There are endless possibilities for freshwater fishing in Virginia. Beautiful deep water lakes offer a chance to reel in a monster-sized bass or catfish. The mighty rivers that flow across the commonwealth attract anglers from all over the nation. Fly fishermen stalk trophy trout in cool, clear streams tucked away in places like the Shenandoah Valley, southwest Virginia and every portion of the Commonwealth. Fish Virginia First is the resource that every angler can count on for information on the best fishing in the state.
Fish Virginia First is a partnership of localities that are proud of their fishing opportunities and welcome anglers into their communities. These counties, cities and towns understand why fishing is important and what makes a great fishing trip. They know that fishing is a lifelong passion, one that is often passed down and shared by multiple generations of a family. Friendships are strengthened, in spite of a gentle rivalry over who reels in the bigger catch of the day. Whatever stress was built up before melts away when the line hits the water.
From Blue Catfish to Yellow Perch, there are more than 30 species of fish in the waters of Fish Virginia First partners. If you favor one over another, you’re in luck. FishVirginiaFirst.com has a species finder tool. If you’re in the mood for a feisty small mouth bass or choose to catch and release some beautiful trout, our website can help you find what you’re seeking.
There are over 800 miles of designated Virginia Scenic River, 176,000 acres of public lakes, and 22 state parks that have rivers, streams or ponds. There are so many options for great fishing, choosing a place can be daunting. Why not let fishvirginiafirst.com help you choose a destination that is ideal for you. Consult the map of FVF partners and find a place that is as close or as far away as you want to travel. Check out partner pages and find places that have local guides, outfitters and gear shops. Regardless of your experience level, a day with a professional fishing guide will teach you new skills and possibly introduce you to some off the radar fishing spots.
If you’re looking for weekend or even longer fishing trip, fishvirginiafirst.com can definitely help. Each partner page has links to Where to Stay and Where to Dine. Use it as a trip-planning tool to find camping, hotels, inns or private rental cabins for every budget. You can be confident that you’ll find not only great fishing but also genuine hospitality when you visit a Fish Virginia First partner community.
Start your adventure at fishvirginiafirst.com
Cover photo by Sam Dean
