Bear Creek Lake is a 42-acre impoundment located entirely within the 16,000-acre Cumberland State Forest. Outdoor enthusiasts will find many opportunities to pursue the activities they love at the park or the state forest. The species composition consists of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish. There is also a handicapped-accessible pier available at Bear Creek Lake.
The lake is open to fishing from sunrise to sunset.
Maps & Directions
The park is about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance.
Fishing
Bass
best bet
Catfish
best bet
Trout
no
Panfish
present
Largemouth bass
The bass fishery at Bear Creek Lake is in excellent condition. The density of largemouth bass in the lake is average for Southside Virginia waters with above average for quality fish up to and over 15 inches. For best success with largemouth target fallen trees and over woody cover. Anglers will also benefit from taking note of gizzard shad (spring and fall) and sunfish (summer) activity. When forage species are present hungry bass often are as well.
Sunfish
Bear Creek lake also provides a fair sunfish fishery. Bluegill are the predominate sunfish species with good numbers of fish present. Redear sunfish are also common and provide a better opportunity for a quality catch up to and over 7 inches. Target beaver lodges and other woody cover with crickets, night crawlers, and small jigs for best success with panfish. In the late spring and summer sandy flats and points can also be productive as sunfish congregate to spawn.
Crappie
Black Crappie have become prevalent is Bear Creek Lake. Generally, Crappie are an undesirable species in small lakes. However, high angler harvest has helped to create a quality fishery with fish up to and over 12 inches present.
Channel Catfish
The channel catfish population is maintained by annual stockings with fair numbers of harvestable size fish (>15 inches) present.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Largemouth bass
15 inch minimum, 2 fish per day
Sunfish
No size limit, 50 fish per day
Channel catfish
15 inches minimum, 8 fish per day
All other species
Statewide limits apply
General
- Fishing license required for persons 16 years of age or older.
- Electric motors only. Gasoline motors restricted.
Facilities, Amenities, and Nearby Attractions
Nearby Attractions
Facilities
- Fee ✔
- Parking ✔
- Handicap-Accessible ✔
- Food Concession ✔
- Picnic Tables ✔
- Grills ✔
- Restrooms ✔
Amenities
- Hiking Trails ✔
- Bike Trails ✔
- Viewing Blinds ✘
- Observation Platforms ✘
- Fishing Pier/Platform ✔
- Boat Ramps ✔
- Motorboat Access ✘
- Horsepower Limit ✘
- Electric Motor Only ✔
- Paddle Access ✔
- Camping ✔
- Primitive Camping Only ✘
Bear Creek Lake has a single lane concrete boat ramp near the dam. The park also offers camping, restroom facilities, swimming beach, boat rentals, and many other amenities.
Please see detailed map under Maps for more information regarding available facilities.
More Information
For more information about the Bear Creek Lake fishery, please contact:
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
434-392-9645
For more information about Bear Creek Lake State Park, please contact:
Bear Creek Lake State Park
804-492-4410 (park office)
1-800-933-PARK (reservation line)
www.dcr.virginia.gov