Overview
Claytor Lake is a roughly 4,470-acre reservoir on the New River in Pulaski County in southwestern Virginia. It was created when Appalachian Power completed Claytor Dam in 1939 for hydroelectric generation; the project is licensed by FERC and operated today as the Claytor Hydroelectric Project. The lake stretches more than 21 miles upstream and remains a major recreation and power resource for the New River Valley.
At a normal full pool of 1,846 feet (NGVD29), Claytor has about 100 miles of shoreline, a mean depth near 49 feet, and a maximum depth of roughly 115 feet. Wooded ridges, long riverine reaches, and developed coves give the reservoir a mix of open water and sheltered fishing water typical of Appalachian Power's New River projects.
The lake is popular for boating, water sports, and fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, striped bass, crappie, and catfish, with fisheries managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Claytor Lake State Park anchors public access, and marinas and ramps serve the residential shoreline.
Water levels on Claytor Lake are managed by Appalachian Power around a normal full pool of 1,846 feet above mean sea level (NGVD29), typically held within a narrow operating band for generation and recreation. Monitoring current lake levels is helpful for boating, fishing, and dock access as rainfall and hydro releases move the New River pool.
Current Conditions
Claytor Lake is currently 0.3 feet below full pool and has risen slightly over the past week.
- 7-day trendRisingLatest movement can differ from the seven-day trend.
- 7-day changeDown 0.01 ft
- 30-day changeDown 0.14 ft
- Drought conditionsAbnormally Dry
About This Lake
Learn how this lake is managed, what affects its water level, and where Lake Insights gets its data.
Claytor Lake is a 4,472-acre reservoir on the New River managed by Appalachian Power.