Thrasher Lake is a 36-acre impoundment located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Amherst County. This is one of three public reservoirs owned by the County and offers a scenic view of the mountains while providing opportunities for fishing and family outings in a quiet setting. The various facilities include picnic tables, restroom, play area, boat ramp, and associated parking. The lake is open year round but nighttime activities are prohibited except for fishing. Anglers are required to obtain a permit from the county to fish at night. Boats propelled by oar or electric motor are welcome but outboard motor use is prohibited. The reservoir was impounded in 1977 and contains largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black crappie.
Maps & Directions
To access this reservoir, turn northeast on Rt. 610 from Rt. 60 (approximately 9 miles west of Amherst), then turn left on Rt. 617, and the lake access road will be the first road on the left.
Map
Fishing
Largemouth Bass
Thrasher Lake has an average bass population compared to other nearby small lakes. The lake is managed to provide a fishery that sustains good numbers of bass while allowing some harvest for those who prefer to keep bass. Most bass are less than 15 inches but does provide anglers with a few larger bass up to 20 inches. The bass population is regulated with a 12-15 inch protective slot limit.
Crappie
Crappie numbers have been traditionally low due to high harvest rates and poor reproduction most years. Occasionally crappie have a good spawn resulting in a couple years of improved fishing.
Sunfish
The sunfish population is dominated by bluegill but also contains good redear sunfish. The bluegill population maintains high densities and fish are abundant in the 5-8 inch groups. Redear sunfish provide additional sunfish opportunities with most fish 7-10 inches.
Catfish
There are no or very few catfish in Stonehouse Lake.
See the most recent Biologist Report below for more details and fish population trends.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Largemouth bass: 5 fish creel limit, 12-15 inch protected slot limit, all bass caught between 12 and 15 inches must be immediately released
Crappie: 25 fish creel limit, 9 inch minimum size limit
Sunfish: 50 fish creel limit, no size limit
Facilities, Amenities, and Nearby Attractions
To access this reservoir, turn northeast on Rt. 610 from Rt. 60 (approximately 9 miles west of Amherst), then turn left on Rt. 617, and the lake access road will be the first road on the left. Permits for night fishing are available through Amherst County at 434-946-9371.
The various facilities include picnic tables with shelters, grills, restroom, and play area. This lake has a good boat ramp for boat anglers and ample mowed area along the dam for bank fishing but additional bank fishing beyond the dam is limited.
More Information
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Regional Office
1132 Thomas Jefferson Road
Forest, VA 24551
Phone: 434-525-7522
Night Fishing Permit
Amherst County Recreation and Parks Department
434-946-9371