Carvin Cove Reservoir

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 2
Species: 11

Nestled in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, Carvin Cove Reservoir is a pristine 630-acre impoundment located just north of Roanoke. This reservoir serves as the primary drinking water source for Roanoke and is part of a nearly 12,500-acre nature reserve. With approximately 15 miles of shoreline created by numerous coves, Carvin Cove offers exceptional fishing opportunities in a tranquil setting. The reservoir features clear waters and diverse habitats, making it ideal for anglers of all skill levels. Surrounded by protected forestland, this west-central Virginia gem provides not only great fishing but also hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding opportunities throughout its extensive trail system.

Virginia licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Carvin Cove Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Black Crappie

Pomoxis nigromaculatus

Bluegill Sunfish

Lepomis macrochirus

Channel Catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

Flathead Catfish

Pylodictis olivaris

Green Sunfish

Lepomis cyanellus

Redbreast Sunfish

Lepomis auritus

Redear Sunfish

Lepomis microlophus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

Striped Bass

Morone saxatilis

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Carvin Cove Reservoir. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Carvins Cove Natural Reserve Access

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Carvin Cove Reservoir

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Virginia licenses and regulations

Virginia Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Virginia Stream Access Laws

Virginia uses a strict navigable in fact test, where waterways must be capable of commercial trade and travel in their natural condition and public access is limited where navigable waters border private land. The state law isn’t fully developed and is arguably stricter than the federal title test. While state law is confusing and hasn’t been friendly to public access in the past, a 2015 court case opened up 14 rivers to public use that were previously off limits.

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Virginia Fishing License

A Virginia fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 16 and over.

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Virginia Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Take Carvin Cove Reservoir with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Carvin Cove Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Carvin Cove Reservoir to find where and when fish are biting for you.
HD depth charts from Garmin
Find drop offs, ledges, channels, points and shallow flats with Garmin depth charts in the app.