Lake Meade is the youngest Portsmouth water supply lake. It was impounded in 1960 on the mainstem of the Nansemond River. It is horseshoe shaped with lakes Kilby and Speight’s Run on one arm and Lake Cohoon on the other. The lake is 512 acres and has a maximum depth of about 25-feet.
Maps & Directions
Access Site:
Fishing
In 2000, Lake Meade was rated number 25 out of the top 25 waters for trophy fish. From 1998 to 2002, 138 trophy sunfish have been reported.
The lake has been stocked annually with striped bass since 1971. Population sampling shows a good striper fishery. However, most stripers caught by anglers are less than 10 pounds. Currently stripers are stocked at a rate of 25 per acre (12,800 per year). Pelagic stocking of stripers began in 2002 to evaluate the potential for increased survival of stocked stripers. The lake also provides good largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and redear sunfish fishing. Sampling in recent years has turned up some big (one pound) redears (shellcrackers) and a few big largemouth bass as well.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
- Gas motors (up to 9.9 horsepower) are allowed
- Boat permits are required from the City of Portsmouth (757-397-4215).
Facilities, Amenities, and Nearby Attractions
Bank fishing is restricted to the shore area (except the dam) around the Cohoon-Meade Fishing Station.
The Cohoon-Meade Fishing Station provides a paved ramp, boat rentals, tackle, etc. (757-397-4215).
More Information
For more information, call 757-397-4215.