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Lake Anna
Lake Anna Turns 30 And it isn't hard to see why. Look at a map of Virginia and you'll find major freshwater lakes are a rarity; the 17-mile-long Central Virginia lake stands out on any map. While most folks visiting the Lake Anna area are drawn to its outstanding water-related recreational activities like boating, fishing, water skiing, swimming and relaxing, there is another side to a lake vacation. Visitors from the major metropolitan areas are discovering bustling historic Fredericksburg only a half an hour away. They are finding the unique shopping opportunities, the rich civil war history and the sidewalk café's. Paramount King's Dominion has become a popular day trip for vacationing families. Only a short drive from the lake, this giant theme park is one of Virginia's major tourist attractions. Lake Anna was destined to become a major drawing card, whether for weekend getaways, summer vacations or--increasingly--year-round residents. As the number of visitors have increased, facilities of all sorts have grown along with them, providing just about anything imaginable, from restaurants and motels to marinas and a major state park. Once the lake had filled, in 1972, Lake Anna primarily attracted summer boaters and fishermen. But with the expansion of facilities and accommodations and with a generally mild climate in all seasons, the Lake Anna community now draws visitors on a 12-month basis. In addition to the 2,300-acre
Lake Anna State Park, with its eight miles of shoreline, there are
more than half a dozen other boat launching sites. Fishing is, of
course, a major pastime at the lake, with more than 30 species of
fish for the taking, including largemouth and striped bass, walleye,
catfish and crappie, The state fish and game commission, the recreational management agency for the lake, restocks non-reproducing species annually. Whether the visitor fishes or doesn't, the lake offers something to appeal to almost any interest. The Lake Anna State Park, for example, offers hiking and nature study, picnicking and a good look at the fascinating history of the region, back in the days when it was the focus of a major hunt for gold, in the mid-19th century. And speaking of history, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County have been called "the most fought-over real estate in North America" by one historian. And with four major battlefields plus numerous other historic sites relating to both the American Revolution and the Civil War, there is reason enough for stimulating side trips less than an hour's drive from Lake Anna. Yet despite its many attractions, Lake Anna, with its miles of shoreline and dozens of arms and coves to explore, continues to offer the full gamut of activity, from warm-weather swimming, skiing and boating to relaxed cruising. And that's just on the water! Among the options open to those planning a Lake Anna visit are rentals for both housing, boats and recreational equipment. Vacation options at the lake are limited only by the imagination. Home
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With
over 200 miles of shoreline and some 13,000 surface acres of water,
Lake Anna is a recreational centerpiece that maintains a rural charm.
As Virginia's second largest lake, it has become a premier choice
for water lovers. Here, you can enjoy water sports of your choice
- power boating, sailing, water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing
and certainly swimming. One of the most common reasons water enthusiasts
love Lake Anna is because of its clean water. If you're an angler,
you'll find that Lake Anna is a proven year-round fishery. One of
the best lakes to fish for lunker largemouth bass on the eastern seaboard,
Lake Anna is also known for its hard charging stripers and fine eating
crappies. Catfish, bream and walleyes are also on the lake's menu.
Virginia
Power purchased 18,643 acres of rural land, in three central Virginia
counties, along the North Anna and Pamunky rivers, intent on providing
water for a power plant. Four years later, in 1972, Lake Anna was
"born." Recreation was considered a secondary possibility. Things
have certainly changed. The vast tree-lined lake, with more than 200
miles of shoreline, still serves the power plant but the lake itself
has become a major magnet in its own right, drawing thousands of visitors
for recreation and relaxation. 
bluegill and many others. 