The impoundment is “drawn down” between 10-15 feet annually, beginning slowly in June and reaching its lowest level usually by September. Access other maps for various points of interests and businesses. We stopped by at the marina on our way to the campsite to find out where the campsite was and the lady at the counter was not friendly nor very helpful. As with yellow perch, crappie fishing at Moomaw is at its best during the waning weeks of cold weather using live bait. Largemouth bass prefer the numerous shallow flats in the lake’s center, particularly around Greenwood Point, the swimming beach, and the islands. However, late winter yellow perch fishing (either through the ice or drifting minnows in 10 feet of water) at Moomaw can provide a much-needed remedy for cabin fever. In the shadows, schools of fat gills lazily swim about, eager to take a worm. Moomaw Lake Water Level including historical chart. Black crappie, bluegill, and redear sunfish are the big three panfish species in Lake Moomaw. This made my stay unenjoyable for I could not sleep in and could not take a nap in the afternoon due to the barking. One large campground, 55 sites, toilets, showers, 16 sites can be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777, open May 1 ? One time we went several years ago, hadn't had much rain during the year and the lake was all dried up. Yellow bullheads do very well in the shallow flats around mid-lake. 2 oz. An impoundment of the Jackson River, Lake Moomaw lies in the Alleghany Highlands of western VA. Its 2,530 acres are home to an amazing variety of gamefish species. As another reviewer mentioned, it is not the easiest lake to find, but the drives are very scenic, as well. The Drought Monitor focuses on broad-scale conditions. Fingerlings switch to natural food quickly and reach quality size in a couple of years. Rock bass – 2 lbs. Sorry, there are no tours or activities available to book online for the date(s) you selected. Brook trout – 5 lbs. Rent a whole home for your next weekend or holiday. I have lived in the area for about ten years and this used to be our families favorite place to go. There are pit toilets, but are in rough shape. On the trail we encountered a rattlesnake so we got off the trail and did not hike any more. maximum, 5 parts per millions dissolved oxygen). Water from the lake is now mixed before being released below into the Jackson River. portal or near the surface. (540) 248-9360, United States Forest Service Warm, oxygenated water from the surface is blended with cold, anoxic water from deep in the lake, and the result is a more stable band of trout habitat around 30 feet under the surface during late summer. Please choose a different date. Multiple homesites with long road frontage. Fishing licenses and bait, Bolar Flats Marina (North end) *No fishing licenses for sale (1994) 2 oz. beautiful place not taken care of anymore. It creates Lake Moomaw, which has a normal volume of 40 billion US gallons (150,000,000 m 3). Biologists determined that a “lake-run” strain of rainbow trout would thrive in Lake Moomaw as well as the Jackson River above the lake. Stumps at the edge of the river channel, as well as old muskrat holes serve as habitat and spawning areas for this popular game fish. Hot Springs, VA 24445 The backwater of the Jackson River flooded acres of bottomland once owned by Thomas Gathright. Though over the years it has gone down hill drastically! From Twins Ridge Dr, either continue left to picnic and camping areas or right towards Bolar Mountain Recreation Area. Lake Moomaw is a lake in western Virginia. No camping, 20 picnic tables, beach, bathhouse, boat launch, Morris Hill (South end) Lake Moomaw, found in the George Washington National Forest, is one of the best-kept secrets of the Covington area. It is beautiful and secluded. Yellow perch are often taken using techniques and lures that commonly work for black bass in the spring. The project was pushed forward by Covington businessman Benjamin Moomaw, after which the lake was named. Interactive map of Moomaw Lake that includes Marina Locations, Boat Ramps. Verona, VA 24482 Box 996 The result was diminished trout habitat (600F. The lake itself is very nice, and the facilities are well-kept and clean. Also, buttonbush has been planted on some of the barren flats to mixed success. Rainbow trout come in two varieties: McConaughy and Eagle Lake. Lake Moomaw is the second largest impoundment in western Virginia. Rock bass, pumpkinseed, and redbreast sunfish can be quite large, but their numbers are somewhat depressed. Neither a trout license nor National Forest Stamp is required. The initial stockings of stunted black crappie from Rural Retreat Lake in the early 1980’s have produced generations of 2 pound fish over the years. Neither a trout license nor National Forest Stamp is required. Bluegill and redear sunfish have been coming on strong during the 1990’s. sparsely populated with boats, a big plus. Covington, VA Water Front Property #3yd-LBVRARVA-134833. However, only 50 in aggregate may be creeled daily per angler. Local conditions may vary. early December, Campgrounds 2 and 3 open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, McClintic Point (North end) Things to do near Lake Moomaw on Tripadvisor: See 655 reviews and 796 candid photos of things to do near Lake Moomaw in Covington, Virginia. 6 oz. Black crappie and yellow perch were later additions to the fishery. We camped mid week so the lake was. 8 oz. The Jackson River was already home to wild populations of smallmouth bass, rock bass, and chain pickerel, so it was understood that these species would acclimate to their new surroundings. Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Lake Moomaw is the second largest impoundment in western Virginia. P. O. One pound redears have been taken from Lake Moomaw, from time to time. They hit with the ferocity of their larger cousins, the northern pike and the muskellunge. Until 1993, the Corps released water nearest the 600F. Trout can be caught at Lake Moomaw at least three different ways: trolling, still fishing with live bait (alewives or shiners), or “jump fishing” when they are active slurping insects or surface running alewives. 810-A Madison Avenue Lake Moomaw is among the most popular developed recreation areas in the George Washington National Forest and provide an endless array of activities including boating, fishing, hiking, biking and camping. Lake weight records through 2004 (year caught), Brown trout – 12 lb. (2004) Hinge trees and brush shelters that work well for bass also benefit the crappie. Sunfish – 2 lbs. The lake covers just under 2,400 acres of surface area and has a maximum depth of around 180 feet. Explore an array of Lake Moomaw, US vacation rentals, including cabins, houses & more bookable online. The state record yellow perch was caught, then surpassed, then caught again at Lake Moomaw in 1999 (2 lb, 7 oz). Moomaw Lake Day Use Site. 540-839-5409 This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Tucked away in the Alleghany Highlands of western Virginia awaits a picturesque lake perfect for recreational activities and wildlife viewing. Lake Moomaw boasts two types of catfish species: channel catfish and yellow bullheads. Rainbow trout – 12 lb. We enjoyed our stay, loved kayaking this lake, just be aware as far as this particular camp area is truly is primitive, which we we're prepared for. Parents of child killed at Lake Moomaw in June indicted Benjamin Jacobsen and Carrie Jacobsen, who have been indicted in Alleghany County, Va., for the death of … There is no size limit for bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, and pumpkinseed. The host couple was not there on Monday and Tuesday (the first two days of our stay) and needless to say, the bathrooms were terrible. 15 oz. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, stocked trout (brown, rainbow, and brook), crappie, bluegill, pickeral, channel catfish, and yellow perch all reside in Lake Moomaw. Community: Buena Vista, VA 24416 Area: Lake Moomaw, Covington, Lexington. From I … Eagle Lakes appear to be less migratory and can devote most of their life gaining weight in the deep waters of the reservoir. Lake Moomaw is a mountain gem and the bass population is incredible! Box 432 Improving sport fish habitat in Lake Moomaw is a two-prong approach. Alewives are members of the herring family and are, literally, the backbone of the lake’s sport fishery. Lake Moomaw has 9 portals, distributed vertically along the outlet tower, that enables the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to meet downstream water quality requirements. This is very sad to see such a beautiful family friendly place turned into a place that our family will no longer enjoy, we will be going to the many other places around to enjoy that are well kept and pet friendly. State: Virginia: Listed By: Lexington Real Estate Connection Phone: (540) 463-2016 $448,000. Nestled In The Virginia Mountains, Lake Moomaw Has Some Of The Clearest Water In Virginia. Smallmouth bass – 7 lbs. Although they have a reputation for large “die-offs” during long periods of cold weather, alewives have done extremely well at this mountain reservoir. This massive earthen structure backs up the Jackson River for over 12 miles, forming Lake Moomaw. It is in this zone that stocked rainbow, brown, and brook trout thrive. The idea for a lake above the City of Covington was hatched just after World War II, but the project was not completed until the early 1980’s. Learn more about the state of the fishery from our biologist report. Five primitive campsites, first come-first serve, accessible by foot or boat only, Coles Point (South end) The impoundment is â drawn downâ between 10-15 feet annually, beginning slowly in June and reaching its lowest level usually by September. Hard To Get To, But Worth It For The Scenery, I knew this place would be very remote from the previous reviews I had read, but I did not realize just how isolated it would be. (1992) Bath County VA, © 2021 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Spend a leisurely day on the lake, then return to the campsite to take in the waterside views from the comforts of one's own RV. (1994) Zillow has 3 homes for sale in 24426 matching Lake Moomaw. Lake Moomaw is a big, gorgeous lake with picture worthy views. The small store at the boat dock had basic supplies including firewood toiletries, food items and beer. Morris Hill Campground: 651 Coles Mountain Road, Covington, VA 24426 1. Alewives are a schooling fish, occupying the open waters of the lake. I came on the 4th of July and did not have any issues with the crowds, so I would figure you could comfortably relax here any day of the year. Lake Moomaw is the second largest impoundment in western Virginia. The area provides plenty of activities, including boating, fishing and hiking, as well as volleyball and a playground. Eagle Lake rainbow trout have been mixed into the stocking plan. Large silvery rainbows can be caught during late winter through spring in the Jackson River as far as Highland County. Black crappie are notorious for having boom-and-bust years, but crappie fishing has been consistent. 0 oz. A neighboring camper had used his own weedeater to make a path to our site as well as the bank area. It is formed by the Gathright Dam on the Jackson River. When trout are stressed, then tend to eat less and eventually lose weight. Covington, VA 24426 Brown and rainbow trout have been stocked annually since the early days of the lake. Lake Moomaw offers miles and miles of hiking trails, picturesque campsites, and even boat ramps, but the real draw is the water itself. Anyone who is interested in visiting Lake Moomaw can print the free topographic map and street map using the link above. Anglers are cautioned to handle undersized trout with care to avoid delayed mortality. Group camping, no electric, vault toilet, open year-round, Greenwood Point (Midlake) 540-962-2214 1235 State Park Rd Huddleston, VA. Outdoors and Sports. Warm Springs Ranger District We love to take a ride to the lake and just set and relax by the water and enjoy a pic-nic lunch. But be prepared, bring necessities, the next closest store is several miles away. The Department and the U. S. Forest Service have cooperated with local bass clubs, the Izaak Walton League of America, the Boy Scouts, and other citizen volunteers over the years to enhance littoral (shoreline) fish habitat. We went on a Monday in August. Black crappie – 3 lbs. A U. S. Army Corps of Engineers project, Lake Moomaw was constructed for downstream flow augmentation (water quality), flood control, and recreation. Choose from more than 37 properties, ideal house rentals for families, groups and couples. The undisciplined dogs helped me to make my decision to never camp again. For more information regarding Lake Moomaw, contact: Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries They types of habitat that have been installed over the years have been quite varied, but both agencies now focus on placing natural materials (brush, trees, logs, and rock) into Lake Moomaw. She showed us a map and when we asked for a copy, she looked as if we were asking the impossible. 10 oz. Black crappie have done extremely well. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Two trout per day with a minimum size limit of 16 inches. They are abundant, ubiquitous, and, seemingly the prey of choice for trophy fish that are caught from Lake Moomaw. I tent camped and my friend had an RV. Black bass. Smallmouths can be found deep (25 ft.) in the lake during summer and winter, and moving along the shallows in spring and fall, searching out food and spawning habitat. No size limit, 10 fish per day daily creel limit. Channel catfish have done very well since they were introduced in the early days of the lake. Sorry, this video is unavailable in your browser. My friend went to the marina to rent a kayak. The impoundment is “drawn down” between 10-15 feet annually, beginning slowly in June and reaching its lowest level usually by September. 540-279-4144. Those that remain, or return, to the lake can be found in trophy proportions. Location and Fishing Information: Lake Moomaw is located in Alleghany County, Virginia. Bullheads were abundant in a couple of farm ponds prior to the lake being filled, hence they were introduced “accidentally”. It seems them more concern are the rules for the area which there is no signage for anything, such as if you bring dogs where they are allowed to be, instead you are just threatened with a $500 fine. 11 oz. Brown trout have done extremely well, and it is not uncommon to catch brown trout in the 3-5 pound range. Fortney Branch (South end of the lake) (1984) A very pretty Virginia lake. We camped mid week so the lake was sparsely populated with boats, a big plus. Covington, VA 24426 Project scope The Gathright Dam and Lake Moomaw Project provides flood protection of industrial, commercial and residential properties along the Jackson and James rivers with immediate impact on Covington, Virginia.Authorization Congress authorized construction of the dam and reservoir in the Flood Control Act of 1946.Background The dam is a rolled-rock fill embankment with a compacted … In Moomaw, the alewife is the perfect link in the food chain between the microscopic plankton and the lunker brown and rainbow trout. My friend saw snakes swimming in the lake while kayaking. Channel catfish – 23 lbs. Brook trout have been periodically stocked to add variety to the coldwater fishery. 12 miles and over 240 acres of lake with no houses on the shore. Vacation rentals available for short and long term stay on Vrbo. The host couple did not know anything about the cost nor if the kayak could be delivered to the campsite. The small store at the boat dock had basic supplies including firewood toiletries, food items and beer. We found our campsite and set up. Greenwood point has 5 sites, 2 on the lake on in the woods and the other 2 are near the common open field area. Box 812 Local tourist information, Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce To a lesser degree, pumpkinseed, rock bass, and redbreast sunfish, make up the remaining component of this popular sport fish group at the lake. Three campgrounds, 90 sites, boat access, toilets, showers, picnic tables, some electric hookups, Campground 1 open from mid-April ? They provide good recreation for young fishermen and are a preferred food fish among some of the angling community. 540-962-2178 Alewives, members of the herring family, were stocked in the early 1980’s in order to establish a plentiful food base for both trout and other predators. Future plans are to continue with brush attractors, as well as hinge trees that are cut and felled from the bank. Lake Moomaw is displayed on the Falling Spring USGS quad topo map. There is no size limit on black crappie and rock bass at Lake Moomaw, but only 25 per angler may be taken daily of each species. Two types of black bass — smallmouth bass and largemouth bass – currently occupy the waters of Lake Moomaw. Lake Moomaw is a big, gorgeous lake with picture worthy views. There’s a little-known lake nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of western Virginia and it promises to delight. 4 oz. We spent some time at Lake Moomaw on a recent weekend trip to the VA mountains. There are other campgrounds on the lake with camper and rv hookups, etc, but I haven't stayed there yet. Yellow perch are “the new kids on the block” at Lake Moomaw. Alleghany Highlands, Bath County Chamber of Commerce GPS does not work in the mountains so we had to stop to see if we were on the right road. 540-962-1138 The lake and surrounding area is beautiful but I would never go back there nor recommend it to anyone else. (1989) It covers 2,530 surface acres and has a maximum depth of 152 feet. Enjoy exclusive private access to Lake Moomaw for canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, water skiing and power boating. Find unique places to stay with local hosts in 191 countries. 517 Lee Highway P.O. Transplanted from Smith Mountain Lake and Flanangan Lake in the early 1980’s, the alewife has thrived in the clear, deep waters of Lake Moomaw. To witness large bluegill at the lake, take a quiet stroll out on a boat ramp at one of the landings. Largemouth bass – 10 lbs. With this in mind, the lake was stocked with thousands of largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish in 1980. The beach area is nice as is the picnic area but the bathrooms were filthy with no toilet tissue and used feminine products on the floor. Secure online payment. more. In 2001, around 250 white pine Christmas trees were sunk in the upper lake to attract bass and crappie. First, coldwater habitat for trout is critical during late summer/early fall. And we succeeded. This small member of the pike family haunted the cool waters of the Jackson River prior to lake construction. Thanks so much for watching and commenting on our reports this spring. This simply means that the reservoir would be deep enough for both warm water fish (bass, catfish, sunfish, crappie) and coldwater fish (trout). At. Lake Moomaw is located right along the West Virginia State Line within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest north of I 64. The lady at the marina did not have hiking maps so my friend and I ventured out on our own hoping we would not get lost. 15 oz. host couple cleaned it up but it took them two times because they were elderly and in bad health. The area provides plenty of outdoor activities, inc Once a school is located, it is not uncommon to witness stringers of quality size fish. Redear sunfish lie in slightly deeper waters, but are found tight against the shore in May. They are especially active in late winter and early spring, when they can be found in 15-20 feet of water engorging on alewives. Rented a pontoon boat from Lake Moomaw marina and had the lake virtually to ourselves. These small, silvery fish are truly the “backbone” of the lake’s sport fishery. We had a negative encounter with another camper who had dogs and walked by our campsite where the dogs on our site barked and tried to get to the man's dogs and the man became very irate. Belong anywhere with Airbnb. 241 W. Main Street Lake Moomaw’s 2530 acres are home to an amazing variety of game fish species. You have no idea which are taken until you get there, the park services do not maintain this area. Channel catfish in excess of 20 pounds have been caught on cut bait and live bait, but 10-15 pounders are caught more frequently. The lodge and guest homes of Big Lick Retreat offer outstanding views of Lake Moomaw. Try plugging or jigging around weedy areas, old roadbeds, and grass beds in 8-10 feet of water for best largemouth bass results. - $334 avg/night - Warm Springs - Amenities include: Internet, Air Conditioning, Pets Welcome, Fireplace, TV, Satellite or cable, Washer & Dryer, Children Welcome, Parking, No Smoking, Heater Bedrooms: 4 Sleeps: 8 Pet friendly Minimum stay from 3 night(s) Bookable directly online - Book vacation rental 565370 with Vrbo. Everything looks very unkept and although I understand the fees for parking and camping, it is very sad to see this. In fact, almost all of the predacious fish species in the lake utilize alewives in their diet. It covers 2,530 surface acres and has a maximum depth of 152 feet. Bolar Flats Marina: 37.9931… Hot Springs, VA 24445 The only negative part of my trip was how difficult and at times treacherous it was to get here from where I was coming from, as it included several 270-degree turns on gravel roads, on top of driving with zero cell service most of the way. So, as long as … P. O. Approximately 35,000 McConaughy and 35,000 brown trout finglerlings are stocked each year. Gorgeous mountain and lake views. This time, however, lake was beautiful with different colors. Offering the best quality boats, waverunners, boat tours, charters, water toys and watercraft rentals in Virginia at Gathright Dam. During late summer, when the lake is often drawn down 10 feet or more, anglers can easily spot most of this fish cover. The lake is named for Benjamin Moomaw, a local businessman who was a promoter of the dam project. Our site did have a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad. 7 oz. I would almost describe it as one of those "edge of the Earth" type places. It covers 2,530 surface acres and has a maximum depth of 152 feet. Midlothian, Virginia 1,611 contributions 185 helpful votes. Anglers may take 20 of each species per day. The campsite is maintained by Royal Elk and our campground (#2) was not kept up well at all. The only fish family that is stocked annually in the lake is trout. Chain pickerel – 6 lbs. L ake Moomaw was named in memory of Benjamin Moomaw whose efforts succeeded in bringing the lake to the Allegheny Highlands. Went from Millboro Springs to Lake Moomaw which is about an hour's drive. Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a place or activity you would suggest for, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, Is this attraction a good place to visit on a, George Washington National Forest, Covington, VA 24484.

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