Lake Anna is a major reservoir located in central Virginia, spanning Louisa, Spotsylvania, and Orange counties within the North Anna River watershed. Formed by the construction of the North Anna Dam on the North Anna River, the lake was completed in 1972 and covers approximately 13,000 acres. It was created by Virginia Electric and Power Company — now Dominion Energy — primarily to supply cooling water for the adjacent North Anna Nuclear Generating Station, while also serving as a regional water resource and one of the most popular recreational destinations in the Commonwealth.

Stretching roughly 17 miles in length with more than 200 miles of shoreline, Lake Anna is distinctive for being divided into two separate bodies of water by three earthen dikes. The larger "public" or cold side covers roughly 9,000 acres and is open to general recreation across all three counties, while the smaller "private" or warm side — the Waste Heat Treatment Facility, located entirely in Louisa County — recirculates heated water from the power station and is restricted to adjacent property owners. The result is a varied landscape of clear-water coves, creek arms, open-water basins, submerged structure, and defined river channels along the North Anna and Pamunkey branches, supporting a wide range of aquatic habitat and recreational opportunities.

Lake Anna is widely known for its recreational boating and productive sport fishery. Anglers target largemouth bass, striped bass, crappie, catfish, and several sunfish species throughout the year, with the warmer water near the power station influencing seasonal fish behavior. Fisheries and boating regulations are administered by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). Numerous public boat ramps, marinas, campgrounds, lakeside communities, and the popular Lake Anna State Park provide year-round access, drawing visitors from the Washington, Richmond, Charlottesville, and Fredericksburg areas.

Water levels on Lake Anna are managed by Dominion Energy as part of the operation of the North Anna Nuclear Generating Station. The reservoir is held near its normal full pond of approximately 250 feet, though seasonal rainfall, drought conditions, evaporation, and the plant's cooling-water cycle can all influence elevations throughout the year. Because the lake serves as the station's primary cooling source, water management balances power-generation needs with recreation, shoreline access, and downstream river conditions on the North Anna River. Monitoring current lake levels is important for boating safety, fishing success, dock access, shoreline activities, and understanding changing reservoir conditions throughout the year.

Lake Anna Boat Ramps, Marinas & Places to Visit

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