IMPORTANT NOTE: As of 10/22/2009 the bridge lights are not working and they are under repair. We hope that the lights will be working again soon.

Virginia’s only lakeside town now has yet another one-of-a-kind designation; and this time it is a first nationwide. Just before sundown on Wednesday, March 29, 2006, the Clarksville Economic Development Association (CEDA) “flipped the switch” on a project that has been underway for a couple of years. The Highway 58 Business Bridge entering Clarksville was illuminated when 76 iridescent lights were turned on for the first time, offering anglers a new nighttime fishing experience.

The idea of lighting the bridge has been tossed around for a long time, but the lack of room to mount traditional streetlights on the bridge meant that innovation would be needed. After two years of planning, lots of cooperation from the Coast Guard, the Corp’s of Engineers, and the Virginia Department of Transportation, and thanks to contributions of both time and money from many community members, the installation of the lights began late in 2005.

The bridge lights are comprised of two rows of iridescent green lights installed on each of the 19 bridge pylons, one row above the lake water, and one below. The Hydro Glow Fishing Lights are manufactured in Dawsonville, Georgia. The glow of the underwater lights will attract millions of tiny feeder fish which then attract the larger game fish, thus creating a unique nighttime fishing environment. The set of lights above the water provide motorists traveling on the new Highway 58 Bypass Bridge a striking view leading into Downtown Clarksville.

Buggs Island Lake/John Kerr Reservoir has been home to many fishing tournaments sponsored by such organizations as Virginia B.A.S.S. Federation, Southern Crappie Association, Bobcat’s Bait & Tackle, and FLW Outdoors during its 52 years existence. With the addition of the new lights, Clarksville is the premier location for nighttime fishing activities and tournaments and the only location in the country with this unique feature.