Anglers are discovering that Fish Virginia First is an indispensable resource for finding the best freshwater fishing in the Commonwealth. With over 800 miles of designated Virginia Scenic River, 176,000 acres of public lakes, and 22 state parks that offer fishing, there are more choices than you can shake a graphite rod at. That’s why more than 30 localities got together to launch fishvirginiafirst.com.
Fish Virginia First is a partnership of cities, towns and counties that have top-quality freshwater fishing opportunities. Some partner localities feature big lakes that sometimes host professional tournaments. Others boast major rivers that hold trophy-sized fish. Still other partner destinations feature wild and pristine streams perfect for a day of fly fishing. Those familiar with Virginia’s legendary outdoor recreation will not be surprised to find some counties that have all of the above and more.
Serious anglers and casual casters will all appreciate the great content at fishvirginiafirst.com. Every partner locality — stretching from the Shenandoah Valley to southwest Virginia and east to central and southern Virginia — has its own informational page, which can be found via an alphabetical list or by clicking on a map. Each page describes in detail the variety of fishing experiences available. You’ll also find information on local gear shops, outfitters and professional guides. That’s not all. One of the most popular tools on the site is our unique species finder. It will tell you what fish you’re likely to encounter in each community. Some people use the tool in reverse. If you’re in the mood to find muskie, small mouth bass, or photogenic rainbow trout, simply click the species and find out where to catch them.
The goal of Fish Virginia First is to introduce anglers to the finest freshwater fishing in Virginia. You will experience genuine hospitality when you visit a Fish Virginia First partner. Fishing is as important to these communities as it is to you. They extend a warm welcome because they know that anglers care about the state’s waterways and will be responsible outdoor users of our natural treasures.
For a day trip, a weekend with fishing buddies or a week-long family vacation, be sure to explore all the trip planning resources at Fish Virginia First!
