Skidmore Reservoir

If you would like to fish in one of the most beautiful places in the Commonwealth, then Skidmore Reservoir is the place for you. This 118-acre city of Harrisonburg reservoir is located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. It is deep and contains clear, cold water, which is required for year round trout habitat.

Therefore, the lake is managed as a “put and grow” trout lake through annual fingerling brook trout stocking. The lake provides good fishing year-round for brook trout and “brookies” up to three pounds have been caught. Gill net samples, conducted in October 2001, revealed excellent brook trout survival and growth with many fish from 12-16 inches. There is a 10-inch minimum size regulation for trout. All trout under10 inches must be released. Several nice channel catfish were also captured during sampling.

The lake also contains an excellent warm water fishery consisting of largemouth bass and crappie. Bluegill, pumpkinseed, hybrid sunfish, rock bass, and bullhead catfish are small but abundant. There are no developed facilities at Skidmore Reservoir. A primitive boat launch and parking area exists; and bank access is possible all along the west side and upper end of the lake via the forest road.

The lake is accessible only by Forest Development Road (FDR) 227 off Route 33 west of Harrisonburg, near the West Virginia State line.