Duval Pond in Henrico County: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Look for Duval Pond in Henrico County, Virginia. Beyond the shoreline you have open plain. This is a pocket water of some 5 acres, and every part of it is reachable from the bank. For a base, Tuckahoe sits 3.1 miles out. Beyond it, Short Pump at 4.2 miles and Bon Air at 5.4 miles. You are close to a county edge here; who manages the access can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Duval Pond

  There is no published depth for this one, so start shallow and work out. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Records held for Henrico County cover bluegill, redbreast sunfish, green sunfish, flathead catfish and blue catfish. The county figures include rivers and lakes alike. Work Duval Pond in sections rather than trying to cover it.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 78°F and January about 36°F. The surface stays open the year round. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. November and March are the quiet, comfortable months to be out. Duval Pond runs to that rhythm year in and year out. A settled week fishes better than a changeable one.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. You will be walking about half a mile from the nearest car park. Largemouth respond to soft plastics tight to cover; go weedless where the growth is heavy. Parking space is the usual limit rather than the bank itself. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. Bryant Pond sits 2.3 miles off and takes the overflow. Confirm before you fish Duval Pond.