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Virginia · Fishing
Spring Grove, Virginia sits in Surry County along the south bank of the James River, and while the river itself draws plenty of attention, the fishing around town runs quieter and more accessible than most visitors expect.
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Spring Grove, Virginia sits in Surry County along the south bank of the James River, and while the river itself draws plenty of attention, the fishing around town runs quieter and more accessible than most visitors expect. The three stillwater spots serving this area — Avery Millpond, Manns Pond, and Cerneys Pond — are classic Southside Virginia pond fishing: warm, tannic water that holds largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish through most of the year. None of these are destination waters you'd drive six hours for, but if you're already in the area or looking for a low-pressure half-day on the water, they deliver. Pond fishing in this part of Virginia tends to fish best in spring when water temperatures climb into the mid-50s and bass move shallow, and again in fall before the first cold snaps push fish down. Summer mornings before 9 a.m. are worth the early alarm. Access and ownership details vary by site, so confirming you have permission or that a spot is publicly accessible before you show up is the right call.
These are warm-water ponds typical of rural Southside Virginia, so largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish are the most likely catches. Crappie show up in ponds with adequate structure in this region as well. Don't expect trout — these waters are not stocked cold-water fisheries.
Yes, a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older fishing any of these waters. You can purchase one online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website or at local retailers. If any of these ponds turn out to be privately owned, you'd also need landowner permission on top of your state license.
Harrison Lake National Fish Hatchery
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Manns Pond
~3 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Avery Millpond
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Cerneys Pond
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Wright Pond
~18 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Harrison Lake
~20 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Hanzlik Pond
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Johnsons Pond
~26 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Warburton Pond
~27 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Sandy Bay
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Drumwright Pond
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Old Forge Pond
~30 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Also worth it near here
A medium-light spinning rod in the 6- to 7-foot range handles most situations well. For bass, soft plastics like worms and creature baits fished around any visible structure — fallen timber, dock pilings, vegetation edges — are reliable. For bluegill and catfish, a simple bobber rig with worms or prepared bait gets the job done without overcomplicating things.
Early morning is consistently the most productive window, especially in summer when midday water temperatures in shallow ponds can suppress feeding activity. Plan to be on the water at or just after sunrise. In spring and fall, midday fishing can also be productive as water temperatures are more comfortable for fish throughout the day.
Pond fishing is about as beginner-friendly as it gets, and bluegill in particular are cooperative enough to keep younger anglers engaged. A simple bobber-and-worm setup is all you need to get started. Just confirm access and any local rules before heading out, since smaller ponds like these sometimes have informal arrangements with nearby landowners.
