Fishing Leesville Reservoir
AKA: Leesville Lake
Popular Fish Species Leesville Reservoir, VA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
By far the most popular fish species in Leesville Reservoir, largemouth bass continue to provide anglers with happy days on the water. Anglers are catching bass in good numbers with largemouth bass in the 4 to 6-pound range showing up with some regularity. A history of careful fisheries management by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has helped to maintain a thriving bass fishery. Recent results by bass fishing tournament participants, attest to the fact that fishing for largemouth bass has been quite rewarding, with an occasional bass over 6 pounds being weighed in. In Leesville Reservoir, 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, 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.
Striped Bass Fishing
Leesville Reservoir is where the current state record striper was caught, and the fishing continues to produce big stripers. Due to their large size, striped bass are a favorite of many locals and fishing guides at Leesville Reservoir. 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.
Crappie Fishing
With a history of slow crappie fishing, Leesville Reservoir has recently began delivering quality crappie fishing, especially with black crappie. Light line and small hooks are key when fishing live bait. Crappie jigs are also productive her in a wide variety of colors. The lake has healthy populations of both white crappie and black crappie. These two species typically tend to school separately. However, 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. 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. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk.
Fish species 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.
Leesville Reservoir Fishing Video
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Marinas
Leesville Lake Marina
2736 Marina Dr
Gretna, VA 24557
434 324-8500
Fishing Guides On Leesville Reservoir
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 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.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Leesville Lake Campground - 434 818-1177
Smith Mountain Campground - 434 927-4198
Leesville Reservoir VA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Leesville Reservoir
Leesville Lake Marina & Grill
2736 Marina Dr
Gretna, VA 24557
434 324-8500
Fishing lakes in each state.
080524
Leesville Reservoir in Virginia.
VIRGINIA
Information about fishing lakes in Virginia
Fishing in south-central VA, at Leesville Reservoir, for striped bass, catfish, walleye, crappie, saugeye, perch, bluegill and sunfish.