Charlottesville, VA Fishing Spots

[Bank1128]

Looking for some lesser known largemouth Bass fishing spots near Charlottesville, preferably with decent fishing from the shore as I don't have a boat down here...  Been fishing the popular public lakes for a while without much success.  Thanx

[Wayne P.]

There are lots of bass in Chris Green lake and some big ones too. My largest there is 10# 6 oz.

I caught some Sat and Sun. just fishing from shore for about an hour each day checking the status of the spawn before I take my boat there.

[Bank1128]

any particular spots or lures work best there? cuz i was just there Friday evening and didn't even get a bite..

[FRfisherman]

Chris Greene can be tough but like Wayne P. said there are a lot of fish in there.    I've found that the best time to go is about a half an hour before dusk and fish until about an hour after dark.    As far as spots go I would try fishing around the first parking area you get to at the bottom of the hill and also to the left of that that along the trail into the woods.   Junebug colored U-Tale worms work fairly well as well as topwaters like Heddon Torpedos.  

[Wayne P.]

I catch the most from shore in the cove next to the beach below the volley ball court. Mid day seems the best time. A wacky rigged finesse worm is all I use there and is what I caught the 10-6 and a 9-0 on consecutive days just across the cove while fishing in a boat.

[Wayne P.]

Another lake that has some large bass in it is Ragged Mt. Res. My largest caught there is 8-15 and I have seen several larger ones as the water is usually clear with 15'-20' visiblility.

edited: I fished there from the shore for about 2 hours today while checking for beds and caught 8 bass. I only got about 1/2 way around the lake and quit as a thunder storm was approaching. I made it back to the vehicle just as the rain started. Not many beds yet.

[Bank1128]

whats the best way to get to the actual lake at Ragged Mt Reservoir?  Do you have to hike on those trails?

[Wayne P.]

To get to Ragged Mt. Lake, go just past the hiking trail parking and

turn right before Camp Holiday Trails and go to the end.

I caught a bunch at Chris Green Lake yesterday, but I took my boat this time.

[Bank1128]

Alright thanks.  Think I'm gonna give that a try sometime this week.. I was at Chris Greene last week again with no luck...

[Wayne P.]

At Chris Green, if you fish the shoreline point between the beach and dog lot, check yourself for ticks often.

You will enjoy that hill from the parking area to the lake at Ragged Mt. , LOL

[PMFish]

Wayne P.,

How are you fishing the ragged mountain res for bass?  Are you just looking for obstruction and hideouts along the shore? Wasnt sure how effective fishing off the "dam" would be.  How do you feel about a small daredevil or a meps as a lure? Thanks

[Sam]

Any places in the city or smaller ponds you can fish if you don't want to travel to Chris Green?  

[Wayne P.]

PMFish, I wouldn't use those lures from shore. Use a weedless rig like a Tx rigged worm or weedless wacky rigged worm. Topwater before the sun shines on the water works well too. I don't fish at the dam, I just walk down the steep hill were the boats are tied up and follow the shoreline to the right all the way to the upper lake dam (that side doesn't have the steep banks like from the dam on around to the upper lake dam).

Sam there are no ponds in Charlottesville, the only fishable water is the river. Some other lakes about the same distance from town are the Rivanna Res (limited shore access), Walnut Creek Park, and just a little farther is Beaver Creek Lake (near Crozet).

[PMFish]

There is also Boar's Head pond, off of Ivy Rd (250).  I have a buddy that fishes there and he caught quite a few crappie.  I am pretty sure it is public, but it may very well be private or restricted to people staying at the Boars Head Inn.  Calling ahead of time would avoid potential problems!

[PMFish]

Also many thanks wayne!

[Sam]

Thanks.