Largemouth Bass

Blacksburg offers some surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing, especially if you know where to look. Claytor Lake is the main draw, a relatively large reservoir about 45 minutes from town. Its structure, including submerged timber and rocky points, provides excellent habitat. Spring and fall are prime times, as the bass move shallow to spawn or fatten up for winter. Focus on the backs of coves and around docks during the spawn. In the fall, crankbaits and spinnerbaits along points can be very effective. Smaller ponds and reservoirs closer to town like Pandapas Pond and Brush Creek Reservoir can also hold decent populations, though the fish tend to be smaller. A local tip: Claytor Lake can get crowded, especially on weekends. Try fishing during the week or exploring some of the lake's more remote coves for more solitude and potentially bigger bass. The bass in Claytor Lake are known for being relatively aggressive, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lure presentations.