Penniman Lake, Virginia: Fishing Spots and Seasons

• Overview

  Penniman Lake is a York County water, in Virginia. Salt water lies 1.1 miles off. It measures about 50 acres, which is a comfortable size for bank fishing. Williamsburg lies 5.8 miles from the water. Gloucester Point is 6 miles away, with Gloucester Courthouse at 9.9 miles. Others within reach: Pond Number 10 (0.7 miles), Hipps Pond just 1 mile, Pond Number 11 (1.1 miles), Cheatham Pond just 1.2 miles and Pond Number 11A (1.2 miles). A border sits close enough to be relevant to the paperwork.

• Where to Fish on Penniman Lake

  We hold no survey for this water; read the slope of the shoreline instead. Held water runs deepest at the wall and shallows back to the inflow. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. York County records list white perch, blue catfish, bluegill and blueback herring among the fish reported. Records at this level tell you what is in the area. Anyone new to Penniman Lake should walk it once before setting up.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 78°F and January at 38°F. The surface stays open the year round. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to be out. June to September is hot work, so the first and last hours are what count. On Penniman Lake that shapes the whole year. Warm spells bring fish up, cold snaps push them down.

• Tackle & Baits

  Access status is simply unknown for this water. Parking is close: a car park sits 140 yards from the bank. Mapping shows a jetty some half a mile off. A small crankbait along the drop and a worm in the thick stuff cover the bass. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Access can change hands, so last year's answer may not hold. The nearest alternative is Pond Number 10, 0.7 miles out. Ask locally about Penniman Lake if anything is unclear.