Information gathered from Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries

This 1,110-acre water supply reservoir is situated along the New Kent and James City County line. The principle species are largemouth bass, bluegill, chain pickerel, redear sunfish, black crappie, yellow perch, and white perch. Carp, bowfin, and longnose gar provide alternative quarry. Gizzard shad and blueback herring are the main forage species. The latest sampling showed the bass population to be in very good condition in terms of abundance and quality. The proportion of large bass (greater than 20″) in the sample was high. Two of the five sites sampled were in the Diascund Creek branch of the reservoir, upstream of the Route 627 road bridge. These turned out to be the most productive for bass at the time of sampling, especially amongst the lily beds in the spring. By summer larger bass were found associated with the logs and tree trunks in about 10 feet of water. The bluegill population was also in good shape. The number of fish in the 7-8 inch size group had increased significantly.

In 2001, this reservoir placed second in the state for the number of chain pickerel trophies reported. Large chain pickerel are still present in the reservoir and offer anglers exciting thrills. Our sampling in 2002 documented a 13-lb. bowfin, which if caught by rod and reel at the time, would have qualified as a state record. Facilities include a boat ramp and courtesy pier. Bank fishing is allowed in designated areas adjacent to the boat ramp. Electric trolling motors are the only motors permitted. The hours of operation are from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.

The lake is located east of Providence Forge on Route 603 off Route 60 near Lanexa. For added information call the VDGIF at 757-253-4172.

Fishing

This fishery continues to perform well for a number of species. The results of the latest survey show the largemouth bass population to be in good shape (as indicated by structural indices, relative weight and physical examination). The largest bass picked up during our survey was almost 23 inches in length and weighed almost 6 lbs.

Bluegill were abundant (especially juveniles) and ranged up to 8 inches in length. Through our sampling efforts over the years we have found that the large impoundments of the middle and lower peninsula rarely produce bluegill much bigger than this. The overall status of the population was fair. The redear sunfish population has improved over the last three survey periods. The increase in electrofishing catch rates for fish over 8 inches in length and the general status of the population structure bodes well for future angling opportunities.

The black crappie and yellow perch populations are also developing well. Smaller fish dominated the sample, but there was a shift toward a better proportion of larger fish. The largest black crappie was 13 inches and the yellow perch were up to 11 inches. The chain pickerel population has been relatively stable, yielding trophy fish citations on a regular basis.

Anglers should not overlook the exciting fishing opportunities that exist for bowfin and longnose gar. Although the numbers of bowfin are not as high as nearby Chickahominy Lake, there are some large fish that inhabit the reservoir. The 2002 electrofishing sample collected two citation-sized bowfin that weighed 12.8 and 11.7 pounds.