Lake Gaston

Lake Gaston is a large fresh water lake straddling the Virginia-North Carolina border. It is approximately 34 miles long, with a maximum depth of 95 feet. It has 350 miles of shoreline and covers about 20,000 acres. It was formed in 1963 by a Virginia Electric and Power Company impoundment of the Roanoke River.

Fishery

Lake Gaston, with relatively high water quality and stable year-round levels, has developed a diverse warm/cool water fishery. Some prominent species include: Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Black Crappie, Walleye, Perch, Sunfish, Catfish, and Carp. Largemouth bass maintain a good, stable population with quality fish available. Most bass caught run from 1 to 2 pounds. The lake record stands at 14 pounds, 2 ounces. Typical crappie go 7 to 8 inches, reaching up to 14 inches and 2 and a quarter pounds. Normal rockfish caught weigh 3 to 8 pounds, plenty up to 20 pounds are taken; 35 pounds is a realistic maximum. Walleye average a respectable 3 to 4 pounds, with lots of 5 to 6 pounders and trophies over 10 pounds. Seasonal Migrations - Striped bass make a strong spawning run up the Roanoke River in April/May; walleye stage a lesser run in March/April.