Navigation Home - AA-Fishing Lakes Fish

Fishing At Western Branch Reservoir In 2024

AKA: Western Branch Lake

Pick A LakePick A SpeciesPick A State

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch, white perch, striped bass and muskie at Western Branch Reservoir in Virginia.

Western Branch Reservoir, VA

A lake with minimal fishing pressure, Western Branch Reservoir is an ideal place to to a kayak, canoe or small fishing boat and enjoy some excellent fishing. This 1,300-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, at Suffolk, VA has 40 miles of shoreline.

The purpose of this page is to deliver an overview of this lake, the fishing options, and area amenities. Our goal is to provide info to first time visitors, as well as beginner and novice anglers. We gathered details from personal experience, numerous trusted websites that each offer select bits of information, and videos of fishing activity on the lake. These websites include the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, marinas at the lake, campgrounds, boat rental agencies and others. By consolidating this information to one page it allows visitors to see the entire picture, all in one place.

Lake Video

Western Branch Reservoir, located in Suffolk, Virginia, is a hidden gem for anglers seeking a peaceful and productive fishing experience. This 1,265-acre reservoir offers a variety of fish species, making it a popular destination for both recreational and competitive fishing.

One of the popular fish species in Western Branch 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.

Western Branch Reservoir is also home to other fish species such as crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Crappie fishing can be rewarding, especially around submerged structures and brush piles. Bluegill and other sunfish species provide enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages, particularly those using lightweight tackle and small baits. Catfish, including channel catfish and bullheads, offer the opportunity to target larger fish using various baits such as stink bait, worms, or cut bait.

Western Branch Reservoir offers a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience in a serene setting. With its diverse fish species, boating opportunities, and nearby camping options, it remains a popular destination for anglers seeking a memorable day of fishing in Suffolk, Virginia.

Bank fishing is not allowed, boat motors cannot exceed 9.9 horsepower and all boats require a permit. Western Branch Lake is a great place to catch a trophy bass, striper or muskie. It is also loaded with big sunfish and perch. In all the lake offers bass, catfish, crappie, stripers, perch, bluegill and sunfish. There is one boat launch ramp at the fishing station.

Fishing Boats For Rent In Virginia

Primary fish species residing in Western Branch Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Largemouth bass Channel catfish Black crappie Bluegill Redear Sunfish White Perch Yellow Perch Striped bass Muskie

Western Branch Reservoir Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Boating is allowed on Western Branch Reservoir, but there are restrictions on motorized boats. Only electric motors or boats with no more than 10 horsepower are permitted, ensuring a quieter and more environmentally-friendly boating experience. Anglers can enjoy exploring the lake's calm waters, accessing remote fishing spots, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding natural landscape.

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Western Branch Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Girl Scout Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.

Click here for a Virginia Fishing License.

Camping facilities are not available directly at Western Branch Reservoir. However, there are nearby campgrounds and recreational areas that offer camping options. These campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to other outdoor activities. Camping near Western Branch Reservoir allows anglers to maximize their time on the water and enjoy a complete outdoor experience.

Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby

No campgrounds or RV parks are nearby this city-owned reservoir.

Western Branch Reservoir VA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas

Contact Information

Western Branch Reservoir
City of Norfolk,
Dept of Recreation, Parks & Open Space

401 Monticello Ave, Suite 420
Norfolk, VA 23510
757 823-4291

 

Fishing lakes in each state.

AL Fishing Lakes AR Fishing Lakes AZ Fishing Lakes CA Fishing Lakes CO Fishing Lakes CT Fishing Lakes DC Fishing Lakes DE Fishing Lakes FL Fishing Lakes GA Fishing Lakes HI Fishing Lakes IA Fishing Lakes ID Fishing Lakes
IL Fishing Lakes IN Fishing Lakes KS Fishing Lakes KY Fishing Lakes LA Fishing Lakes MA Fishing Lakes MD Fishing Lakes ME Fishing Lakes MI Fishing Lakes MN Fishing Lakes MO Fishing Lakes MS Fishing Lakes MT Fishing Lakes
NC Fishing Lakes ND Fishing Lakes NE Fishing Lakes NH Fishing Lakes NJ Fishing Lakes NM Fishing Lakes NV Fishing Lakes NY Fishing Lakes OH Fishing Lakes OK Fishing Lakes OR Fishing Lakes PA Fishing Lakes
RI Fishing Lakes SC Fishing Lakes SD Fishing Lakes TN Fishing Lakes TX Fishing Lakes UT Fishing Lakes VA Fishing Lakes VT Fishing Lakes WA Fishing Lakes WI Fishing Lakes WV Fishing Lakes WY Fishing Lakes