Dominion Virginia Power opened the Bath County Power Station Recreational Ponds, near Back Creek, in 1989. Two ponds (27 and 45 acres) have good densities of largemouth bass. The ponds offer excellent sunfish opportunities with fish in the 8–9 inch range, and good numbers of nice-sized channel catfish are present. Trophy redear sunfish are present in the upper pond. The entire 45-acre upper pond and about half of the lower pond are open to bank fishing. The daily largemouth bass creel limit was increased from two to five fish per day in 1995.
Maps & Directions
The Bath County Recreation Ponds are located on Route 600 north from Route 39 near Warm Springs.
Map
Fishing
Bass
present
Catfish
present
Trout
no
Panfish
best bet
The two ponds (27 and 45 acres) have good densities of largemouth bass. The ponds offer excellent sunfish opportunities with fish in the 8–9 inch range, and good numbers of nice-sized channel catfish are present. Trophy redear sunfish are present in the upper pond. The entire 45-acre upper pond and about half of the lower pond are open to bank fishing. The daily largemouth bass creel limit was increased from two to five fish per day in 1995.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Largemouth bass
The largemouth bass population has remained consistent for the past several years. Historically Lake Arrowhead had a high density of small bass. For those looking for higher numbers of bass, they should target the upper pond. However, biologists rarely see bass greater than 12 inches in length. Within the lower pond, anglers can expect slightly lower numbers, but better sizes. About 25% of the bass population exceeds 12 inches in length with a few fish growing to trophy sizes. Heavy vegetation can make fishing the lower pond difficult, so weedless presentations are a must. Anglers should concentrate on weed lines, beaver lodges, and habitat structures.
- 5 fish per day
- No bass between 12–15 inches in possession
Channel catfish
Back Creek Recreation Ponds produce good numbers of catfish. Limited spawning success occurs so VDWR stocks both lakes with this species each fall to maintain the population.
- 5 per day
- 15 inch minimum size
Sunfish
The sunfish population is stable and both ponds have high numbers of smaller fish. Most of the bluegill range in size from 4-6”. The redear sunfish grow slightly larger and range from 4-8” in length. Anglers should find anywhere in the lakes to be a good place to catch sunfish. We recommend the upper lake for best results due to the lack of weed beds.
- 50 per day in aggregate
- No minimum size
General
- Boating is allowed on the larger upper pond only; there is a ramp for private boats.
- Electric motors only are allowed.
News
Adult channel catfish have been stocked in both ponds since October 2003. Historically, fingerling channel catfish have been stocked. A DWR study indicated that fewer, but larger stocked channel catfish have better growth and survival in certain environments. Fishing for this species should improve in the future.
Facilities, Amenities, and Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Facilities
- Fee ✘
- Parking ✔
- Handicap-Accessible ✘
- Food Concession ✘
- Picnic Tables ✔
- Grills ✔
- Restrooms ✔
Amenities
- Hiking Trails ✘
- Bike Trails ✘
- Viewing Blinds ✘
- Observation Platforms ✘
- Fishing Pier/Platform ✘
- Boat Ramps ✔
- Motorboat Access ✘
- Horsepower Limit ✘
- Electric Motor Only ✔
- Paddle Access ✔
- Camping ✔
- Primitive Camping Only ✘
Seasonal lakeside camping, picnic shelter, bathhouse. Recreational swimming and volleyball also available. There is a small fee to use the facilities. There is also a handicapped-accessible fishing pier.
Green check mark to Fee, handicap accessible, fishing pier/platform
More Information
For more information, please contact:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
517 Lee Highway P.O. Box 996
Verona, VA 24482
(540) 248-9360
Dominion Resources
For information, call 540-279-3289.