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Virginia · Fishing
Fishing around Disputanta, Virginia centers on still-water lake fishing, with three distinct spots worth knowing before you load the truck.
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Fishing around Disputanta, Virginia centers on still-water lake fishing, with three distinct spots worth knowing before you load the truck. Johnsons Pond and Wright Pond are the local options for anglers who want a shorter drive and a quieter bank, while Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery adds a different dimension — it's a federal facility, which means access and rules there are managed separately from standard Virginia state waters. All three are lake or pond environments, so you're not dealing with current or wading; a basic spinning or baitcasting setup handles everything you'll encounter here. The area sits in the Coastal Plain, so expect warm, productive water through the summer months and slower action once water temperatures drop in late fall. Prince George County doesn't have the mountain trout streams you'd find further west, but the pond fishing for warm-water species can be solid, especially in spring when fish move shallow. If you're coming specifically for the hatchery, check current public access rules before you go — federal hatcheries vary on whether and when recreational fishing is permitted on their grounds.
Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery is a federal facility, so access and fishing rules are set by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rather than Virginia DGIF. Public fishing may be available, but hours and access can change, so contact the hatchery directly before your trip to confirm current rules and whether a Virginia fishing license alone is sufficient.
Both are warm-water pond environments typical of Virginia's Coastal Plain, so largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are the most realistic targets. Neither pond appears in Virginia's designated gold medal or wild trout water lists, so don't expect trout fishing at these locations.
Wright Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Avery Millpond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Johnsons Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Manns Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery
~14 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Hanzlik Pond
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Cerneys Pond
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Galley Swamp
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Drumwright Pond
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Harrison Lake
~28 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Magee Pond
~32 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Mayes Pond
~41 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Also worth it near here
A medium-light to medium spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range covers most situations at small ponds like these. For bass, soft plastics and shallow-running crankbaits work well along the banks; for bluegill and panfish, a simple bobber-and-worm rig is hard to beat. You won't need waders — bank fishing and small kayaks or canoes are the practical approach.
Early morning and the last two hours before sunset are consistently the most productive windows, especially from late spring through summer when midday water temperatures push fish into deeper or shaded areas. In cooler months — March through April and October through November — midday fishing can be just as good as dawn.
Yes, a valid Virginia fishing license is required for Johnsons Pond and Wright Pond for anyone 16 and older. For Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery, a Virginia license is likely still required but confirm with the hatchery whether any additional federal permit applies. Licenses are available through the Virginia DGIF website or at local sporting goods retailers.
