Lake Chesdin 2024
Jesse Yeomans reply :
Hey fellow Virginian's, anyone been down to Lake Chesdin recently? What's the water level like on it right now? Normal or lower? And anyone know where the lake is at spawn wise? It'll be the first place I'll be fishing once I'm back from some military training soon. Any knowledge would be appreciated
LonnieP reply :
I live 10 minutes away from Whipperknock Marina and fish there usually once a week. The water levels are normal right now. I’m pretty sure the bass are on the beds now because I didn’t catch anything last week but I did catch a 6 pound female with a belly full of eggs on Easter Sunday.
Sam reply :
Jesse, we will hit Chesdin before the tournament so you will see the water clarity, temperature and if the bass have started moving up from the spawn.
You also will be calling Dean and asking him what he is going to throw and what does he suggest you bring as for baits, although we will find out what they want the day we go out. I sent you a club roster with Dean's phone number.
Dean has two sons your age. One just graduated from JMU and the other is a freshman at Tech. He is a great guy, even if he likes the Dallas Cowboys. Dean owns a real estate firm over by the airport.
Now, as for getting ready. Consider the following baits for starters:
Zoom Junebug finesse worm
Zoom Junebug trick worm
Senkos, color of your choice
Lizards
Buzzbaits
Crankbaits
Poppers
Shad Raps
Black and Blue Jigs with a Zoom Sapphire Blue Super Chunk or a Black Blue Super Chunk.
You can use crawfish and bluegill colors, too. Sexy Shad is always a winner.
When you call Dean you all can coordinate baits and techniques, and even shirts and pants. 
You will also need your PFD as we have a rule that when the big motor is running and the trolling motor is out of the water all in the boat have to wear their PFD's for safety.
We will hit the long grass lines, marinas, by a bridge, docks, piers, wood, creek mouths, creeks, main lake points, coves, pads if they are up by then, and ride around see the lake's layout. Dean will take you to the places he has been successful on tournament day.
You will need your polarized sun glasses in case some bass are still on their beds and you want to see them or what is under the surface.
When you hit town you may want to get a GMCO map of Chesdin at BPS to mark as to where you caught fish with me and Dean. You add to this map and expand your knowledge of the lake on every adventure.
What the guys tell you now will be totally different by the middle of May. The bass are on their beds now for the most part, with some finished, some on the beds, and others who have finished.
Write down anything anyone adds to this site and get your rods, reels, tackle ready for some fun on Lake Chesdin. Fresh line is the secret to fishing success. Be sure your line is fresh.
Bring cell phone for some pics.
Blast off is at 5:30 so please be at the Seven Springs ramp by 4:45 or 5 AM.
See you when you hit Richmond.
On 4/28/2018 at 8:03 PM, LonnieP said:I live 10 minutes away from Whipperknock Marina and fish there usually once a week. The water levels are normal right now. I’m pretty sure the bass are on the beds now because I didn’t catch anything last week but I did catch a 6 pound female with a belly full of eggs on Easter Sunday.
Wow! A six pounder on Chesdin.
Way to go!
Congrats.
LonnieP reply :
On 4/28/2018 at 8:15 PM, Sam said:
Wow! A six pounder on Chesdin.
Way to go!
Congrats.
Thanks Sam. Chesdin has some really big hawgs . I just moved here a year ago and just started fishing Chesdin last fall and this is the 4th bass I’ve gotten over 5 lbs since then.
LonnieP reply :
Fished Chesdin yesterday and the water level is higher than normal.
reb67 reply :
On 4/30/2018 at 9:04 PM, LonnieP said:Fished Chesdin yesterday and the water level is higher than normal.
I was at our place in Lake Chesdin Campground cleaning the lot yesterday and the water look to be high and muddy at this end of rhe lake. Did you have any luck?
LonnieP reply :
On 5/2/2018 at 5:32 AM, reb67 said:I was at our place in Lake Chesdin Campground cleaning the lot yesterday and the water look to be high and muddy at this end of rhe lake. Did you have any luck?
I just caught one little dink. I don’t think anybody was doing too well Sunday. The water was high and muddy. I had to duck when I went under the bridge at Whippernock.
Sam reply :
On 5/2/2018 at 6:53 AM, LonnieP said:I just caught one little dink. I don’t think anybody was doing too well Sunday. The water was high and muddy. I had to duck when I went under the bridge at Whippernock.
OMG! You had to duck to go under that bridge.
Then the water must have been up 4-feet or more.
With all the rain I am not surprised the lake was high, but never have seen it that high.
Too much water makes them hard to catch as too little water.
reb67 reply :
On 5/2/2018 at 7:32 AM, Sam said:OMG! You had to duck to go under that bridge.
Then the water must have been up 4-feet or more.
With all the rain I am not surprised the lake was high, but never have seen it that high.
Too much water makes them hard to catch as too little water.
I just came back from the campground, do know the rock pile on the right just before you go under the bridge with the metal pole sticking up out of it, well you can see the first rock now
LonnieP reply :
On 5/2/2018 at 7:32 AM, Sam said:OMG! You had to duck to go under that bridge.
Then the water must have been up 4-feet or more.
With all the rain I am not surprised the lake was high, but never have seen it that high.
Too much water makes them hard to catch as too little water.
I'd say it was a foot or so high. I would have definitely noticed 4 foot high on my fish finder. I fish out of a pond prowler with a pedastal seat on the deck so it's higher than sitting in a bass boat. The big rock that sticks out of the water way back in the creek past the old duck blind was completely submerged.
Sam reply :
I know that rock. Never have seen it totally under water.
Keep up the good work.
reb67 reply :
Made it out on the lake for a few hours today and picked up my PB 6.9
Jesse Yeomans reply :
On 5/9/2018 at 9:56 AM, reb67 said:Made it out on the lake for a few hours today and picked up my PB 6.9
Nice! Thanks for the picture...I know that water ????were the pads not up yet or are they behind the camera? I remember last year that whole area was full of them
reb67 reply :
Yes the pads are up especially in the back of the creek they're starting to fill in in the other areas as well.
Sam reply :
On 5/9/2018 at 10:48 AM, Jesse Yeomans said:Nice! Thanks for the picture...I know that water ????were the pads not up yet or are they behind the camera? I remember last year that whole area was full of them
Remember this for next week.
Have a safe trip back to Richmond.
reb67 reply :
On 5/9/2018 at 6:34 PM, Sam said:Remember this for next week.
Have a safe trip back to Richmond.
Sam when are y'all coming down to practice?
reb67 reply :
Just came off the lake, another slow bite but did pick up another big girl
6.6
Sam reply :
On 5/9/2018 at 6:55 PM, reb67 said:Sam when are y'all coming down to practice?
We are planning to leave Seven Springs around 3 PM on Tuesday, May 15.
I will be there earlier and wait for Jesse to arrive.
Not really practicing. Just getting the lay of the lake and doing some fun fishing. Want to show Jesse the lake and some of the places that may hold bass this Saturday.
Will you be out there?
reb67 reply :
On 5/14/2018 at 8:16 AM, Sam said:We are planning to leave Seven Springs around 3 PM on Tuesday, May 15.
I will be there earlier and wait for Jesse to arrive.
Not really practicing. Just getting the lay of the lake and doing some fun fishing. Want to show Jesse the lake and some of the places that may hold bass this Saturday.
Will you be out there?
It depends on how my day goes. I hope to get out a couple days this week.
VA Clay reply :
Fellas- Just fished the Whippernock area today. You boys been fishing this area lately? Beautiful area. But not one fish on the finder. Seemed way too desolate for the appearance.
I’m new to this forum for the most part. But if anyone wants to get up and film a trip let me know. Love fishing and taking video. I’m near Qualla in Chesterfield and I’m planning on learning ole Chesdin this year.
In addition, if someone is reading this, is that weeded/ lilly cove at the powerlines a good hole. That thing looked like fire?
LonnieP reply :
I fished Whippernock today also. Caught 6 bass on a trap. They were all holding tight to the pads and grass today, probably why you didn’t see any on the fish finder. Sometimes you can find a bass or two by the powerlines.
Good luck fishing Chesdin. Some days it’s on fire and some days it will make you question your sanity. Lol
reb67 reply :
What was the water temp? I'm hoping to get on the lake one day this week.
LonnieP reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 8:30 AM, reb67 said:What was the water temp? I'm hoping to get on the lake one day this week.
77
reb67 reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 8:32 AM, LonnieP said:77
Thanks, is the water level still real high and muddy
LonnieP reply :
On 10/1/2018 at 8:47 AM, reb67 said:Thanks, is the water level still real high and muddy
Water level is a little high. Wasn’t real muddy though
VA Clay reply :
We put in at 7am and left at 12pm. Temps read on the finder 73 - 76. Not spiltting hairs, just stating what the electronics were reading.
Whippernock looks bad to the bone. Had someone with me that day so I couln't dig in to the spot like I wanted. That powerline though. That joker looked pretty wicked. Everything from the Marina's creek to across (under) the bridge seems as if it's the spot. I'm big on trick-worms; not a bite all day.
May have put in too early. Really didn't give the water a chance to heat up.
reb67 reply :
On 10/3/2018 at 2:47 AM, C.G.Moseley said:We put in at 7am and left at 12pm. Temps read on the finder 73 - 76. Not spiltting hairs, just stating what the electronics were reading.
Whippernock looks bad to the bone. Had someone with me that day so I couln't dig in to the spot like I wanted. That powerline though. That joker looked pretty wicked. Everything from the Marina's creek to across (under) the bridge seems as if it's the spot. I'm big on trick-worms; not a bite all day.
May have put in too early. Really didn't give the water a chance to heat up.
Wife and I are going Friday. Did you try throwing any top water? Do you have a mapping card for your electronics?
VA Clay reply :
No maps. Just put in and went for broke. When you put in at the marina, if you go left its a creek/ channel that zigs and zags left. Average depth 5 1/2 feet. Go right you go under a bridge (kind of a tight fit at the water level we had but very doable). After that it opens up to a vast body of water. Once you go past the island there is a powerline. To the left there's a good mucky lily pad cove. Looked beast. Won't hittin on nothing, but I will be back no doubt.
reb67 reply :
On 10/3/2018 at 8:27 AM, C.G.Moseley said:No maps. Just put in and went for broke. When you put in at the marina, if you go left its a creek/ channel that zigs and zags left. Average depth 5 1/2 feet. Go right you go under a bridge (kind of a tight fit at the water level we had but very doable). After that it opens up to a vast body of water. Once you go past the island there is a powerline. To the left there's a good mucky lily pad cove. Looked beast. Won't hittin on nothing, but I will be back no doubt.
Yeah I've been fishing this lake most of my life but only been bass fishing for about 5- 6 years. Chesdin can and will humble some of the best out there but there are some really nice bass in the lake. Does your electronics take a SD mapping card? I have and older one that I'd let go for a good price.
VA Clay reply :
Got a old school little Lowrance. Not even sure if it takes one to be honest. Hit me up though if you ever wanna roll out. Really wanna learn that place. The VA Wildlife and Game stats for Chesdin I've read up on say it's one of the best places in the entire state. Figure that if that's the case and it's in my backyard there shouldn't be a question where I should be spending my time.
reb67 reply :
On 10/3/2018 at 9:02 AM, C.G.Moseley said:Got a old school little Lowrance. Not even sure if it takes one to be honest. Hit me up though if you ever wanna roll out. Really wanna learn that place. The VA Wildlife and Game stats for Chesdin I've read up on say it's one of the best places in the entire state. Figure that if that's the case and it's in my backyard there shouldn't be a question where I should be spending my time.
You should pick up a paper map of the lake it will show alot about the lake or download the Navionics app it is very accurate.
I'll definitely get with you I'm always looking for a excuse to go fishing.
reb67 reply :
Wife and I hit the lake today and I must say it hit back. We got on the water about 9 didn't get the first bite until about 11:45, we fished til 5 we finished up with 7 total, biggest 3.7 lbs and I must say it was a grind. We did a reverse challenge smallest fish wins and wife kicked my azz.
reb67 reply :
Well didn't get enough yesterday my buddy called last night to see if I wanted to try my luck again today so off I go for round two. What do they say you don't catch them sitting on the couch watching TV.
Sam reply :
First, GMCO had no maps of Chesdin available so if you have a GMCO map of Chesdin guard it like gold. Maybe GMCO has released an updated map but I am not aware that they have.
Second, the area you described is overfished. From the power line bank with the big rock to your left as you enter, around to the boat docks, then the lily pads, followed by the bridge and then the bank to the cove can all produce fish.
When you go back fish the banks around the area using your favorite plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and flukes.
Be on the lookout for pods of baitfish later this year.
Have seen fish caught in all areas of this part of Chesdin. Just be aware that on weekends it fills up very fast with the tournament and pleasure fishing guys.
reb67 reply :
On 10/6/2018 at 6:30 PM, Sam said:First, GMCO had no maps of Chesdin available so if you have a GMCO map of Chesdin guard it like gold. Maybe GMCO has released an updated map but I am not aware that they have.
Second, the area you described is overfished. From the power line bank with the big rock to your left as you enter, around to the boat docks, then the lily pads, followed by the bridge and then the bank to the cove can all produce fish.
When you go back fish the banks around the area using your favorite plastics, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and flukes.
Be on the lookout for pods of baitfish later this year.
Have seen fish caught in all areas of this part of Chesdin. Just be aware that on weekends it fills up very fast with the tournament and pleasure fishing guys.
The pods of bait fish are schooling already.
LonnieP reply :
Yes the schools of shad are everywhere. I agree with Sam , It is overfished and a lot of days the bite can be slow. I plan on fishing there tomorrow.
flyfisher reply :
I have lived in the richmond area for close to 15 years and i haven't taken the kayak out there yet...maybe i will this winter when it probably won't be as crowded.
LonnieP reply :
On 10/6/2018 at 10:18 PM, flyfisher said:I have lived in the richmond area for close to 15 years and i haven't taken the kayak out there yet...maybe i will this winter when it probably won't be as crowded.
It’s not too crowded after Labor Day usually.unless they’re having a tournament on a Saturday. There were only 4 other trailers sitting at Whippernock marina when I went at 1 o’clock last Sunday.
reb67 reply :
Just got back in and it was another slow day only 3 for the day but one was my new PB 7.1lbs.
This fish shouldn't have weighed no more than 6.5lbs but it she weighed in at 7.1lbs I think she's a late spawner my buddy said she been gorging. What do you guys thank?
LonnieP reply :
Got a fat belly for sure. Probably from feeding on the shad. Congrats! Nice bass
reb67 reply :
On 10/7/2018 at 4:15 AM, LonnieP said:Got a fat belly for sure. Probably from feeding on the shad. Congrats! Nice bass
Could be, I was looking at her tail I guess it could be still healing from a spring spawn.
You still going tomorrow?
LonnieP reply :
On 10/7/2018 at 4:23 AM, reb67 said:Could be, I was looking at her tail I guess it could be still healing from a spring spawn.
You still going tomorrow?
Yes. Probably go around noon or so and fish till sundown.
reb67 reply :
Good luck, didn't get to fish the way I wanted to today I was on my buddy's boat and is a bank beater. Got him to fish one point this morning we didn't hit on anything so "this not the deal" and to the grass we went.
Sam reply :
On 10/7/2018 at 4:06 AM, reb67 said:Just got back in and it was another slow day only 3 for the day but one was my new PB 7.1lbs.
This fish shouldn't have weighed no more than 6.5lbs but it she weighed in at 7.1lbs I think she's a late spawner my buddy said she been gorging. What do you guys thank?
Richard, first...fantastic catch. Congrats.
Second, she is gorging on baitfish for the winter.
Keep the place where you caught her a secret. 
reb67 reply :
It makes sense with the time of year but with the late fall weather I wasnt sure. As far as the location you will notice the cropping of the picture it doesn't reveal a location, I learned my lesson from my spring pictures.
But I will sale you the location for a dollar ????
reb67 reply :
I took the boy that works for me out for about 4 hours this morning we managed to catch 8 the biggest one was about 3lbs. Not bad for Chesdin
LonnieP reply :
On 10/12/2018 at 4:53 AM, reb67 said:I took the boy that works for me out for about 4 hours this morning we managed to catch 8 the biggest one was about 3lbs. Not bad for Chesdin
8 in 4 hours is a good day on Chesdin. I caught 4 bass and a pickerel Sunday. I think I might have caught the same bass your wife caught. Lol
reb67 reply :
On 10/12/2018 at 8:08 AM, LonnieP said:8 in 4 hours is a good day on Chesdin. I caught 4 bass and a pickerel Sunday. I think I might have caught the same bass your wife caught. Lol
I think you did. Lol
reb67 reply :
You can download the photo & picture resizer app and resize your pics that you want to post that's the app I use.
reb67 reply :
Went to check on our camper and pontoon boat. The camper is fine but the water is about as high as I've seen it. The boat ramp docks are completely under water. The water is about 2 feet from the bottom of the whippernock bridge. I would say the water level is up 5 ti 6 feet
LonnieP reply :
Wow. I’ve never seen the water that high. I wonder if they still had the tournament yesterday?
reb67 reply :
Don't know but I'm going back up there this afternoon I'll stop by the marina and ask Barbara. I just went across the Dinwiddie/Chesterfield bridge over the Appomattox River she has came out of her banks
Sam reply :
Club tournament on Saturday, October 13th did not go well.
Winner's bag was 5.9 pounds.
Water was too high and dirty.
Give the lake until this weekend, October 20th, to calm down. And if you can, wait for October 27th when she should be back to normal.
VA Clay reply :
Water level was pretty insane yesterday at Whippernock. Entire dock at the gas pump submerged. Ended up traveling down 460 to 153 and fished Lee Lake. The water was a little higher than usual but the lake was regaining its clarity.
Poor weather had the little bass on fire at Lee Lake. They would only strike one bait though; a 3" copper/ black Culprit. It was a good yesterday. I found a pattern that was working. Soon as the sun poked through the clouds, however, they would shut down.
reb67 reply :
Anyone been on the lake lately? Went by the public ramp today there was about 10 trucks and trailers in the parking lot. The water still looks muddy and as little high.
LonnieP reply :
On 11/5/2018 at 8:42 AM, reb67 said:Anyone been on the lake lately? Went by the public ramp today there was about 10 trucks and trailers in the parking lot. The water still looks muddy and as little high.
I fished the lake Saturday, water levels are normal at whippernock but water is pretty dirty. I had a really good day, caught 12 bass,a pickerel and a crappie on a crankbait. Fished Sunday before last and got skunked, water was still a little high then.
Jesse Yeomans reply :
Hey Fellas I fished Chesdin Sunday and it was on fire. Talked to other guys at the boat ramp and they said they got skunked. We didn’t catch anything huge but we caught plenty decent sized fish. I’m planning to hit the James Saturday with a tournament Sunday. Any tips?
reb67 reply :
On 11/8/2018 at 9:36 PM, Jesse Yeomans said:Hey Fellas I fished Chesdin Sunday and it was on fire. Talked to other guys at the boat ramp and they said they got skunked. We didn’t catch anything huge but we caught plenty decent sized fish. I’m planning to hit the James Saturday with a tournament Sunday. Any tips?
Nice. The wife and I was going Sunday as well but she came down with a cold. I was at the ramp when yall put in I came down to to check out the water. I didn't recognize you or I would have introduced myself.
VA Clay reply :
My Buddy Dave, Gettin it done last Friday...
Not a beast but doable. Last Friday. Lost a beast that day, too.
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