Martinsville-Henry County, located in Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills, offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, including fishing on Philpott Lake and the Smith River. Philpott Lake stretches across 3,000 acres and boasts 100 miles of scenic shoreline, while the Smith River winds 44.5 miles through Henry County, featuring 10 public access points. The area is a haven for anglers, with the Smith River renowned for its exceptional brown trout fishing and Philpott Lake offering plentiful opportunities to catch walleye and bass.
The Smith River is a top Virginia trout fishery, stocked with rainbow trout and home to a healthy population of wild brown trout. It provides year-round fishing, with brown trout averaging 8-14 inches and trophy-sized catches possible. Philpott Lake has its marina in Henry County, with several other boat launches around the lake.
The community’s commitment to accessible recreation includes the Dick & Willie Passage Rail Trail, an 11-mile route with extensive ADA-accessible sections, and an adaptive fishing dock at the Monogram Foods Smith River Sports Complex. After a day of fishing, visitors can explore the Virginia Museum of Natural History, hike the Smith River Trail System, or enjoy local wines, spirits, and craft brews.
