Philpott Reservoir

2023 Fisheries Report

Philpott Reservoir is a 2,880-acre impoundment located near Martinsville,

Virginia. This reservoir is situated in the mountains of Patrick and Henry counties,

making it a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. Philpott Reservoir is owned by

the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers who manage it primarily for flood control and

hydroelectric power generation. There is no residential development along its shoreline

flathead catfish, and common carp provide additional angling opportunities. Gizzard

shad and alewives are the primary forage fishes. Most of these species have established

self-sustaining populations; however, annual stockings maintain the walleye population.

VDWR monitors the status of fish populations through routine sampling.

The fisheries management goal for Philpott Reservoir is to provide quality

angling opportunities for a diverse number of fish species. In order to provide quality

fishing opportunities, populations need to be both abundant and of good size structure.

Fish abundance is measured by how many fish are collected per hour of electrofishing or

per night of net sampling. Size structure is measured by looking at the proportion of adult

fish in the sample that are larger than a given size. For example, we consider the

in the population. Again, this may not match what you see while fishing, as you might be

using gear or techniques that target a particular size range. Sampling gear tends to collect

small and average-sized fish, so it is likely that you will catch fish larger than those

collected by sampling. The data we collect is best used to track overall trends in fish

populations through time. What follows are the results of 2022 sampling efforts and a

comparison to previous years.

routine fish surveys. Alabama bass (Micropterus henshalli) are one of approximately

twelve species of black bass. They are an aggressive species that outcompetes largemouth

bass and readily hybridizes with smallmouth and spotted bass. Alabama bass are nearly

identical in appearance to spotted bass, and were formerly known as the Alabama

subspecies of the spotted bass. The other former subspecies of spotted bass, the Kentucky

spotted sass, is found throughout Virginia and is native to the southwest portion of the

Commonwealth.

Anglers can tell the difference between these different types of bass in Philpott by

applying some of these observations. The jaw of Alabama bass lines up with the middle

rear of the eye, while largemouth bass jaws extend past the eye. Alabama bass have a

Anglers are the primary vector for the spread of Alabama bass in Virginia.

Current populations are the results of angler introductions that have occurred over the last

ten years. Anglers are reminded that it is illegal to stock fish into a public body of water

without an authorization from the DWR. Anyone with knowledge of intentional

stockings of Alabama or spotted bass should contact DWR law enforcement at 800-237-

5712 or [email protected]. As of January 1

st,

2021, Alabama bass have been

added to Virginia’s Predatory and Undesirable Species List. New regulations have made

live possession of this species unlawful outside of the body of water of catch. Violations

of this regulation are a class III misdemeanor. There is no bag or size limit on Alabama

largemouth bass comprise the bulk of this fishery and account for 87% of angler catch of

black bass, while smallmouth bass are a popular portion of the fishery in the spring and

fall. Quality fish production for both black bass species has remained stable in recent

years, with good numbers of bass in the 2-3 pound range. Relative abundance (number

collected per hour), varies from year to year (Figure 1 & 2). The 2022 catch rates were

107 largemouth bass and 6 smallmouth bass per hour of sampling. Largemouth catch

rates were above average in 2022 but for smallmouth bass the catch rates were average

compared to those recorded since 2004. Historically, smallmouth bass abundance is

much less than largemouth bass abundance. Additionally, Alabama bass catch rates are

increasing and measured 5 per hour in 2022 samples.

Good largemouth bass fishing can be found throughout the reservoir, but

smallmouth bass densities appear to be greater in the lower end, particularly along the

main lake channel. Clear water, especially in the lower half of the lake, can make fishing

a challenge. Anglers should look for bass in deeper water and around fallen trees. Night

fishing can also be productive in both deep and shallow water, as bass tend to come up

shallower after dark. Bass anglers should see an increase in their catch of largemouth

Walleye

Philpott Reservoir has one of the better walleye populations in Virginia, with 13%

of the total angler effort directed at walleye. This fishery does not contain many large

fish, but supports decent numbers, with most adult walleye ranging 17-23 inches in

length. Adequate spawning conditions are not available at Philpott Reservoir so

spawning fish are unsuccessful and do not provide any natural reproduction.

Consequently, the walleye population is sustained with annually stocked fingerlings.

Walleye population abundance in Philpott Reservoir is measured using two

methods: electrofishing in the spring and gillnets in the fall. The reason for using two

sampling methods is that when compared to bass, walleyes are less likely to be associated

in 2022 samples.

Figure 5. Walleye/saugeye length and age collected from gillnetting in Philpott

Reservoir 2022.

Figure 6. Walleye length and age collected from 2001-2020. Males are represented by

the (Yellow) and females by the (blue).

Beginning in March, walleye begin to migrate from deep winter haunts into

dam to mile marker 3. After spawning, walleye redistribute throughout the lower nine

miles of the reservoir, with the highest concentrations typically within four miles of the

dam. Anglers will have moderate success at catching walleye in April and May. Sunfish

species make up a portion of walleye diet, but alewives are likely the most important part

of the walleye diet. Alewives spawn at night in May and June along the shoreline at the

water’s surface. The erratic spawning behavior of the alewife makes them easy targets for

the hungry walleye. Walleye are sensitive to light and remain in deeper water during the

day, but make their way to very shallow water at night to capitalize on the forage. Night

fishing with floating or shallow running plugs cast to the shoreline can provide some

great walleye action when alewives are spawning, as walleye often frequent water less

As water temperatures increase in late spring and throughout the summer, walleye

continually move deeper, seeking cooler water. Anglers must fish deeper throughout the

summer to capitalize on this fishery.

Crappie

Black crappie are present in Philpott Reservoir, however this lake does not have a

high density of crappie. Crappie recruitment has been consistently low for many years.

This reservoir does not contain adequate habitat for producing high numbers of crappie,

but it does provide excellent sizes, with most fish in the 9-13 inch classes. DWR does

stock black crappie when they are available from the hatcheries.

Wildlife Resources: [email protected]