Western Branch Reservoir
Western Branch Reservoir
- Boat Ramps
- 1
- Access Points
- 1
- Species
- 14
Western Branch Reservoir is a 1,265-acre lake located in Suffolk, Virginia, offering exceptional fishing opportunities with minimal fishing pressure. Impounded in 1962 on the western branch of Nansemond River, this horseshoe-shaped reservoir is the largest and deepest of Norfolk's water supply lakes, reaching a maximum depth of 35 feet. The reservoir features 40 miles of shoreline with secluded coves, wooded areas, and open water sections, creating diverse habitats for numerous fish species. Known for producing trophy-sized fish, Western Branch Reservoir provides anglers with a serene fishing environment surrounded by lush forests and gently rolling hills, making it an ideal destination for kayak, canoe, or small boat fishing.
Species & education
Learn what type of fish are at Western Branch Reservoir and what's needed to catch them.
Find which waters have the species you want to catch
Largemouth Bass
Micropterus salmoides
Muskellunge
Esox masquinongy
Black Crappie
Pomoxis nigromaculatus
Bluegill Sunfish
Lepomis macrochirus
Chain Pickerel
Esox niger
Channel Catfish
Ictalurus punctatus
Longnose Gar
Lepisosteus osseus
Pumpkinseed
Lepomis gibbosus
Redbreast Sunfish
Lepomis auritus
Redear Sunfish
Lepomis microlophus
Striped Bass
Morone saxatilis
White Catfish
Ameiurus catus
White Perch
Morone americana
Yellow Perch
Perca flavescens
Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities
Learn how to get on Western Branch 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.
Know where you can legally fish on Western Branch 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.
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 Western Branch 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 Western Branch Reservoir to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Western Branch 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.
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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)
See the best times to fish Western Branch Reservoir and check the forecast before you go.
No forecast data available.
Fishing near Western Branch Reservoir
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