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Bear Creek Lake

Bear Creek Lake is a 42-acre impoundment located entirely within the 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts will find many opportunities to pursue the activities they love at the park or the state forest. The species composition consists of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. There is also a handicapped-accessible pier available at Bear Creek Lake.

The lake is open to fishing from sunrise to sunset.

Maps & Directions

The park is about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance.

Bear-Creek-Lake-Map

Fishing

Bass

best bet

Catfish

best bet

Trout

no

Panfish

present

Largemouth bass

The bass fishery at Bear Creek Lake is in excellent condition.  The density of largemouth bass in the lake is average for Southside Virginia waters with above average for quality fish. These bass can be up to and over 15 inches in length. For best success with largemouth target fallen trees and over woody cover. Anglers will also benefit from taking note of gizzard shad (spring and fall) and sunfish (summer) activity. When forage species are present hungry bass often are as well.

Sunfish

Bear Creek lake also provides a fair sunfish fishery. Bluegill are the predominate sunfish species with good numbers of fish present. Redear sunfish are also common and provide a better opportunity for a quality catch up to and over 7 inches. Target beaver lodges and other woody cover with crickets, night crawlers, and small jigs for best success with panfish. In the late spring and summer sandy flats and points can also be productive as sunfish congregate to spawn.

Crappie

Black Crappie have become prevalent is Bear Creek Lake. Generally, Crappie are an undesirable species in small lakes. However, high angler harvest has helped to create a quality fishery with fish up to and over 12 inches present.

Channel Catfish

The channel catfish population is maintained by annual stockings with fair numbers of harvestable size fish (>15 inches) present.

Biologist Reports

Regulations

Largemouth bass

15 inch minimum, 2 fish per day

Sunfish

No size limit, 50 fish per day

Channel catfish

15 inches minimum, 8 fish per day

All other species

Statewide limits apply

General

  • Fishing license required for persons 16 years of age or older.
  • Electric motors only. Gasoline motors restricted.

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

Bear Creek Lake has a single lane concrete boat ramp near the dam. The park also offers camping, restroom facilities, swimming beach, boat rentals, and many other amenities.

Please see detailed map under Maps for more information regarding available facilities.

More Information

For more information about the Bear Creek Lake fishery, please contact:

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
434-392-9645

For more information about Bear Creek Lake State Park, please contact:

Bear Creek Lake State Park
804-492-4410 (park office)
1-800-933-PARK (reservation line)
www.dcr.virginia.gov