Some of the biggest fish I have ever seen caught have been at Douthat State Park.
This little girl caught a monster of a fish at Douthat State Park.
Douthat has a 50-acre lake as well as three miles of Wilson Creek that runs the length of the park.
Fishing during fee season (from the first Saturday in April through June 15, and from September 15 through October 31) the lake is stocked twice a week with rainbow, brown and brook trout!
October seems to be the top month for chain pickerel. The lake is also great for largemouth bass, sunfish, black crappie, and channel catfish.
This gentleman was very excited with his catch on Opening Day of Fee Fishing.
Douthat State Park does offer two family fishing piers on the 50-acre lake (each at the opposite ends of the lake).
There is a special kid’s fishing area just below the dam on a section of Wilson Creek for kids 12 and under. They must have their own permit or must be accompanied by an adult who has purchased a daily permit, and only children are allowed to fish in the area.
Douthat's Kids Fishing Area is open to kids 12 and under.
There is no fishing allowed during the five days before the first Saturday in April (which is opening day of Fee Fishing).
Fishing is open to everyone – even furry friends!
Licenses:
Licenses can be purchased on-site at Douthat State Park’s Camp Store. Anyone fishing 16 and older (in-state) or 12 and older (out-of-state) needs a valid Virginia fishing license.
· Freshwater License: A Virginia Freshwater License is needed all year while fishing at Douthat State Park. The fee is $23.
· Trout License: A Virginia Trout license (also known as a Trout Stamp) is $23. You will need this license in addition to the Freshwater License when fishing from November 1 through the last weekend in March. Your total cost will be a $46 fee. Stocking continues on a random basis.
· Daily Permit: A Daily Permit is $8 every day from the first Saturday in April through June 15, and from Sept. 15 through Oct. 31. You will need this license in addition to the Freshwater License ($23). Your total cost will be $31 the first time you fish during the dates listed, and then $8 per day after that. The lake is stocked twice a week during these times.
Again, all licenses may be purchased at Douthat State Park’s Camp Store.
Call 434-525-FISH to hear a recorded message listing the trout stocking activity by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, (804) 367-1000.
Fishing from the shore or in a boat is great with family and friends!
There is a daily creel limit of six trout with a seven inch minimum. One pole per person allowed, separate stringers required. Fishing hours are posted at the park.
Boats can be rented from the first Saturday in April through the end of October. Rowboats with and without electric motors, canoes, paddleboats, hydro bikes and fun yaks are available for rent during that time. If no one is at the boathouse (located down the steps below Lakeview Restaurant), guests should go to the camp store for help.
A rowboat with an electric motor can be rented for fishing from Douthat State Park's Boat House.
Boat Rentals:
Rowboat
Per Hour $6
Half day (4 hours) $12
All day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) $22
Per week $80
Rowboat with electric motors
Per Hour $10
Half day (4 hours) $20
All day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) $36
Four days $100
Per week $150
Canoe
Per Hour $8
Half Day (4 hours) $15
All day (6 a.m. to 6 p.m.) $25
Paddleboat
Per Hour $8
Hydro Bike
Per Hour $8
Fun Yak
One-man Per Hour $8
Two-man Per Hour $10
Enjoy fishing in the early morning at Douthat State Park by staying in a cabin or campground.
A boat launch ramp is available for guests with their own non-gasoline powered boat. (No gas powered equipment is allowed on the lake). There is no launching fee, but boats must be moored in designated areas.
Year-round boat storage is also available from the park for a fee of $35.
Douthat Lake is lowered for maintenance on Jan. 1 and is raised back to normal depth by March 31. This does impact boating, fishing and the lake’s appearance. Fishing is allowed, but guests will be unable to fish from the two piers. Boating is not allowed because the ramp at the north end of the lake is closed during this time.
For general park informationclick here,contact the park office at 540-862-8100 ore-mailDouthat State Park. Douthat is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road, Millboro, Va. 24460.
For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to make reservations in one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Customer Service Center at 800-933-PARK orclick here.
Cabins can be booked through the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., oron line24/7. Cabins require a two night minimum most of the year. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day we require a week stay. However, within one month of arrival the requirement for the week stay drops to two nights for any cabins still available.