For avid anglers the following statement is almost as an incantation, “Big water yields big fish. Big water yields big fish. Big water yields big fish.”

Yes, big water does yield big fish. And Virginia presents plenty of big, beautiful and bountiful freshwater lakes that will yield big fish and angling adventures you won’t forget, from battling smallmouth bass to hard-striking largemouth bass to lunker-sized stripers.

The scenery along Virginia’s lakeshores will captivate you, too, from highland-bordered South Holston, Flannagan, Claytor, Philpott and Smith Mountain Lakes to the green banks of Lake Gaston, Kerr Reservoir, or Lake Anna, worthy backdrops in your quest for the big one.

Additionally, can will experience legendary lakeside Virginia hospitality -- and exciting lakeside destinations that will be icing onto your angling adventure.

Read on so you can learn more about fishing Virginia’s big lakes, a where to guide for bass anglers, along with nearby destinations that will make your fishing adventure even better.

South Holston Lake

Nearby Towns: Bristol, Abingdon, Damascus

Lake Size: 7,580 acres, 182 miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: No

South Holston Lake

This impoundment, shared with the state of Tennessee, results from the damming of the South Holston River. Majestic forested mountains rise from the notoriously clear waters, part of which is Washington-Jefferson National Forest. Much of the upper lake is narrow and includes the picturesque confluence of South Fork and Middle Fork Hoston Rivers, above which runs the fabled Virginia Creeper Trail. Mountain streams feeding the lake fashion slender, cool coves. While fishing you can look up at Holston Mountain where the famous Appalachian Trail rambles. Boat ramps, campgrounds, and marinas and other infrastructure are well located on South Holston, making your trip here even better. 

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

The clear, mountain stream fed waters of South Holston Lake favor smallmouth bass. And the uppermost part of the reservoir, where the Middle Fork and South Fork Holston come in, offers an almost riverine fishing experience that complements the lower reservoir-type angling down lake. The South Fork, draining Virginia’s highest terrain, is generally the clearest of the two major tributaries.

Largemouth Bass:

Largemouth are found in good numbers on the upper Virginia part of the lake, especially in the narrow coves fed by mountain streams. Cast among the willows rising from the water. Bank anglers have success night fishing with live bait.

Striped Bass:

Striped bass aren’t highly sought here, though they have been stocked on the Tennessee part of the impoundment.

Other popular species: Avid anglers also seek walleye on South Holston. The fish are heavily stocked and have a size minimum, making them an increasingly desired specie. Walleye are mostly found in the upper Virginia part of the impoundment, and their early spring spawning run up both the Middle Fork and South Fork Holston arms of the lake have yielded rewarding catches.

What’s on the Lake/Nearby:

Flannagan Reservoir

Nearby Towns: Clintwood, Haysi

Lake Size: 1,143 acres, 40 miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: No

John W. Flannagan Reservoir
Photo Credit: Brad Deel, @brad.deel

Admittedly on the smaller side of being a big lake, Flannagan Reservoir, hard against stately Pine Mountain and the Kentucky state line at just short of 1,400 feet elevation, is just too pretty – and productive – to leave off this list. Slender throughout and bordered with high wooded banks, the serpentine arms of Flannagan Reservoir present several recreation areas, used primarily during the summertime, and includes campgrounds, picnic areas and boat launches. The Pound and Cranes Nest Rivers are the primary tributaries on this relatively quiet impoundment. The water is very clear throughout. It exemplifies a Southern Appalachian mountain lake. 

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

The steep rocky banks favor smallmouth bass, especially in the Pound River arm of the lake. Anglers typically troll the shores of these slender riverine arms. Since the mountain stream fed and well shaded waters stay cool longer in the summer smallmouth stay in shallow waters longer, making topwater action more favorable.

Largemouth Bass:

It seems the bass have agreed to split up Flannagan Reservoir, with largemouth found more on the Cranes Nest River of the impoundment, though they are the most prevalent bass specie on the entire lake, but they do run on the smaller side.

Striped Bass: These fish continue to get bigger, with a 20-inch minimum. Even though Flannagan Reservoir is stocked, the fish are self-sustaining and striped bass remain a target for bass anglers on this eye pleasing fishing destination.

Other popular species: The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources considers walleye to be a priority game specie at Flannagan Reservoir and continues to stock the lake and protect the species with size limits, expanding the fishery.

What’s on the Lake/Nearby:

Claytor Lake

Nearby Towns: Pulaski, Newbern, Radford

Lake Size: 4,360 acres, over 100 miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: No, but guides available on nearby New River

Paddling in Kayaks at Claytor Lake State Park

Claytor Lake is another mountain reservoir nestled in a scenic portion of the Blue Ridge. Here, the crashing New River is dammed. Lake elevation is 1,846 feet. Long and serpentine in a rural setting of woods, fields, and rising hills, Claytor Lake benefits from being fed cool, clear mountain waters. The shoreline is lightly developed, with lesser lakefront housing, and more woods than you might expect. However, marinas, ramps, parks, and other lakeside facilities are more than adequate for the impoundment. The scenery reflects the Southern Appalachians at their finest.

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

Claytor Lake is a quality smallmouth fishery. As stated by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, “Claytor’s steep and rocky shorelines make it particularly good for smallmouth bass.” Lake coves are especially productive. Fish habitat structures have been regularly placed in the lake to enhance cover for bait and small fry.

Largemouth Bass:

Largemouth bass hold second place to smallmouth bass at Claytor Lake. The cool mountain water slows the growth of largemouth, though the record bucket mouth at Claytor Lake is 14 pounds, 6 ounces. Peak Creek constitutes a narrow arm of the impoundment and offers intriguing possibilities.

Striped Bass:

Stripers are third here at Claytor Lake. In summer they are found toward the dam but later in the year, they are mobile, chasing their favorite prey fish, alewife, all over the lake.

Other popular species: Catfish are highly sought after. The bottom dweller reproduces well at Claytor Lake and the clean, clear water results in tasty fare, drawing additional anglers. Both flathead and channel cats are native to the waters of the New River and are found in abundance on Claytor Lake. The upper part of the lake has yielded a 58-pound flathead catfish!

What’s on the Lake/Nearby:

Philpott Lake

Nearby Towns: Martinsville, Bassett, Ferrum

Lake Size: 2,880 acres, around 100 miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: No

Philpott Lake
Photo Credit: Beth Marshall

Philpott Lake stretches over Franklin, Patrick and Henry counties at the eastern base of the Blue Ridge. The reservoir primarily backs up the Smith River, draining the highlands of the Blue Ridge. The shoreline, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, has no residential development. This results in a picturesque wooded shoreline pretty enough to make slow fishing days good scenery days. Islands, coves and numerous lake arms bordered by high hills create an intimate atmosphere for a lake of its size. Fairy Stone State Park occupies a significant portion of shoreline, adding to the natural aspects of this eye pleasing impoundment. It’s a real opportunity to get back to nature while angling.

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

Despite being outnumbered by largemouth bass, smallmouth bass can be found in their greatest numbers closer to Philpott Dam. Having so many rocky coves helps with fishing and a completely wooded shoreline results in more fallen trees and more in-lake structure, providing cover for bait fish and bass themselves.

Largemouth Bass:

Largemouth bass preside over Philpott Lake, with 5 pounders caught regularly. Ol’ bucket mouth is found in the many arms of the impoundment, from the long Smith River arm to the interestingly-named Goblintown Creek arm to Bowens Creek arm. Simply put, largemouth bass is king of Philpott Lake.

Other popular species: Anglers looking for an alternate fish should go for walleye here at Philpott Lake. They are present in large numbers, backed with annual stockings. You can have fun catching walleye, but the big one may be hard to land.

What’s on the Lake/Nearby:

Smith Mountain Lake

Nearby Towns: Rocky Mount, Roanoke, Penhook, Gretna, Bedford

Lake Size: 20,600 acres, 500 miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: Yes, for stripers, largemouth and smallmouth

Smith Mountain Lake
Photo Credit: Kelsey Johnson, @heykelseyj

This grand impoundment lives up to its name. Located in a montane setting in the Blue Ridge, Smith Mountain Lake is very large, with many faces. With so many peninsulas jutting into the water, the amount of shoreline is staggering. Some shore is protected as parks and such while other shores are lined with houses. The Roanoke River arm of the lake seems to go on forever. The spectacular scenery cannot be denied. Facilities from marinas to boat launches to lodging, dining and more are sufficient to handle popular summertime on Smith Mountain Lake.    

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

Quality fishing starts by avoiding popular recreational boating and water skiing areas, wherever wide open waters are found. Found along the rocky shore and points in spring and fall, smallies go deeper in the heat of summer, although the proliferation of docks and boathouses provide cover for the bronzebacks.

Largemouth Bass:

Largemouth is king here on Smith Mountain Lake. Fishing for them is generally better farther upstream from the lake dam, including the Roanoke River arm and Blackwater River arms of the lake. Anglers seek shallow coves for best largemouth action. Largemouth up to 8 pounds are regularly caught.

Striped Bass: Stripers are a huge draw at Smith Mountain Lake and some local anglers exclusively devote their time to pursuing striped bass, which have been stocked in the lake since its inception 60 plus years ago. In summer and early autumn, stripers are mostly found closer to the dam among the labyrinth of coves. Try the upper part of the lake fall through spring, for what is considered a premier Virginia striper lake.

Other popular species: Anglers can find some success catfish angling, but the lake is clearly a bass fishery.

What’s on the Lake/Nearby:

Buggs Island Lake

Nearby Towns: Clarksville, Boydton, South Boston

Lake Size: 48,900 acres, 800+ miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: Yes, plenty of guides that specialize in a specific specie found on the lake

Fishing in Buggs Island Lake
Photo Credit: Scott K. Brown

This is Virginia’s biggest lake despite being shared with North Carolina. Buggs Island Lake also goes by Kerr Lake and John H. Kerr Reservoir. Names aside, this impoundment is truly huge. Its shoreline is mostly wooded with a decent mix of lakefront homes. Besides the Roanoke River, major tributaries/lake arms include Dan River, Grassy Creek, Butcher Creek and Eastland Creek. The reservoir is so big anglers generally “specialize” in fishing a particular area of the impoundment. In addition to fishing you will also find other recreationalists such as swimmers, boaters and water skiers. In Virginia, habitat reefs have been added to improve an already productive fishery, rich with brush and other natural cover. Several wildlife management areas border the lake.

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

Smallmouth aren’t often sought here. Nevertheless, the Virginia DWR report on general bass fishing at Buggs Island Lake: “The best fishing is on the upper end of the lake and the lower end creek arms.” At full pool, water inundates willow patches, trees and other vegetation, a productive time. Try to hit Buggs Island Lake when it first hits full pool and you can find success, but don’t be surprised if you find more largemouth than smallmouth on your line.

Largemouth Bass:

Bucketmouth is king on this lake. More anglers vie for largemouth than any other species, especially if you are going after numbers. This may be a reflection of the fast growth and high reproductive rates of largemouth bass. Anglers seek out willow thickets and other brushy areas in coves. The state actively manages largemouth size and population with minimum fish length and bag limits.

Striped Bass:

Known for its reproducing striped bass population, stripers are sought all over the impoundment, but are mostly found on the lower, deeper parts of the lake in summer. Anglers are asked to refrain from striper fishing in summer after keeping their limit, due to high mortality rate of released stripers.  

Other popular species: Buggs Island Lake is one of Virginia’s best crappie angling destinations. While bass anglers fish the lake mostly for sport, crappie anglers are bringing home full bag limits for the dining table. As with most lakes, spring is the time to fish for crappie here. However, stay in the creeks instead of the primary lake channel.  

What’s on the Lake/Nearby:

Lake Gaston

Nearby Towns: Bracey, Joyceville, Gasburg

Lake Size: 20,300 acres, 350 miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: Yes

Lake Gaston is located directly below Buggs Island Lake in the Roanoke River watershed. The upper third of Lake Gaston is in Virginia, from below the Buggs Island Lake Dam for several miles the main stem of the lake remains in Virginia before entering North Carolina. Even at that several arms of lower Lake Gaston extend north back into Virginia. Good news is that Virginia/North Carolina have reciprocal fishing license agreements here, yet remember that Virginia regulations remain in Virginia waters and North Carolina regulations govern North Carolina waters. Lake Gaston remains riverine for miles below Buggs Lake Dam, then widens, where first and second homes border the shore. Some anglers prefer Lake Gaston to Buggs Island Lake simply because it is not as large, therefore easier to determine just where to fish.    

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

It is a rare day when smallmouth bass are caught – or fished for -- in Lake Gaston. Most bass anglers stick to going for largemouth and stripers.

Largemouth Bass:

With so many shoreline homes on Lake Gaston, anglers can find largemouth lurking among the structures of boat houses and docks, as well as natural structure such as fallen trees and underwater vegetation. Also work points between the mouths of creek arms. Overall, largemouth are found in good numbers and enough success can yield some in the 7-8 pound range.

Striped Bass:

For starters, striper anglers like to set up below the Buggs Island Lake Dam when it is releasing and fish the outflow for stripers, where some lunkers can be caught. The lake is stocked, keeping populations up. Stripers tend to move down lake during the colder time.

Other popular species: Lake Gaston is a hotbed for catfishing, including blue and channel cats. There’s enough quality catfishing to support guide services for those seeking the big ones down in the deeps of this lake.

What’s on the Lake/Nearby:

Lake Anna

Nearby Towns: Wares Crossroads, Partlow, Louisa, Mineral

Lake Size: 9,600 acres, 200+- miles of shoreline

Boat Rentals: Yes

Guides: Yes

Lake Anna at Sunset
Photo Credit: Creative Dog Media, @creativedogmedia

This is Virginia’s only large freshwater impoundment in the northern tier of the state, created from damming the North Anna River. Laced with winding arms and coves from which rise rolling lands partly wooded and partly studded with lakefront homes, boat ramps and marinas. Major arms include Coleman Creek, Millpond Creek, Elk Creek and Freshwater Creek. The upper end of the lake divides into two major arms – North Anna River and Pamunkey Creek. Lake Anna, developed in 1972, is in a largely rural area and retains a rural flavor, though communities near Lake Anna are growing fast and offer plenty of services for bass anglers. However, check ahead to make sure that the boat ramp you plan to use is public or private.    

The Fishing

Smallmouth Bass:

Lake Anna is not considered a smallmouth bass fishing destination.

Largemouth Bass:

Lake Anna breeds good numbers of largemouth, keeping an already good bucket mouth fishery even better. Fish in the 5 pound range are routinely caught, with larger ones possible. This is no secret and you will share the water with other bass anglers. In general, more fish are found in the upper half of the lake. Anglers often fish along docks and other manmade structure.

Striped Bass:

Striped bass are continually stocked at Lake Anna to perpetuate the gamefish. Creel limits keep populations good enough for anglers to seek them. Striper seekers in the know head to Lake Anna in winter, as it is one of the best winter striper locations in Virginia.

Other popular species: Crappie are another specie of note for Lake Anna anglers, gathering in the spring for spawning schools. Again, the upper lake is considered superior crappie fishing year-round.

What’s on the Lake/Nearby: