The lake bed in 3-D: deep basin, drop-offs and shoreline. Shape estimated, not for navigation. Spot 1 (back of a cove) is open for everyone; the other 6 come with LakeScope PRO. Full screen
Claytor Lake
Pulaski County, Virginia · 4,470 acres (7 sq mi)
59°F water, calm this morning.
About Claytor Lake
In Pulaski County, Virginia, Claytor Lake covers 4,470 acres; it is a reservoir. It was made by Claytor Dam on the New River. Claytor Lake is a reservoir on the New River in Pulaski County operated by Appalachian Power for hydroelectricity.
It stretches about 9 miles end to end and its shoreline adds up to about 44 miles. The water sits about 1,840 ft above sea level. Dublin lies about 3.1 miles to the north. The closest city is Roanoke, about 38 miles away.
- Size
- 4,470 acres (7 sq mi)
- Shoreline
- About 44 miles
- End to end
- About 9 miles
- Elevation
- About 1,840 ft
- Type
- Reservoir
- Dam
- Claytor Dam, New River
- County
- Pulaski County
The lake from above
Best fishing times
Friday Good
- 6:15 am – 8:30 amsunrise
- 3:30 pm – 5:00 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 9 mph
Saturday Fair
- 6:30 am – 8:00 amsunrise · wind 10 mph
- 3:30 pm – 5:45 pm bestsunset, moon overhead · wind 13 mph
Based on sun and moon times and the wind forecast. A guide, not a promise. The app shows the whole week.
Fish in Claytor Lake
The fish here: bluegill and sunfish, catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass and spotted bass. At 59°F on the surface right now, here is how each one should behave.
- FairBluegill and sunfish
Warming. Shallow, sunny pockets in the afternoon.
- FairCatfish
Waking up. Channels and creek mouths, especially after rain.
- GoodLargemouth bass
Fall feed. They chase baitfish into creeks and coves.
- FairSmallmouth bass
Picking up. Look on rocky points and gravel.
- GoodStriped bass
Comfortable range. Watch for birds and surface feeding.
From today's water temperature and the season. A guide, not a promise.
Fishing spots
- 1Back of a cove
Sheltered, shallower water where baitfish gather.
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
6 more spots with LakeScope PRO: fish, depth band, water temperature, best time and bait for each.
Picked from the shape of the lake bed. A guide, not a promise.
Water temperature
At the surface, seen .
Water level
No daily level reading for this lake.
Ice
No clear view of the ice yet
Ice thickness is an estimate from air temperature, not a measurement. Check the ice yourself before going on it.
Weather and wind
Sunrise 6:59 am · sunset 5:14 pm · waxing crescent moon (lake time).
Towns and places to stay near Claytor Lake
- Dublinabout 3.1 mi north
- Radfordabout 3.7 mi northeast
- Pulaskiabout 4.8 mi west
- Fairlawnabout 4.8 mi northeast
- Roanokenearest city, about 38 mi northeast
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Questions about Claytor Lake
What fish are in Claytor Lake?
Claytor Lake holds bluegill and sunfish, catfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass and spotted bass. Check the state fish and wildlife agency for stocking and limits.
How deep is Claytor Lake?
We have no published depth for this lake. The 3-D view gives an estimated shape of the bed: where the deep basin and the drop-offs are. Not for navigation.
How big is Claytor Lake?
4,470 acres, with about 44 miles of shoreline.
What town is near Claytor Lake?
Dublin is about 3.1 miles north; Radford is about 3.7 miles northeast.
What is the water temperature at Claytor Lake today?
The surface was about 59°F on the latest clear reading. The page updates every day.
Claytor Lake on your phone
The whole week of bite times, lake alerts and the 3-D view, every morning.
