Charlottesville Reservoir Fishing Guide, Albemarle County, Virginia

• Overview

  Albemarle County, Virginia, is where Charlottesville Reservoir sits. The surface lies 669 feet up. For supplies, Charlottesville is 4.8 miles out. Then Pantops, 6 miles, and Crozet, 7.9 miles. Alternatives close at hand: Birdwood Lake 1.6 miles off, Clover Lake (2.5 miles), Blandemar Farm Pond 3.9 miles off, Reynovia Lake (3.9 miles) and Lake Albemarle 5.5 miles off. A county line runs close by, so local bylaws can differ within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Charlottesville Reservoir

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Reported across Albemarle County: bluegill, Roanoke darter and fantail darter. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. At Charlottesville Reservoir light and wind decide more than tackle does.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Climate normals give 76°F for July and 35°F for January. Some winters cap it and some do not. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. April and May are the settled weeks, with October close behind. Plan any trip to Charlottesville Reservoir around it. Water temperature lags behind air temperature by days, not hours.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. There is somewhere to leave the car, half a mile off. Ragged Mountain Natural Area takes in this water; protected-area rules will apply. Light line and small metal for the trout; a fly rod earns its place on calm evenings. Read any posted signs at the access point rather than assuming. Keep proof of licence with you rather than in the car. Birdwood Lake sits 1.6 miles off and takes the overflow. Nothing on Charlottesville Reservoir should be assumed from this page alone.