This 185-acre reservoir is long and riverine; it is almost too long for a single battery electric motor if you plan on traveling its length. There is residential development along the shoreline, although development is slow and sparse. Abel is a water supply for Stafford County.
Maps & Directions
Take Route 17 north from Fredericksburg, turn right onto Route 616, and right again on Route 651.
Access Point: Map
Fishing
Bass
present
Catfish
best bet
Trout
no
Panfish
no
Abel has some big largemouth bass, which can be difficult to catch. Abel doesn’t have a lot of structure, but has steep-sided banks covered with rocky outcroppings and large hemlocks in many places, reminiscent of a Canadian lake. Much of the shoreline has recently been colonized by hydrilla, a submersed aquatic plant. There are good crappie and chain pickerel populations. Pickerel as large as three pounds are caught annually. Bluegills and an excellent channel catfish population round out the catchable menu.
Biologist Reports
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 ✘
More Information
For more information, call the Stafford County Parks and Recreation Department, 540-658-4871.