Fishing Lake Moomaw

AKA: Gathright Dam Reservoir

Popular Fish Species
Lake Moomaw Fishing Video
Available Fish Species
Amenities
Today's Weather & Forecast
Fishing Boat Rentals
Boat Launch Ramps
Marinas
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Lake Moomaw, VA

Popular Fish Species Lake Moomaw, VA

Lake Moomaw Popular Fish - Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass are the dominate species over largemouth here at Lake Moomaw in Virginia. They are tough fighters, exciting to catch and make spectacular runs and jumps. Fishing for smallmouth bass can be good anytime they are shallow - in spring, mornings in summer and during warmer fall afternoons. Use shallow crankbaits around rip rap, and around grass use worms, jigs, topwater and spinnerbaits. In winter, spend your time on deeper structure with small worms, jigs and spoons. Largemouth bass also reside here in good numbers.

Lake Moomaw Popular Fish - Black Crappie

Black Crappie Fishing

Black crappie reside in good numbers at Lake Moomaw. Locals call them "slabs" and enjoy the tasty table fare they offer. Crappie fishing is excellent and they are running in sizeable schools. 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. Crappie always like cover and structure, so locate brush and vegetation. 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. White crappie, in smaller numbers, also make this lake their home.

Brown Trout Fishing

Again this year, fishing for brown trout in Lake Moomaw is delivering some nice catches, many in the 3 to 5 pound range. These hearty fighters have been stocked annually since the lake began filling. In late Winter and Spring, these brown trout along with the alewives, move to shallower water in the 15 to 20 foot range. As the days get warmer in summer they move deeper, again following schools of bait. As Fall and Winter arrive, browns tend to stay in deeper water. When these trout move deep, it is typically in the 20- to 45-foot range. Nightcrawlers are always a good bait for brown trout. In-line spinners, bait-colored crankbaits and small spoons are other options. Experiment with depth and retrieve speed.

Lake Moomaw Fishing Video

Fish species to fish for...

Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, rainbow trout, brown trout, bluegill, redear sunfish, rock bass and chain pickerel at Lake Moomaw in Virginia.

Forested, rolling hills surround scenic Lake Moomaw, a 2,500-acre lake in the northwestern part of the state, at Perkins Point. The meandering shore creates over forty miles of shoreline, all of which entice anglers to wet a line.

The lake is notorious for great trout fishing. Bass, catfish and crappie are also highly rated here making this a great destination for multiple species. In addition fishing for bluegill, sunfish and chain pickerel can be very good at times. Three boat ramps, a marina, rental boats, camping, restaurants and supplies are all at or nearby the lake.

Primary fish species residing in Lake Moomaw

Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.

Lake Moomaw Amenities

Marina: YES
Boat Rental: YES
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: YES
RV Hookups: YES
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: YES
Bait & Tackle: YES
Restaurant: NEARBY

Today's Weather & Forecast

Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings

Coles Point Boat Launch Ramp
Located in the southeast section of the lake, off Coles Point Drive, this is a one-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Fortney Branch Boat Launch Ramp
Located southern tip of the lake, off Fortney Branch Road, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with a dock and paved parking.

Lake Moomaw Marina Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off State Route 603, this is a three-lane, concrete ramp with docks and paved parking.