Shared by Guest blogger, Jim Shank, as Guest Blogger.

We have loved kayak fishing Bear Creek Lake located at Bear Creek Lake State Park for the last decade, and although many would not believe it, it is a well kept secret. 

The lake contains a great variety of fish, from bream to bass; catfish to crappie. These are all fish of decent size. The restriction on gas motors makes it the perfect place for kayaks, canoes and jon boats with battery powered trolling motors.

Need a quiet getaway with the family? Load 'em up and head out to Bear Creek Lake State Park.  

Park visitors can enjoy fishing for a great variety of fish, from bream to bass;
catfish to crappie found in Bear Creek Lake.

Want to try something new? Try fishing from a kayak. Slip into a PFD and hop into your plastic key to adventure and glide silently across the lake with a few strokes of the two bladed paddle. Cast into the small cove and watch the rod bend as a five pound bass runs with your swim bait. Flip your flashy spinner bait under the overhang along the shore and hook a palm sized bream or bring a fly rod into the mix and feel the rush when the water explodes with a top water hook up.

The lake has small coves that are perfect for catching large mouth bass.

Get hooked on kayak fishing and you can move from basic kayak to a fully rigged fishing kayak of your choice. Add your battery powered fish finder and custom rod holders, gear storage and the rest. But, a basic kayak, paddle and personal flotation device will get you started.

Fishing Bear Creek Lake State Park can be a rewarding experience. The basics are all you need. Contact the park staff to find out how they can help you begin your adventure by calling the park office at 804-492-4410 or by email.

Great catch! Come try out your kayak fishing skills at Bear Creek Lake.

The park is located about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance.

Drive Time:Northern Va., three hours; Richmond, one hour; Roanoke, two hours; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, three hours.