Fishing Occoquan Reservoir
AKA: Occoquan Lake
Popular Fish Species Occoquan Reservoir, VA
Largemouth Bass Fishing
Occoquan Reservoir is considered one of the top bass fishing lakes in the region, as it has been for several years now. 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 Occoquan 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.
Channel Catfish Fishing
Occoquan Reservoir has held a dependable population of channel catfish for many years now. The typical fish are about 2 pounds, with larger ones caught frequently. For weekend anglers, most any rod and reel will work for catching channel catfish, as long as the line is strong enough. For serious catfish enthusiasts, using the right equipment enhances success, especially when you hook one of the big boys. A medium action, to medium-heavy action rod is ideal, in the 6' to 7' range. Use a slip sinker or Carolina rig with popular catfish baits on at least 10-pound line. Use sharp hooks with bait holders on the shank, or circle hooks for live bait. The state record channel catfish is over 30 pounds, and Occoquan Reservoir holds some pretty big ones. Flathead catfish also reside in the lake and fishing for them is often good as well, especially using live bluegill. Night fishing for catfish often delivers better results than daytime fishing. Fishing for channel catfish is often most productive around any kind of structure in the area. In Spring channel catfish migrate toward incoming water, so stay up river away from the main lake. In early summer look for rocky banks, the bigger the rocks the better. In summer and winter deeper structure is where to look. 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.
Crappie Fishing
With a history of good crappie fishing, Occoquan Reservoir continues to impress crappie enthusiasts this year. 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, flathead catfish, black crappie, white crappie, walleye, bluegill, hybrid striped bass and northern pike at Occoquan Reservoir in Virginia.
Occoquan Reservoir Fishing Video
Excellent bass fishing, fat crappie and bluegill draw the most attention from anglers at Occoquan Reservoir, a 2,100-acre reservoir in northeast Virginia, running northwest from Occoquan.
Occoquan Reservoir, located in northern Virginia, offers anglers a rewarding fishing experience in a scenic and tranquil setting. This 2,100-acre reservoir, formed by the Occoquan Dam, is known for its diverse fish populations and natural beauty.
One of the popular fish species in Occoquan Reservoir is the largemouth bass. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides excellent habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques such as flipping jigs, casting crankbaits, or working soft plastics. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and tend to move closer to the shorelines.
Occoquan Reservoir is also home to other popular fish species such as crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Crappie can be found near submerged structures and brush piles, and anglers can use jigs or live minnows to entice them. Bluegill provide enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages and skill levels, while catfish offer the opportunity to target larger and hard-fighting fish using various baits such as cut bait or stink bait.
Occoquan Reservoir offers a picturesque fishing experience in a peaceful setting. With its diverse fish species, boating opportunities, and nearby camping options, it remains a popular destination for anglers seeking a rewarding day of fishing in northern Virginia.
The winding river basin and a multitude of coves create over 40 miles of shoreline to explore and fish. To enhance your visit, there are boat rentals, three marinas, bait, tackle and several boat launch ramps, all available to the public. Wipers, walleye and catfish all deserve consideration here as fishing can run good to excellent for these species at times.
Primary fish species residing in Occoquan Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Occoquan Reservoir Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is a popular activity on Occoquan 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
Lake Ridge Marina
Rentals: Fishing boats, canoes and kayaks
703 494-5288
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Fountainhead Regional Park Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the north side of the lake, off Outlet Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Lake Ridge Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, on the south side of the lake, off Cotton Mill Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.
LRPRA Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast corner of the lake, off Forrest Hill Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with paved parking.
Marinas
Bull Run Marina
12619 Old Yates Ford Rd
Clifton, VA 20124
703 250-9124
Fishing Guides On Occoquan 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.
While camping is not available directly at Occoquan Reservoir, there are nearby campgrounds and recreational areas that offer camping facilities. Bull Run Regional Park, for example, provides campsites, picnic areas, and access to the lake. Camping near Occoquan Reservoir allows anglers to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area and extend their fishing trips.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Prince William Forest RV Campground - 703 221-2474
Camp Wilson Campground - 703 352-5900
Burke Lake Park Campground Store - 703 323-6600
Bull Run Campground - 703 631-0550
Occoquan Reservoir VA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Occoquan Reservoir
Bull Run Marina
12619 Old Yates Ford Rd
Clifton, VA 20124
703 250-9124
Fishing lakes in each state.
072324
Occoquan Reservoir in VA
VIRGINIA
Fishing for bass, crappie and bluegill in northeast VA.
