Winston Lake Fishing near Farmville, Virginia

• Overview

  Set in Buckingham County, Virginia, this is Winston Lake. Elevation runs to 328 feet. At 11 acres it is the sort of place you fish for an evening rather than a day. The closest town, Farmville, is 15 miles distant. It is 46 miles to Richmond, the nearest city. Within easy reach: Arrowhead Lake within 1 mile, Oak Hill Lake at 1.5 miles, Bear Creek Lake within 1.7 miles, Collins Lake at 3.2 miles and Clements Lake within 3.6 miles. The county edge is within a short distance of the bank.

• Where to Fish on Winston Lake

  Depth is unknown to us, and the shoreline is the better guide. Rip-rap along the wall holds fish that the open bank never does. Standing timber shows when the level drops, and fish sit against it. Species logged across Buckingham County include tessellated darter, bluegill, fantail darter and margined madtom. What holds for the county may not hold for this water. Winston Lake gives up its fish to patience rather than distance.

• Seasonal Patterns

  In an average year July sits at 77°F and January at 35°F. Conditions shift steadily rather than sharply. Cover comes and goes, so treat it with suspicion rather than trust. The cooler months are the comfortable ones to fish here. Expect Winston Lake to follow that timing. A grey, mild day is often better than a bright, still one.

• Tackle & Baits

  Our records carry no access rule either way. Cumberland State Forest covers ground next to the water; its rules will apply on that side. Bluegill and other panfish take small jigs or worms under a float near any cover. Take the rules with you rather than trusting memory. Where parking is tight, arriving early solves most problems. Arrowhead Lake sits 1 mile off and takes the overflow. What applies at Winston Lake may have changed since it was mapped.