Bath County Recreation Ponds

Dominion Virginia Power opened the Bath County Power Station Recreational Ponds, near Back Creek, in 1989. Two ponds (27 and 45 acres) have good densities of largemouth bass. The ponds offer excellent sunfish opportunities with fish in the 8–9 inch range, and good numbers of nice-sized channel catfish are present. Trophy redear sunfish are present in the upper pond. The entire 45-acre upper pond and about half of the lower pond are open to bank fishing. The daily largemouth bass creel limit was increased from two to five fish per day in 1995.

Maps & Directions

The Bath County Recreation Ponds are located on Route 600 north from Route 39 near Warm Springs.
Map

Fishing

Bass

present

Catfish

present

Trout

no

Panfish

best bet

The two ponds (27 and 45 acres) have good densities of largemouth bass. The ponds offer excellent sunfish opportunities with fish in the 8–9 inch range, and good numbers of nice-sized channel catfish are present. Trophy redear sunfish are present in the upper pond. The entire 45-acre upper pond and about half of the lower pond are open to bank fishing. The daily largemouth bass creel limit was increased from two to five fish per day in 1995.

Biologist Reports

Regulations

Largemouth bass

  • 5 fish per day
  • No bass between 12–15 inches in possession

Channel catfish

  • 5 per day
  • 15 inch minimum size

Sunfish

  • 50 per day in aggregate
  • No minimum size

General

  • Boating is allowed on the larger upper pond only; there is a ramp for private boats.
  • Electric motors only are allowed.

News

Adult channel catfish have been stocked in both ponds since October 2003. Historically, fingerling channel catfish have been stocked. A DWR study indicated that fewer, but larger stocked channel catfish have better growth and survival in certain environments. Fishing for this species should improve in the future.

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

Seasonal lakeside camping, picnic shelter, bathhouse. Recreational swimming and volleyball also available. There is a small fee to use the facilities. There is also a handicapped-accessible fishing pier.

News

Adult channel catfish have been stocked in both ponds since October 2003. Historically, fingerling channel catfish have been stocked. A DWR study indicated that fewer, but larger stocked channel catfish have better growth and survival in certain environments. Fishing for this species should improve in the future.

More Information

For more information, please contact:

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
517 Lee Highway P.O. Box 996
Verona, VA 24482
(540) 248-9360

Dominion Resources
For information, call 540-279-3289.