Hello all! I'm a somewhat new angler (2 years) and am HOOKED on fishing. The only problem is that there seem to be few public places with decent fish. All of the local ponds and lakes seem to be private property belonging to some HOA. Where are some decent places to fish that won't kick you out for doing so?

Get a copy of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Freshwater Fishing in Virginia at Green Top or BPS and you will find many places you can fish from the bank listed in the free booklet.

Don't limit yourself to south of the Historic James River. Go north and hit places like Eco Lake, the Henrico County ponds, the little pond just south of Hanover Courthouse and other places you can find on a map.

As for Chesterfield area, you are correct with your problem of fishing private waters. Don't do it unless you have written permission from the land owner.

One other suggestion: you can fish the ponds at the Salisbury Country Club on Mondays. Park in the back of Kings Lynn Road (or something like that. Google map the area and you can see what I am writing about) and walk the easement to the pond on your right. It is the one with the golf cart bridge over the small end. We used to fish it all the time but the guys grew up and got interested in girls and that ended that. Hopefully there are still some large ladies in that pond you can catch.

The big pond at the end of Lucks Lane is new and the fish are not that big but you can give it a try. It is the pond near the hospital on Lucks Lane just pass the 288 interchange.

The pond behind Martin's on Huguenot Road in the Stony Point Shopping Center (McDonalds is in this shopping center) has never been that good but there are some bass in it. You can give it a try. No one is concerned with the no fishing signs.

Good luck and you can locate some good places to fish in the VG&IF booklet.

Have fun; don't forget your needle nose pliers; leave a float plan at home as to where you are going and when you will be home; watch for snakes, especially copperheads; and have a good time.

 

Welcome aboard!

Good info from Sam, he knows the area.

Sam will only give up so much but is always the best resource.

Another option from Chesterfield is the Powhatan Wildlife Management Areas.  The lakes are only good (in my opinion) if you have a small boat that meets the requirements, but the ponds are darn near accessible from end to end.  There is good fishing just make sure to bring your bug spray.

 

Thanks all! I appreciate it! I actually went to Echo Lake yesterday and was surprised at how big it was. The hydrilla was almost unbearable unless you had a drop shot or spinner bait. I only had a spinner on me at the time, but this other guy there with a drop shot lure was pulling small LMB's out left and right. I'm going to get the guide like you suggested as I can't tell from Google maps what is public use and what is private use.