Fishing Western Branch Reservoir
AKA: Western Branch Lake
Popular Fish Species Western Branch Reservoir, VA
White Perch Fishing
Western Branch Reservoir continues to have a very healthy population of white perch, which have been a mainstay in the fishery for decades. White perch are great table fare, and are a food source for many predator fish in the lake as well. Fishing for white perch is simple, their primary diet consists of minnows and other small fish, insects and worms. White 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. They make for an excellent fish fry, are a food source for many of the larger predator fish in the lake, and they are fun to catch.
Yellow Perch Fishing
Yellow perch tend to spawn in the April to May timeframe, and the spawn has been strong for years at Western Branch Reservoir. 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.
Black Crappie Fishing
A nice population of black crappie resides in Western Branch Reservoir. 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.
Fish species to fish for...
Guide to fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, black crappie, bluegill, redear sunfish, yellow perch, white perch, striped bass and muskie at Western Branch Reservoir in Virginia.
Western Branch Reservoir Fishing Video
A lake with minimal fishing pressure, Western Branch Reservoir is an ideal place to to a kayak, canoe or small fishing boat and enjoy some excellent fishing. This 1,300-acre lake in the southeast part of the state, at Suffolk, VA has 40 miles of shoreline.
Western Branch Reservoir, located in Suffolk, Virginia, is a hidden gem for anglers seeking a peaceful and productive fishing experience. This 1,265-acre reservoir offers a variety of fish species, making it a popular destination for both recreational and competitive fishing.
One of the popular fish species in Western Branch Reservoir is the largemouth bass. The lake's structure, including submerged vegetation, fallen trees, and rocky areas, provides excellent habitat for bass to thrive. Anglers can target bass using a variety of techniques such as flipping jigs, casting crankbaits, or working soft plastics. Spring and fall are particularly productive seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and tend to move closer to the shorelines.
Western Branch Reservoir is also home to other fish species such as crappie, bluegill, and catfish. Crappie fishing can be rewarding, especially around submerged structures and brush piles. Bluegill and other sunfish species provide enjoyable fishing experiences for anglers of all ages, particularly those using lightweight tackle and small baits. Catfish, including channel catfish and bullheads, offer the opportunity to target larger fish using various baits such as stink bait, worms, or cut bait.
Western Branch Reservoir offers a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience in a serene setting. With its diverse fish species, boating opportunities, and nearby camping options, it remains a popular destination for anglers seeking a memorable day of fishing in Suffolk, Virginia.
Bank fishing is not allowed, boat motors cannot exceed 9.9 horsepower and all boats require a permit. Western Branch Lake is a great place to catch a trophy bass, striper or muskie. It is also loaded with big sunfish and perch. In all the lake offers bass, catfish, crappie, stripers, perch, bluegill and sunfish. There is one boat launch ramp at the fishing station.
Primary fish species residing in Western Branch Reservoir
Click images for fishing tips and details about each species.
Western Branch Reservoir Amenities
Marina: YES
Boat Rental: NO
Boat Launch Ramp: YES
Campgrounds: NO
RV Hookups: NO
Lodging: NEARBY
Convenience Store: NEARBY
Bait & Tackle: NEARBY
Restaurant: NEARBY
Today's Weather & Forecast
Boating is allowed on Western Branch Reservoir, but there are restrictions on motorized boats. Only electric motors or boats with no more than 10 horsepower are permitted, ensuring a quieter and more environmentally-friendly boating experience. Anglers can enjoy exploring the lake's calm waters, accessing remote fishing spots, and enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding natural landscape.
Public Boat Launch Ramps & Landings
Western Branch Boat Launch Ramp
Located mid lake, west side, off Girl Scout Drive, this is a two-lane, concrete ramp with gravel parking.
Fishing License
Click here for a Virginia Fishing License.
Camping facilities are not available directly at Western Branch Reservoir. However, there are nearby campgrounds and recreational areas that offer camping options. These campgrounds provide amenities such as picnic areas, hiking trails, and access to other outdoor activities. Camping near Western Branch Reservoir allows anglers to maximize their time on the water and enjoy a complete outdoor experience.
Campgrounds & RV Parks Nearby
No campgrounds or RV parks are nearby this city-owned reservoir.
Western Branch Reservoir VA Map - Fishing & Camping Areas
Contact Information
Western Branch Reservoir
City of Norfolk,
Dept of Recreation, Parks & Open Space
401 Monticello Ave, Suite 420
Norfolk, VA 23510
757 823-4291
Fishing lakes in each state.
081924
Western Branch Reservoir in Virginia.
VIRGINIA
Information about fishing lakes in Virginia
Trophy fishing in southeast VA, at Western Branch Reservoir, for bass, catfish, crappie, stripers, perch, bluegill and sunfish. .
