Varian Lake in City of Virginia Beach: How and When to Fish It

• Overview

  Out in City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, sits Varian Lake. The shore lies 1.1 miles out. About 14 acres of surface, which puts the far bank inside easy sight. On size it sits at the modest end of our City of Virginia Beach list. For supplies, Norfolk is 9 miles out. Chesapeake lies 9.9 miles off, Portsmouth another 10 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Varian Lake

  Depth is not on record here, so the bank has to tell you. The arms fish better than the open middle whenever the water is up. Levels move with the draw rather than the rain on water like this. Fish documented in City of Virginia Beach include silver mullet, bluegill, common carp, pumpkinseed and striped bass. It is the county picture; the agency list is water-specific. Varian Lake fishes better once you know its edges.

• Seasonal Patterns

  Long-run averages give July about 79°F and January about 41°F. Fish stay active all year, but they move with the heat. October and November give a second good stretch as it cools. Late winter often fishes better here than midsummer does. Varian Lake runs to that rhythm year in and year out.

• Tackle & Baits

  Nothing in our records says who may fish here. Parking is at Pool Parking lot, some half a mile off. Fishing from a pier is possible half a mile away. Bass water: a Texas-rigged worm near cover, a spinnerbait when you need to cover ground. Local rules can differ across the county line, so check where you stand. A polite question at the farm gate opens more banks than anything else. Chub Lake at 0.7 miles is the sensible second choice. For Varian Lake, the notice at the access point is the final word.