maps & Directions
Physical Address: 11116 Kimages Rd, Charles City, VA 23030
From I-295, take the VA-5 E/New Market Road exit toward Charles City, turn left onto SR-658/Kimages Road, turn right at the Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery sign, then either turn left at the T-intersection to reach Harrison Lake or turn right for the hatchery and trail parking.
Site Information
Managed By:
- VA Dept. of Wildlife Resources
Access Requirements:
- Daily Dawn to Dusk. Harrison Lake: Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.
Contact Information:
- Phone: 804-829-2421
- Visit Website
Sites, or portions of sites, can be closed periodically for management activities. Please always check the site’s website for additional information prior to visiting.