Beaverdam Reservoir, Ashburn Va

[DrewF5]

Hello fellow anglers!

 

I'm a newbie to the Bass Resource as of today!

Is anyone familiar with bass fishing the Beaverdam Reservoir in Ashburn VA? I've hit this spot about 5 or 6 times between May-present and haven't caught a single fish!

 

I have a small jon boat I launch from the point opposite the mt hope launch. Typically I'll head into the coves just to the right of the launch and sometimes I'll breeze across the center as well. I know this is tough lake to fish but it's so large I don't know where the sweet spots are... nor do I have the time/patience to find them.

 

There was a gentlemen that posted an awesome video on youtube catching tons of big bass. Prior to all my visits I'll watch this video to pump me up before I start fishing... but I always leave frustrated and scratching my head. Any help would be appreciated!

 

Thanks!

 

 

[dave]

Try to find a local bass club called New Horizon Bass Anglers.  Great group of guys focused on fun,  learning and sharing information.  Tournaments and social gathering as well.  Some members live in Ashburn.  I know one is a member here. Maybe once this thread gets moved to the regional forums,  he'll see it.

[shimmy]

Hey Drew, perhaps the video was mine. Beaverdam is a fun lake for those who have spent a lot of time on it and a nightmare for those who are blind boogying on the lake. I would use the search engine on this website to see previous posts on Beaverdam. As for starters, you need a depth finder. I would only fish the coves or points early in the morning or late in the evening. Aside from that, i don't even touch the shoreline unless it is in the spring. I stay 8 feet and deeper throughout the year on that reservoir. Even though i have fished the lake for 4 years, i know i am missing some hot spots which is just part of the game. During the summer, i would focus fishing from mt hope road and north. There are very few spots i fish south of mt. hope road during the summer months. The better spots will be north. A depth finder makes a big difference out there. These fish are always moving. I would start taking mental notes of all the places you see your depth finder light up. Most likely there is some type of contour or structure change on the bottom and the bass are relatively close by. This has been a tough year for numbers for me but then again i have only gone about 10 times. I do feel like it has been more difficult to catch numbers this year more so than others. And, there are only a select few places i have fished this summer that have produced fat bass. They have been skinny this year. I would follow the creek channels and start fishing when you see balls of baitfish. Even then, this lake will still be difficult. Good luck out there and keep us posted. I went last week and in one spot had a 5 fish limit at 22 pounds 2 ounces within 15 minutes. The lake will beat the crap out of you for hours at end and then suddenly you can hit a hot spot. Just keep following the channels till they give you something to work with. 

[caq]

Hey Drew, perhaps the video was mine. Beaverdam is a fun lake for those who have spent a lot of time on it and a nightmare for those who are blind boogying on the lake. I would use the search engine on this website to see previous posts on Beaverdam. As for starters, you need a depth finder. I would only fish the coves or points early in the morning or late in the evening. Aside from that, i don't even touch the shoreline unless it is in the spring. I stay 8 feet and deeper throughout the year on that reservoir. Even though i have fished the lake for 4 years, i know i am missing some hot spots which is just part of the game. During the summer, i would focus fishing from mt hope road and north. There are very few spots i fish south of mt. hope road during the summer months. The better spots will be north. A depth finder makes a big difference out there. These fish are always moving. I would start taking mental notes of all the places you see your depth finder light up. Most likely there is some type of contour or structure change on the bottom and the bass are relatively close by. This has been a tough year for numbers for me but then again i have only gone about 10 times. I do feel like it has been more difficult to catch numbers this year more so than others. And, there are only a select few places i have fished this summer that have produced fat bass. They have been skinny this year. I would follow the creek channels and start fishing when you see balls of baitfish. Even then, this lake will still be difficult. Good luck out there and keep us posted. I went last week and in one spot had a 5 fish limit at 22 pounds 2 ounces within 15 minutes. The lake will beat the crap out of you for hours at end and then suddenly you can hit a hot spot. Just keep following the channels till they give you something to work with. 

shimmy,

 

Great info!  I haven't been out to Beaverdam yet.  I typically just fish the channel by Accotink Bay from the shore or on my inflatable.  Last night I went over to Lake Mercer and got skunked.  Did both ends of the Dam, then went along the side and stopped about 4 different spot.  I still have hope for that lake though.  I think if I could take my inflatable out there it'd be a good day for me. 

[DrewF5]

Shimmy,

 

Thanks for your reply!

Firstly, I apologize for my late reply. I'm new to bassresource.com and I guess I didn't set my alert notices in my settings. I just figured I never got a response until I randomly logged back into the forum tonight and noticed your response from months ago.

 

If the video is yours, I did meet you briefly back in July/August sometime. My buddy and I had just pulled out at the Mt Hope launch and we spoke with you for a while about what to fish. We both felt like fools because after speaking with you we realized we were using all the wrongs baits for that time of year and fishing the shoreline with top waters in the hottest weather. Can you tell I'm a rookie? LOL!!  Anyhow it was very nice to meet you and your video rocks!!

 

I certainly appreciate your advise! I did purchase a fish finder/depth finder back in November for my jon boat. It's called the "Hummingbird Fishing Buddy". It hangs over the side of the boat as opposed to attaching it to the transom mount. I'm not to pleased with it as the transducer seems to be inaccurate at speeds over 3-4 mph. It's probably more appropriate for a kayak or canoe. Either way the depth finder should play an important role as you mentioned.

As it warms up in the coming months I'll be sure to take your advise in fishing north of mt hope road and stick to the coves in the mornings.

Again, I appreciate the help!

 

 

[Darren.]

Welcome to the forums, Drew!

[Naplock]

Welcome!