Biggest lakes in Virginia: the top 10 by size

The list

Sizes are the published surface area where one exists; the others are our own measure of the water's outline and read "about". Reservoirs shrink and grow with their level, so a dry year shows less water.

1. Kerr Lake

At 50,000 acres of water, Kerr Lake is a huge piece of water. It holds largemouth bass, crappie, striped bass and catfish. It goes down to about 100 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Kerr Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

2. Smith Mountain Lake

At 20,500 acres, Smith Mountain Lake is a big lake. It holds striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and crappie. It goes down to about 220 ft. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start.

Smith Mountain Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

3. Lake Anna

Lake Anna spreads over 13,000 acres of water. Largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie and catfish are the draw. The deepest water is around 80 ft. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look.

Lake Anna today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

4. Claytor Lake

At some 4,470 acres, Claytor Lake is a good-sized lake. It lies about 3.1 miles north of Dublin. Expect bluegill, catfish, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. Claytor Lake is a reservoir on the New River in Pulaski County operated by Appalachian Power for hydroelectricity.

Claytor Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

5. Leesville Lake

Leesville Lake is a reservoir of 3,270 acres of water. You will find it about 3.1 miles east of Motley. The fish here are striped bass. It goes down to about 75 ft.

Leesville Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

6. Lake Drummond

At some 3,140 acres, Lake Drummond is a good-sized lake. It lies near South Suffolk. Expect crappie. It goes down to about 6 ft. The lake bed gives you three steep ledges and an upper arm to work. Lake Drummond is a rare natural lake inside the Great Dismal Swamp, with dark, tannin-stained water rather than clear water.

Lake Drummond today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

7. Lake Chesdin

Lake Chesdin covers 3,100 acres. The lake is about 2.6 miles east of Matoaca. George F. Brasfield Dam holds it on the Appomattox River. Expect largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and walleye. Its bed shows three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves worth a first look. Lake Chesdin is a reservoir on the Appomattox River that supplies drinking water to Virginia's Tri-Cities area.

Lake Chesdin today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

8. Philpott Lake

Philpott Lake spreads over some 2,900 acres. You will find it about 30 miles north of Roanoke. Philpott Dam holds it on the Smith River. The usual Virginia mix applies: largemouth bass, crappie, catfish and bluegill. The lake bed gives you three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves to work. Philpott Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir on the Smith River in southern Virginia.

Philpott Lake today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

9. Lake Moomaw

Lake Moomaw spreads over some 2,500 acres. You will find it about 45 miles south of Roanoke. Gathright Dam holds it on the Jackson River. It holds trout, catfish, crappie and yellow perch. On the 3-D map the bed has three point drop-offs and two sheltered coves: good places to start. Lake Moomaw sits in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and is formed by Gathright Dam on the Jackson River.

Lake Moomaw today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

10. Occoquan Reservoir

Occoquan Reservoir is a reservoir of 2,100 acres. It lies within an easy drive of Dale City (about 4 miles). It holds largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish. Occoquan Reservoir supplies drinking water to Northern Virginia and lies on the Fairfax-Prince William county line.

Occoquan Reservoir today: water temperature, bite times and the 3-D lake bed

Big water, big days

Large lakes make their own weather: a breeze that is nothing on a pond builds real waves over miles of open water. Check the wind on the lake page before you launch and keep to the lee shore when it picks up.