The lake
Lake Anna
13,000 acres of water and some of the best year-round fishing in Virginia.
Two lakes in one
The private side
Lake Anna was formed in 1972 when the North Anna River was dammed to create a cooling reservoir for the North Anna Nuclear Power Station. The lake is two sections: a 9,600-acre public impoundment, and a 3,400-acre impoundment that disperses the warmer water from reactor cooling, known locally as the “hot side” and accessible only to property owners.
The Waters at Lake Anna sits on the private side: quieter water, warmer temperatures, and fishing that stays good in winter.
Fishing
A must-stop for serious anglers
Largemouth bass
Stocked with more than 350,000 bass after the lake formed (plus 80,000 Florida-strain), Anna consistently produces more citation bass (8 lb / 22 in) than any other body of water in Virginia. Thanks to the warm water, nearly half are caught December through March.
Striped bass
One of the area's top landlocked striper lakes. Roughly 200,000 fingerlings are stocked each year; 4-fish limits are common, with quality fish in the 8–12 lb range a regular occurrence.
Crappie, walleye & more
Crappie at bridge pilings and brush piles, plus bluegill, yellow and white perch, chain pickerel, catfish, and a good population of walleye on deeper structure.
Louisa County
Parks and recreation nearby
Lake Anna State Park
Beaches, trails and boat launches on the public side of the lake.
Visit the park site ↗Bumpass–Buckner Park
18-acre community park off Bumpass Road with a picnic shelter, playground and walking trail. Pavilion reservations: 540-967-4420.
Louisa Town Park
108 Meadow Avenue. Playground, picnic tables, walking trail, sand volleyball, horseshoe pits and shelter. 540-967-4420.
Rising Sun Community Park
7071 Fredericks Hall Road. Playground, swings, basketball court and picnic tables. Open daily until dark.
Quick reference
Local phone numbers
The Waters
Association office: 540-894-0409
Louisa County
- Sheriff's Office: 540-967-1234
- Animal Shelter: 540-967-3477
- Treasurer's Office: 540-967-3435
- Public Library: 540-894-5853
- Public Schools: 540-894-5115
- Parks & Recreation: 540-967-4420
Utilities and emergency
- Rappahannock Electric: 540-898-8500
- VA Cooperative Extension: 540-967-3422
- Virginia State Police: 1-800-552-9965
- Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222