About Lake Anna

Lake Anna was formed in 1972 when the North Anna River was dammed to form a cooling reservoir for the North Anna Nuclear Power Reactor operated by Virginia Power. The lake is actually comprised of two separate sections: a 9,600 acre impoundment that provides the water for the power plant’s cooling requirements (much as the water in a radiator is used to cool a car engine), and a 3,400 acre impoundment that is used to disperse the warmer water that results from the reactor cooling process. The smaller impoundment, known as the “hot side” by the locals, is accessible only to property owners. The larger lake is a public facility open to all.

After the lake was formed in 1972, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) stocked it with more than 350,000 baby bass. Several years later, this initial stocking was augmented with 80,000 Florida-strain bass. The ongoing lake management program provided by VDGIF and the abundant population of baitfish such as threadfin shad, gizzard shad, and blueback herring, has resulted in Lake Anna becoming the premier bass lake in all of Virginia. In fact, Anna consistently produces more citation bass (8 lb or 22 “) each year than any other body of water in the state. During 2001, 50 citation bass were recorded by Lake Anna anglers. Also in 2001, Anna ranked 3rd in the state for citation crappie with 18. Because of the influence of the warm water coming from the “hot side”, particularly on the lower end of the lake, nearly half of these citation fish were caught in the months of December, January, February, and March – a time when most other lakes are in near hibernation. The months of April, May and June can provide non-stop, heart pounding action. As a result of its much deserved reputation, Anna has become a “must” stop for most serious fisherman throughout the region, and is a favorite on the local

Lake Anna has also become one of the top landlocked Striped Bass lakes in the area. The stripers cannot naturally reproduce in the impoundment so VDGIF stocks approximately 200,000 fingerlings each year. This past year provided a bumper crop for striper fisherman. 4-fish limits were not uncommon, with quality fish in the 8-12 lb range a common occurrence at our scales.

While largemouth bass and stripers are the two main draws to Anna, it also has significant populations of many other species. Anna is well-known in the area as a mecca for crappie fisherman, with many of them taking strategic positions at bridge pilings and brush piles. Other panfish such as bluegill are abundant and there are also good populations of yellow perch, white perch. Fisherman fishing for bass or stripers in the Contrary Creek area will occasionally be startled to have their offering engulfed by a hard-hitting chain pickerel. The name “Lake Anna” will bring a smile to many knowing catfish fanciers. One of the better kept secrets on the Lake is the good population of walleye. Anglers fishing deeper structure for striped bass are surprised when the fish pulling on their line turns out to be a walleye instead of the expected striper

LKA Parks and Recreation

LAKE ANNA STATE PARK

6800 Lawyers Rd., Spotsylvania, VA 22551; Phone: 540-854-5503; Email: LakeAnna@dcr.virginia.gov

The park is open 7 a.m. to dusk. The park office is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The visitor center is closed at this time. Unguarded swimming is available.  The park does not offer boat or equipment rentals of any kind.  Cabins, lodges, campsites, yurts and camping cabins are available for rent. Parking is limited and the park must close regularly due to capacity on the weekends; guests should plan on arriving early.

BUMPASS – BUCKNER PARK

Located at 70 Bumpass-Buckner Park off Bumpass Road, this 18-acre community park includes picnic shelter and tables, playground equipment, and walking trail. Pavilion reservations are available by contacting Louisa County Parks & Recreation.

(540) 967-4420

LOUISA TOWN PARK

This town park has playground equipment for elementary and preschool age children, picnic tables, walking trail, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and picnic shelter. This passive park is located at 108 Meadow Avenue in the town of Louisa. The pavilion may be reserved by contacting Louisa County Parks and Recreation.

108 Meadow Avenue

Louisa, VA

(540) 967-4420

Rising Sun Community Park

Located at 7071 Fredericks Hall Road on the property of the Rising Sun Community Building, this park includes playground equipment and swings for neighborhood youth. There is a basketball court for teens and adults. Picnic tables are available for use. The park is maintained by Louisa County Parks and Recreation and available to the public each day until dark.

(540) 967-4420

Local Phone Numbers