Forest Hills Lake near Ashland: Fishing Spots, Seasons and Access

• Overview

  Set in Hanover County, Forest Hills Lake is a Virginia water. Elevation runs to 200 feet. Small at around 11 acres: two anglers spread out cover most of it. The closest town, Ashland, is 5.4 miles distant. Beyond it, Chamberlayne at 5.6 miles and Glen Allen at 6.1 miles. Being near a boundary, it pays to know which side you are fishing.

• Where to Fish on Forest Hills Lake

  Depth here is unknown, so count the lead down before committing. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Records held for Hanover County cover bluegill, redbreast sunfish and tessellated darter. County records show the wider picture rather than this one place. The shape of Forest Hills Lake rewards a slow walk along one bank.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Between January at about 36°F and July at about 78°F, the water has a wide range to work through. 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. The season on Forest Hills Lake rarely departs from it.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing we hold confirms whether access is permitted. The nearest car park we can see is half a mile out, so expect a walk with your gear. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Check locally before you travel, because a wasted drive is a long one. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. If the gate is shut, Wachter Pond at 2.2 miles is the nearest alternative. For Forest Hills Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.