Fishing Skidmore Fork Lake in Rockingham County, Virginia

• Overview

  Look for Skidmore Fork Lake in Rockingham County, Virginia. Country round the bank runs to open valley. Around 100 acres of surface means several distinct areas to work. The bank runs about 2.3 miles all the way round, so one visit can cover most of it. It is the biggest water on our Rockingham County list. The closest town, Belmont Estates, is 14 miles distant. Dayton is 15 miles away, with Bridgewater at 16 miles. The county line runs close by, so rules can change within a short drive.

• Where to Fish on Skidmore Fork Lake

  Depth remains unrecorded, so treat the first session as a survey. Inflow corners move water, and moving water gathers fish. The old creek line under the surface is the feature worth finding. Species logged across Rockingham County include bluegill, koi, brook trout, green sunfish and rock bass. Records at county level tell you what is around, not what is stocked here. At Skidmore Fork Lake the water rewards a slow, careful approach.

• Seasonal Patterns

  The warmest month averages 68°F, the coldest about 29°F. The swings are modest, so patterns change slowly. It is not guaranteed from one year to the next. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. The season on Skidmore Fork Lake rarely departs from it. Nights draw in quickly late in the season, so plan the walk back.

• Tackle & Baits

  We hold no note on access for this one. A made slipway is half a mile from here, which settles the boat question. A parking area is marked roughly half a mile out. For the bass here, soft plastics worked slow along cover and a spinnerbait for searching do most of the work. Sort the permit out before you load the car. Signs go up and come down, so check on the day. The nearest alternative is Brandywine Lake, 4 miles out. Check the position on Skidmore Fork Lake before loading the car.