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Lake Shenandoah

Boat Ramps
1
Access Points
1
Species
10

Lake Shenandoah is a 36-acre impoundment owned by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, situated just east of Harrisonburg in an urban setting that provides a unique outdoor experience. The lake's shallow nature defines much of its character, with extensive areas measuring less than 3 feet deep while reaching a maximum depth of 25 feet near the dam. Excessive nutrients entering the lake create algal blooms through most of the year, resulting in murky, green water that challenges anglers but also creates opportunities for those who adapt their techniques. Despite these water quality challenges, the lake serves as an excellent venue for introducing novice anglers to fishing, offering accessible facilities and a variety of species to pursue.


Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Lake Shenandoah and what's needed to catch them.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Lake Shenandoah. 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 Shenandoah

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 Lake Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Lake Shenandoah 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.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Lake Shenandoah and check the forecast before you go.

No forecast data available.


Explore Virginia waters

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