What Lone Star Lakes Park offers anglers
Lone Star Lakes Park is a small public fishing destination in southwestern Virginia, centered on a pair of impoundments stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. The park sits in Russell County near the town of Honaker, roughly two hours southwest of Roanoke. Access is straightforward — a day-use facility with parking, boat ramps, and bank fishing areas — and the lakes draw local anglers year-round, though spring and fall tend to be most productive.
The two lakes are shallow and weedy, which makes them reliable for bass during cooler months and catfish in summer. Bluegill and other panfish are present throughout the year and offer a low-pressure option if bass are slow. The park does not have overnight camping, but day-use hours run from dawn to dusk, and the facility is open year-round.
Key Takeaways
- Lone Star Lakes holds largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill in two connected impoundments managed by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
- Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are the most consistent seasons for bass; summer favors catfish on the bottom and at night.
- Both bank fishing and boat fishing are possible; the park has two boat ramps and ample shoreline access.
- A Virginia fishing license is required for all anglers 16 and older, and current regulations on bass size and creel limits apply year-round.
- The park has no lodging, but nearby towns including Honaker and Grundy offer motels and restaurants within 15 to 30 minutes.
Seasons and what to expect month by month
Spring (March through May) is when most anglers visit. Water temperatures climb from the 40s into the 60s, and largemouth bass move from deep winter holes into shallower structure — fallen trees, weed edges, and rocky banks. Topwater lures and crankbaits work well early in the morning and late in the day. Catfish also begin feeding more actively as water warms. Bluegill spawn in late April and May, making them easy to catch on small jigs or live crickets near shallow cover.
Summer (June through August) brings warm water and reduced bass activity during daylight. Bass retreat to deeper channels and shade; early morning and evening trips are more productive than midday. Catfish, however, feed aggressively at night and in the early morning, especially on chicken liver, cut shad, or prepared stink baits. Bluegill remain active in shallow water and are a reliable option for families or anglers seeking consistent action.
Fall (September through November) rivals spring for bass fishing. As water cools from the 70s back into the 50s, bass return to shallower feeding zones. September and October are particularly good. Crankbaits, soft plastics, and topwater lures all produce. By late November, water temperatures drop into the 40s and fishing slows, though dedicated anglers still find success with slower presentations near deeper structure.
Winter (December through February) is the slowest season. Bass are lethargic and concentrated in the deepest parts of the lakes. Bank fishing becomes difficult due to weather, and boat anglers must focus on deep channels and holes. Catfish remain somewhat active on the bottom, and a few hardy anglers target them on mild days. Most visitors wait for spring.
Access, parking, and boat ramps
Lone Star Lakes Park is located off Route 19 near Honaker. From Honaker, follow local signs to the park entrance; the drive from town is roughly 10 minutes. Parking is available at the main lot near the boat ramps and day-use facilities. The lot is gravel and can hold 20 to 30 vehicles; on busy weekends in spring, it can fill, so arriving early is wise.
Two boat ramps serve the lakes — one on each impoundment. Both are concrete and maintained by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Ramp conditions are generally good, though heavy rain can make approaches muddy. Bank fishing is also available along much of the shoreline; the park has designated access points and a walking trail that runs along portions of the water.
There are no overnight facilities at the park itself. The nearest lodging is in Honaker, about 10 to 15 minutes away, where you will find small motels and a few restaurants. Grundy, another nearby town, offers additional options 20 to 30 minutes away. Most anglers make Lone Star a day trip or combine it with other regional fishing or outdoor activities.
Species, size limits, and Virginia regulations
Largemouth bass are the primary target. Virginia's statewide minimum size for largemouth bass is 12 inches, with a daily creel limit of five fish per angler. Catch-and-release fishing is popular and encouraged, especially during spring spawning season when bass are concentrated in shallow water.
Catfish — both channel catfish and flatheads — are abundant and have no minimum size or creel limit in Virginia. They are a reliable summer target and a good option for anglers who want to keep fish for the table. Bluegill and other sunfish have no size limit and a generous creel limit, making them ideal for families or anyone seeking a high catch rate.
All anglers 16 and older must carry a valid Virginia fishing license. Licenses are sold online through the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at some local retailers near the park. A one-day license costs less than a full-year license and is a practical choice if you are visiting for a single trip. Check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website before your visit for any seasonal closures or special regulations that may apply.
Tackle and techniques that work here
For largemouth bass in spring and fall, bring a mix of topwater lures (poppers and walking baits), crankbaits in the 2- to 4-inch range, and soft plastic worms or crawfish imitations in natural colors. A medium-power spinning rod or baitcasting setup works well. Fish early and late in the day, focusing on weed edges, fallen trees, and rocky banks where bass hunt.
Summer bass fishing requires patience and deeper presentations. Jigs tipped with crawfish or soft plastics, and Carolina-rigged worms fished slowly along the bottom, are effective. Fish the deepest parts of the lakes during midday and move to shallower structure at dawn and dusk.
For catfish, use simple rigs: a three-way rig or basic slip sinker rig with chicken liver, cut shad, or stink bait. Fish on the bottom in deeper holes, especially at night or in the early morning. Bluegill respond to small jigs (1/32 to 1/16 ounce), live crickets, or small spinners near shallow cover. A light spinning rod is ideal for panfish.
Nearby fishing and regional context
Lone Star Lakes is one of several small public impoundments in southwestern Virginia. The region also includes Grayson Lake State Park (about 45 minutes north) and various sections of the Clinch River, which holds smallmouth bass and musky. If you are planning a longer trip, combining Lone Star with a day on the Clinch or a visit to Grayson gives you more variety and backup options if conditions at one location are poor.
The broader area is part of Appalachian Virginia, with scenic mountain terrain and outdoor recreation beyond fishing. Hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing are available at nearby state parks and national forest land. Many anglers use Lone Star as part of a weekend that includes other activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a boat to fish Lone Star Lakes?
No. Bank fishing is available at multiple access points around both lakes, and a walking trail provides shoreline access. A boat gives you more water to cover and access to deeper structure, but it is not required. Many anglers catch fish from the bank, especially bluegill and catfish.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive for largemouth bass. Summer is best for catfish. Winter is slow and less popular. If you are new to the lakes, spring offers the most consistent action and the most forgiving conditions.
Can I keep fish I catch?
Yes. Largemouth bass must be at least 12 inches and you can keep up to five per day. Catfish have no size or creel limit. Bluegill and panfish have no size limit and a generous daily limit. Check current Virginia regulations before your trip to confirm any changes.
Is there a fee to fish or use the park?
Day-use access to Lone Star Lakes Park is free. There is no charge for parking or launching a boat. Overnight camping is not available at the park itself.
How far is Lone Star Lakes from major towns?
Lone Star is roughly 10 to 15 minutes from Honaker, 20 to 30 minutes from Grundy, and about two hours southwest of Roanoke. It is a rural location, so plan accordingly for fuel, food, and lodging if you are traveling from a distance.