Undoubtedly Virginia offers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the country. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert angler, you can’t find a better place to cast your line than SW Virginia in the Heart of Appalachia. From pristine lakes and streams to the famed Clinch River, the most bio-diverse waterway in our hemisphere, you will find your slice of fishing nirvana right here in our backyard! And our hospitality can’t be beat.
To help you set your hook, we’ve compiled a list of SWVA’s fishing hotspots for your dream catch, so whether you are out for large or smallmouth bass, trout, crappie or other bounty, you’ll be delighted with your choice. Better yet, we’ve created a map so you won’t miss a single angling opportunity while you’re here!
To order a printed copy of our free SWVA Fishing Guide, scroll down and let us know where to send it.
For a digital download of the free SWVA Fishing Map, click here.
What’s The Catch…
- Bass
- Hybrid Striped Bass
- Kentucky Spotted Bass
- Largemouth Bass
- Rock Bass
- Bluegill
- Carp
- Catfish
- Channel Catfish
- Flathead Catfish
- Crappie
- Black Crappie
- White Crappie
- Freshwater Drum
- Longnose Gar
- Muskellunge
- AKA Musky/Muskie
- Redhorse Sucker**
- Sauger*
- Sunfish
- Longear Sunfish
- Redbreast Sunfish
- Redear Sunfish
- Trout
- Brook Trout
- Brown Trout
- Rainbow Trout
- Walleye
- Yellow Perch
*The Clinch River and its tributaries are the only Virginia waters where Sauger are present
**Sucker shooting season in Scott County’s portion of the Clinch River is April 15-May 31
Find Your Spot…
Whether you want to fish from the bank, wade in, or float to your favorite setting, we’ve got your hotspot – Lake, River or Stream. Check them out. Need tackle, bait or a guide? We can help there too with local outfitters. And while you’re poking around, take a minute to check for state, regional and local regs.
The coordinates listed for our waterways are for general use to help you find your spot. They work well to enter them into a map app, like Google Maps, to get an idea of where you’re headed. Access points (other than for the Clinch River) may be found in places other than the coordinates noted.
Please let us know where to send your free SWVA Fishing Guide.
