This Lake Has The Bluest Water In Virginia—And It's Perfect For Fishing

The sight of clear, blue water is synonymous with a sense of peace. Something about seeing the gentle flow of an expansive body of water immediately calms the nerves, sending your mind into a state of sweet stillness. And when the water is a glorious shade of blue-green, that deep tranquilizing effect is magnified. River, stream, lake, ocean, or pond–Southerners know that sometimes the best balm for a fraught mind or stressful season is a quick trip to the nearest body of water. 

Virginians in search of their nearest watering hole have all of the above to choose from, but one special spot on the Virginia-West Virginia border stands out for having the bluest water in the state. Lake Moomaw, also known as the Gathright Dam, has some of the clearest, blue-green water in Virginia. You’ll find this gorgeous lake hiding deep in the Allegheny Highlands, nestled in the bottom of a canyon once known as Kincaid Gorge. The dam is two hours north of Roanoke and about an hour and a half west of Staunton. Located in the George Washington National Forest, the juxtaposition of the sparkling emerald water against the deep-green forest and undulating terrain that surrounds it is a sight to behold.

History of Lake Moomaw

The idea for a lake in this area was formed just after World War II, but Lake Moomaw wasn’t fully completed until the early 1980s. The 12-mile-long dam was built for three main reasons: to improve water quality, to control flooding, and to provide a place for recreation. The lake backs up the Jackson River and is the second largest reservoir in the state. Covering 2,530 surface acres, Lake Moomaw features 43 miles of undeveloped shoreline, which means there are plenty of places to find your own little slice of secluded heaven all up and down the lake. 

The name Gathright Dam pays tribute to Thomas Gathright, the man whose land the Jackson River flooded prior to the impoundment being built. Moomaw refers to Benjamin Moomaw, a local businessman who is largely credited for pushing the project forward. 

What To Do At Lake Moomaw

Lake Moomaw is best known for its excellent fishing. Before it was even built, biologists determined that the lake would be deep enough for two story fishing–meaning that both warm water fish like bass, crappie, and catfish, as well as cold water fish like trout could survive. As such, the man-made reservoir was stocked with both warm-water and cold-water fish. Fish native to the Jackson River (which feeds into the dam) like smallmouth bass, rock bass, and chain pickerel can also be caught in the lake. 

On the top “story”, anglers can expect to hook everything from smallmouth and largemouth black bass to yellow perch to panfish to catfish to pike fish. Once you pass into the lower level, it’s all about trout fishing. Both brown and rainbow trout can be found at depths of 15 to 20 feet and are especially active in late winter and early spring. 

As an undeveloped lake, you won’t find vacation rental homes, restaurants, or giant marinas dotting the lakefront. However, several primitive campsites, boat ramps, and fishing piers sprinkled across the area give plenty of access to enjoy the lake at your leisure. For those simply seeking to drink in the unparalleled views of Lake Moomaw’s stunning blue water, a drive along State Route 603, also known as Richardson Gorge Road, is an ideal viewing platform.