Harrison Lake Fishing near Hopewell, Virginia

• Overview

  Look for Harrison Lake in Charles City County, Virginia. Pine and hardwood runs right down to the water. Around 60 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. Shoreline comes to about 1.4 miles, small enough to learn in a day. It lies lower than most water we list in Virginia. You are 6.5 miles from Hopewell. For a city, Richmond is 21 miles off. It sits near the edge of the county, so check which rules apply.

• Where to Fish on Harrison Lake

  We hold no depth figure for this one. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Built water gives depth close in, which suits a bank angler. Public occurrence data for Charles City County names tessellated darter, bluegill, warmouth, margined madtom and yellow perch. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Harrison Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 78°F and January at 37°F. Fishing runs all year, with summer the awkward season. Spring and autumn carry the fishing; summer squeezes it into the edges of the day. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. Harrison Lake runs to its own calendar within the local pattern.

• Tackle & Baits

  Whether you may fish here is not something records settle. Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery runs up to the bank here, which usually means extra restrictions. For the pike, wire up and throw larger lures along the weed edges. Look for a notice board at the entrance. Barbless rules turn up on managed water more often than not. The nearest alternative is Fishpond, 6.3 miles out. For Harrison Lake in particular, ask before you travel.