Goodwins Lake Fishing in Louisa County, Virginia

• Overview

  Goodwins Lake is set in Louisa County, Virginia. Around the bank it is rolling hill. Louisa lies 11 miles from the water. The nearest city of size is Richmond, 34 miles away. Within a short drive: Chisholm Lake 1.4 miles off, Bearden Pond within 1.5 miles, Sherman Lake 2.1 miles off, Fleming Millpond within 6.9 miles and North Anna River 7.3 miles off. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Goodwins Lake

  No depth figure has reached our records, which makes a plummet useful. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Records held for Louisa County cover bluegill, black crappie, channel catfish, stripeback darter and tessellated darter. The county list is broader than any single water. Goodwins Lake gives up more to patience than to distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 76°F and January at 35°F. Fishing continues through most of the calendar, with quiet spells rather than closures. In milder years the edges alone go, and the middle never sets. March through May is the strongest run, with October and November a second stretch. Anyone fishing Goodwins Lake regularly works to that calendar.

• Tackle & Baits

  There is no clear statement anywhere on who can fish it. Public data shows nothing built here, so treat the whole approach as informal. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. A phone call first saves an afternoon. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Chisholm Lake, 1.4 miles out. Confirm access to Goodwins Lake locally before you travel.