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Welcome to Lake Anna!
Lake Anna is the second largest lake located entirely
in Virginia with over 200 miles of shoreline and stretching 17 miles long.
Lake Anna's setting is rural and picturesque. Situated in three central
Virginia counties, Orange, Louisa and Spotsylvania. The landscape is primarily farms and rolling hills.
Lake Anna invites some to contemplation and quietness while others explore
its recreational opportunities.
Virginia Power purchased 18,643 acres of rural land,
in three counties, along the North Anna and Pamunkey rivers in 1968. The
lake was needed to serve as a supply of cooling water for the North Anna
Power Station. By 1972 the soon-to-be lake bottom was completely cleared
of all timber. A ninety-foot high dam was constructed on the North Anna
river and all that was needed was more water. Based on the flow rate of
the river, it was estimated that it would take three years to bring "Lake
Anna" to full pool. With help from Hurricane Agnes, the lake was at full
pool in eleven months.
Now thirty-seven years in existence, the lake continues
to provide recreational opportunities for many, while maintaining a tranquil
beauty. Lake Anna's reputation as a recreational get-away has continued
to grow as many metropolitan area residents have discovered the lake's
close proximity to their urban homes.
Lake Anna in reality is two lakes in one. The "main
lake" is comprised of 9,600 acres and the "private side" is 3,400 acres.
The two sides are separated by three rock dikes. The water intake is located
on the main lake and the warm water discharge empties into a series of
three cooling ponds which make up the private or "warm side". After the
water cools, it returns to the main lake at dike three. The private side
is private in the sense that there are no public boat launch facilities.
Many beautiful homes adorn the serene wooded landscape on both sides.
The Department of Game and Inland Fisheries manages
the recreational use of the lake. The lake contains over thirty species
of fish including largemouth bass, striped bass, walleye, catfish, crappie,
bluegill, white and yellow perch and threadfin shad. Certain non-reproducing
species of fish are restocked annually. Fishermen generally prefer the
spring and fall months but also take advantage of the excellent winter
fishing Lake Anna provides.
Lake Anna is equally as popular with pleasure boaters
and water skiers. Boating use typically peaks in July, however many veteran
boaters and lake residents pick September and early October as their favorite
time for lake cruises as spectacular fall colors are being unveiled.
Lake Anna offers a vast array of recreational opportunities
in a splendid country setting.
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