Lake Chesdin Resource Page
About Lake Chesdin (From the Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries)
Lake Chesdin is a
3,100-acre water supply reservoir on the Chesterfield-Dinwiddie County line
administered by the Appomattox River Water Authority. Chesdin is a very
productive lake that offers excellent largemouth bass fishing, good crappie
fishing (both black and white) in spring and fall, and a great channel catfish
fishery. For experimental reasons, walleye stocking has been reduced in recent
years. Even so, numerous walleye up to 7 pounds were collected in gill net
samples in 2004. As a result, the Department has decided to increase walleye
stocking beginning in 2005. Striped bass have been stocked for many years, but
none were harvested by anglers who were interviewed for the creel survey in
2003, and very few have been collected in gill net samples. Consequently,
striped bass stocking is being terminated.
Due to the opening of a fish lift in Brasfield Dam (AKA Lake Chesdin Dam) during
spring, 2005, anadromous fish will have access to the upper Appomattox River for
spawning for the first time in many years. Although relatively few shad and
herring are expected to use the lift during this first year of operation, a good
spring fishery may develop in the upper river if spawning runs improve over
time.
The public boat ramp and handicap-accessible fishing pier are open 24 hours a
day. There are three private marinas with boat ramps, rental boats, bait,
tackle, camping, and picnicking.