Braley is a 4.5-acre impoundment constructed in 1965 by the U.S. Forest Service as a recreation pond. It was drained in 1989 to dredge the upper end. The fill was used to build a “fishing point.” Keeper-sized rainbow trout are stocked and largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish are thriving.
Maps & Directions
Braley Pond is located west of Staunton. Take Route 250 west to Route 715. Turn right and watch for the sign for Braley Pond on the left.
Map to Braley Pond:
Fishing
Bass
present
Catfish
present
Trout
present
Panfish
present
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Largemouth bass
- 5 per day
- No minimum size
Channel catfish
- 5 per day
- 15 inch minimum size
Sunfish
- 50 per day in aggregate
- No minimum size
Trout
- 6 per day
- 7 inch minimum size
General trout regulations are in effect; both a trout stamp and a National Forest Stamp are required to fish from October 1 through June 15. No trout license is required from June 16 through September 30.
News
Adult channel catfish have been stocked in Braley Pond annually since 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 ✔
There are trails from the parking and picnic areas to the pond; and shorefishing is available all around the pond. The lake is surrounded by remote, undeveloped mountain lands offering good hiking, hunting, camping, and photographic opportunities.
More Information
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
517 Lee Highway
P. O. Box 996
Verona, VA 24482
Phone: 540-248-9360
U.S. Forest Service
Deerfield Ranger District
Highway 254 West
Staunton, VA 24401
Phone: 540-885-8028