Description
Note: This site is viewable only by boat.
Lakes Cohoon and Meade are reservoirs in the City of Suffolk, owned by the City of Portsmouth. Both 510-acre Lake Cohoon and 512-acre Lake Meade are accessible at the Lake Cohoon-Meade Fishing Station where boat and motor rentals are available. Day passes are also available for persons without Annual Permits. A permit (daily or annual) from the City of Portsmouth is required for fishing or boating out on their lakes.
During summer, both lakes offer riparian edges and weedy banks that are havens for sunbathing dragon- and damselflies. Both reservoirs provide mudflats that attract a variety of shorebirds, such as breeding green heron, migrating greater yellowlegs, and spotted sandpiper. The woodland edges and the surrounding forests support opportunities to view many migrating and nesting passerines. Wintering shorebirds and waterfowl can also be plentiful at the lakes.
These lakes serve as popular destinations for anglers in search of largemouth bass, crappie, chain pickerel, and redear sunfish.
Wildlife Sightings
Birds Recently Seen at Lake Cohoon and Lake Meade (as reported to eBird)
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Carolina Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Carolina Wren
- White-throated Sparrow
Amenities & Access Considerations
Amenities
- Parking
- Restrooms
- Site Viewable Only By Boat
Maps & Directions
Physical Address (Lake Cohoon-Meade Fishing Station): 1805 Pitchkettle Road, Portsmouth, VA 23701
From US-58 in Suffolk, exit CR 604/ Pitchkettle Rd. Turn right onto Pitchkettle Rd. and continue 0.8 miles to the Cohoon-Meade Fishing Station on left.
What to Know Before Visiting
The Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail is a network of more than 500 premier wildlife viewing sites across the state. Walk a nature trail, paddle a river, or enjoy a scenic overlook and you’ll soon understand what makes Virginia a premier destination for birding and wildlife viewing.