Fishing Lake Gaston

AKA: Gaston Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Gaston Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boat Launch Ramps
Local Fishing Guides
Fishing License
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Contact Info

Lake Gaston, VA

Popular Fish Species Lake Gaston, VA

Lake Gaston Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Gaston is considered a good bass fishing lake by locals and tournament anglers alike. While fishing success can vary day to day, overall it's a good bass lake. Fishing for bass can be quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 4 pounds being caught. Bass often move shallow and become aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass, use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, drop shot rigs, big worms, jigs and spoons are good options. In winter, spend your time fishing deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Blue Catfish Fishing

This year blue catfish are running in the big to monster size in Lake Gaston. Most of the local guides offer catfish trips, and big blues are the favorite target. Fishing for blue catfish is most often productive during spring through summer around any kind of structure. Blue catfish are primarily found in large rivers, along the main channels, in and around tributaries flowing into impoundments of major river systems. They tend to move upstream in the summer in search of cooler temperatures, and downstream in the winter in order to find warmer water.The river end of the lake is often the area where the bigger catfish are caught. Road beds, creek channels and rocky points are all good places to begin. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with cut bait or other popular catfish baits. Channel catfish are also available here for anglers to pursue.

Striped Bass Fishing

Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Lake Gaston. They are plentiful, run in schools and can grow to bragging size. In Spring and Fall work the upper end of the lake where water is flowing into the lake. Look for deeper water in the river channel, as a holding place for stripers. In Summer and Winter, stripers hang out in deeper water during the day Morning often draws the stripers to much shallower water, look for them from the surface down to around the 20-foot range as they feed on shallow-running schools of bait. The lake is filled with plenty of baitfish and sunfish to to keep the fishery thriving. Being successful at fishing for stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and the wolf packs of stripers which are likely to be nearby. Fish finders, and forward facing sonar, are a big help in locating these roaming schools. Live bait is very effective here, and stripers can be caught year round.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, white bass, striped bass and chain pickerel at Lake Gaston in Virginia.

Lake Gaston Fishing Video

Home to big blue catfish, Lake Gaston is a 20,000-acre lake on the southern border of the state, at Gasburg, VA. In addition to catfish, the lake has nice schools of bass, crappie, walleye, stripers, white bass and chain pickerel.

Lake Gaston, spanning across Virginia and North Carolina, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a wide range of recreational activities. This 20,300-acre reservoir offers excellent fishing opportunities, abundant wildlife, and a beautiful setting for boating and camping.

One of the most sought-after fish species in Lake Gaston is the striped bass, also known as rockfish. These powerful and prized gamefish are known for their spirited fights and impressive size. Anglers can target striped bass using a variety of techniques, such as trolling with live bait or casting artificial lures. Spring and fall are considered prime seasons for striped bass fishing, as the fish are more active and tend to migrate in search of food.

Lake Gaston is also home to a variety of other popular fish species, including largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Largemouth bass are abundant in the lake and provide exciting angling opportunities. Anglers can find largemouth bass near submerged structures, docks, and shallow areas using a variety of lures and techniques. Crappie fishing is productive, especially around brush piles and submerged timber. Catfish, including blue catfish and channel catfish, can be caught using bottom fishing techniques with bait such as cut bait or stink bait. Sunfish, such as bluegill and redear sunfish, offer great fishing experiences for anglers of all ages.

Lake Gaston's combination of excellent fishing opportunities, boating possibilities, and camping facilities make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Virginia and beyond. Whether you're casting for striped bass, chasing largemouth bass, or simply enjoying a day on the water, Lake Gaston offers a memorable fishing experience in a beautiful and relaxing setting.

There's 350 miles of shoreline for fishing enthusiasts to explore. Some VA fishing guides offer catfish, bass and striper guide trips on Lake Gaston. Catch a bunch of fish for a fish fry, or go in search of monster catfish, either way this is a great destination for anglers. Boat docks, creek channels and areas with aquatic vegetation are the primary targets for locating fish.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Gaston

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Gaston Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: YES
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: YES

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Gaston, with its expansive surface area and numerous coves providing ample space for watercraft enthusiasts. Anglers can explore the lake, search for fishing hotspots, and enjoy the scenic beauty from their boats. Whether it's a bass boat, pontoon boat, or kayak, boating enhances the fishing experience on Lake Gaston.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Pea Hill Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off State Route 705, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Poplar Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Hendricks Mill Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

River Ridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, north side, off Deer Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and gravel parking.

Steel Bridge Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off US Highway 1, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Fishing Guides On Lake Gaston

Blues Brothers Guide Service - catfish

If you offer fishing guide services on this lake, please contact us for a free listing, to be posted here.

Fishing License

Click here for a Virginia Fishing License.

Camping options are available at several campgrounds and recreational areas around Lake Gaston, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and fully enjoy the natural surroundings. These campgrounds offer amenities such as RV sites, tent sites, picnic areas, and boat ramps, providing convenient access to the lake for fishing and other water-based activities.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Gaston Americamps Campground - 434 636-2668

Lake Gaston Lodges Campground - 434 577-3007

Lake Gaston Resort Campground - 866 553-6882

Additional Lake Gaston Campgrounds in NC.