Briery Creek Lake Bank Fishing

[bass_va_beginner]

I'm a beginner to the bass fishing scene and have been taking out my kids in the Richmond, VA area to local ponds and lakes to fish this summer.  We have been to Bear Creek Lake, Powhatan Lakes, and Echo Lake. 

 

I am boatless and was thinking of heading out to Briery Creek Lake this weekend and fish from the shore.  Based on some online research, I hear there is a dock, that includes restrooms.

 

The challenge I have had from fishing from the docks is if the fish aren't there, there's not much moving around to find them.  Is it worth making the drive out there at this time of year?  I am not looking to catch a trophy bass, just learn something and catch a few.

Thanks in advance,

[Wayne P.]

There is a fishing pier and some fishing platforms at the gravel parking lot near the dam.

 

The porta-jons at the parking lot edge are not exactly "restrooms".

It will be hot and humid this weekend, those should be a real joy to use.

 

The water level is getting close to about 3' low. Drawdown for vegetation growth until Spring.

 

The only other "docks" at the lake are boat docks, one at the paved parking lot/ramp at the dam and the other at the paved parking lot/ramp on Rt. 701.

[bigfruits]

on the southern launch there is a small beach where i launch the kayaks, might give you a little room to move around. kinda shallow near shore though, not sure where it drops off.

 

Wayne P. - is there a hiking trail around the lake?

[flyfisher]

the one advantage is that you can bank fish 24 hours there where boats have to be off at dark basically.  It is in a WMA so i would think that pretty much wherever you can get to is pretty much fair game but that may be easier said than done.

[bigfruits]

are you sure boats have to be out by dark? ive fished well into the night on a kayak and there are no gates (at least on the south launch)

[flyfisher]

are you sure boats have to be out by dark? ive fished well into the night on a kayak and there are no gates (at least on the south launch)

Yes, you have to be out with an hour of sunset.  Enforcement is obviously an issue with any regulation but y our supposed to be out by then.

 

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/waterbodies/display.asp?id=21&section=regulations

[edfitzvb]

I can't imagine wanting to be out in that lake where I can't see what's under the surface.

[bass_va_beginner]

Thanks to everyone for their helpful response.  I may try Bear Creek Lake, which is closer to Richmond and has boats for rent.  Good news is that I caught a bass tonight here in town of about 10" (not sure how many pounds)!  

[Wayne P.]

Thanks to everyone for their helpful response.  I may try Bear Creek Lake, which is closer to Richmond and has boats for rent.  Good news is that I caught a bass tonight here in town of about 10" (not sure how many pounds)!  

Pounds and 10" don't relate to each other. Ounces=yes.

[bass_va_beginner]

Pounds and 10" don't relate to each other. Ounces=yes.

I'm sure you are correct -- I attached a pic.  Thanks for helping out a beginner.  I ended up going out to Bear Creek Lake -- appeared to be fish there, but not biting.  Attempted to fish crankbait, senko, frog, and Hula popper.  Very few bites and no fish caught.  You could hear fish splashing to feed, but they didn't want what I was offering.    

 

I enjoyed the scenery and am glad I didn't drive to Briery Creek this morning based on your description.  Thanks again.

[Wayne P.]

I have fished Briery Creek when it was 8' low during a drawdown to cut boat paths through the timber.

The original gravel ramp was the only access.