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Fishing at Bear Creek Lake State Park

(804) 492-4410

22 Bear Creek Lake Road
Cumberland, VA 23040

Latitude: 37.531773

Longitude: -78.271589

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The 40-acre lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. The Willis River, a small, slow moving tributary of the James, winds through Cumberland State Forest providing fishing opportunities to anyone with a canoe or small boat. Two canoe launches are located in Cumberland State Forest for access to the Willis River. Please call the Cumberland State Forest for the current conditions of the Willis River. There is also a boat ramp at Bear Creek Lake which requires a nominal parking fee. Those interested in fishing in the Cumberland State Forest must obtain a State Forest Use Permit; call (804) 492-4121 for details.

Fishing Amenities At Bear Creek Lake State Park

Boat Ramps

Boating visitors to the park can launch their own canoes, kayaks and jon boats either from the boat ramp on the dam or from a small ramp located in campground A. A daily parking fee is required. Visitors may also rent canoes, paddleboats, jonboats, kayaks and electric trolling motors in the park from the boathouse located near beach area picnic shelter. Gas motors are not permitted on the lake. Boaters are reminded to wear lifejackets, follow all Virginia boating laws, and to be safe at all times.

Season/Hours: Spring, Summer, Fall/From 1hr before dawn until 1 hr after dusk
Fee: Park Fees
Location:37° 31.9600 -78° 16.5433

Lake Fishing

The 40-acre lake supports healthy populations of largemouth bass, crappie, bream and channel catfish. The grass carp may be found here also but if caught should be promptly returned to the lake. These fish are needed to control aquatic weeds and invasive plants and are unable to reproduce and thus must be allowed to remain in the lake. Anglers must have a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license

Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 492-4410
Fee: Park Fees
Location:N/A

Fishing Pier

A small pier is located near the picnic and boat rental areas. It is ADA accessible.

Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (804) 492-4410
Fee: Park Fees
Location:37° 31.6833 -78° 16.2416

Boat Rentals

Boat rentals are available daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. A boat launching ramp is available for non-gasoline powered boats. Shoulder season rentals are offered on weekends only during May and September. Parental supervision is required for all rentals, and pets are not allowed in rental boats. Rentals are sometimes cancelled during the shoulder season because of bad weather or staff shortages.In addition, canoes, rowboats, trolling motors and paddleboats are available for rent. A valid Virginia fishing license is required for fishing.

Season/Hours: Spring, Summer, Fall/Call Park: (804) 492-4410
Fee: Park Fees
Location:37° 31.6833 -78° 16.2416

Other Activities At Bear Creek Lake State Park: Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding, Boating and Water Sports, Camping, Educational Activities, Hunting, Picnicking, Swimming, Gifts and Shopping, Canoeing And Kayaking and Wildlife Activities

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