Lake Whitehurst is a small Virginia reservoir with reliable largemouth bass and catfish
Lake Whitehurst sits in Dinwiddie County in south-central Virginia, roughly 30 miles south of Petersburg. It's a 65-acre impoundment that holds largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill, making it a practical choice for anglers within an hour's drive of the Richmond area. The lake is shallow overall—most of it runs 8 to 12 feet deep—which means it warms quickly in spring and can be productive year-round if you adjust your approach to the season.
The lake is publicly owned and managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR). A boat ramp and fishing pier are available at the main access point, and the shoreline has several spots where you can fish from the bank. The setting is quiet and undeveloped, with no commercial activity or residential sprawl around the water, which keeps pressure light compared to larger reservoirs.
Key Takeaways
- Lake Whitehurst holds largemouth bass and catfish in a 65-acre shallow reservoir that warms quickly and fishes well from spring through fall.
- Access is free with a valid Virginia fishing license; the boat ramp and fishing pier are located at the main access area off Route 460.
- Largemouth bass bite best in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November), while catfish remain active through summer.
- The lake's shallow depth and vegetation make it ideal for topwater lures and soft plastics in the shallows, and live bait for catfish along deeper drop-offs.
- No gas motors are permitted; only electric trolling motors and paddle craft are allowed, which keeps the lake calm and reduces noise.
How to reach Lake Whitehurst and what facilities are there
Lake Whitehurst is accessed via a public boat ramp and parking area located off Route 460 in Dinwiddie County. From Petersburg, take Route 460 south toward Emporia; the access point is marked and sits just off the highway. Parking is free and typically has space for 10 to 15 vehicles, though it can fill on weekends during peak season.
The ramp itself is a single-lane concrete launch suitable for small to mid-size boats and kayaks. A fishing pier extends into the water near the ramp, making it a good option if you don't have a boat. There are no restrooms, concessions, or overnight camping at the access area, so plan accordingly. The nearest services—gas, food, and lodging—are in Dinwiddie or back toward Petersburg, roughly 15 to 20 minutes away.
Largemouth bass fishing: seasons and techniques
Largemouth bass are the primary draw at Lake Whitehurst. Spring (March through May) is the most reliable season, when bass move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively. Target the backs of coves, shallow vegetation, and the pier pilings with topwater plugs, soft plastic worms, and crankbaits in the 2- to 4-foot range. Early morning and late afternoon produce the most strikes.
Fall (September through November) is the second-best window. As water cools, bass move back to shallower feeding zones before settling into deeper winter patterns. The same shallow techniques work, though you may need to fish slightly deeper structure—around 6 to 8 feet—as the season progresses. Summer can be slow during midday heat, but early morning and dusk sessions can still yield fish, especially if you focus on deeper vegetation and channel ledges.
Winter fishing is possible but requires patience. Bass move to the deepest parts of the lake (10 to 12 feet) and feed less frequently. Slow-moving presentations—jigs, soft plastics fished on the bottom, and live shiners—work better than fast retrieves. Many anglers skip winter at Lake Whitehurst in favor of larger reservoirs with deeper basins.
Catfish and panfish opportunities
Channel catfish are abundant at Lake Whitehurst and bite year-round, though they're most active from late spring through early fall. Fish the deeper drop-offs and channel ledges with live bait—shiners, shad, or chicken liver—fished on the bottom with a simple three-way rig or slip sinker. Catfish don't require finesse; cast out, set your rod in a holder, and wait for the bite. Evening and night sessions often produce better results than daytime fishing.
Bluegill and other panfish are present throughout the lake in shallow vegetation and around structure. They're easiest to catch in spring and early summer using small jigs, crickets, or live worms. Panfish aren't the main attraction here, but they're a reliable option if bass aren't cooperating, and they're excellent for introducing children to fishing.
Regulations and licensing requirements
You must have a valid Virginia fishing license to fish Lake Whitehurst. Licenses are available online through the VDWR website, at sporting goods retailers, and at some convenience stores. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license if you're visiting for a single trip. Residents and non-residents pay different rates; check the VDWR website for current pricing.
Bass have a 12-inch minimum length limit and a five-fish daily creel limit. Catfish have no size limit and a 25-fish daily creel limit. These regulations are standard across Virginia but can change, so verify current rules on the VDWR website before you fish. The lake is open year-round during daylight hours; there are no seasonal closures.
Electric trolling motors and paddle craft are the only propulsion allowed—no gas motors. This restriction keeps the lake quiet and protects the shallow ecosystem. If you're planning to bring a boat, confirm it meets this requirement before launching.
Best times to fish and what to bring
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most productive seasons. Water temperatures in these windows sit in the 60s to 70s Fahrenheit, which triggers active feeding in both bass and catfish. If you can only visit once, choose spring, when bass are spawning and bite most reliably.
Bring a mix of topwater lures, soft plastic worms (4 to 6 inches), and small crankbaits for bass. For catfish, pack live bait, sinkers, and simple rigs. A pair of polarized sunglasses helps you spot shallow structure and vegetation. The lake has no shade structures, so sun protection—hat, sunscreen, and a light long-sleeved shirt—is essential, especially in summer. Bring more water than you think you'll need; there's no water source at the access area.
Nearby fishing and lodging options
If Lake Whitehurst doesn't meet your needs or you want to explore other water, Nottoway River is about 20 minutes away and holds catfish, largemouth bass, and some smallmouth. Buggs Island Lake (also called Kerr Lake), one of Virginia's largest reservoirs, is roughly 45 minutes south and offers more variety and deeper structure if you're willing to drive.
Lodging near Lake Whitehurst is limited. Dinwiddie has a few small motels and bed-and-breakfasts, but most anglers stay in Petersburg (30 minutes north) or Emporia (20 minutes south), where chain hotels and restaurants are more common. If you're planning a multi-day trip, Petersburg offers more amenities and is a reasonable base for exploring several lakes in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish Lake Whitehurst from the bank?
Yes. The fishing pier is the best bank-fishing option, and there are several spots along the shoreline where you can cast from the bank. The pier is accessible year-round during daylight hours and doesn't require a boat. Bank fishing works best in spring and early summer when bass move shallow.
What's the water like in winter?
Winter water temperatures drop into the 40s, and bass become sluggish and move deep. Catfish remain somewhat active but bite less frequently. Many anglers find winter fishing slow at Lake Whitehurst compared to spring and fall, though it's still possible if you're patient and fish deep structure with slow presentations.
Are there any restrictions on boat size or type?
No size restrictions exist, but only electric trolling motors and paddle craft are permitted. Gas motors are not allowed. Kayaks, canoes, and small jon boats with electric motors are all common and work well on this shallow lake.
Do I need a Virginia license if I'm visiting from out of state?
Yes. Non-residents must purchase a Virginia fishing license, available online or at sporting goods stores. A one-day non-resident license is available if you're visiting for a short trip and don't want to buy a full-year license.
What's the best lure for largemouth bass at Lake Whitehurst?
Topwater plugs and soft plastic worms in the 4- to 6-inch range work best, especially in spring and fall. Shallow crankbaits also produce. The key is fishing shallow structure—vegetation, coves, and the pier pilings—where bass hunt in these seasons. Early morning and late afternoon are most productive.