If you love fishing in Virginia, you know this state has no shortage of great lakes. I’ve spent years fishing here myself, but for this list, I wanted more than just my own take. So, I reached out to local anglers, friends, and neighbors who know these waters well. On top of that, we asked our social media followers to weigh in and share their favorite fishing spots, then we cross-checked everything against Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources fisheries data. The result is this ranked list of the top 30 fishing lakes across Virginia.
This isn’t just a bass list. Virginia anglers chase crappie by the bucketful, troll for walleye and stripers, hunt muskie, and soak baits for trophy catfish, and the best lakes here deliver on more than one front. Whether you’re after largemouth, a slab crappie for the fryer, a limit of walleye, or a quiet day chasing trout, there’s a water on this list for you. We weighted the rankings toward lakes with real public access and a track record of producing fish across multiple species, so the biggest all-around destinations rise to the top. Let’s get into the picks that Virginia anglers trust and keep coming back to year after year.
30. Huntsman Lake
Huntsman Lake, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a small but well-loved spot for local anglers. It’s home to largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and catfish, offering a solid mix for a quick outing. Only electric motors are allowed, so the lake stays fairly quiet, making it a great place for kayaks, canoes, and small boats. There’s a public boat launch and several easy-to-reach shoreline spots, and the bluegill and crappie fishing off the bank keeps families and kids busy in spring. For a simple, relaxed day close to the city, Huntsman Lake is a reliable neighborhood pick.
29. Lake Robertson
Lake Robertson, tucked away in Rockbridge County, Virginia, is a peaceful spot for anglers looking to catch largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and crappie. The lake is surrounded by wooded hills, giving it a natural, laid-back feel. Boats with electric motors are allowed, and there’s a public ramp that makes it easy to get on the water. Some local anglers feel the stocking program could be more consistent, so set expectations accordingly, but the panfish and catfish action is steady and bank access is easy. For a quiet afternoon near Lexington rather than a trophy hunt, Lake Robertson does the job.
28. Lake Brittle
Lake Brittle, near Warrenton, Virginia, is a small fishing spot popular with anglers in the northern part of the state. It holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill, with a public boat ramp and decent shoreline access. The catfish and crappie are the bread and butter here, and the mix of open water and shallow cover gives bank anglers plenty to work with. It’s not a destination water and opinions among locals are mixed, but for a short, low-key outing near Fauquier County it remains a convenient option. Spring and early summer are the busiest times.
27. Lake Smith
Lake Smith, located in Virginia Beach, is one of Norfolk’s water-supply lakes and connects to Lake Lawson for a bit more room to explore by small boat, kayak, or canoe. It holds largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Older anglers will tell you the lake was a giant-bass factory decades ago before development and shoreline runoff changed it, and those glory days are behind it. Even so, it still gives up respectable crappie and catfish, a boat permit gets you on the water, and the calm setting suits beginners. For a relaxed local day rather than a trophy trip, Lake Smith holds its own.
26. Lake Whitehurst
Lake Whitehurst, located in Norfolk, Virginia, is another of the city’s water-supply reservoirs and offers a peaceful spot filled with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Anglers head out in small boats, kayaks, or canoes, or set up along the shore at one of the easy-to-reach bank spots. A boat permit is required. Longtime locals remember an outstanding largemouth and striper fishery here in the 1990s, and while habitat changes have tempered that reputation, it still produces solid crappie and catfish for anglers who put in the time. Spring and fall bring the most active fishing.
25. Burke Lake
Burke Lake, located in Fairfax County, Virginia, is a genuine favorite among Northern Virginia anglers and several readers named it as their home water. It holds largemouth bass, northern snakehead, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill, and it’s particularly known as one of the better muskie waters in the region thanks to DWR stocking. The lake has a public boat ramp, and only electric motors are allowed, which keeps the water calm. There’s plenty of shoreline access, with fishing piers and easy bank spots for crappie and panfish. For a dependable, well-managed lake close to the city with a surprise shot at a muskie, Burke is hard to beat.
24. Laurel Bed Lake
Laurel Bed Lake, tucked high in the mountains of southwest Virginia, offers anglers a quiet, out-of-the-way coldwater experience. This cool, clear lake is known for its smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, brook trout, and sunfish, a mix that makes it one of the few places in the state where you can chase trout and bass in the same trip. The rocky shorelines and clear water reward anglers who work slowly, whether in a kayak, canoe, or from shore. Access is through a public boat ramp, and because the lake sits within the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, it has a wild, peaceful feel. For mountain trout and smallmouth in a remote setting, Laurel Bed is worth the drive.
Swift Creek Reservoir
Swift Creek Reservoir, located in Chesterfield County, Virginia, is a steady fishing spot known for largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. Anglers can fish from small boats, kayaks, or along the shoreline at several access points. The lake has plenty of coves and points, giving you lots of spots to cast a line and try your luck. Spring and fall often bring the most bites, but many locals enjoy visiting throughout the year. Whether you’re out to catch a big bass or just want a simple, no-pressure fishing trip, Swift Creek Reservoir offers a solid day on the water.
23. Beaverdam Reservoir
Beaverdam Reservoir, located in Loudoun County, Virginia, offers anglers a calm spot packed with largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and sunfish. It’s especially well regarded for crappie, so much so that DWR encourages selective harvest to protect the bigger fish on this smaller water. Since only electric motors are allowed, the reservoir stays peaceful and is a favorite for kayaks and canoes. You’ll also find a few good bank spots, and there’s a public launch with a fishing pier. Whether you’re filling a crappie limit or just relaxing with a rod in hand, Beaverdam is a reliable Northern Virginia choice.
22. Lake Mooney
Lake Mooney, located in Stafford County, Virginia, is one of the state’s newer fishing spots and has quickly earned a reputation among local anglers. The lake is home to largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill, giving plenty of variety for a day on the water. Boats with electric motors are allowed, so the setting stays peaceful and easygoing. There’s a public boat ramp and a few good shoreline spots, and the crappie and catfish fishing has come on strong as the lake has matured. Spring and fall tend to be the best times. For a clean, well-managed lake that keeps getting better, Lake Mooney delivers.
21. Diascund Reservoir
Diascund Reservoir, located in New Kent County, Virginia, is a quiet fishing spot that draws local anglers looking for largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and chain pickerel. The crappie schools here are a real draw, and the winding shoreline, coves, and shallow flats give you plenty of places to find them. The reservoir shows up regularly on the local tournament schedule, and only electric motors are allowed, so the water stays calm. There’s a public boat ramp for easy access, and many people fish from kayaks or canoes. Bring your own gear and bait, since the area doesn’t have many nearby shops. For crappie and pickerel in a peaceful setting, Diascund is a steady pick.
20. Little Creek Reservoir
Little Creek Reservoir, located near Williamsburg, Virginia, is a peaceful spot known for its clear, deep water and a genuinely diverse fishery. Anglers visit for largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, walleye, and bluegill, with some heading out in kayaks or small boats while others fish from shore. The depth here supports a walleye population that sets it apart from most eastern Virginia lakes. Since only electric motors are allowed, the lake stays calm, and there’s a public boat ramp and fishing pier for easy access. Whether you’re after walleye, a slab crappie, or a relaxed day casting, Little Creek delivers more variety than its size suggests.
19. Lake Prince
Lake Prince, found in Suffolk, Virginia, is part of the busy Suffolk reservoir system that anchors one of the most active fishing tournament circuits in the region. Anglers chase largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and chain pickerel here, and the lake’s deep water and scattered timber hold good numbers of slab crappie alongside the bass. A boat permit gets you on the water from the public ramp. Spring and early summer bring the best action, and weekend tournaments are common. For an angler who wants competitive-grade water without the crowds of the big-name lakes, Lake Prince is a smart pick.
18. Sandy River Reservoir
Sandy River Reservoir, near Farmville, Virginia, is a serious all-around water that has topped the state in trophy largemouth citations in past years while also giving up quality crappie and redear sunfish. The lake’s submerged brush and points hold fish, and the big redear (shellcracker) draw panfish specialists every spring. Anglers can use small boats, kayaks, or fish right from the shore. There’s a public boat ramp, but only electric motors are allowed, keeping the water calm. Spring and early summer are especially productive. Whether you’re chasing a personal-best bass or a cooler of panfish, Sandy River rewards the time you put in.
17. Carvins Cove Reservoir
Carvins Cove Reservoir, near Roanoke, Virginia, is one of the largest municipal reservoirs in the country and a peaceful spot where anglers go after largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, and even stocked trout in the cooler months. The reservoir is surrounded by forested hills, giving it a quiet, natural feel, and only electric motors are allowed, so you’ll mostly see kayaks, canoes, and small boats. There’s a public boat launch and plenty of room to spread out. Locals enjoy steady crappie and bass action in spring and fall, with the trout adding a coldwater bonus. For a scenic, no-rush trip near Roanoke, Carvins Cove is a solid choice.
16. Leesville Reservoir
Leesville Reservoir, tucked between Smith Mountain Lake and the Leesville Dam, offers a quieter, more varied fishing experience than its famous neighbor. Anglers come here for striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, and crappie. The mix of deep water and rocky shorelines makes it one of the better walleye and striper waters in the region, especially during spring and fall. Many people fish from boats to reach the best spots, though some shoreline areas are also popular. Public boat ramps make access easy. Because it’s less crowded, Leesville often feels like a hidden gem packed with quality multi-species fishing.
15. Lake Burton
Lake Burton, a 76-acre impoundment in Pittsylvania County near Climax, punches far above its size and ranked as the number two water in Virginia for trophy largemouth citations in 2025. Owned and managed by DWR, it carries a strict trophy regulation that prohibits keeping any largemouth, which is exactly why it produces so many big fish. The abundant forage base of gizzard shad and bluegill makes those bass well-fed and sometimes tough to tempt, so it fishes like a finesse puzzle, and the bluegill themselves run big. Local anglers who named it as a top-ten largemouth lake were right on the money. For a small-water trophy bass hunt, few places in the state compare.
14. Flannagan Reservoir
Flannagan Reservoir, tucked in the mountains of southwest Virginia, is a true multi-species mountain lake with plenty of space to spread out. It holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, crappie, and channel catfish, and the walleye and smallmouth fishing in the deep, clear, rocky water is what sets it apart. Many anglers head out early or late when fish are most active, trolling or jigging for walleye and working the rocky banks for smallmouth. There are a few boat ramps and access areas around the reservoir. For a peaceful mountain setting with genuine walleye-and-smallmouth variety, Flannagan is a reliable trip.
13. Chesdin Lake
Chesdin Lake, located near Petersburg, Virginia, is a strong all-around fishery and one of the better crappie and walleye lakes in central Virginia. Along with those, it holds largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish, and bluegill, giving plenty of options no matter what you’re after. Known for its steady water levels, Chesdin is a favorite for bass tournaments and weekend crappie trips alike. You’ll see people casting from boats or setting up near the public ramps and parks. Spring and early summer are the most active times. Marinas and bait shops around the lake offer gear and advice, and the lake’s size makes it easy to find a quiet cove or open water to work.
12. Occoquan Reservoir
Occoquan Reservoir sits just outside the busy Northern Virginia area and offers a peaceful, varied fishery without a long trip. This long, narrow water is home to largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, channel catfish, and northern pike. The crappie fishing around the coves, points, and drop-offs is a genuine draw, and the resident pike add a toothy bonus you won’t find on most NoVA lakes. You’ll see folks using small boats, kayaks, or fishing right from the bank. There are several boat launches and access points, making it easy to get on the water for a few hours or a full day. For solid crappie and bass close to the city, Occoquan is one of the best options around.
11. Western Branch Reservoir
Western Branch Reservoir, the largest and deepest of Norfolk’s water-supply lakes at over 1,200 acres, is a Suffolk-area standout that anglers told us is criminally underrated. It holds the best striped bass population in the district, produces around 40 bass citations in a typical year, and also gives up muskie, big crappie, redear sunfish, white perch, and bluegill. A boat permit is required, motors are limited to keep the water calm, and the 40 miles of shoreline give you endless water to explore. It anchors a busy local tournament trail. For an angler willing to work for trophy bass, stripers, muskie, and slab panfish all in one lake, Western Branch is a hidden powerhouse.
10. Chickahominy Lake
Chickahominy Lake, located along the New Kent and Charles City county line in eastern Virginia, is a 1,230-acre water-supply reservoir that consistently ranks among the state’s best for trophy largemouth bass while also serving up excellent crappie. Its mix of cypress trees, stumps, lily pads, and a tannic, tea-colored stain creates picture-perfect cover, and the lake also holds bowfin, chain pickerel, and bluegill. Anglers head out in small boats, kayaks, or canoes, with shoreline spots available too. The pre-spawn window in March and April is prime time for the biggest bass and the heaviest crappie stringers. With marinas and bait shops nearby, Chickahominy is a genuine destination.
9. Briery Creek Lake
Briery Creek Lake, an 845-acre impoundment near Farmville within the Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area, is Virginia’s most famous trophy bass factory and ranks near the top of the state’s citation list almost every year. Since the early 1990s it has produced the overwhelming majority of the heaviest largemouth entered statewide, and a protective 16-to-24-inch slot limit keeps that fishery strong. The lake is full of standing timber that makes every inch look fishy, and it also holds quality crappie, sunfish, and channel catfish for anglers who want more than bass. People come from more than a dozen states to chase a personal best here. If a trophy largemouth is the goal, Briery Creek belongs near the top of your list.
8. Lake Gaston
Lake Gaston stretches across the Virginia-North Carolina line and is a favorite among anglers looking for variety. The lake is packed with largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, channel and blue catfish, walleye, and sunfish, offering chances at a half-dozen species in a single trip. With miles of shoreline, coves, and open water, there’s no shortage of spots, whether you’re trolling for stripers and walleye or working docks for bass and crappie. Public boat ramps and marinas make access easy, and local bait shops are always ready to help. Spring and fall usually bring the best fishing, but people fish here all year. Many families turn a Gaston trip into a full weekend, thanks to its easy access and wide range of options.
7. South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake stretches across the Virginia-Tennessee border and is well known among anglers looking for a good challenge and real variety. It’s packed with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and trout, giving fishermen a lot to go after, including a coldwater trout component you won’t find on most warm-water reservoirs. The clear water and rocky shoreline make it a strong smallmouth and walleye lake, especially in spring and early summer. Many people launch boats to reach the deeper spots, but you’ll also see folks casting from the shore or near the dam. There are several public access points, marinas, and bait shops. The mountain scenery makes it a favorite for both serious anglers and weekend visitors.
6. Lake Moomaw
Lake Moomaw sits in the Allegheny Mountains near Covington and is one of Virginia’s premier trout fisheries thanks to its deep, cold, clean water. Along with rainbow, brown, and brook trout, the lake holds smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and sunfish, making it a rare two-in-one where you can chase trout and bass in the same outing. Many anglers fish near the dam or in the coves where fish gather, trolling for trout or working the rocky banks for smallmouth. There are boat ramps and campgrounds around the lake, so it’s easy to make a full weekend out of a trip. For a coldwater fishery in a state short on them, Lake Moomaw is worth the drive.
5. Philpott Lake
Philpott Lake, a 2,900-acre Army Corps reservoir near Martinsville, is one of Virginia’s most underrated destinations, and plenty of readers were surprised it didn’t sit even higher. DWR considers it one of the premier walleye fisheries in the entire state by sheer numbers, supported by annual stockings, and it holds a strong smallmouth population near the dam along with largemouth that regularly top five pounds, plus crappie and catfish. The clear, deep water and 100 miles of undeveloped, forested shoreline make it as scenic as it is productive. With boat ramps, campgrounds, and picnic areas throughout, it’s built for a full weekend. For walleye and smallmouth in a beautiful mountain setting, Philpott is hard to beat.
4. Lake Anna
Lake Anna is one of Virginia’s best-known fishing lakes, drawing anglers from all over the state. At nearly 13,000 acres it’s packed with largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, channel and blue catfish, walleye, and even saugeye, offering something for just about every type of fisherman. One thing that makes Lake Anna stand out is its warm-water side, heated by a nearby power plant, which keeps the bite active even in colder months. You’ll find people fishing off the banks, trolling for stripers and walleye, or working the coves for crappie. There are public ramps and access points throughout. Spring and fall bring the most bites, but the warm side keeps the action going year-round. For consistency across seasons and species, few lakes match it.
3. Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake, a 4,500-acre New River impoundment near Radford, is one of the most diverse fisheries in the state and the best reason on this list for muskie and walleye anglers to get excited. It’s a New River strain walleye water, a genuine muskie lake, and a strong smallmouth fishery thanks to its steep rocky shorelines, and it also holds largemouth, spotted bass, striped and hybrid bass, crappie, and monster catfish (the upper lake has produced a 58-pound flathead). You’ll see people fishing from boats, docks, and shore, especially near Claytor Lake State Park, which offers ramps, fishing piers, and room to set up. A few local anglers find the bass fishing inconsistent, but no lake here matches its species variety. Spring and fall are prime.
2. Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is one of Virginia’s largest and most popular fishing spots, and in 2025 it ranked as the number one water in the state for trophy largemouth bass citations. But the bass are only part of the story on this 20,600-acre reservoir. It’s famous for its trophy striped bass fishery, holds excellent crappie and walleye, and gives up channel and flathead catfish across its wide, open water. Many people fish docks in spring from pre-spawn through post-spawn, while others troll deep for stripers and walleye. It’s part of DWR’s F1 largemouth program aimed at growing bigger fish, and local marinas and bait shops stay busy with supplies and advice. Between its stripers, record-setting largemouth numbers, and strong panfish, Smith Mountain offers a world-class all-around experience.
1. Kerr Reservoir
Kerr Reservoir, known to most Virginia anglers as Buggs Island Lake, earns the top spot for the same reason it dominated our reader comments: nothing else in the state does so much, so well, across so many species. At roughly 50,000 acres straddling the Virginia-North Carolina line, it ranks among Virginia’s best for crappie, stands out as a premier striped bass and hybrid fishery, produces quality largemouth, and is a genuine catfish destination with blue, flathead, channel, and white catfish all present, plus walleye, white perch, and panfish. Anglers fish it from boats, banks, and bridges, with the crappie bite peaking February through April in the creeks and stripers concentrating in the lower lake through the cooler months. Public access is outstanding, with state parks, wildlife management areas, ramps, and marinas all around the lake. Whether you’re filling a cooler with slabs or chasing a trophy striper, Kerr fits just about any angler, and almost no one argued with it at number one.
More Info + FAQ About Fishing in Virginia
Virginia has plenty of great fishing spots, whether you’re after bass, crappie, walleye, muskie, catfish, or trout. Whether you’re planning a solo trip, a day out with family, or a weekend with friends, there’s a lake or reservoir that fits what you’re looking for.
FAQ
Which Virginia lakes are best for crappie?
Kerr Reservoir (Buggs Island) is widely considered one of the best crappie lakes in the state, with the bite peaking from February through April in the major creeks. Lake Chesdin, Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, Lake Gaston, Claytor, Diascund, Occoquan, and Beaverdam all hold strong crappie populations too. Look for brush, sunken structure, and bridge pilings, and use a fish finder to locate the schools.
Where can I catch walleye and muskie in Virginia?
For walleye, Claytor Lake (a native New River strain), Philpott, Smith Mountain, Lake Anna, Leesville, Flannagan, South Holston, Lake Gaston, and Little Creek are the top picks. For muskie, Claytor Lake is the standout reservoir, with Burke Lake and Western Branch also stocked, and the New River system around Claytor holds the state record at over 45 pounds.
Where’s the best trout fishing in these lakes?
Lake Moomaw is the premier coldwater lake, with rainbow, brown, and brook trout in its deep, cold water. South Holston and Laurel Bed also offer mountain trout, and Carvins Cove gets stocked trout in the cooler months. For stream trout, the mountains of southwest and western Virginia hold hundreds of miles of stocked and wild water.
What lakes just missed the list?
A few waters our readers mentioned are worth knowing about even though they didn’t crack the top 30. Hale Lake in Grayson County (Comers Rock) is a small, scenic mountain lake stocked with trout and panfish, perfect for kids and beginners but too small to rank among destination waters. Lake Frederick near Front Royal, Fairy Stone Lake near Philpott, and Slate River Reservoir near Farmville are all solid regional options. Swift Creek Reservoir in Chesterfield is a good fishery but has very limited public access outside the surrounding HOAs, which is why we left it off a list focused on waters anyone can fish.
Are any of these natural lakes?
Almost none. Virginia has very few natural lakes, so nearly every water on this list is a man-made reservoir or impoundment built for water supply, flood control, or power generation. That’s normal for the region and doesn’t take anything away from the fishing.
Do I need a fishing license in Virginia?
Yes. Anyone 16 or older needs a valid Virginia fishing license to fish in public waters. You can get one online from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources or at local tackle shops and some big retail stores. Different licenses cover freshwater, saltwater, or trout fishing, so double-check you’ve got the right one. Some lakes, including the Norfolk and Suffolk water-supply reservoirs, also require a separate boat or fishing permit.
When’s the best time to go fishing in Virginia?
Spring and fall are usually the most active times, but summer mornings and evenings can also be great. Crappie are best in the pre-spawn and spawn from late February through April, walleye fishing peaks in winter and early spring, and trout fish well in the cooler months. Lake Anna’s warm side stays productive even in the dead of winter.
Can I bring my own boat?
Most public lakes in Virginia allow private boats, but some have horsepower limits or no-gas-motor rules, and a few only allow electric motors or paddling. Always check the specific lake’s rules before heading out. You can often rent boats or kayaks at larger lakes if you don’t have your own.
Where can I get updates or local fishing reports?
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources posts regular fishing reports online, including annual rankings of the top waters for trophy fish. Local tackle shops are also a great resource since they know what’s biting and where.
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