Lake Gaston: A Fishing Paradise in Southern Virginia
If you are looking for a great place to enjoy fishing and other outdoor activities, you might want to check out Lake Gaston in southern Virginia. This lake is a hydroelectric reservoir that spans 34 miles and covers five counties in Virginia and North Carolina². It has 350 miles of shoreline and 20,300 acres of water surface⁴. It is also one of the largest lakes in Virginia, second only to Kerr Reservoir (also known as Buggs Island Lake)⁴.
Fishing Opportunities
Lake Gaston is a popular destination for anglers of all skill levels and preferences. The lake offers a variety of fish species, such as largemouth bass, striped bass, black crappie, white perch, bluegill, catfish and more⁴. You can fish from the shore, from a boat or from one of the many public fishing piers around the lake².
One of the most sought-after fish in Lake Gaston is the largemouth bass. The lake has a healthy population of bass that range from 12 to 20 inches in length. The average weight of a bass caught in Lake Gaston is about 2 pounds, but some trophy fish can weigh over 10 pounds⁴. The best time to fish for bass is from April to June and from September to November, when they are more active and feed near the surface⁴.
Another popular fish in Lake Gaston is the striped bass. This fish is native to the Atlantic Ocean but was introduced to the lake in the 1960s. The striped bass can grow up to 40 inches long and weigh over 20 pounds⁴. The best time to fish for striped bass is from May to June and from October to December, when they migrate up and down the lake following schools of baitfish⁴.
If you are looking for a tasty fish to eat, you might want to try the black crappie. This fish is abundant in Lake Gaston and can be found in shallow areas with submerged vegetation or around docks and bridges⁴. The average size of a crappie caught in Lake Gaston is about 10 inches long and weighs about half a pound⁴. The best time to fish for crappie is from March to May and from October to November, when they spawn and feed near the shore⁴.
| Fish Species | Average Size | Best Time | Best Bait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | 2-10 pounds | April-June, September-November | Jig ‘n pig, spinnerbaits, live shad |
| Striped bass | 5-20 pounds | May-June, October-December | Live shad, bucktails, spoons |
| Black crappie | 0.5-2 pounds | March-May, October-November | Small minnows, jigs |
| Catfish | 2-30 pounds | Year-round | Cut bait, chicken liver, nightcrawlers |
| Walleye | 1-5 pounds | February-March, October-November | Jigs, minnows, crankbaits |
| Bluegill | 0.25-1 pound | May-July | Worms, crickets, poppers |
| White bass | 0.5-2 pounds | March-April, September-October | Minnows, jigs, spinners |
| Chain pickerel | 1-4 pounds | Year-round | Spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, live shad |
Fishing Regulations
Before you head out to Lake Gaston, make sure you have a valid fishing license. You can get a license online or at any authorized agent in Virginia or North Carolina. The license fees vary depending on your age, residency and duration⁴.
You also need to follow the fishing regulations for Lake Gaston. These regulations include size limits, creel limits and gear restrictions for different fish species. You can find the current regulations online or at any local marina or bait shop⁴.
You should also be aware of the aquatic plants that grow in Lake Gaston. Some of these plants, such as hydrilla and watermilfoil, are invasive and can harm the native ecosystem. You should avoid fishing in areas with dense vegetation and make sure you do not transport any plant fragments on your boat, motor or trailer⁴.
Lake Statistics
To give you an idea of how big and diverse Lake Gaston is, here are some statistics about the lake:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Surface area | 20,300 acres |
| Shoreline length | 350 miles |
| Maximum depth | 95 feet |
| Average depth | 40 feet |
| Elevation | 200 feet above sea level |
| Water clarity | Moderate to clear |
| Water temperature | Ranges from 40°F in winter to 85°F in summer |
Lake Gaston is a fishing paradise in southern Virginia that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the shore, an exciting adventure on a boat or a delicious meal on your plate, you will find it at Lake Gaston. So grab your rod and reel and head out to this beautiful lake today!
🎣Source:
(1) Lake Gaston. https://lakegaston.com/.
(2) Lake Gaston | Virginia DWR. https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/lake-gaston/.
(3/4) Lake Gaston – Virginia. https://www.virginia.org/listing/lake-gaston/7105/.
(5) About Lake Gaston. https://lakegaston.com/about/.
(6) From namesake to dedication, a brief history of Lake Gaston. https://www.lakegastongazette-observer.com/news/article_c87c70ce-35a9-11eb-b977-53905781ffc9.html.
