Amherst County Featured Fishing Sites
Site #1: James River - Upper & Middle
Description: From the confluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture Rivers in Botetourt County, downstream to Richmond, the James River offers a wide range of angling opportunities and settings. Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and largemouth bass can also be caught.Smallmouth bass fishing will be good throughout the river. Both the mountain sections (upstream from Lynchburg) and the piedmont sections (between Lynchburg and Richmond) generally provide good fishing. There is not a lot of difference in the fish populations from one spot to another; it is simply a matter of finding the particular locations where the fish are holding and using whatever bait or lure they might want that day. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass). Flathead catfish appear to be more numerous upstream from Lynchburg, and channel catfish are more numerous below Lynchburg. Muskies are also annually stocked in the James. These fish are scarce, but some very large fish can be caught. Most of the muskies are found upstream from Lynchburg. Overall, the James River offers an excellent fishing opportunity for whatever you might want. Canoeing is the best way to access the river, maps and narration for float trips are found under Maps & Access. Small boats (such as john boats) can also be used at most access points. Bank and wade fishing access is also available throughout the river.
Access Points: Snowden Concrete Ramp, Latitude 37° 35' 49" N 37.5969073 Longitude 79° 23' 22" W -79.3893323, Directions: From Snowden, Rt 501/130 East cross over Rocky Roe Run
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Site #2: Mill Creek Reservoir
Description: Mill Creek Reservoir is a 189-acre impoundment located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Amherst County. This is the largest of the three public reservoirs owned by the County and provides opportunities for fishing and family outings. The various facilities include picnic tables and grills, restrooms, play area, boat ramp, and associated parking. The lake is open year round but nighttime activities are prohibited except for fishing. Anglers are required to obtain a permit from the county to fish at night. Boats propelled by oar or electric motors are welcome but outboard motor use is prohibited. The reservoir was impounded in 1985 and contains largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. Access Points: Mill Creek Concrete Ramp, Latitude 37° 39' 41" N 37.6613687, Longitude 79° 4' 53" W -79.0813112, Directions: From Amherst, Northwest on Rt 645 (9.5)
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Site #3: Stonehouse Lake
Description: Stonehouse Lake is a 41-acre impoundment located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Amherst County. This is one of three public reservoirs owned by the County and offers good fishing opportunities. The various facilities include picnic tables with shelters, grills, restroom, and play area. This lake has a good boat ramp for boat anglers but has limited bank fishing access. The lake is open year round but nighttime activities are prohibited except for fishing. Anglers are required to obtain a permit from the county to fish at night. Boats propelled by oar or electric motor are welcome but outboard motor use is prohibited. The reservoir was impounded in 1977 and contains largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and black crappie. Access Points: Stone House Creek Concrete Ramp, Latitude 37° 40' 24" N 37.6733458, Longitude 79° 7' 10" -79.1194104 Map From Amherst west, Rt 60 West (6); R on 778 (2.4); L on Rt 610 (.3); R on Rt 625 (.3); L |
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