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.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.
Largemouth Bass fishing will slow down during the winter but should pick up in February and into spring. As the water warms up beginning in March, male bass will begin to move into the shallows to spawn, building nests in 2-6 feet of water. Larger female bass will then begin to pair with males at each nest site. These aggressive, spawning bass will often strike dark colored plastic worms/lizards as well as pursue spinnerbaits, floater-diver type lures, and rat-L-traps. During dawn and dusk, noisy topwater lures (buzzbaits and surface plugs) can be thrilling as they generate explosive strikes at the surface as well.
Bluegill and Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) will likely still be moving between shallow and deep-water areas based on the changing weather patterns. Fish these areas with red worms, wigglers, or crickets on the bottom with a small weight using small hooks and light tackle for the best chance at success. Artificial baits such as beetle spins, roostertails, or curly-tailed grubs can also be effective when fished with a slower retrieve to access deeper water. Redear Sunfish (shellcracker) generally begin to congregate and spawn as temperatures approach the upper 60’s. Catfish can be pulled from deeper water and have a hard time resisting beef/chicken livers or earthworms.
Popular Species
Fish graphics by Duane Raver, Jr.
More species information is available for:
Largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear sunfish, Channel catfish, Black crappie
TrophyCatch Tracker
TrophyCatch is FWC's citizen-science program that rewards anglers for documenting and releasing trophy bass 8 pounds or larger. The following TrophyCatch bass have been submitted from Lake Victor:
Lunker Club (8 – 9.9 pounds): 5
Trophy Club (10 - 12.9 pounds): 1