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Philpott Lake

Boat Ramps
4
Access Points
8
Species
12

Philpott Lake is a pristine 2,880-acre impoundment nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, spanning Henry, Patrick, and Franklin counties. Created in the early 1950s by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this reservoir features 100 miles of undeveloped shoreline with crystal-clear water and abundant fishing opportunities. Managed primarily for flood control and hydroelectric power generation, Philpott Lake has earned a reputation as one of Virginia's premier fishing destinations, particularly for black bass and walleye. The lake's picturesque setting, combined with its well-maintained facilities and diverse fish population, makes it an ideal location for anglers of all skill levels seeking a rewarding fishing experience in a serene natural environment.


Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Philpott Lake. 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 Philpott Lake

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 Philpott Lake 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 Philpott Lake to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Philpott Lake 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 Philpott Lake and check the forecast before you go.

SMITH RIVER NEAR PHILPOTT, VA

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