Fishing Lake Drummond
AKA: Drummond Reservoir
Popular Fish Species Lake Drummond, VA
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Lake Drummond. Crappie tend to run in schools, and once a school is located, there is a good chance for catching significant numbers. Crappie fishing is easy and requires simple, basic gear. Virtually any fishing pole, reasonably small line and crappie jigs or small hooks baited with live bait, creates the ideal setup. Add a bobber and you can set the depth you prefer the bait to maintain. The best time to catch crappie tends to be at dawn and dusk. Live bait and small jigs are the most common method for crappie here. Because crappie prefer cover and structure, locate brush and vegetation in appropriate water depths. Using a fish finder can help locate schools of crappie, which tend to stack vertically around cover. 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 in deeper water.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Lake Drummond. As a result, the lake continues to maintain a very healthy population of yellow perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. Yellow perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake. Fishing for yellow perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. Yellow perch tend to gather in small groups and hang out on relatively deep structure, near cover and/or drop-offs. Use a small hook and sinker. Bait a small hook with minnows, worms or small jigs using 6 to 10 pound line.
Chain Pickerel Fishing
Chain pickerel prefer to weedy areas of lakes and rivers. They ambush baitfish and sunfish which requires cover for them to hide within. Submerged aquatic vegetation, brush, fallen tree limbs, or structures such as rock piles, bridge pilings, rip-rap, or debris. Lake Drummond has a very healthy population of these toothy critters, many approaching 30 inches and exceeding 5 pounds. Unlike many freshwater fish species, chain pickerel do not school up. They tend to be loners. Once you catch one, find other, spots with similar cover and depth to fish. Flashy spoons, live minnows, and bait-imitating crankbaits all work well. For added excitement, try fishing topwater lures over vegetation areas. Topwater lures that mimic wounded baitfish are very tempting to these predators.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for black crappie, flier sunfish, yellow perch and chain pickerel at Lake Drummond in Virginia.
Lake Drummond Fishing Video
Low pH levels restricts the potential fish species that can survive in Lake Drummond. This 3,100-acre lake in the southeast part of the state is located ten miles southeast of Suffolk. This shell shaped reservoir has eight miles of shoreline and a few ways to access the lake.
Lake Drummond, located in the Great Dismal Swamp of Virginia, offers a unique and secluded fishing experience for anglers seeking tranquility and natural beauty. This freshwater lake, encompassed by pristine wilderness, is home to a variety of fish species, making it a captivating destination for anglers.
One of the popular fish species in Lake Drummond is the largemouth bass. This warm-water predator thrives in the lake's calm waters and abundant vegetation. Anglers can explore the lake's edges, submerged structures, and lily pad fields to target bass. Spring and fall are typically productive seasons for bass fishing, as the fish become more active and are more likely to strike lures and baits.
Lake Drummond also offers opportunities to catch other fish species such as chain pickerel, yellow perch, and catfish. Chain pickerel, known for their aggressive strikes, can be found in the lake's shallower areas, particularly near vegetation and submerged logs. Yellow perch are sought after by anglers during their spring spawning runs, while catfish provide a fun challenge for those using bottom fishing techniques.
Lake Drummond offers a secluded and captivating fishing experience in the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp. With its diverse fish species, non-motorized boating atmosphere, and nearby camping opportunities, it remains an alluring destination for anglers seeking a peaceful and unspoiled fishing expedition in Virginia's wilderness.
Lake Drummond Fishing Pier and Boat Ramp is located on the west side. The other popular option is via Dismal Swamp Canal which runs into the lake from the east side. Crappie, perch and pickerel are the primary species, plus there is a good population of sunfish. This fishery is remote with no services, but often provides good fishing action.
Primary fish species residing in Lake Drummond
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Drummond Reservoir Amenities
Marina: NO
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NEARBY
RV Hookups: NEARBY
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NO
Bait & Tackle: NO
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating on Lake Drummond is a unique experience, as only non-motorized boats are allowed due to its location within the Great Dismal Swamp. Anglers can paddle or row through the lake's calm waters, enjoying the serenity and solitude of the surrounding wilderness. Canoes and kayaks are the ideal choices for exploring this peaceful lake and accessing the various fishing spots.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Lake Drummond Fishing Pier & Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Interior Ditch Road, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and gravel parking.
Fishing Guides On Lake Drummond
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.
Camping is not available directly at Lake Drummond, but nearby camping options can be found within the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge provides primitive camping opportunities, allowing anglers to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings and extend their fishing adventures.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
Davis Lakes & Campgrounds - 757 539-1191
Chesapeake Campground - 757 485-0149
Stewart RV Campground - 757 421-8250
Lake Drummond VA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Lake Drummond
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
757 986-3907
Fishing lakes in each state.
082324
Lake Drummond in VA
VIRGINIA
Fishing for crappie, perch and chain pickerel in southeast VA.
