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Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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

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.

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.

Location & Directions

View on Google Maps

Site Information

  • Site Contact: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: (804) 829-2421, michael_odom@fws.gov
  • Website
  • Access: Daily Dawn to Dusk. Harrison Lake: Restore the Wild Membership, hunting license, freshwater fishing license, boat registration, or an access permit is required.

Birds Recently Seen at Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (as reported to eBird)

  • Mourning Dove
  • Killdeer
  • Solitary Sandpiper
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Turkey Vulture
  • Osprey
  • Red-bellied Woodpecker
  • Downy Woodpecker
  • Hairy Woodpecker
  • Great Crested Flycatcher

Seasonal Bird Observations

Facilities

  • Accessible
  • Hiking Trails
  • Information
  • Interpretive Nature Program
  • Parking
  • Picnic
  • Restrooms
  • Kayak/Canoe Launch
  • Boat Ramp