A recent addition to the many fine Albemarle County parks and lakes, 45-acre Walnut Creek Lake was impounded in 1990 and is the primary attraction at Walnut Creek Park. The lake has excellent populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. Although the lake bottom was cleared of trees prior to impoundment, fish attractors have been added at several locations. In addition to fishing, the lake provides other family-oriented recreational activities including swimming, canoeing, and picnicking. The county has provided excellent parking and ramp facilities for accessing the lake.
From Charlottesville, take Route 29 south to Red Hill, take left onto Route 708 and go three miles to Route 631 (right), go about 1/2 mile to the park on the left.
Maps & Directions
From Charlottesville, take Route 29 south to Red Hill, take left onto Route 708 and go three miles to Route 631 (right), go about one-half (0.5) mile to the park on the left.
Map
Fishing
Bass
best bet
Catfish
present
Trout
no
Panfish
best bet
The lake has excellent populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. The bass population was weak in the early years of the lake’s existence. To enhance it, a 12-18-inch slot limit and a daily creel limit of one fish over 18 inches were implemented. These limits have accomplished their objective.
Although the numbers of bluegill, crappie, and redear sunfish in Walnut Creek Lake are not extremely high, there are good numbers of relatively large fish of each of these species. Channel catfish are stocked biannually to maintain a consistent population. Although the lake bottom was cleared of trees prior to impoundment, fish attractors have been added at several locations.
Large piles of stumps and root wads have been sunk in one of the coves, and a long reef of stumps and root wads runs from a small cove in the upper part of the lake out to its center. In addition, numerous shoreline trees have been felled to provide additional cover. These sites provide excellent places for anglers to find those elusive trophy bass as well as numerous bream and crappie.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
- Largemouth Bass Special Regulations – 12 to 18-inch protective slot limit. No largemouth bass between 12 and 18 inches may be retained and a daily creel limit of one fish over 18 inches.
- Crappie (Black or White) Special Regulation – 9-inch minimum size limit. No crappie (black or white) less than 9-inches may be retained.
- Statewide creel limits for all species apply.
- Gasoline-powered outboards are not permitted on Walnut Creek Lake.
- Electric motors are permitted.
- The lake is open from 7 AM until dark.
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 ✘
The lake is open to fishing year-round. Park hours are 7 AM to dark between Memorial Day and Labor Day and 6 AM to dark during the rest of the year. There is a park entrance fee charged from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and the lake and beach are open for swimming between these dates. In addition to the boat ramp and ample parking, other facilities include the canoe rental (Memorial Day to Labor Day only), picnic tables and two shelters, bike trails, and restrooms.
More Information
For more information, call the Albemarle County Parks & Recreation Department at 434-296-5844.