Lake Laura is a 44-acre impoundment located in southwestern Shenandoah County near the West Virginia state line. The lake is owned by Bryce Mountain Resort and the Department of Wildlife Resources began managing the fishery in 1991. The dam impounds the headwaters of Big Stony Creek creating a rectangular-shaped pool with a maximum depth of thirty feet. Lake Laura had a history of nuisance algal blooms and over-abundant aquatic vegetation. To remedy this situation, Bryce Mountain Resort dredged the upper end of the impoundment removing nutrient laden sediment and increasing water depth thus limiting conditions for vegetation growth. Triploid grass carp have also been stocked to keep aquatic vegetation at desired levels. Anglers have the opportunity to fish for largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, and muskellunge.
Maps & Directions
Access Site: Map
Fishing
Bass
best bet
Catfish
present
Trout
no
Panfish
present
Largemouth Bass
Lake Laura has a healthy largemouth bass population. The majority of the bass are less than 12 inches in length, but there has been an increase in the number of larger fish in recent years. Bass over 20” in length have been collected by biologists. Largemouth bass reproduction has been consistent therefore the population should remain stable. High densities of bass can lead to slow growth rates and a “stunted” population. Therefore, anglers are encouraged to harvest bass less than 12 inches to reduce the potential of an overcrowded population. By harvesting small bass anglers can help increase bass growth rates thus increasing the number of quality-size fish in the population.
Sunfish
The sunfish population in Lake Laura is comprised of bluegill, redear, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Bluegill outnumber redear and pumpkinseed. Currently most of the sunfish population is comprised of individuals measuring 5-7 inches. In most cases, when a lake has a very dense largemouth bass population the sunfish fishery is comprised of larger individuals. High numbers of predators (bass) control the number of sunfish thus increasing growth rates of sunfish. Lake Laura exhibits a quality sunfish fishery with good numbers of quality bluegill. The excessive aquatic vegetation that has plagued the lake in the past created too many hiding places for small sunfish. Predators could not effectively control the numbers of sunfish and they were slightly stunted. Recent vegetation reduction has allowed predators to better control sunfish numbers resulting in more quality-size fish.
Crappie
Lake Laura has a modest crappie population. Only small numbers of crappie have been sampled by biologists during electrofishing and netting surveys since the Department began managing the fishery. The average size of the crappie was 9 inches. Anglers should target woody structure like downed trees and beaver lodges when looking for crappie.
Channel Catfish
Lake Laura exhibits a quality catfish fishery. Natural Reproduction of catfish is limited and to maintain a fishery the Department stocks fingerlings annually. Catfish up to 27 inches have been sampled by biologists in recent years. The Department is considering stocking larger catfish to increase survival.
Yellow Perch
Lake Laura has a small yellow perch population. Typically biologists collect low numbers of fish ranging 8-10 inches in length, but some perch over 12” have been reported. Anglers that are lucky enough to catch yellow perch should consider harvesting them as they make great table fair.
Muskellunge
Musky fingerlings are stocked on a yearly basis to provide a trophy fish for anglers to target. They also help to prevent sunfish and yellow perch from stunting by keeping their populations in check.
Lake Laura Fish Habitat Map
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Largemouth Bass
- 5 per day.
- Only one can be >15 inches
Sunfish
- 50 per day.
- No length limit.
Crappie
- 25 per day.
- No length limit.
Channel Catfish
- 5 per day.
- Minimum size 18 inches.
Muskellunge
- 1 per day.
- Minimum size 40 inches.
Yellow Perch
- No daily limit.
- No length limit.
General
Gasoline motors are prohibited. (Electric trolling motors are welcome)
Fishing is allowed from one hour before sunrise until one hour after sunset. (Fishing after dark is prohibited)
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 ✘
A primitive boat launch is located at the upper end of the lake. There is shoreline fishing access across the breast of the dam and around the boat launch area. The remainder of the shoreline is owned by private homeowners and is not open to the public. Parking areas are located immediately below the dam and at the boat launch.
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
Bryce Mountain Resort
P.O. Box 3
Basye, VA 22810
(540) 856-2121