Fishing Lake Chesdin

AKA: Chesdin Lake

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

Lake Chesdin, VA

Popular Fish Species Lake Chesdin, VA

Lake Chesdin Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

Lake Chesdin continues to deliver largemouth bass that is rated very good to excellent, as it has for several years now. Careful fisheries management by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has maintained a thriving bass fishery, providing both quantity and quality for anglers. Recent results by locals, and bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been very rewarding lately. Also, there is the potential for catching a monster. Big mouth bass often move shallow and become fairly aggressive when they are in a feeding mood. If they seem disinterested in your presentations, try slowing down and use smaller, lighter baits. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good options. In winter, spend your time fishing Lake Chesdin on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time.

Crappie Fishing

Lake Chesdin continues to be a very good crappie fishing lake, especially in Spring and Fall. The lake has good populations of both black crappie and white crappie. These two species generally school by with their own, but once located around cover, you may find that you catch both species, due to the fact they often share the same cover. Crappie fishing can be found in varying size schools, hanging around brush, vegetation, wood or other cover. Using a fish finder any time of year can help locate these crappie schools, which tend to stack vertically around cover. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. In spring and fall focus on the 8 to 12 foot range. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. As the crappie move deep in summer and winter, follow points out deep, as well as find ledges near channels, especially areas with brush or timber in deeper water.

Walleye Fishing

The newest fish species to gain attention at Lake Chesdin is walleye, and they are thriving here of this year. May and June tend to be the best time for weekend anglers to catch them. During this time they tend to move shallower, closer to shore and begin spawning. Rock and gravel are preferred areas for the spawn. Other times of the year they are more likely to roam around in deeper water. As always, stay around schools of baitfish. They are eager to feed throughout the lake, but tend to concentrate around structure on points, flats and ledges off the river channels. Walleye have excellent, low-light vision which helps them find food in deep or murky water. Make an effort to be on the water during low light conditions. A proven method for catching walleye here is trolling with spinners tipped with live bait, or trolling with long-billed, deep diving crankbaits. However casting live bait, jigs, worms and spoons also works well at times.

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, redear sunfish, white perch, striped bass and saugeye at Lake Chesdin in Virginia.

Lake Chesdin Fishing Video

Ideal for water skiing, boating, kayaking, canoeing and fishing, Lake Chesdin offers fun for the whole family. The lake covers 3,100 acres in the east-central part of Virginia, at Petersburg.

Lake Chesdin, in Virginia, is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a serene and productive angling experience. The lake is known for its diverse fish populations, making it a haven for anglers of all skill levels.

One of the most sought-after fish species in Lake Chesdin is the largemouth bass. This warm-water fish thrives in the lake's habitat, and anglers can find bass of various sizes throughout the year. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, boat docks, and drop-offs, provide ideal feeding and hiding spots for bass. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and readily bite on a variety of lures and baits. Anglers can also target other popular species such as crappie, bluegill, and catfish in Lake Chesdin.

Lake Chesdin offers a combination of natural beauty, abundant fish species, and recreational activities, making it an attractive destination for anglers, boaters, and campers alike. Whether casting for largemouth bass, enjoying a peaceful boat ride, or spending a night under the stars, Lake Chesdin provides a memorable fishing and outdoor experience in the heart of Virginia.

Anglers in a boat can explore over 340 miles of shoreline - some of which is accessible for fishing from bank. There is a fishing pier as well. Fishing enthusiasts are drawn here for bass and crappie, but the lake also has catfish, saugeye, walleye, stripers, and numerous sunfish species. Local VA fishing guides offer trips with all gear provided. There are several boat launch ramps, including one with no fee near the dam. Petersburg and West Petersburg are just a few miles from the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Chesdin

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Chesdin Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is a popular activity on Lake Chesdin, with its expansive size and calm waters providing ample opportunities for watercraft enthusiasts. Anglers can take advantage of their boats to explore different areas of the lake and find the best fishing spots. Whether it's casting from a bass boat, trolling from a pontoon, or simply enjoying a leisurely boat ride, boating enhances the fishing experience on Lake Chesdin.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Lake Chesdin Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off State Route 776, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Lake Chesdin Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southwest section of the lake, off State Route 623, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Lake Chesdin Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the northwest section of the lake, off Lake Chesdin Parkway, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.

Whippernock Campground Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Sutherland Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.

Marinas

Whippernock Marina
2700 Sutherland Rd
Sutherland, VA 23885
804 265-5252

Fishing Guides On Lake Chesdin

Big Mouth Fishing Guides - bass

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 is not available directly at Lake Chesdin, but there are nearby campgrounds and recreational areas where anglers can set up camp and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area. Pocahontas State Park and other nearby campgrounds offer amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to the lake, allowing anglers to extend their fishing trips and maximize their time on the water.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

Lake Chesdin Campground - 804 265-9000