Crews said if the water temperature is 60, expect good fishing. Once it reaches 65, bass will hammer the bank and drop eggs. He cautions anglers to use a "base" temperature as a guide more than the back of a pocket getting beat on by the sun.

Bass anglers in the know usually target the full moon in late April or early May for the major spawn, and doing so at Sandy River is no exception.

"For a trophy hunter, this can be a great time to spot them," he said. "I've caught some big fish on beds in the middle of April, but it depends on the moon and water temperature."

The water clarity is decent at Sandy River, although in the two river arms there can be a stain. The lower half of the lake has good clarity.

In late March, Crews targets the 2- to 10-foot depth range. The closer to the spawn, obviously, the shallower the majority of the largemouths will be. From mid-April to mid-May, there are going to be a bunch of shallow fish. Anglers can still catch good fish from the banks on offshore structure, but this time of year is when the biggest fish move shallow.

"I've caught bass all over this lake," Crews said. "The two areas where standing timber is still present are very good in the spring. The only problem with these two spots is that they get more pressure than other areas."

"This reservoir is just reaching its full potential now," Michaelson said.

Come check out what the charming Farmville area has to offer in its varied angling opportunities, and its "other" lake.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
To reach Sandy River Reservoir from Route 460, take SR 640 South and turn left onto the reservoir access road. For fisheries questions regarding Sandy River, contact the VDGIF district office in Farmville at (434) 392-9645 or visit www.dgif.virginia.gov. A lake brochure and contour map are available from Prince Edward County at (434) 392-8837 or through the VDGIF district office in Farmville at (434) 392-9645.

Sandy River is open 24 hours per day, year 'round. A 10-horsepower maximum limitation is in effect for outboard motors. For anglers who don't have an outboard, it can drain a trolling-motor battery in a day's outing, so it's best to bring a spare.

Sandy River has a nice, two-lane concrete boat ramp and courtesy pier, with plenty of parking. It is also equipped with a handicapped-accessible fishing pier stretching 150 feet (with fish attractors alongside the pier to enhance the fisheries habitat) and restrooms. To learn more about the career of John Crews, visit www.johncrews.com.