Known for its college-town charm, rich history, and furniture deals, Farmville has become a popular weekend getaway for out-of-towners. But our best-kept secret is fishing! Farmville’s tree-lined shores and tangled woods are home to some of the most beautiful lakes in Virginia. Our diverse array of fishing spots—from public lakes and reservoirs to state parks—teem with largemouth bass, brown and rainbow trout, crappie, catfish, sunfish, and bluegill. In fact, Farmville is home to two of Virginia’s top bass lakes, drawing anglers from states away. For some insider’s knowledge on the best fishing spots, we spoke with Brian Vincent, a seasoned angler, kayak fisherman, and operations manager at Appomattox River Company. Whether you’re out for fun or going for that trophy bass, we have the perfect spot for you!
Wilck’s Lake: Kid-Friendly Fishing
Heading out with the kids for a fishing lesson? Try kid-friendly Wilck’s Lake in downtown Farmville. Grab a spot on the bank or find a fishing bench. You just might reel in a largemouth bass. Bluegill, redear sunfish, and catfish are also popular catches here. If the kids get bored, there’s plenty to do. Take a walk on the two-mile interpretive nature trail for views of wildlife and secluded birding spots. Distract the little ones at the Lions Club playground or the older ones at the skatepark. Covered picnic tables are the perfect place to refuel with takeout from one of our downtown restaurants. Don’t forget to come back before sunset to try out some fly fishing. Brian likes to “throw little flies” at Wilck’s Lake on summer evenings. He says that, if you do it right, you’ll be reeling in sunfish and crappie ‘til the sun sets.
Twin Lakes State Park: Family Fishing Getaway
Don’t miss out on another great family-friendly fishing destination just a few minutes from Farmville. The “Twin Lakes,” 15-acre Goodwin Lake and 36-acre Prince Edward Lake, offer fun ways to introduce kids to fishing with a simple pole, bobber, and bait. Bass, bluegill, and crappie are the most common catches at Twin Lakes, but catfish are often caught in Goodwin Lake, and yellow perch can sometimes be found in Prince Edward. Both lakes offer public boat launches. No boat? During the spring and summer, you can rent canoes, kayaks, and rowboats by the hour or pick up some nightcrawlers and catfish bait. Take the kids out for a paddle and throw a line in. While you’re there, be sure to check out some of the hiking trails or take a dip at Goodwin Lake’s swimming area. Campsites and cabins are available to rent for those who might find they want to stay awhile.
Sandy River Reservoir: Kayak Fishing at its Best
One of the newest lakes in Virginia, Sandy River Reservoir opened for fishing in 1996 but has already jumped to the top of the Commonwealth’s most popular bass lakes. Sandy River offers some of the best sportfishing in the area, boasting a number of Virginia’s highest catch rates for largemouth bass as well as being home to crappie, sunfish, catfish, and chain pickerel. If kayak fishing is your thing, you’ll have 740 acres to explore—from the shallow flats to the wide-open water. Discover deer grazing on the shoreline, back areas studded with cypress trees, and shaded coves. Under some overhangs, you might come upon narrow inlets that lead to your own private fishing grounds. Don’t have a kayak? Sandy River Outdoor Adventures rents out canoes and kayaks (both singles and tandems) by the hour. If you’re committed and want to invest, YakAttack, located in Farmville, has become one of the leaders in kayak fishing gear and rigging. But kayak fishing is just one of many ways to enjoy Sandy River. You can also fish from the shoreline 24 hours a day, so why not try your luck? Find a spot next to some of the standing timber where the bass spawn, or come back after sunset. Night fishing just might yield a catfish or two under starry skies.
Briery Creek Lake: An Oasis for Expert Anglers
For more experienced freshwater anglers, Briery Creek Lake is Farmville’s hidden gem. In fact, Briery has become one of Virginia’s best largemouth bass fisheries according to the Department of Wildlife Resources, which noted that “24 of the 25 heaviest largemouth bass from public water bodies have come from Briery Creek Lake since 1993.” Briery’s unique flooded timber creates the perfect habitat for the Florida strain of largemouth bass that tends to grow especially large. At 845 acres, the lake has plenty of shoreline as well as a number of coves and deep water perfect for searching out the giants. While “fishing wood” can be a learning curve (kayaks and boats might find themselves hung up on submerged trees and stumps), with a little patience, you might just find Briery to be one of the most rewarding trips around. In addition to that trophy bass, Briery anglers can hook crappie, redear sunfish, and bluegill, and the wildlife surrounding the area is unmatched. In fact, when paddling close to the shoreline, you just might see a nesting osprey. Briery is Brian’s top pick for fishing in Farmville, and he projects that it will only get better in the coming year. He described how it feels to show up early in the morning when there’s still mist on the lake. In those magical moments, he said, you can’t help but think, “this could be the day you catch the giant.”
So, when you come to visit Farmville, don’t forget your rod, reel, and fishing license. (Don’t have one? No problem. You can purchase one at gooutdoorsvirginia.com or from a license agent.) Then, prepare to spend a sun-soaked day on the water!