Fishing at Leesville Lake, Pittsylvania County, Virginia

• Overview

  Leesville Lake is one of the Pittsylvania County waters in Virginia. The ground around here is pine and hardwood. The shoreline runs to about 38 miles, far more than one trip can cover. Of the waters listed here in Pittsylvania County, this is the largest. The nearest town is Motley, 4.8 miles away. The nearest city of size is Roanoke, 32 miles away. The line between counties passes nearby, which can change who manages the water.

• Where to Fish on Leesville Lake

  Nothing we hold settles how deep this runs. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Across Pittsylvania County, recorded fish include fantail darter, white sucker and bluegill. Take it as the county picture rather than a promise for this water. On Leesville Lake that means starting tight and working out.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Expect July to average close to 76°F, with January the cold end at about 36°F. It fishes twelve months of the year. The first and last hours carry the summer; the middle is slow. Spring and autumn carry the year; summer squeezes it into the ends of the day. It holds true on Leesville Lake more years than not.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Mapping shows no built access close by; expect to walk in from wherever you can leave the car. For the catfish, fish bottom baits into the deeper holes and let them sit. Where access is informal, keep it that way by behaving. Some water is controlled locally without a sign saying so. Failing this one, try Swine Lake, 2.4 miles away. None of that is settled for Leesville Lake in what we hold.