Lake Victor

Holmes County:

Lake Victor is a 130-acre artificial impoundment constructed in 1966 and opened to fishing in 1968. It has an average depth of 8 feet and a maximum depth of 23 feet. Deepest areas are near the dam and along the old stream bed. A considerable amount of timber remains, providing fish habitat and cover. The lake has been previously stocked with sport fish include largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish (shellcrackers), and channel catfish. The lake also supports a fairly good population of black crappie which appear to peak every 5 to 7-years. The lake is located in north Holmes County, south of S.R. 2, approximately one mile west of the New Hope community. It is within easy commuting distance from Chipley, Bonifay, DeFuniak Springs, and south Alabama. There is a concrete boat ramp with ample parking located near the dam on the northeast side of the lake. Riddle Bait and Tackle are situated next to this ramp and handles fishing supplies and other conveniences.

For current fishing conditions they may be contacted at 850-956-2444 or e-mail: riddlebait@digitalexp.com. There are no public upland recreational facilities or boat rentals available. Lake Victor RV Park LLC, a privately operated camping area with an unimproved (oyster shell) boat ramp is located on the southeast side of the lake. For available camp sites or fishing conditions they may be reached at 850-956-4526.

Current Forecast:

NOTE: An extensive low-dissolved-oxygen fish kill has occurred on Lake Victor. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is monitoring the situation and will provide updated information as available.

Largemouth bass anglers should continue to be successful throughout the quarter. Bass will move from shallower habitat used during the spawn into waters 6 ft. and deeper as temperatures rise later in the quarter. As water temperatures move into the upper 70’s and higher anglers fishing during dawn and dusk can often catch fish moving into shallow water to feed. Plastic worms and lizards rigged Carolina or Texas style, along with Rat-L-Traps and crank baits can all be effective. Top-water lures can be effective if anglers locate bass actively feeding along the surface. The bass population consists of a large number of quality-sized bass in excess of 2 pounds.

Redear sunfish (shellcracker) spawning will be at its peak as water temperatures reach 68 to 72 degrees. During most years anglers can expect this to occur in late-March or April. Shellcracker tend to nest in “communities”, meaning there will often be numerous nests built in the same area. Peak bluegill spawning activity occurs when water temperatures reach 75 to 80 degrees, which is during May of most years. Spawning activity will continue to a lesser degree through September. Bluegill will often use the same nesting areas previously used by shellcracker and also tend to nest in “communities”. Light tackle with earthworms, wigglers, or crickets is usually the most productive. Oyster shell and gravel bed areas located in several areas around the lake are popular spawning sites for both bluegill and shellcracker.

Anglers who enjoy fishing for channel catfish usually find the fish are most active at dawn and in the evening, with chicken livers and earthworms both being effective baits. As water temperatures warm considerably during May and June catfish tend to feed more actively.