Lake Burnt Mills
Lake Burnt Mills
- Boat Ramps
- 1
- Access Points
- 1
- Species
- 7
Lake Burnt Mills is a serene 711-acre reservoir located in Suffolk, Virginia, dating back to the early 1940s. This tranquil water body is surrounded by lush foliage and rolling hills, creating a picturesque backdrop for fishing adventures. With a shoreline stretching 36 miles and clear, freshwater conditions, Lake Burnt Mills offers an ideal habitat for various fish species. The lake is known for its two distinct sections: the area near the dam is open and wide, while the upper half features numerous stumps and a shallower profile. The primary tributary is Great Swamp, a dense cypress swamp that adds to the ecological diversity. Originally established as a water supply reservoir for the City of Norfolk, Lake Burnt Mills has evolved into a premier fishing destination that provides anglers with both peaceful surroundings and productive fishing opportunities.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Lake Burnt Mills and what's needed to catch them.
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Lake Burnt Mills. 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.
Know where you can legally fish on Lake Burnt Mills
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.
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.
Virginia Fishing License
A Virginia fishing license is required for residents and non-residents, age 16 and over.
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.
Take Lake Burnt Mills 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 Lake Burnt Mills to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Burnt Mills 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.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Lake Burnt Mills and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
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