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Philpott Lake

Philpott Lake is a 2,880-acre impoundment located near Martinsville, Virginia. This lake is situated in the mountains of Patrick, Franklin, and Henry counties, which is a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Philpott is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE) and is managed primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. There is no residential development along its shoreline but there are numerous facilities scattered throughout the lake such as boat landings, campgrounds, picnic areas, beaches, and hiking trails.

Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most popular species for anglers but the lake is also one of Virginia’s premier walleye destinations. Both of these species provide excellent fishing opportunities.

Maps & Directions

Access Sites:

  • Goose Point Map
  • Jamison Mill Map
  • Near Dam Map
  • Ryans Branch Map
  • Twin Ridge Map
  • Salthouse Branch Map

Lake maps are available at the USCOE office located near the dam but these maps provide limited details.

Kingfisher Quality Maps is a better option for anglers who would like a detailed map. The maps are waterproof and tear resistant.

Kingfisher maps can be ordered by phone or through the Internet.
Website: kfmaps.com
Telephone: 1-800-326-0257

Fishing

Bass

best bet

Catfish

present

Trout

no

Panfish

present

Black Bass

Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most sought after species by anglers at Philpott Lake. According to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) electrofishing samples, the largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery far outnumbering smallmouth bass. However, smallmouth bass are a very popular portion of the fishery and this lake does produce many quality smallies. DWR sampling indicates that the largemouth bass population has remained stable for several years with good numbers of bass in the 2–3 pound range but bass up to five pounds are common. The smallmouth bass population has declined since the early 1990’s but still remains strong and is one of the best smallmouth bass reservoir fisheries in the region.

Good largemouth bass fishing can be found throughout the lake but smallmouth bass densities appear to be greater in the lower (dam) end, particularly along the main lake channel. Anglers should look for bass along jagged rock structures, weed bed edges (when available), structure on underwater flats, and around fallen trees. Clear water, especially in the lower half of the lake, can make fishing a challenge and anglers may need to go deeper in clear water. Night fishing can be productive in shallow water, as bass tend to come up shallower after dark.

Walleye

Philpott Lake has one of the better walleye populations in Virginia. This fishery does not contain many large fish but does support good numbers. Most adult walleye average 17–21 inches. There is no or very limited natural reproduction of walleye so the population is sustained with approximately 144,000 annually stocked fingerlings. Walleye reach 18 inches at about three years of age and most male walleye grow very slowly after reaching this size. Female walleye typically grow well for another few years with some achieving larger sizes. Occasionally walleye are caught in the 6–8 pound range.

In March, walleye can often be found in less than 10 feet of water due to spawning activities, especially at night. Most walleye spawning concludes by the end of March and the first week of April. The headwaters of the lake above mile marker 12 up into Smith River, Runnett Bag Creek arm, and from mile marker 3 to the dam are all areas walleye consistently congregate during the spawn. After spawning, walleye begin to feed heavily for the next couple of months. Since water temperatures remain cool through April and most of May, walleye are attracted to shallow water at night to capitalize on the most abundant food sources. Sunfish species make up a portion of walleyes spring diet and these fish are concentrated in shallow water along the shoreline. Alewives are likely the most important part of the walleyes spring diet. Alewives spawn at night from late April through June near the lake’s shoreline. The erratic spawning rituals of alewife are performed close to the waters surface, which makes them easy targets and an attraction for the hungry walleye.

Walleye are very light sensitive and prefer dark or shaded habitat. Consequently, anglers need to adjust their tactics accordingly. During daylight hours, many walleye can be found at depths of 5–10 feet if the water is stained or muddy but will remain deeper (15–25 ft) during the day if the water is clear.

The most productive walleye fishing is from April through August. Night fishing in May and June with floating or shallow running plugs cast to the shoreline can provide some of the hottest walleye action of the year. Walleye often frequent water less than 2 feet deep during these dark hours. During daylight hours, fish the shoreline contour but in deeper water than at night. As water temperatures increase in late spring and throughout the summer, walleye continually move deeper for cooler water and staging near the thermocline by mid summer. Anglers must fish deeper throughout the summer to capitalize on this fishery. A very important point to remember is fish deeper in clearer water during the day, regardless of season.

DWR is conducting a walleye tagging study at Philpott Lake. This study was developed to better manage the lake’s walleye fishery. Information gathered from the study will give biologists important data concerning walleye catch and harvest rates by anglers. In addition, biologists will gain insight on walleye movement, survival, and population dynamics. A total of 1,579 walleye were tagged at Philpott Lake from 2002–2010. The tags are various colors and approximately three inches in length. Each tag is attached to the dorsal or abdominal area and extends along the exterior portion of the fish. Any tagged walleye caught by anglers should be easily recognized without dissection. Tagged fish do not have to be harvested to collect the reward. Cut or clip tags (do not pull tags loose) from fish you wish to release. Anglers are encouraged to submit any tags collected from walleye to the address printed on the tag. All tags will have a dollar value (reward amount) that ranges from $5–$50.

Crappie

Black crappie are present in Philpott Lake but this lake does not contain high densities of crappie. While crappie abundance is not high when compared to many other Virginia reservoirs, the size structure is very good. The average size of crappie collected during DWR sampling is 9–12 inches. Best areas to find crappie are in the upstream end and coves. Philpott Lake does not have the habitat and characteristics that can maintain a highly productive crappie fishery.

Catfish

White catfish are the most abundant catfish at Philpott Lake. The highest densities of this species are in the lower regions of the lake primarily where the water stays very clear most of the year. Channel catfish are present but not very abundant in comparison to other Virginia reservoirs. Channel catfish can be found throughout the lake.

Biologist Reports

Regulations

Black Bass

  • 5 per day in the aggregate
  • 12 inch minimum length limit

Walleye

  • 5 per day
  • 18 inch minimum length limit

All other species are managed under statewide regulations

Bluegill / Sunfish

  • 50 per day in the aggregate
  • No length limits

Crappie

  • 25 per day
  • No length limit

Catfish

  • 20 per day
  • No length limit

Kite Tubing Ban

“Kite Tubes” are prohibited on John H. Kerr (Buggs Island) Lake and Philpott Lake. The manufacturer, Sportsstuff, Inc., has issued a nationwide recall of the Wego Kite Tube

News

Walleye Tagging Project

The Department has tagged 1,579 walleye at Philpott Lake in 2002–2010. Anglers who catch a tagged fish and return the tag will receive a cash reward of $5–$50. The tag will be located near the fish’s dorsal fin or in the abdominal area. Anglers can remove the tag by cutting through the plastic attachment with scissors or a knife. The fish can then be released or harvested (18 inch minimum length limit). Successful anglers can return the tag and catch information to the address printed on the tag. Include with tag return the address of the angler and the answers to a few simple questions. What were the date, time and general location (nearest mile marker) of the catch? Was the fish harvested or released? Were you fishing for walleyes? Finally, did you catch other walleyes and how many did you catch that trip? The information gathered from successful anglers will help biologists make important decisions about managing the walleye fishery.

Facilities, Amenities, and Nearby Attractions

Nearby Attractions

Facilities

  • Fee
  • Parking
  • Handicap-Accessible
  • Food Concession
  • Picnic Tables
  • Grills
  • Restrooms

Amenities

  • Hiking Trails
  • Bike Trails
  • Viewing Blinds
  • Observation Platforms
  • Fishing Pier/Platform
  • Boat Ramps
  • Motorboat Access
  • Horsepower Limit
  • Electric Motor Only
  • Paddle Access
  • Camping
  • Primitive Camping Only

Philpott Lake has numerous boat ramps, picnic areas, restroom facilities and hiking trails scattered throughout the lake. There are also several very nice campgrounds located on the lake. The USCOE office is located near the dam and contains educational and historical displays and the park next to the USCOE office and has spectacular views of the lake making it worth a visit.

Fairy Stone State Park is located adjacent to Philpott Lake and has a variety of facilities including cabins for overnight lodging.

More Information

For Additional information on Philpott Lake facilities, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 276-629-2703.

Additional information on the Philpott Lake fishery can be obtained by contacting:

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
1132 Thomas Jefferson Road
Forest, VA 24551
Phone: 434-525-7522