Pulaski County, VA · Reservoir
Claytor Lake
A New River reservoir in southwest Virginia known for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, and a special-regulation striper and hybrid fishery.
Live · updated
Top pick today
Striped Bass — Check local Striped Bass regulations before you keep one.
Best conditions of 5 species tracked at Claytor Lake.
Atmosphere
Water
Sun & Moon
Species at Claytor Lake
5 species tracked, ranked by today's conditions. The top pick is open below — tap any species to expand it, or a chip to focus.
#1 Striped Bass Check local Striped Bass regulations before you keep one. Regs unverified 78/100
We don't have confirmed size, creel, or season rules for Striped Bass in VA on file yet. The live conditions score still applies — but confirm the current regulations with your state agency before keeping any fish.
What's helping
- incoming tide — striped bass prefers incoming tide
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Morone saxatilis — Maryland's state fish. Anadromous — runs into Bay tributaries to spawn each spring. Targeted by trolling, jigging, live-lining, and surf casting. Locally called "rockfish."
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · incoming tide · depth 5–35 ft.
No regulations on file for Virginia non-tidal (VDWR) / non-tidal. Check the appropriate state agency directly before fishing.
#2 Smallmouth Bass Workable day for Smallmouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus dolomieu — Premier gamefish of the non-tidal Potomac, the Upper Susquehanna, and Deep Creek Lake. Pound-for-pound one of the hardest-fighting freshwater fish. Hits tubes, crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits, and topwater poppers.
Prefers. Water 55–78°F (ideal 68°F) · either tide · depth 3–30 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-04-22. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
Non-tidal VA: 5 per day in aggregate with largemouth bass. Same water-specific slot limits apply: James River and New River (Fields Dam to state line) have a 14–22 inch protected slot with only 1 fish over 22 in allowed; Shenandoah River has an 11–14 inch slot; Claytor Lake requires a 14-inch minimum; Lake Moomaw requires 12-inch minimum. VA's smallmouth fisheries (James, New, Shenandoah) are nationally recognized — check water-specific rules before keeping any fish.
Source: Virginia non-tidal (VDWR) regulations · verified 2026-04-22.
#2 Largemouth Bass Workable day for Largemouth Bass. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Micropterus salmoides — Most popular gamefish in MD non-tidal waters. Ambush predator around cover — lily pads, submerged timber, docks, grass edges. Hits plastics, spinnerbaits, jigs, and topwater across the season.
Prefers. Water 55–85°F (ideal 72°F) · either tide · depth 3–25 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-04-22. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 5
Non-tidal VA: 5 per day in aggregate with smallmouth bass (can't combine to exceed 5 total). No statewide minimum size. Numerous water-specific exceptions: James River (Jackson/Cowpasture to Richmond fall line) has a 14–22 inch protected slot with only 1 fish/day over 22 in; New River (Fields Dam to VA-WV line) has the same slot; Shenandoah River (all forks) has an 11–14 inch protected slot; Lake Moomaw requires 12-inch minimum; Briery Creek has no 16-inch fish allowed. Check water-specific rules before keeping any fish.
Source: Virginia non-tidal (VDWR) regulations · verified 2026-04-22.
#2 Walleye Workable day for Walleye. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Sander vitreus — Maryland's premier cool-water gamefish. Deep Creek Lake is the flagship fishery; also found in the non-tidal Potomac and the Youghiogheny River. Low-light feeder — dusk, dawn, and overcast/windy days are prime. Jigs, crankbaits, and nightcrawler harnesses are standard.
Prefers. Water 50–72°F (ideal 62°F) · either tide · depth 10–40 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-04-22. Open source page →
- Min size
- 18"
- Daily creel
- 5
Non-tidal VA: 18-inch minimum (higher than MD's 15-inch), 5 per day in aggregate with saugeye. Special regulations on the flagship waters: Claytor Lake and the New River (upstream to Fries Dam) are limited to 2 per day, and no harvest of fish 19–28 inches (protected slot). Primary fisheries: New River, Claytor Lake, Smith Mountain Lake, South Holston.
Source: Virginia non-tidal (VDWR) regulations · verified 2026-04-22.
#2 Crappie Workable day for Crappie. In season 68/100
What's helping
- 7 mph wind — light chop — baitfish active, fish willing to feed
About. Pomoxis spp. — Covers both black crappie (P. nigromaculatus) and white crappie (P. annularis). Schooling panfish around brush, docks, and submerged timber. Spring pre-spawn is the prime season — small minnows and 1/16-oz jigs are the go-to.
Prefers. Water 50–80°F (ideal 65°F) · either tide · depth 3–20 ft.
Last verified 44 days ago on 2026-04-22. Open source page →
- Daily creel
- 25
Non-tidal VA: 25 per day in aggregate (black + white crappie). No statewide minimum size. Several reservoirs impose a 9- or 10-inch minimum — Buggs Island (Kerr), Lake Gaston (which has no daily limit instead), Lake Anna, etc. More generous than MD (15/day) and narrower than DE (50/day aggregate panfish).
Source: Virginia non-tidal (VDWR) regulations · verified 2026-04-22.
Location Info
Water Body
Reservoir
Access
Pier, shore, and ramp
Jurisdiction
Virginia non-tidal (VDWR)
Coordinates
Local reports & rules for Claytor Lake: Virginia DWR fishing & regulations → · trout stocking schedule → · fish-consumption advisory →
Nearby Access Points
Frequently Asked
Do I need a fishing license to fish at Claytor Lake?
Yes (anglers age 16 and older). To fish at Claytor Lake you need a Virginia freshwater fishing license issued by DWR (and a separate trout license for designated stocked trout waters October 1 through June 15). See the agency's current rules: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/licenses/
What fish are commonly targeted at Claytor Lake?
Claytor Lake is listed on this site for 5 commonly-targeted species: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, and 1 more. Which species is currently in season and which is scoring highest today is shown in the per-species ranking on this page.
When is the best time to fish at Claytor Lake?
It depends more on the species and the day's conditions than on a fixed "best hour." Water temperature, weather, and — at tidal locations — the stage of the tide drive activity most. The per-species ranking on this page scores every target species at Claytor Lake against today's live conditions, so the fish near the top are your best bets right now; check back as conditions change through the day.
What kind of access does Claytor Lake have?
Claytor Lake has multiple access types — pier, shoreline, and at least one public boat ramp.
Which state's fishing regulations apply at Claytor Lake?
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) freshwater regulations apply at Claytor Lake. Size limits, creel limits, and seasonal closures are listed per species on each species page. Always confirm against the agency source linked from each regulation block — emergency closures can take effect mid-season.
Is Claytor Lake tidal water?
No. Claytor Lake is non-tidal — water level varies with rainfall, seasonal flow, and (where applicable) upstream dam releases rather than tidal exchange.