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The primary game fish are largemouth and smallmouth bass, but there are also a number of rock bass, trout, and striped bass present. Striped bass are not stocked in Fort Patrick Henry, but are stocked upstream in Boone Reservoir. A number of young stripers are able to pass through Boone Dam into Fort Patrick Henry on an annual basis. Since Fort Patrick Henry has very good dissolved oxygen levels and cool water, striped bass grow to exceptional size.

There are not, nor have there ever been, any fish flesh contaminant advisories issued for the reservoir. Only one commercial boat dock and two public boat launching ramps are available. A handicapped accessible fishing pier and a modern launching ramp are located within Warrior’s Path State Park that adjoins the reservoir.

FISH HABITAT ENHANCEMENT:

A variety of fish attractors have been constructed over the years in an attempt to provide nesting habitat and to concentrate fish for anglers. These fish attractors must be refurbished occasionally to maintain their effectiveness.

There are only 11 approved fish attractor sites located in small coves in and around Warrior’s Path State Park. Most were constructed using cedar and Christmas trees. Two sites contain approximately 20 smallmouth bass spawning benches.

BLACK BASS:

Smallmouth and largemouth bass are fairly abundant although the cool water limits the growth rates of these popular species. The most recent electrofishing survey in 2009 demonstrated that the smallmouth population continues to improve and the largemouth fishery is stable. The size structure of both species is excellent.

The daily creel limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass is five in any combination. There is no minimum length limit for largemouth, but there is an 18-inch minimum length limit imposed on smallmouth bass.

STRIPED BASS:

Striped bass are present in limited numbers as the result of downstream migration from Boone Reservoir. They provide an excellent angling opportunity to those interested in quality-size fish. The current creel limit is two, 15-inch striped bass per day.

CRAPPIE:

Crappie are present in limited numbers and are popular with local anglers. There is a 10-inch, 15-fish daily creel limit for crappie.

RAINBOW TROUT:
* Rainbow Troutstocking: 2008 - 19,599; 2007 - 16,438; 2006 - 8,001; 2005 - 2,982; 2004 - 8,034; 2003 - 13,025
* Brown Trout stocking: 2008 - 5,011


The TWRA stocks the lake with rainbow trout on an annual basis. The cool water and good dissolved oxygen levels create an ideal habitat for this popular game fish. The current creel limit is seven trout in any combination, with no minimum length limit.

FISHING TIPS:

Striped bass - Live shad or large shiners with single hook, sinker, and greater than 15 lb. test monofilament is a well-used method. One-ounce white doll flies with 6-inch plastic trailer, Red Fins or Little Mac plugs, Sassy Shads on 1-oz. lead head, Zara Spooks, white Slug-gos, and jigging spoons are also used.

Largemouth bass - The highest catch occurs in March and April when the water warms and bass move to shallow water to spawn. Some popular tackle are Silver Buddies, Carolina-rigged plastic lizards, 4-inch plastic worms, crankbaits, Shad Raps, Rapalas, Rat-L-Traps, spinner baits, buzz baits, and many more.

Smallmouth bass - They move to clay and gravel points in the spring. Fish live bait on the bottom, Carolina-rigged lizards, or cast firetiger or shad-colored Shad Raps, Rapalas, and Rebels.

Crappie - Fish in downed trees in the early spring or late fall. Small minnows, plastic grubs, flies tipped with minnows, and small crankbaits work best.

Trout - Spring: Bank fishing with corn or salmon eggs is productive. Summer: Troll spoons.

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