The Robert W. Duncan Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Ponds are two small impoundments within the 1,300+ acre Robert W. Duncan WMA, in southeastern Caroline County.
The largest pond, measuring 15 acres, is named the Lilly Pond, is centrally located within the WMA, and gets its name from the large amount of spatterdock lily pads that grow throughout the lake during the summer. The smaller, 2-acre Quarry Pond is located in the Northeastern Portion of the WMA and was created by past quarry operations on the property. Both ponds are relatively shallow (average depth of 3 feet) and have small populations of bluegill, bowfin, crappie, flier, largemouth bass, and redear sunfish. Additionally, a few bullhead catfish and chain pickerel can be found in the Quarry Pond.
Both ponds are located remotely within the WMA and are a good hike (at least 1.5 miles) from the WMA entrance and main parking area. Anglers might consider bringing a bike to travel from the parking area to the ponds. Carry-in boats with electric-only motors are permitted in the ponds, but boats are not recommended due to the long distance to transport from the entrance. The WMA hours are posted at the entrance.
For more information on the WMA please visit the Robert W. Duncan WMA page.
Access Permit Requirement
The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) requires an Access Permit for visitors to department-owned Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and public fishing lakes, who are age 17 and older, unless they possess a valid Virginia hunting, freshwater fishing, or trapping license, or a current Virginia boat registration. Learn more about the Access Permit.
Maps & Directions
The Robert W. Duncan WMA is located at 21590 Frog Level Road, Ruther Glen, VA, between Frog Level and Aylett in Caroline County. The entrance is on Frog Level Road approximately 6 miles east of U.S. 301 and 12 miles west of U. S. 360 at Aylett. The WMA is located approximately 40 miles north-northeast of Richmond and 20 miles south-southeast of Fredericksburg.
Quarry Pond
The Quarry Pond is located at the northern most portion of the WMA near the Mattaponi River border. From the main entrance and parking area, continue north on the main road, stay on the main road where it turns slightly right at the open area at the old quarry building and follow back into the woods another 0.5 mile. The pond is to the right just of the main road. The total distance from the entrance to the pond is approximately 2 miles.
Lilly Pond
The Lilly Pond is centrally located within the WMA in close proximity to the open area at the old quarry building. From the main entrance and parking area, continue north on the main road, stay on the main road where it turns slightly right at the open area and take another right just before starting into the woods. The pond is a few hundred yards down the road on the right. The total distance from the entrance to the pond is approximately 1.5 miles.
Fishing
Biologist Reports
Regulations
- Largemouth Bass Special Regulation: 12 to 22-inch protective slot limit on both ponds. No bass between 12 and 22-inches may be retained.
- Only 1 bass greater than 22 inches may be retained per angler per day (both ponds combined).
- Statewide creel limits apply for all other species.
- Carry-in boats only. Electric motors only (use of gasoline motors prohibited). No boat launch available on either pond.