Photo by Dennis Tate.
Stafford County and the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries proudly announce that Lake Mooney will be open for fishing on Saturday, July 1, 2017. The lake, named for the late Stafford Sheriff’s Office Deputy Jason Mooney, opened to visitors in June 2016. It is also the 5.54 billion gallon reservoir for Stafford County.
“Abundant opportunity for recreation on the water is one of the best things about living in Stafford County. Anglers have waited a couple of years for the opportunity to fish in Lake Mooney and I am grateful we are able to offer this new fishery in conjunction with DGIF,” said Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Paul Milde. “Parks are important to the Board’s vision for Stafford County – amenities draw families and businesses looking for a great place to locate.”
DGIF Biologists prepare fish habitat structures amidst a scoured landscape for what is now eight to twelve foot depths in a full Lake Mooney.
Lake Mooney is stocked with largemouth bass, channel catfish, redear sunfish, and bluegill. Black crappie and several other species naturally colonized the lake during filling. There is a park at Lake Mooney with restroom facilities and a boat launch – no gas-powered engines are allowed. There is no charge for admission to the park. No swimming is allowed and a license is required to fish.
