What You'll Find at Lone Star Lakes Park

Lone Star Lakes Park sits in the heart of Suffolk and holds two separate impoundments that draw bass, catfish, and panfish anglers year-round. The park is public and free to fish, with parking, picnic areas, and maintained access points along both lakes. If you're based in Suffolk or nearby, this is a solid option for a quick outing without the drive to the Blackwater River or the coastal marshes.

The lakes themselves are relatively shallow, which means they warm and cool faster than deeper reservoirs—a real advantage in spring and fall when the bite can be excellent. Summer fishing here requires early mornings or late evenings; midday heat pushes fish deep and slows the action. Winter is slower but not impossible if you target the deeper holes and use live bait or slow presentations.

Access is straightforward. The park has a main entrance off Godwin Boulevard with clear signage, and you can fish from the bank or launch a small boat if you have one. No gas motors are allowed, so it's quiet water—good for sight-fishing and for hearing what's happening around you.

Key Takeaways

  • Lone Star Lakes Park offers two separate lakes within walking distance of each other, both open to the public and free to fish from dawn to dusk.
  • Spring and fall produce the most consistent action for largemouth bass and catfish, while summer requires early morning or evening trips to avoid the heat.
  • Bank fishing is the primary option, though small boats without gas motors can be launched if you have access to one.
  • The park has parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities, making it a good choice for a family outing combined with fishing.

Seasonal Patterns and What to Target

Spring (March through May) is when Lone Star Lakes really comes alive. Water temperatures climb from the 50s into the 60s and 70s, and bass move shallow to spawn. Throw topwater plugs, soft plastics, and crankbaits along the banks and around any visible structure—fallen trees, docks, or vegetation. Early morning is best; the bite often shuts down by mid-morning as the sun climbs.

Catfish are also active in spring and will take cut shad, chicken liver, or live bluegill fished on the bottom. Fish the deeper holes and channels at night or early morning for the best results. Bluegill and other panfish are abundant and will take small jigs or live crickets if you want consistent action without waiting for a big bite.

Summer (June through August) slows the bite considerably. Bass retreat to deeper water and shade, and the shallows become too warm. Fish the deepest parts of each lake—usually near the dam or in the middle of the impoundment—using live shiners or soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Catfish bite better at night when temperatures drop. Early morning (before 8 a.m.) and evening (after 6 p.m.) are your windows for any species.

Fall (September through November) brings another strong bite. Water temperatures drop back into the 60s and 70s, and bass move shallow again to feed before winter. The same spring tactics work here—topwater, crankbaits, and soft plastics along the banks. Catfish remain active throughout fall and will take live or cut bait fished on the bottom. This is often the best time to catch numbers of fish.

Winter (December through February) is slow but not dead. Bass and catfish move to the deepest holes and become lethargic. Fish slowly with live bait—shiners for bass, cut shad for catfish—and be patient. Midday is often better than early morning because the sun warms the water slightly. Panfish remain somewhat active and will take small jigs or live bait if you're willing to sit and wait.

Where to Fish and How to Access the Water

The main parking area is off Godwin Boulevard on the north side of the park. From there, you can walk to either lake. The first lake (often called the upper lake) is closer to the parking area and has several good bank-fishing spots along the eastern and southern shores. The second lake is a short walk through the park and offers similar access.

Bank fishing is the primary method here. Look for spots where the bank drops off quickly into deeper water—these are usually the most productive. Fallen trees and brush piles, if present, are magnets for bass and catfish. The dam areas on both lakes tend to hold fish, especially in summer when they seek cooler, deeper water.

If you have a small boat (kayak, canoe, or electric-motor boat), you can launch from the park, though the ramps are basic. No gas motors are allowed, which keeps the water calm and makes sight-fishing possible. A kayak is ideal here because you can cover more water and reach spots that bank anglers can't reach.

The park is open from dawn to dusk. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent—mosquitoes can be heavy in summer and fall. Restrooms are available near the parking area.

What Gear and Bait to Bring

For bass, a medium-power spinning rod (6 to 7 feet) with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line works well. Topwater plugs, crankbaits, and soft plastics (4 to 6 inches) are your best bets in spring and fall. In summer, switch to live shiners or soft plastics fished deep and slow.

For catfish, a heavier setup is better—a medium-heavy rod with 12- to 15-pound line and a basic slip-sinker rig. Cut shad, chicken liver, or live bluegill are reliable baits. Fish on the bottom in the deeper parts of the lake, especially at night.

Panfish (bluegill, crappie) will take small jigs (1/16 to 1/8 ounce), live crickets, or small soft plastics. A light spinning rod makes this more fun and keeps the experience engaging for kids or beginners.

Bring more bait than you think you'll need. Live bait can be hard to find locally, so consider stopping at a tackle shop in Suffolk before you arrive. If you're using artificial lures, have backups—the shallow water and structure mean you'll lose a few.

When to Avoid and What to Watch For

Midday in summer (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) is usually slow and uncomfortable. The sun is intense, and fish are deep and inactive. Plan your trip for early morning or evening, or save Lone Star for a spring or fall outing when the bite is better all day.

The park can get crowded on weekends, especially in spring and fall. If you want solitude and the best fishing, go on a weekday or arrive very early. Weekday mornings in May or October are often excellent and rarely crowded.

Water levels can fluctuate, especially after heavy rain. If the park has had recent flooding, the water may be murky and the bite slower. Call ahead or check the park's condition before making the drive.

Nearby Options If Lone Star Isn't Working

If Lone Star is crowded or the bite is slow, the Blackwater River is about 20 minutes away and offers largemouth bass, catfish, and shad in a river setting. The Nansemond River, closer to downtown Suffolk, holds similar species and offers a different environment—tidal influence and brackish water attract stripers and larger catfish.

Lake Drummond, further south near the Great Dismal Swamp, is a larger impoundment with excellent bass and catfish fishing, though it requires more planning and a longer drive. For coastal fishing, the saltwater creeks and marshes near the James River are 30 to 45 minutes away and offer redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Virginia fishing license to fish Lone Star Lakes Park?

Yes. Virginia requires a fishing license for anyone 16 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, at most tackle shops in Suffolk, or at Walmart. A one-day license is available if you want to try it out before committing to a full year.

Can I fish at night?

The park is technically open dawn to dusk, which means night fishing is not permitted. However, early morning (before sunrise) and evening (after sunset) fishing during the allowed hours can be productive, especially for catfish. Check the park's posted hours to be certain.

Are there fish in both lakes, or is one better than the other?

Both lakes hold bass, catfish, and panfish. The upper lake (closer to parking) tends to be slightly more crowded but is easier to access. The lower lake is a short walk and often quieter. Try both and see which suits your style. Conditions and fish location change with the season, so what's hot one month may be slow the next.

What's the best time of day to fish here?

Early morning (sunrise to 9 a.m.) and evening (5 p.m. to sunset) are most productive year-round. In spring and fall, the bite can be good all day. Summer requires early morning or evening to avoid the heat and find active fish. Winter midday can be better than early morning because the sun warms the water slightly.

Can I bring my kids and make it a family outing?

Absolutely. The park has picnic areas, restrooms, and parking. Panfish (bluegill and crappie) are abundant and easy to catch, making them ideal for children. Bring a light rod, small jigs, and live crickets, and kids will have consistent action. The park's calm water and accessible banks make it safe and beginner-friendly.