Hitting Lake Anna tomorrow with my kayak, not sure of the exact location, and I realize the lake is big, but any of you guys fish it? I’m sure it’s at least a decent fishery. Just wanted to see if anyone on here fishes there regularly or might have any points of interest or tips for a first timer. Thanks in advance.

I have spent a few hours on the lake?  As for fishing I imagine the upper part of the lake will be muddy.  You could start at the State Park and work your way down lake until you find clean water or you could put in cloer to the dam and be assured of clean water.  Boat traffic will be pretty heavy I would imagine.  Be careful out there. 

@TOXIC I’ll be putting in from a family friends house, not sure where it’s located but I plan on trying to stick to backs of creeks and look for some more natural areas. I’ll fish docks if that’s all I can. I’m used to fishing the muddy stuff so that won’t be an issue. I’ll post a picture of where we are going to be located once I get there. And of course safety is always my priority as well as respecting others on the water!

Lake could be dirty so have baits for stained or dirty water.

On June 8, 2018 at 8:03 PM, Sam said:

Lake could be dirty so have baits for stained or dirty water.

I thought it was going to be dirty as well with all the rain we had that week. The water was crystal clear. I ended up being on the private side or the warm side as some folks call it. Not sure if that nuclear water was the reason, but I got my butt kicked. Only bagged 2 fish in the 1-2 pound range. Still fun being out there!

34 minutes ago, Graham said:

I thought it was going to be dirty as well with all the rain we had that week. The water was crystal clear. I ended up being on the private side or the warm side as some folks call it. Not sure if that nuclear water was the reason, but I got my butt kicked. Only bagged 2 fish in the 1-2 pound range. Still fun being out there!

Yes, the "Hot Side."

 

With the water temperature rising via the sun and adding in the warm water discharge, the water temperature must have been in the 80's, which means the bass went deep near to thermocline for the cooler water.

 

Next time when the water temperature is in the 80's go deep.

 

Glad you had a safe trip.

 

 

@Sam that explains a lot. Was up shallow fishing structure like usual. Thanks for the tip. Fishing deep in a large body of water I’m unfamiliar with is such a shot in the dark. That 100% makes sense though!

 

Also thanks, a safe trip for sure!

Hot side is a whole different beast.  That side of the lake fishes different than most anywhere.  In the summer you head for the feeder creeks to get the cooler water and head to pool 3 where the water is at it's coolest point before re-entering the cold side.  I have found trying to get the deeper fish in the main pools to bite is tough.  They feed early and late and that is the best time to target them.  

@TOXIC Awesome info, thx! My strategy was off, that’s for sure. I knew the hot water would change things a lot, but I couldn’t think of a good way to approach it. I want to say I was near “rock 9” if that rings a bell. Found a little cove that was super natural and had some nice structure, it was probably 2-8 fow where I was fishing. Man I bet that’s a fun place to fish in January.

4 minutes ago, Graham said:

@TOXIC Awesome info, thx! My strategy was off, that’s for sure. I knew the hot water would change things a lot, but I couldn’t think of a good way to approach it. I want to say I was near “rock 9” if that rings a bell. Found a little cove that was super natural and had some nice structure, it was probably 2-8 fow where I was fishing. Man I bet that’s a fun place to fish in January.

If you ever get over there again, hit me up and I can give you some specific spots to fish.  And yes, there's something special about catching a bass on a Sammy or a buzzbait during a snowstorm.

@TOXIC I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks dude and happy fishing!