Few things in the world are more relaxing – or more exciting, depending on the day – than fishing. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, plus an abundance of saltwater options, fishing in Virginia is top-rated. From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. Please note, that these aren’t ranked in any particular order, but we have mentioned some of the fish you’re most likely to catch.
- Lake Moomaw, Covington
Gene / flickr What to catch: Brown Trout
- The New River between Eggleston and Pembroke
VaMedia / flickr What to catch: Smallmouth Bass
- Mossy Creek, Mount Solon
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Facebook
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Facebook What to catch: Brown Trout (Considered one of the most famous fly fishing spots in Virginia. Trout are often in the 20" range.)
4 Briery Creek Lake, Farmville
Briery Creek Lake / Facebook
Briery Creek Lake / Facebook What to catch: Largemouth Bass
- Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach
USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation / flickr What to catch: White Perch
- Upper Rappahannock River, Kelly’s Ford and Mott’s Landing, Fredericksburg
Michael Noirot / flickr What to catch: Redbreast Sunfish
- Laurel Bed Lake at Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Russell County
Martina-Ann / flickr What to catch: Smallmouth Bass
- Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Virginia Beach
Archman8 / flickr What to catch: Striped Bass and Croaker
- Lake Frederick, White Post (Frederick County near Front Royal)
Lake Frederick Bait & Tackle / Facebook
Lake Frederick Bait & Tackle / Facebook What to catch: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Channel Catfish
- Gloucester Point, Gloucester County
Stephen Little / flickr What to catch: Croaker
- Claytor Lake, Dublin
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation / flickr What to catch: Bass, Catfish, Muskie and Walleye
- James River at the Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield
Tess Shebaylo / flickr What to catch: Bass (Smallmouth, Largemouth, Striped) and Blue Catfish and Shad
- The Jackson River at Gaithright Dam, Covington
What to catch: Trout What to catch: Trout
- John H. Kerr Reservoir (Bugg’s Island Lake) at Occoneechee State Park, Clarksville
Virginia State Parks / flickr What to catch: Striped Bass, Crappie and White Perch
- Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta
Virginia State Parks / flickr
VSPYCC / flickr What to catch: Largemouth Bass
- Windmill Point, Whitestone
Kate Webster / flickr What to catch: Bluefish
Have we left any great spots off the list? Let us know about your favorite places to fish in the comments below!
Gene / flickr
What to catch: Brown Trout
VaMedia / flickr
What to catch: Smallmouth Bass
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Facebook
What to catch: Brown Trout (Considered one of the most famous fly fishing spots in Virginia. Trout are often in the 20" range.)
Briery Creek Lake / Facebook
What to catch: Largemouth Bass
USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation / flickr
What to catch: White Perch
Michael Noirot / flickr
What to catch: Redbreast Sunfish
Martina-Ann / flickr
Archman8 / flickr
What to catch: Striped Bass and Croaker
Lake Frederick Bait & Tackle / Facebook
What to catch: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Channel Catfish
Stephen Little / flickr
What to catch: Croaker
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation / flickr
What to catch: Bass, Catfish, Muskie and Walleye
Tess Shebaylo / flickr
What to catch: Bass (Smallmouth, Largemouth, Striped) and Blue Catfish and Shad
What to catch: Trout
What to catch: Trout
What to catch: Striped Bass, Crappie and White Perch
VSPYCC / flickr
Kate Webster / flickr
What to catch: Bluefish
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