Lake Newman is a 9 acre impoundment located on the James Madison University Campus within the city of Harrisonburg. The lake was formed shortly after President G. Tyler Miller began expanding the Madison College campus into the area that lay adjacent to Interstate 81 and was then known as “Back Campus.” Sieberts Creek, a small stream that enters campus near the Paul Street entrance, was dammed to form the lake. Although scenic, the lake does have its fair share of problems with non-point source pollution from street runoff as well as an overabundance of waterfowl. Despite these challenges the lake sports a fair sportfish population and features fantastic bank fishing access.
Maps & Directions
Parking and Transit Services provides visitors with parking permits at no charge during our regular business hours (7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday). Visitors who arrive at times other than those specified above should park in R1, R2, or R4 Lots and obtain a permit from Parking Services as soon as possible. (If a visitor receives a citation in the specified lots, they should contact Parking and Transit Services during business hours.)
Visitors are not required to obtain permits after 3:00 p.m. on Friday through 7:00 a.m. Monday and may park in Commuter and Resident lots.
Overnight parking is prohibited in all parking decks, Convo A, Convo B, Convo D, Convo E, Convo F, and U1-U5 lots.
Note: A visitor is an individual who is not enrolled at, compensated by, or employed as an affiliate of James Madison University.
JMU Parking and Transit Services: (540) 568-3300
Fishing
Common Carp
By far the most abundant fish in Lake Newman. Carp can be a challenge to catch, but when you do hook into one they put up a great fight. Try baiting them in with sweet corn or dough baits. Use small hooks and lighter line as they can be very tackle shy. Common Carp are often mistakenly stocked to control vegetation. Their cousin the grass carp does a much better job. Unfortunately common carp often become overpopulated in a pond and can disrupt the nests of more popular sportfish like sunfish and bass. They also suck up a lot of insects that could feed more popular fish species. Never stock common carp.
Largemouth Bass
The largemouth population is on the rebound. The bass have a tough time spawning as a result of the overabundance of carp in the pond. Biologists have been supplementally stocking bass <12” on a yearly basis since 2018. We have seen modest improvements in the population. Numbers are low, but bass up to 18” have been hooked
Bluegill Sunfish
The sunfish population is on the rebound. The sunfish have a tough time spawning as a result of the overabundance of carp in the pond. Bluegill feed predominantly on insects, so they have a tough time competing for food with the carp. Growth rates are very slow, but small sunfish are easy to catch, especially for a new angler.
Channel Catfish
Newman lake has a small population of channel catfish. Limited spawning success occurs so VDWR stocks this species each fall to maintain the population. Biologists have reported specimens growing upwards of 20 inches.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Largemouth Bass
- 5 per day.
- No length limit.
Crappie
- 25 per day.
- No length limit.
Sunfish
- 50 per day.
- No length limit.
Channel Catfish
- 5 per day.
- Minimum size 18 inches.
Common Carp
- No size limit.
General
A valid Virginia Freshwater Fishing is required to fish at Lake Newman.
More Information
For more information about Lake Newman, please contact:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
517 Lee Highway P.O. Box 996
Verona, VA 24482
(540) 248-9360