Trout Stocking to Resume at Lake Thompson
Lake Thompson, a 10-acre lake on the Department's G. Richard Thompson Wildlife Management Area in Fauquier County, has recently refilled and trout stocking and fishing will resume this winter/spring, 2009; the lake will be stocked 4 times between now and the end of May, as long as the lake remains full. All resident anglers, 16 years of age and older, are reminded that they are required to possess a trout license in addition to a valid state freshwater fishing license to fish in Lake Thompson, since this lake is being added back onto the Department's official list of Designated Stocked Trout Waters.
A leak in the bottom drain of Lake Thompson was discovered back in July and engineers determined that the bottom drain attached to the base of the principal spillway had failed somewhere along its course, near the lake bottom, upstream of the riser. Attempts to locate the source of the leak and find an economical, quick fix were not successful. Unfortunately, the lake slowly drained and was closed to fishing. However, when the water level was just about to reach a low enough point to see the bottom pipe and make an assessment of damages, the water stopped going out the pipe; engineers believe some bottom silt and/or other obstruction must have collapsed in on the bottom pipe, temporarily "plugging" the leak.
The lake has now re-filled with water and engineers are still unable to assess what is wrong with the bottom pipe; they think the lake could again start leaking and drain, but are unsure of if or when. Since the lake is now full, the Fisheries Division has decided to resume trout stocking, once again providing trout fishing opportunity at this popular lake, as long as the lake stays at an adequate water level for safe, convenient fishing. Questions concerning the re-opening of Thompson Lake should be directed to Fred Leckie, Assistant Director of Fisheries, in Richmond at (804) 367-8944. For current trout stocking information call (434) 525-FISH (3474) for a daily updated recording or go to our daily trout stocking schedule website.