Richmond Area?

[VAfishin4me]

I live in Richmond and I just need some new fishing spots. I mostly fish small, private lakes, cuz it seems that around here most of the public lakes are crap. Don't get me wrong I catch plenty of fish in those lakes, but I just can't go enough. It shouldn't be this hard to find a good fishing hole right? Any Richmonders or even anyone living near here know some good spots?

[quanjig]

Where is Chris??

[Sam]

Where do you live in the Richmond geographical area? 

[VAfishin4me]

Henrico, West End

[cmatthews6485]

You live close to me i live in glen allen i fish a few of the local and private lakes around here i found a new one today near VCC mall and was there for about 20 minutes had 2 bites and caught a nice 3.5 pounder its good for cold water without a boat because its not too big to fish from shore in the cold

[VAfishin4me]

You live close to me i live in glen allen i fish a few of the local and private lakes around here i found a new one today near VCC mall and was there for about 20 minutes had 2 bites and caught a nice 3.5 pounder its good for cold water without a boat because its not too big to fish from shore in the cold

Awesome! How far from ( VCC- Virginia Center Commons- I assume)? That wouldn't be a very long drive, and it sounds productive. I don't have aboat either.

[cmatthews6485]

its like 2 minutes away from the 295 exit where you would get off for the mall

[cmatthews6485]

the best place i have fished in richmond isnt fishable me and my buddy caught 20 fish total and three were 4.2 4.6 and 4.8 pound bass in three hours of fishing and two of the fish were pickeral but as we were leaving the place we got told by a police officer that it was a private lake so much dissapointment

[VAfishin4me]

Ok, gotcha

[VAfishin4me]

Yep, I find that most of the lakes around here are private, and I don't really want to walk across people's property without permission.

[Sam]

VCC!!!!

Virginia Center Commons!!!!

Don't get mugged.

I have seen but never fished the place and may have to do so this summer.

As for fishing around Richmond and the West End:

1.  Get a copy of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries "2009 or 2010 Freshwater Fishing in Virginia" publication. It is free and you may find it at Wal-Mart, Green Top and BPS.

Check out Henrico County Lakes in Region 5 - Central Virginia plus the other places in our area, especially those south of the James River.

Pony Pasture is great for smallmouths and catfish, but it is dangerous so please wear your PFD and go with a friend.

2.  Plan to attend the Richmond Fishing Expo on January 15, 16 and 17 ath the Richmond Internatinoal Raceway off Laburnum Road. You may pick up a copy of above mentioned booklet from the DGIF booth at the event. Great event.

3.  Lake Rooty in Innsbrook is a good place to try. It is the big lake behind the buildings off Cox Road.

4.  The lake on the other side of Nuckols Road from Rooty may have some bass in it but it has not been productive for me.

5. Twin Hickory Subdivision ponds.  There are two so put them on your list and give 'em a try this spring and summer. Off Nuckols Road above I-295.

6.  Get a GMCO map of Greater Metro Richmond. Great investment. It illustrates lots of places to fish.

7.  Check out the various office parks and fish their ponds.

8.  Off Route 54 heading west out of Ashland, there are two private ponds that you can pay to fish. You will see them. Look for the white house on the northern side of the road; bring $5; put it in the box; and hope for the best.  Used to be good but the ponds have "decrepitated" over the years.

We have so many places to fish around here that you could spend your entire life fishing all of the ponds, lakes and rivers and not fish the same place twice.

Please join us at the Richmond Fishing Expo so we all can visit once again and trade names and phone numbers.  I met Micro, Dan, Wayne and others and they are a super guys. Micro's photo was taken by me when he waxed my fanny on the Chick River. That bass was at least six -pounds. Probably more.

You can also meet the guys from the FLW Region 3 selling raffle tickets at the Richmond Fishing Expo. Go by the booth and inquire about their local clubs.

You may want to consider joining a local bass fishing club. You will learn a lot and have a good time. You will also meet the guys who fish all over Virginia.

Check out these web sites:

www.babass.com

Go to Federation

See Region 3 Contacts

www.vafederationnation.com

See Contact Us and Ask Bo for club info.

Or, PM me and I can give you some info on local clubs and give your name and phone numbers to both the FLW and B.A.S.S organizations. 

[Sam]

make that www.vabass.com

Sorry for the typo. 

[hokiefisherman93]

hey man, I live in the West End, Short Pump area in particular.  I know of several places within 45min drive from me that produce.  If you ever need a partner PM me or chris.  We usually are out more times than not!

[cmatthews6485]

I tried fishing today before the snow but it was so ******* cold i was only able to be out there for 45 minutes i had 3 bites but no fish landed before i ended up calling it quits and 30 minutes after i got home it started snowing

[s13john]

soo many places to fish soo lil time ... id defiantly hit the james once the water gets warm enough to wade in. other than the ones already mentioned, i would recommend if you have a boat to try briery creek, not much like that place its one of a kind. if no boat .... still go their some good spots from shore too ;D ;D

[heyitskirby]

Once the weather starts to get real nice and kids start getting out of school...avoid Pony Pasture. Its a hot spot for teenagers who want to hang out on rocks and get in the way of people who want to fish.

[XLFISH]

Sam is right, there are so many spots to fish in this area its crazy. I imagine it certainly limits your ability to hit some of our top producers without a boat but his recommendation to find a club was gold. I assume you are a young gun so you have to start somewhere. Save up and buy a trolling motor. Always keep your eyes peeled for a used John boat or even a canoe. The process does not happen over night but maybe by the fall you will be shoving off on your own and we will be reading of your success. I will shoot you a PM that will help you find someone to fish with.

[Aluma-Bass]

get a small boat or canoe or yak and head to briery or sandy for some hawgs!! Can also try swift creek res. / Brandermill....

[VAfishin4me]

Thanks guys, I didn't realize there were this many members who lived around here.  Great suggestions, and I especially like the bass clubs and will try to attend the expo.