Fishing Carvins Cove Reservoir

AKA: Carvins Cove Lake

Popular Fish Species
Carvins Cove Reservoir Fishing Video
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Carvins Cove Reservoir, VA

Popular Fish Species Carvins Cove Reservoir, VA

Carvins Cove Reservoir Lake Popular Fish - Largemouth Bass

Largemouth Bass Fishing

The most commonly caught species in Carvins Cove Reservoir continues to be largemouth bass. Although they don't grow to monster size here, fishing for largemouth bass has been decent for average size bass. Good fisheries management by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources has maintained an overall fishery for bass and other species. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap. Around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In deeper water, big worms, jigs and spoons are three good weapons. In winter, spend your time fishing Carvins Cove Reservoir on deeper structure where the bass spend much of their time. Fishing for largemouth bass is good here is year round. Smallmouth bass also reside here.

Carvins Cove Reservoir Popular Fish - Bluegill

Bluegill Fishing

Fishing for bluegill is a time-honored tradition at Carvins Cove Reservoir, even though they typically run small. Young and old, beginners and seasoned anglers alike, all enjoy catching a bunch of fat bluegill. This year, much like recent years, the bluegill population is healthy and always looking for something to eat. Bluegill fishing is as basic as fishing gets. Any pole, reasonably small line and small hooks baited with anything edible, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to position. Bluegill hang around brush, rocks, vegetation or any cover available.

Carvins Cove Reservoir Popular Fish - Hybrid Striped Bass

Hybrid Striped Bass Fishing

Hybrid striped bass, also known as wipers, are also fished for by many locals at Carvins Cove Reservoir. As a hybrid of striped bass and white bass, they have great potential for spawning massive numbers and growing to large sizes. Fishing for hybrid stripers is a matter of locating schools of bait, and schools of hybrid striped bass are likely to be in the area. Mornings, during Fall, hybrids can be caught on topwater or shallow running lures, as they are feeding on baitfish at the surface. When they move deeper, fish finders improve your odds of locating both bait and schools of wipers. Live bait, spoons and jigs are very very effective here, and these hungry fish can be caught year round.

Carvins Cove Reservoir Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, yellow perch and hybrid striped bass at Carvins Cove Reservoir in Virginia.

Just a few minutes north of Roanoke, Carvins Cove Reservoir is a 630-acre lake in the west-central part of the state. It is an easy fishing trip after work, a simple weekend getaway and a great family vacation spot.

The multitude of coves create about fifteen miles of shoreline for sightseeing, boating and fishing. Largemouth bass, bluegill and hybrid striped bass are at the top of the list for most anglers here. Other species in good numbers include catfish, crappie, perch and smallmouth bass. Boat motors are restricted to 10 horsepower or less, so it is a great waterway for canoes, kayaks and car-top boats. There is a portage launch area for kayaks and canoes, plus a boat launch ramp. Boat rentals are available at the boat dock during season. Camping and RV hookups are less than 30 minutes away.

Primary fish species residing in Carvins Cove Reservoir

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Carvins Cove Reservoir Amenities

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

Today's Weather & Forecast

Fishing Boat Rentals

Carvins Cove Boat Landing
Rentals: Fishing boats and kayaks
540 362-1757

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Carvins Cove Reservoir Recreation Area Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, east side, off Reservoir Road, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.