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Fort Pickett Lakes

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources became responsible for the fish and wildlife management programs at Fort Pickett in the fall of 1997.

To help fund these various programs, a separate fishing permit is required. These permits are available online using the iSportsman platform which can be accessed here. Access to some of the lakes is restricted due to military training exercises. Always be sure to check access restrictions using the iSportsman platform.

Most of the lakes at Fort Pickett contain largemouth bass, sunfish, crappie, and channel catfish. Some of the lakes contain chain pickerel.

Pickett Reservoir, a 384-acre impoundment on the Nottoway River, provides good largemouth bass, bluegill and black crappie fishing. There is also a good carp fishery in this lake for these anglers. Where gasoline motors are permitted on the Fort Pickett reservoirs and ponds, there is a 25 mph speed limit.

Maps & Directions

Boat Access Site: Map

Fishing

Bass

present

Catfish

best bet

Trout

no

Panfish

best bet

Fort Pickett offers anglers the opportunity to fish at 14 ponds and lakes ranging in size from 2.4-384 acres.

Each of the several lakes offers unique fishing opportunities tailored to specific anglers. Fish communities within each lake or pond generally consist of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish.

Biologist Reports

Regulations

To be eligible to fish at Fort Pickett an angler must have or accomplish the following:

  • A valid Virginia fishing license (unless exempt).
  • Create a user profile in the iSportsman system, digitally sign the General Release Statement, and purchase the desired Ft. Pickett permits.
  • Read, understand, and follow by the current Ft. Pickett fishing regulations and recreation map.

A full list of fishing Regulations for Fort Pickett’s Impoundments including harvest regulations can be found here.

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