Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, August 14, 1994 TAG: 9408160004
SECTION: DISCOVER PAGE: 8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MICHAEL STOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Not to worry. Western Virginia offers a variety of lakes, many that are known well by fishing fanatics, but aren't as familiar to other folks.
One of the most breathtaking is Lake Moomaw, located in the George Washington National Forest on the border of Bath and Alleghany counties.
Roanoke Times & World-News Outdoor Editor Bill Cochran described it this way: "There are craggy mountains in every direction, as if some giant hand has been cupped to hold a morsel of water. That water, bathed in the fresh light of the new day, is of dominant shades of silver and gray, with subtle splashes of purple, yellow, blue and green."
Cochran wrote that in 1981, just a few months after the impoundment - where the Jackson River is held captive by Gathright Dam - was opened to the public.
Ron Swann, a spokesman for the national forest, said lake usage has increased about 10 percent every year since 1982.
The Lake Moomaw campgrounds in Bath County had an estimated 60,000 campers in 1993, said Phil Wisman, acting Warm Springs District ranger.
Fishing always has been the biggest attraction at the lake. It's stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout, catfish, panfish, pike and large- and smallmouth bass.
There are season campgrounds on both the north and south sides of the lake, some with electrical hookups, that range from $7 to $12. There are also about 20 primitive campsites accessible only by boat or hiking trails.
There are swimming beaches on both sides of the lake that cost $2 a day per car or $20 for the entire season.
There are 11 miles of hiking trails around the lake, and unlike Smith Mountain Lake, there is no lakefront private property, which means no houses are visible from the water.
One bit of advice if you do visit Lake Moomaw: Make sure you bring your bug spray because the gnats and mosquitoes abound.
HOW TO GET THERE: North Side (Bath County) - U.S. 220 to Virginia 39, to Virginia 600. South Side (Alleghany County) - U.S. 220 to Virginia 687, to Virginia 641, to Virginia 666. Also, exit 10 off Interstate 64 to U.S. 60, to Virginia 600 to facilities. Directional signs are posted on all state roads.
Other lakes
Bear Tree Lake. This 12-acre lake near Marion in the Jefferson National Forest offers warm-water trout fishing and a swimming area. There is a campground. For information, call 703-783-5196.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take I-81 south to exit 45. Turn left onto Virginia 16 and travel through Sugar Grove. Turn right on Virginia 603 and stay on that road till you see the campground.
Carvins Cove. The 640-acre water supply for Roanoke offers public fishing from the bank or a boat. Also has picnicking area, rowboat rentals and seasonal concessions. No swimming. Only residents of Roanoke, Salem, Roanoke County, Bedford County and Botetourt County can put a boat in the lake. All boats must be inspected for zebra mussels. Fees range from $4 to $9 a day, based on the size of the motor. Seasonal passes available. For information, call the boat landing at 563-9170.
HOW TO GET THERE: Accessible from Reservoir Road off U.S. 11 in Hollins.
Cave Mountain Lake: Allows fishing from the shore or from a non-motorized boats and canoes. Known for large-mouth bass fishing. Has boat rental, a swimming pool, picnic area, campground, shelters and a softball diamond. For information, call (703) 291-2188.
HOW TO GET THERE: In the Jefferson National Forest. Take I-81 north to the Natural Bridge exit. Follow U.S. 11 until you see Virginia 130. Turn right on 130 and travel 3.2 miles. Turn right on Virginia 759 and travel another 3.2 miles. Turn right onto Virginia 781 and it's 1.6 miles to the entrance.
Claytor Lake. Boating, fishing, swimming, camping available at this state park in Pulaski County. A dozen cabins overlook the 4,500-acre lake. For information, call 703-674-5492.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take Interstate 81 to Dublin and get off on exit 101. Follow signs to lake.
Douthat State Park. 50-acre lake stocked with trout with a restaurant overlooking the water. Cabins, tent and trailer campgrounds. Call (703) 862-7200 for details.
HOW TO GET THERE: Near Clifton Forge. Exit 27 off Interstate 64 to Virginia 629, then 7 miles north.
Fairy Stone State Park. Known for its 168-acre lake adjoining Philpott Reservoir just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Cabins, campgrounds and swimming beach. Call (703) 930-2424,
HOW TO GET THERE: Near Martinsville. Access by Virginia 57 from Bassett or from the Blue Ridge Parkway via U.S. 58, Virginia 8 and Virginia 57.
Gatewood Reservoir. This reservoir that serves as the principal water source for Pulaski offers fishing, camping and boating. The lake is surrounded by 650 acres of wooded area also owned by the town. Rental boats available. For information, call 703-980-2561.
HOW TO GET THERE: Take Mount Olivet Road (Virginia 710) out of Pulaski and into the Jefferson National Forest. the first road to the right after you reach the national forest goes to the park.
Pandapas Pond. The eight-acre pond offers hiking, fishing, canoeing and picnic areas in quiet surroundings. Motorboats are not allowed.
HOW TO GET THERE: Located in the Jefferson National Forest, off U.S. 460, about 6.5 miles north of Blacksburg.
Lake Robertson. This 31-acre recreation lake near Lexington is a popular fishing spot. Rental boats are available, or you can bring your own small craft. Electric motors only. There is a campground. For information, call (703) 463-4164.
HOW TO GET THERE: The lake is nine miles west of Lexington. Take Virginia 251 to 770, then Virginia 652.
Memo: ***CORRECTION***