Fishing At Leesville Reservoir

AKA: Leesville Lake

What to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, blue catfish, white catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, redbreast sunfish, white bass, white perch, yellow perch, striped bass and saugeye at Leesville Reservoir in Virginia.

A hydroelectric power generation reservoir, Leesville Reservoir produces more than power. This lake also produces a variety of fish species for anglers to pursue. It is a 3,400-acre lake in the south-central part of VA, near Altavista.

Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Rental Boats
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
Campgrounds & RV Parks
Map
Lake Video
Contact Info

Leesville Reservoir, located in southwestern Virginia, offers anglers a tranquil and productive fishing experience in a scenic setting. This 3,400-acre reservoir provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping.

One of the popular fish species in Leesville Reservoir is the largemouth bass. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, rocky areas, and points, provides excellent habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques such as casting topwater lures, working soft plastics, or flipping jigs. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and tend to move closer to the shorelines.

Crappie is another sought-after species in Leesville Reservoir. These tasty fish can be found near submerged structures and brush piles. Anglers often use small jigs or live minnows to entice crappie into biting. The reservoir is also home to other species such as catfish, bluegill, and sunfish, providing a well-rounded fishing experience.

Boating is a popular activity on Leesville Reservoir, allowing anglers to explore different areas of the lake and find the best fishing spots. The reservoir provides boat ramps, allowing for easy access to the water. Anglers can enjoy cruising the calm waters or anchoring at strategic locations to cast their lines and enjoy a day of fishing.

Camping facilities are available at nearby Staunton River State Park, offering a chance to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The park provides campsites and amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to the lake. Camping near Leesville Reservoir allows anglers to maximize their time on the water and experience the tranquility of the region.

Leesville Reservoir offers a serene fishing experience in a picturesque setting. With its diverse fish species, boating opportunities, and nearby camping options, it remains an attractive destination for anglers seeking a peaceful and rewarding day of fishing in southwestern Virginia.

Lakes levels vary up to 10 feet in one day. When full there are 110 miles of shoreline to discover. When the levels are down it gives anglers a chance to see what cover the fish use when full. Striped bass, catfish, walleye, crappie, saugeye, perch, bluegill and sunfish all share this fertile reservoir. Three boat launch ramps serve the public for launch of fishing boats, pontoons, pleasure boats, and smaller craft like jet skis, canoes and kayaks. There areas for fishing from the bank as well as a fishing pier near the Leesville dam. Leesville Lake Marina & Grill has a store, fishing tackle, food, groceries and marina services.

Primary fish species residing in Leesville Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Leesville Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Leesville Lake Marina
Rentals: Kayaks, canoes and pontoon boats
434 324-8500

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Leesville Dam #7 VDWR Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northeast section of the lake, south end of the dam, off Gallows Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Myers Creek Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Bibee Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Tri-County Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Sunrise Loop, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.