Philpott Lake, Virginia - Reports, Lake Info, Pictures

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Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir - Contributed by Eddie Hester, (804) 693-2107. The beautiful mild weather this weekend brought out a lot of park visitors. Most were enjoying the p... Continued

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Description:

Philpott Lake is a Reservoir in Franklin, Virginia.

Have you fished Philpott Lake? Help your fellow anglers out by giving a fishing report, some fishing tips or general information about Philpott Lake.

Do you have a question about Philpott Lake, ask it here.

Philpott Reservoir is a 2,880-acre impoundment located near Martinsville Virginia. This reservoir is situated in the mountains of Patrick and Henry Counties, which is a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts.

Philpott Reservoir is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is managed primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. There is no residential development along its shoreline but there are numerous facilities scattered throughout the reservoir such as boat landings, a campground, and picnic areas.

Fishing Description:

Black bass (largemouth and smallmouth bass) are the most sought after species by anglers at Philpott Reservoir. According to Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) electrofishing samples, the largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery outnumbering smallmouth at least five to one.

However, smallmouth are a very popular portion of the fishery and this reservoir does produce many quality smallies.

Philpott Reservoir has one of the better walleye populations in Virginia. This fishery does not contain many large fish but does support good numbers. Most adult walleye average 16-21 inches.

Black crappie are present in Philpott reservoir but this lake does not contain high densities of crappie. While crappie abundance is not high when compared to many other Virginia reservoirs, the size structure is very good.

Fishing Tips, Tactics, How-To info:

Good largemouth bass fishing can be found throughout the reservoir but smallmouth bass densities appearing to be greater in the lower end, particularly along the main lake channel. Anglers should look for bass along jagged rock structures, weed bed edges (when available), structure on underwater flats, and around fallen trees. Clear water, especially in the lower half of the lake, can make fishing a challenge and anglers may need to go deeper in clear water.

Night fishing can be productive in shallow water, as bass tend to come up shallower after dark.

In March, walleye can often be found in less than 10 feet of water due to spawning. Most walleye spawning concludes by the end of March or first week of April. The headwaters of the reservoir from mile marker 11 up into Smith River, Runnett Bag Creek arm, and from mile marker 3 to the dam are all areas walleye congregate during the spawn.

After spawning, walleye begin to feed heavily for the next couple of months. Since water temperatures remain cool through April and most of May, walleye are attracted to shallow water to capitalize on food sources.

White catfish are the most abundant catfish at Philpott Reservoir. The highest densities of this species are in the lower regions of the reservoir primarily where the water stays very clear most of the year. Channel catfish are present but not very abundant in comparison to other Virginia reservoirs. Channel catfish can be found throughout the reservoir.

Recreational Activities:

Boating
Camping
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Picnicking
Recreational Vehicles
Visitor Center
Water Sports
Wildlife Viewing

Facilities and Parks:

Bowens Creek
Facilities available include a boat ramp, courtesy dock, swimming area, picnic areas, and flush toilets. Day Use Fees apply. Open May 1-September 30.

Deer Island
Facilities available include a campground accessible by water only. There are a total of 21 campsites. An $18.00 camping fee is charged between April 1 and October 31 and $5.00 during the off season.

You may obtain camping permits from the park entrance station at Salthouse Branch or Bowens Creek. OFF-SEASON ONLY: Camping permits available at Goose Point Entrance and Ramp 1 Honor Vaults.

Goose Point
Facilities available include a boat ramp, courtesy dock, campgrounds with some water and electrical sites, picnic area with one shelter, swimming area, playground, flush toilets, hot water showers, and sanitary dump station. There are a total of 63 campsites.

The park is open year-round, but only offers primitive camping (no water or electric hook-ups) during the off season at a limited number of campsites. Generally the off season will run from November - March, however the actual opening date will vary based on when the NASCAR race is held in Martinsville.

When planning to camp during the off season, keep in mind that bath and toilet facilities are not available due to the possibility of freezing plumbing. Portable toilet (porta-john) facilities are available for use during the off season. Day Use Fees apply for non-campers.

Horseshoe Point
Facilities available include a boat ramp, courtesy dock, campground with some water and electrical sites, picnic areas with one shelter, swimming areas, playground, flush toilets, hot water showers, and sanitary dump station.

There are a total of 49 campsites open from May 1 - September 30. Day Use Fees apply for non-campers.

Jamison Mill
Facilities available include a short hiking trail, campground with some water and electric sites, picnic area, flush toilets, hot water showers, and sanitary dump station.

There are a total of 5 campsites with water and electricity open from April 1-October 31. An overflow area with 4 sites and 6 additional sites are available without water and electricity for $18.00. There is NO Day Use Fee charged at Jamison Mill.

Philpott Park
Facilities available include short hiking trails, picnic area with shelter, playground, flush toilets, and an exhibit museum in the Visitor Assistance Center, and group camp area.

Note: When making reservations for the Overlook Shelter, please refer to the Overlook as site #1. Cost is $75.00 a day. When making reservations for the group use area, please refer to Site #2. Cost is $100.00 a day.

There is a fee to use Boat Ramp 1, but there are NO Day Use Fees charged at other areas of Philpott Park. Shelter reservations may be made for a fee, but if the shelter is not reserved or in use there is no cost to use it.

Visitor Assistance Center hours are from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday. From April 1 - October 31, the Visitor Assistance Center is also open 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays.

Runnet Bag
Facility available - a boat ramp. There is NO Day Use Fee collected for Runnett Bag.

Ryans Branch
Facilities available include a boat ramp, vault toilet and picnic areas. The boat ramp and picnic areas are separated by bridge that does not provide access to walk back and forth between the areas. There is NO fee to launch your boat from Ryans Branch boat ramp!

Salthouse Branch
Facilities available include a boat ramp, courtesy dock, short hiking trails, a 4.5 mile multi-user trail, campground with some water and electrical sites, picnic areas with one shelter, swimming areas, playground, flush toilets, hot water showers, and sanitary dump station.

There are a total of 90 campsites open from April 1 - October 31. Day Use Fees apply for non-campers.

Turkey Island
Facility available - a picnic area, accessible by water only. There is NO fee to use the picnic area.

Twin Ridge
Facilities available - a boat ramp, courtesy dock, picnic area and vault toilet. There is NO fee to launch your boat from the Twin Ridge boat ramp!

Boat Ramp:

No Fee Boat Ramps

Runnet Bag boat ramp. .
Ryans Branch boat ramp.
Twin Ridge boat ramp.

Address:

1058 Philpott Dam Road
Bassett,VA,24055-8617
Phone: (276) 629-2703

Directions to Lake:

From Roanoke, south on US 220, west on VA 57, north on VA 904.

Fish: