There are few places in Northern Virginia where a skilled (and lucky) angler can pull an 8-pound largemouth bass from the water. Spotsylvania County’s newly opened Hunting Run Reservoir has the potential to be one of them.
This off-stream reservoir was built to supply drinking water for Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County. It does so by pumping water from Rocky Pen Run downstream, away from sensitive riparian areas. Click here for more info.
Fishing
One of Virginia’s best largemouth bass lakes, Hunting Run Reservoir is also known for its opportunities for catfish, bluegill, and chain pickerel. The lake is a 420-acre drinking water supply reservoir and a popular recreational area in Spotsylvania County.
The pond is currently about 8 feet below the full pool, allowing anglers to see the large brush piles and submerged stump fields that will eventually be shallow-water reefs. DGIF Regional Fisheries Biologist John Odenkirk expects this will provide a boost to the lake’s trophy bass population.
The city needs more water than the small Motts Run tributary can supply, so the dam was built to pump water from the Rapidan River, which has a much larger watershed. This minimized the damage done to wetlands in the area.
Boating
Whether you prefer to explore the water by boat or on foot, there is plenty to see and do at Hunting Run Reservoir. The reservoir is a popular destination for fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, and more. It also serves the drinking water needs of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County.
The reservoir is best known for its largemouth bass fishing, but it also has good trout and crayfish populations. The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries regularly stocks the lake with species like crappie and catfish.
Children will love Fun Land of Fredericksburg, where there are 100 of the most popular arcade games. Adults can enjoy a drink or two at nearby Bacchus Winery and Supply or Eden Try Estate Winery. More places to also visit by clicking here.
Hiking
The 860-acre natural area surrounding the 160-acre reservoir provides fishing, hiking, picnicking, and canoeing opportunities. A paved boat launching area serves all power boats (ELECTRIC MOTORS ONLY).
The park features an orienteering course, a nature center open weekend afternoons, over 4 miles of hiking trails, and join boat and canoe rentals.
Bring a picnic or use the grills at the shelter and enjoy the view of the pond or wooded hillsides from a covered pavilion. The ADA-accessible fishing pier is also a popular spot for family outings. For a fun and challenging hike, try the multipurpose trails around the reservoir. These trails are not suitable for horseback riding, all-terrain vehicles, or mountain biking.
Camping
From beachside to lakeside, there are plenty of camping opportunities at Hunting Run Reservoir. The area also offers a variety of cabin rentals. These range from family-friendly to luxury couples retreats.
The campground at Lake Anna State Park includes six camper cabins and two lodges. These cabins have a six-night minimum stay and come equipped with kitchens, air conditioning, wood stoves, fireplaces, and screened-in porches.
Shadow Mountain Escape offers traditional European-style cabins near Fredericksburg that are geared toward romance. These cabins are not for children or pets but offer flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and a full kitchen. These luxury cabins are in Luray and are close to breweries, wineries, restaurants, Old Town Culpeper, and golf.
Fun Land of Fredericksburg
Whether you’re looking for a great place to eat, a family-friendly day of fun, or something new and exciting, Fredericksburg has plenty of options for everyone.
Currently, Hunting Run is about 8 feet below the full pool and features excellent largemouth bass fishing, according to Department of Game and Inland Fisheries biologists.
In addition to a two-story go-kart track, the facility boasts rock climbing and a ropes course, and there are hundreds of video, ticket, and prize games. Clint Novak, general manager, says there are several new attractions in the works. The most exciting rumors are the zero-gravity ride and the Flip Side (a mini dance 360 that spins guests). Eventually, they hope to add a roller coaster too.
Wineries
The rusty colors of autumn and the deep blue waters of Hunting Run Reservoir accentuate the historic significance of Spotsylvania County. The area is home to four major Civil War battlefields and the Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park.
Wine lovers will enjoy visiting Keswick Vineyards, which is a family-owned business committed to consistently producing excellent estate wines. Their wines reflect a balance of terroir and the unique white soil on their property.
Effingham Manor offers a unique and charming place where wine and history meet. Guests can enjoy world-class wines on the grounds of a beautiful 270-year-old manor house. Continue reading the next article.
Driving directions from Orange County Wash Pros to Hunting Run Reservoir
Driving directions from Hunting Run Reservoir to Meadows Farms Golf Course