Suffolk Isn't the Only Thing Surprising Locally...

I offer, for your consideration, Northwest River Park Lake. Did you know that numerous bass weighing 8 to 11 pounds have been collected there in population samples? Here are a couple of recent samples that should titillate every bass fisherman's fancy:

Holding the 9.2-lb. largemouth in this photo is Chad Boyce, fish biologist with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

How about the 9.1-lb. sow in Chad's grasp in this photo?








The lake in this 763-acre park in southeastern Chesapeake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, channel catfish, bluegill, and white perch. The crappie, white perch, and bluegill are abundant but generally small. If you're looking for a good place to take a youngster fishing in the summertime, you can't go wrong by taking him or her here. The bluegill will provide plenty of action if you just use a bobber and small worm. Or, if you're interested in trying your luck with some yellow perch and winter stripers, all you have to do is hike to the park and campground's pier.

The Urban Fishing Program and trout stockings here have been reinstated after having been discontinued for a number of years. Anglers should be reminded, however, that a state trout license, in addition to a freshwater fishing license (if applicable) is required to fish in Northwest River Park Lake from Nov. 1 to April 30 of each year. Be advised, though, that the park does not sell fishing licenses, so make plans to get them ahead of time.

There are no fees to fish. Bank fishing is allowed throughout the park, and rental boats are available.

In addition to year-round boating and fishing, there is hiking, a putt-putt golf course, horse shoes, volleyball nets, and much more. The park has 66 campsites and 2 rental cabins.

The park address, in case you wish to get Google directions, is 1733 Indian Creek Rd., Chesapeake 23322. If you live in Norfolk, take I-464 south. At the end of I-464, stay to the left and take 168 south. Take exit 8B, Hillcrest Parkway East (last exit before toll). Turn right onto Battlefield Blvd, then turn left on Indian Creek Rd. The park is approximately 4 miles on the right.

From North Carolina, travel north on Rt. 168. Turn right on Gallbush Rd., then turn right on Indian Creek Rd. The park is approximately 2 miles on the right.

For more information, call the Northwest River Park at 757-421-7151 or 757-421-3145.