Lake Chesdin Overview
Lake Chesdin is conveniently located near Richmond in central VA along the
Chesterfield - Dinwiddie County line. The reservoir is an impoundment of the
Appomattox River created by Brasfield Dam. At 3,100 acres, there is room to roam
in search of a wide variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, both black
and white crappie, channel catfish, and modest populations of walleye and striped
bass. A fish lift to give anadromous fish like shad and herring access to the upper
river is in place, so look for increasing spring migrations of these fish.
Chesterfield - Dinwiddie County line. The reservoir is an impoundment of the
Appomattox River created by Brasfield Dam. At 3,100 acres, there is room to roam
in search of a wide variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, both black
and white crappie, channel catfish, and modest populations of walleye and striped
bass. A fish lift to give anadromous fish like shad and herring access to the upper
river is in place, so look for increasing spring migrations of these fish.
May 10, 2008: Larry Lester, avid Lake Chesdin angler, provided the following
fishing report. Check out his fishing lures, tackle store, and Lake Chesdin
tournament schedule online at www.cactusworms.com.
Water level up....with the majority of the fish finished spawning. Saw one fish
protecting her fry...
Using a weightless El Presidente (from cactusworms.com) for very subtle
presentation to catch the fish that are still shallow and have finished
spawning....can sometimes coax those still on the bed using this same method.
Fish are starting to eat top water baits....
Water temperature had dropped a few degrees...but stays around 70 degrees....
fishing report. Check out his fishing lures, tackle store, and Lake Chesdin
tournament schedule online at www.cactusworms.com.
Water level up....with the majority of the fish finished spawning. Saw one fish
protecting her fry...
Using a weightless El Presidente (from cactusworms.com) for very subtle
presentation to catch the fish that are still shallow and have finished
spawning....can sometimes coax those still on the bed using this same method.
Fish are starting to eat top water baits....
Water temperature had dropped a few degrees...but stays around 70 degrees....
Virginia Outdoors - A Resource for Virginia Anglers and Hunters
Virginia Outdoors - Lake Chesdin (aka Chesdin Reservoir)
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Fishing Lake Chesdin
Largemouth Bass: The largemouth bass fishing on Lake Chesdin is consistently
good. Largemouth in the 2-4 lb range are common and fish over 20" are present.
As in most of the state, the fish move into the shallows as the water warms in late
March and April. During these times, focus on creeks and coves. The heavy inflow
of the Appomattox River often dictates the best fishing tactics since a decent rain
can color the water in a hurry. When the water is stained, turn to larger, noisier
lures like 1/2 ounce spinnerbaits and wide-wobbling crankbaits in colors like
chartreuse and firetiger. When the water is clearer, carolina-rigged plastics
(worms, lizards, tubes) in natural colors like pumpkinseed will do the trick. Find
fairly steep banks, points, and dropoffs where you can hold the boat in 10' - 20' of
water and cast to shallow water. Work the carolina rig down these dropoffs and
you should get strikes year-round. The population in Lake Chesdin is not as
dense as some lakes, so cover water quickly to find active fish.
Crappie: The crappie fishery (both black and white are present) is quite good at
Chesdin; however, competition from an expanding white perch population may be
stunting their growth a bit. Crappie up to 10 inches are not uncommon and the
occasional white perch is also good for the table. Trolling is the right way to locate
crappie most of the year - no doubt about it. Put out several rods with 1-2" grubs
on 1/16 to 1/32 oz jigheads and troll slowly in 10-20 feet of water. Our old reliable
chartreuse/black and smoke colored triple tail grubs are an excellent choice. A
good fishfinder can also help locate good areas, but trolling until active fish are
found is a good way to start. After fish are located, consider switching to small
minnows to help load the cooler.
Channel Catfish: The crown jewel of Chesdin's fish species is the often
underappreciated channel catfish. These fish are plentiful and readily caught even
when the lake is muddied after heavy rains. Chicken livers, nightcrawlers, and
medium minnows fished along steep banks and dropoffs work well during the day
and at night. Fish up to 6 lbs are common, but good-eating 2-4 lb fish will make up
most of the catch.
Others: Walleye and striped bass are stocked annually in Chesdin and
citation-sized fish are available of both species; however, these species support
very small fisheries. A few anglers target stripers while the majority of the walleye
that are caught are bycatch of crappie and bass anglers.
good. Largemouth in the 2-4 lb range are common and fish over 20" are present.
As in most of the state, the fish move into the shallows as the water warms in late
March and April. During these times, focus on creeks and coves. The heavy inflow
of the Appomattox River often dictates the best fishing tactics since a decent rain
can color the water in a hurry. When the water is stained, turn to larger, noisier
lures like 1/2 ounce spinnerbaits and wide-wobbling crankbaits in colors like
chartreuse and firetiger. When the water is clearer, carolina-rigged plastics
(worms, lizards, tubes) in natural colors like pumpkinseed will do the trick. Find
fairly steep banks, points, and dropoffs where you can hold the boat in 10' - 20' of
water and cast to shallow water. Work the carolina rig down these dropoffs and
you should get strikes year-round. The population in Lake Chesdin is not as
dense as some lakes, so cover water quickly to find active fish.
Crappie: The crappie fishery (both black and white are present) is quite good at
Chesdin; however, competition from an expanding white perch population may be
stunting their growth a bit. Crappie up to 10 inches are not uncommon and the
occasional white perch is also good for the table. Trolling is the right way to locate
crappie most of the year - no doubt about it. Put out several rods with 1-2" grubs
on 1/16 to 1/32 oz jigheads and troll slowly in 10-20 feet of water. Our old reliable
chartreuse/black and smoke colored triple tail grubs are an excellent choice. A
good fishfinder can also help locate good areas, but trolling until active fish are
found is a good way to start. After fish are located, consider switching to small
minnows to help load the cooler.
Channel Catfish: The crown jewel of Chesdin's fish species is the often
underappreciated channel catfish. These fish are plentiful and readily caught even
when the lake is muddied after heavy rains. Chicken livers, nightcrawlers, and
medium minnows fished along steep banks and dropoffs work well during the day
and at night. Fish up to 6 lbs are common, but good-eating 2-4 lb fish will make up
most of the catch.
Others: Walleye and striped bass are stocked annually in Chesdin and
citation-sized fish are available of both species; however, these species support
very small fisheries. A few anglers target stripers while the majority of the walleye
that are caught are bycatch of crappie and bass anglers.
Lake Chesdin Fishing Report
| Copyright © 2007 Virginia Outdoors, LLC Ruckersville, VA |
Other Useful Info and Links
Marinas and Camping:
Cozy Cove Marina: (804) 265-9000
Whippernock Marina and Campground: (804) 265-5252
Seven Springs Marina and Store: (804) 590-3671
There is also a free public boat ramp and pier located near the dam.
Cozy Cove Marina: (804) 265-9000
Whippernock Marina and Campground: (804) 265-5252
Seven Springs Marina and Store: (804) 590-3671
There is also a free public boat ramp and pier located near the dam.
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