Information gathered from Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries
Lake Chesdin is a 3,100-acre water supply reservoir on the Chesterfield-Dinwiddie County line administered by the Appomattox River Water Authority. Chesdin is a very productive lake that offers excellent largemouth bass fishing, good crappie fishing (both black and white) in spring and fall, and a great channel catfish fishery. For experimental reasons, walleye stocking has been reduced in recent years. Even so, numerous walleye up to 7 pounds were collected in gill net samples in 2004. As a result, the Department has decided to increase walleye stocking beginning in 2005. Striped bass have been stocked for many years, but none were harvested by anglers who were interviewed for the creel survey in 2003, and very few have been collected in gill net samples. Consequently, striped bass stocking is being terminated.
Due to the opening of a fish lift in Brasfield Dam (AKA Lake Chesdin Dam) during spring, 2005, anadromous fish will have access to the upper Appomattox River for spawning for the first time in many years. Although relatively few shad and herring are expected to use the lift during this first year of operation, a good spring fishery may develop in the upper river if spawning runs improve over time.
The public boat ramp and handicap-accessible fishing pier are open 24 hours a day. There are three private marinas with boat ramps, rental boats, bait, tackle, camping, and picnicking.
Lake Chesdin Maps
Maps for Lake Chesdin can be purchased from the following companies