Clarkes Lake Fishing in Dinwiddie County, Virginia

• Overview

  Clarkes Lake sits in Dinwiddie County, out in Virginia. The surface lies 194 feet up. At roughly 14 acres, the whole thing is within casting reach of a single walk. 5.3 miles away sits Matoaca, the nearest town. Then Ettrick, 7.8 miles, and Petersburg, 8.7 miles. Other water nearby: Picture Lake at 1.6 miles, Jordon Lake a touch under 1.9 miles, Slates Pond at 3.5 miles, Pamplins Pond a touch under 4.6 miles and Wilkinson Pond at 5.4 miles. Rules can differ a short way off, since the county line is near.

• Where to Fish on Clarkes Lake

  Nothing in our records gives a depth for this one. A reservoir gives you a hard edge, a shelf, and not much else. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Across Dinwiddie County, recorded fish include Roanoke darter, tessellated darter, bluegill and glassy darter. Several of these carry legal protection or closed seasons; the rulebook comes before the rod. At Clarkes Lake the first feature you find is worth twenty minutes.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-term averages put July at about 78°F and January near 37°F. The hard part of the year is the heat, not the cold. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. It sets the rhythm of the year at Clarkes Lake.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. You will be walking about 0.9 miles from the nearest car park. For the panfish, a small hook, a float and a piece of worm outfish everything fancy. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. Rules for boats are stricter than rules for the bank in many places. If the gate is shut, Picture Lake at 1.6 miles is the nearest alternative. For Clarkes Lake in particular, ask before you travel.