Lovill’s Creek Lake is a 55-acre flood control impoundment nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the town of Cana in southern Carroll County, only 7 miles north of Mount Airy, North Carolina. The lake’s fish population consists of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, channel catfish, black crappie, chain pickerel, yellow perch, and suckers. In spring 2000, a largemouth bass slot limit of 12–15 inches was posted at the lake. Under this regulation, anglers can harvest largemouth bass less than 12 inches or greater than 15 inches, but they will have to release largemouth bass between 12–15 inches. Largemouth bass are abundant. Anglers will find plenty of 12 to 15 inch largemouth bass in the lake. Most bluegill are 3 to 5 inches long. Some redear sunfish in the lake are 8 to 10 inches long. Black crappie up to 10 inches long can be caught from the lake. Channel catfish are stocked every other year. Channel cats up to 10 pounds are available.
Maps & Directions
Lovill’s Creek Lake is located south of Cana on Route 686. To reach the lake from Route 52 south of Fancy Gap, take Route 687 to Route 686. Map
Fishing
Bass
best bet
Catfish
best bet
Trout
no
Panfish
present
The lake is open for fishing year-round, 24 hours a day.
Downstream from the dam, Lovill’s Creek offers the unique opportunity to fish for trout on a seasonal basis. This one mile section of stream is stocked 2 times between October 1 and April 30. Anglers fishing this section of stream must possess a trout stamp in addition to their regular fishing license between October 1 and June 15.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Fishing is regulated by posted size and creel limits (which are subject to change). The fishery is currently regulated by the size and creel limits. If you catch a species not listed below, consult DWR fishing regulations for size and creel limits.
Bluegill and other sunfish
- 50 per day
- No length limit
Black Crappie
- 25 per day
- No length limit
Chain Pickerel
- 5 per day
- No length limit
Channel Catfish
- 5 per day
- 18 inch minimum size limit
Largemouth Bass
- 5 per day under 12 inches or over 15 inches (Combined)
- 12 to 15 inch slot limit (12 to 15 inch bass must be released)
Yellow Perch
- No daily limit
- No length limit
- Gas-powered motors not allowed – electric motors only
- Other lake regulations are posted at the lake.
Non-resident anglers
- 16 years and older must have a valid fishing license.
- Under age 16 do not need a fishing license when accompanied by a properly licensed adult.
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 ✘
A picnic shelter is available from 7 AM to 10 PM by reservation through the Carroll County Administrator’s Office at 276-730-3001.
Restrooms are available at the Carroll County waste management facility near the lake’s entrance.
More Information
For additional information, contact:
Carroll County Tourism Office
Phone: 276-730-3100
or
John Copeland, DWR Fisheries Biologist
Blacksburg Office
Phone 540-961-8304 or email: [email protected].