Important Notices for this Waterbody
| Notice |
|---|
| Leesville Dam Tailrace Fishing Area (Staunton River) Is Closed Until Further Notice The Leesville Dam Tailrace Fishing Area on the north side of the Staunton River at the base of Leesville Dam in Campbell County has been closed until further notice. Due to age and water undercutting the platforms, structural damage has occurred resulting in a public safety concern. It was originally closed but partially reopened in July. However, after further assessment, it has been determined it is no longer safe for public access. This does not affect the hand launch boat access and parking area, which remains open. |
The Staunton River is located in south-central Virginia and forms the boundaries of Campbell, Pittsyvania, Halifax and Charlotte counties. Actually an 81-mile segment of the Roanoke River, the Staunton River begins at Leesville Dam and continues to the confluence with John H. Kerr Reservoir. Bird watchers, anglers, and hunters will enjoy the bounty of the river and its adjacent bottomlands. Canoeists can experience the challenging Fish Trap (Class III) and Cat Rock (Class II) rapids. In addition, an abundance of flat water is available for those individuals seeking a more relaxing trip down the river. Large sections of the Staunton River also are accessible to motorboats.
The bottomlands bordering the river are largely undeveloped and are under ownership of individuals, paper companies, or municipalities. River users should control litter and seek landowner permission prior to camping or picnicking on the river banks. Common courtesy is requested of river users.
Maps & Directions
Leesville Hand Launch Area to Dalton’s Landing Canoe Launch Map
This 4-mile float from below Leesville dam to the Dalton’s Landing Canoe Launch provides the shortest float on all of the Staunton River. Good fishing and beautiful scenery highlight this stretch of the upper Staunton.
The Leesville Hand Launch Area is located on the north side of the river below Leesville dam and is reached by taking Route 630 from HW 43 and following to the end of Route 718. Both the Leesville Hand Launch and Dalton’s Landing are canoe/kayak slides only (no boat ramp) and are quite steep. Make sure you have plenty of help to launch and load and are in good physical condition to use these facilities!
Fishing opportunities include seasonal spawning runs of walleye, striped bass, and white bass. Some walleye hold in the tailwater year-round. In addition, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, channel catfish, and white perch inhabit this stretch of river and provide the opportunity for active fishing for the entire float.
Anglers are advised to adhere to all rules as posted at the parking area. Rapidly rising water levels require special attention. Respond to all warning sirens by moving to higher ground until water levels stabilize.
Dalton’s Landing to Altavista
This 7-mile float covers some of the most scenic areas of the river and provides excellent fishing opportunities. This stretch is floatable in one day, even with considerable time spent fishing.
Dalton’s Landing is located just off of HW 43 on the north side of the river and is about ½ mile downstream of Goose Creek. The Altavista boat ramp is located in English Park and has a concrete boat ramp suitable for launching boats.
Fishing opportunities include smallmouth and largemouth bass, white perch, catfish, Roanoke/rock bass, and walleye.
Altavista to Long Island
This float covers 19.8 miles and is too much river for a one-day excursion. Plan on camping but make sure you have landowner permission before doing so.
Launch at the English Park boat ramp in the town of Altavista off Route 668, reached by taking Business 29/Main Street through town. Take out at the DWR Long Island boat ramp off Route 761.
This ramp provides access for canoes and motorboats. Riffles both above and below the Altavista ramp limit motorboat access.
Fishery resources include walleye, suckers, and catfish. This stretch is also the best section of the Staunton River to catch smallmouth bass, rock bass and Roanoke bass due to abundant rocky habitat and riffle stretches.
Long Island to Brookneal Map
This trip covers 11 miles of the designated state scenic river segment of Staunton River and covers some of the most interesting waters on the entire river. Complex braiding of the river channel is something that every outdoor enthusiast would appreciate seeing.
Launch on north side of river at the DWR Long Island ramp off Route 761, reached by taking Route 633 approximately 1.5 miles north of Brookneal on US 501. Take out at DWR ramp located off US 501 at Brookneal.
This ramp provides access for canoes and motorboats. Riffles both above and below the Long Island ramp limit motorboats to 1.5 miles of navigable rivers.
Fishery resources include seasonal runs of walleye, striped bass, white bass, and suckers. Catfish can be found in deeper holes. Smallmouth bass and Roanoke bass are common in this section, particularly around riffles and other rocky habitat.
This stretch of river includes difficult rapids (Classes II and III) that should not be attempted by novice canoeists.
Brookneal to Watkins Bridge
At 28.6 miles, this is a particularly long float for canoes and should be planned as an overnight trip. Of course, landowner permission must be obtained prior to camping on private land along the river.
Launch at the DWR ramp located off US 501 at Brookneal and take out at Watkins Bridge (Rt. 746) north of Clover.
Seasonal spawning runs of walleye, striped bass, and suckers can be expected in this stretch. Flathead catfish and other catfish species are common as well. Kentucky spotted bass and Roanoke bass are occasionally caught by anglers.
Sandbars alternately protrude into the channel and could be a hazard to motorboat operators. Boaters should pack emergency supplies when boating on this section of the Staunton River in the event of capsizing.
Watkins Bridge to US 360 Map
Launch from DWR ramp at Watkins Bridge (Rt. 746) north of Clover. Take out at DGIF ramp adjacent to US 360 E.
Access is provided for canoes and motorboats. Nearly 38 miles of navigable river are available for motorboats. Mellow current at normal summer flows can be expected.
Seasonal spawning runs of walleye, striped bass, white bass, and suckers pass through this stretch. Various catfish species occur here and occasional catches of Kentucky spotted bass and Roanoke bass are reported.
Boaters should be cautious of alternately situated sandbars and a minor riffle located downstream from the HW 92 bridge.
US 360 to State Park Ramp Map
This section of the Staunton River should be planned as an overnight trip for canoeists. Landowner permission must be obtained prior to camping on private land along with river.
Launch from DWR ramp off US 360E. Take out at Staunton River State Park ramp at the end of HW 344 off US 360.
The river is accessible to both canoes and motorboats. Thirteen navigable miles of river are available. Slow, flat water characterizes this stretch. Up to 4.5 miles of still water must be crossed where the river meets the lake to reach the state park ramp.
Seasonal fishing for migrating walleye, suckers, striped bass, and white bass occurs here. Catfish, gar, largemouth bass, and crappie also offer angling action. Waterfowl, wading birds, and raptors (osprey and bald eagles) are abundant amongst the many islands at the confluence with the lake.
Sandbars and sand shoals are potential navigation hazards to motorboat operators. Boaters may become disoriented by the multiple channels at the river delta.
Staunton River State Park Map
Launch at Staunton River State Park ramp at the end of HW 344 off US 360.
Access for canoes and motorboats is provided to John H. Kerr Reservoir and the Staunton River delta.
Spawning runs of walleye, suckers, striped bass, and white bass pass through this area seasonally. Catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie are attractive angling prospects. Bow hunting for carp and gar is productive in the river delta.
Strong, easterly winds can generate hazardous wave conditions for boaters. Braided channels within the river delta can be disorienting. Sand shoals are abundant upstream of the ramp and may be a navigational hazard to motorboat operators.
| River segment | Distance (miles) | Duration (hours) |
|---|---|---|
| Leesville – Dalton’s Landing | 4.0 | 2–3 |
| Dalton’s Landing — Altavista | 7.0 | 4–7 |
| Altavista – Long Island | 19.8 | 12–20 |
| Long Island – Brookneal | 11.0 | 5–8 |
| Brookneal– Watkins Bridge | 28.6 | 14–24 |
| Watkins Bridge – US 360 (Clover) | 8.9 | 5–10 |
| US 360 (Clover) – Staunton River State Park | 12.3 | 10–14 |
Fishing
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Smallmouth Bass
Leesville dam to mouth of Difficult Creek:
- 1 per day
- 20 inch minimum
Downstream of Difficult Creek (Charlotte County):
- 5 per day
- Only 2 of 5 may be less than 14 inches
Largemouth Bass
Leesville dam to mouth of Difficult Creek:
- 5 per day
- No length limit
Downstream of Difficult Creek (Charlotte County):
- 5 per day
- Only 2 of 5 may be less than 14 inches
Striped Bass
(Buggs Island Lake including Staunton River up to Leesville Dam and Dan River up to Union Street Dam)
June 1 to September 30
- 4 per day
- No length limit
October 1 to May 31
- 2 per day
- No Striped Bass less than 20 inches
White Bass
- 10 per day
- 14 inch minimum length limit
Other Species
News
Walleye Fishing Forecast
Dalton’s Landing Canoe Launch
The Dalton’s Landing Canoe Launch was opened June 2021. The launch was constructed by the town of Altavista and provides a great opportunity to access the upper Staunton River with floats from Leesville dam to Dalton’s Landing and Dalton’s Landing to Altavista’s English Park. The new launch is located just off of Highway 43 on the north side of the river about 0.5 miles below Goose Creek.
Facilities, Amenities, and Nearby Attractions
Please see the Float Trips and Maps section, located under “Maps”.
News
Walleye Fishing Forecast
Dalton’s Landing Canoe Launch
The Dalton’s Landing Canoe Launch was opened June 2021. The launch was constructed by the town of Altavista and provides a great opportunity to access the upper Staunton River with floats from Leesville dam to Dalton’s Landing and Dalton’s Landing to Altavista’s English Park. The new launch is located just off of Highway 43 on the north side of the river about 0.5 miles below Goose Creek.
More Information
Please contact the DWR Forest office.