I am in the beginning process of looking into a property on Lake Anna Virginia. I've read a few posts about fishing the hot side of the lake during the winter that sound promising. My question is does it get too hot in the summer time? How is the fishing in the summer time on the hot side of the lake?

 

I like to fish year round and the thought of fishing warmer water in the winter sounds good, but the public side of the Lake seems much larger with the added incentive of places to eat etc.

It gets very hot in summer, and the fishing is hard. But in winter it is outstanding. There are no public ramps, you have to own a property, know someone or rent a place.

 

Cold side is much larger and offers decent fishing year round. But during the summer months is pretty much a zoo of pleasure boaters, jet ski's and wave runners.

The hot side is.... ok. Its mostly a bunch of small fish between 1 and 3 lbs with the occasional 5-8 lb fish mixed in but those are generally far and in between. The main lake's a lot more fun and I've almost always fished the main lake year round. Virginia has mild winters. Quite rare for the lake to become iced over to the point where you can't launch, and if that does happen, it's only in the coves and the ice never lasts for more than a week, really. 

 

And yes, you'll be closer to most of the "stuff" around the lake if you're on the main lake instead of the hot side. 

23 hours ago, BrianinMD said:

It gets very hot in summer, and the fishing is hard. But in winter it is outstanding. There are no public ramps, you have to own a property, know someone or rent a place.

 

Cold side is much larger and offers decent fishing year round. But during the summer months is pretty much a zoo of pleasure boaters, jet ski's and wave runners.

X2

I did guide trips for residents of the hot side for a number of years.  It gets very hot 90 degrees + is not uncommon in the summer but you can find cooler water up the creeks that are a normal temp for the time of year no matter how hot the main pools get.  Pool 3 in the summer is the coolest of the main lake areas.  Personally, I like Elk Creek due to it's varied habitat.  All being said, there's nothing like catching a buzzbait fish in December during a snowstorm.    I still fish over there all winter.  

Do you still guide there?

Naw, I decided to spare my new boat from being put to work.    I'd be happy to show you around if you decide that is where you want to buy.  Maybe even wet a line

I was at the Lake this past weekend looking at all the communities, and am leaning towards purchasing on the private side.  Mostly, because this opens up a nice option for me during the winter, and there is less boat traffic. Toxic, I will PM you and take you up on that offer, thank you.

Personally, of those two,  I would do private side also to get access, the cold side is still within an easy tow when you want to go over there.

 

Honestly If I really had the option I would pick Gaston.....