Virginia: Diverse Angling Opportunities in The Old Dominion

Published: Monday, June 13th, 2022| Updated on: Friday, March 10th, 2023

Overview

Virginia locates nearby the Atlantic Coast. It has more than 176,000 acres of public lakes and 43,000 kilometers of fishable streams, making it one of the states in America that offers a top-notch fishing experience. Whether you are fishing for fun or a serious angler, you can cast your line along the waters of The Old Dominion, as they are brimming with good catches that can even be record-defeating, such as giant blue catfish and musky. The state’s tidal waters are famous for their world-class blue catfish angling opportunities. Moreover, from fly fishing to surfcasting, there is a spot in this state where you can show off your skills in these different fishing methods. The fishing you will experience in Virginia is not only about the diverse species you will find in its water. When you come here, you will also experience the legendary hospitality of the locals who warmly welcome outdoor adventurers and witness picturesque sceneries, like Lake Moomaw, which is a two-story sport fishery and a true hidden gem in the Appalachian Mountains.

Virginia Map of Places to Fish

About Fishing in Virginia

We don’t call Virginia an angler’s paradise for no reason. You can enjoy diverse angling opportunities here all year round. Go to Claytor Lake in Dublin, and you will find 4,475 acres of a fishable reservoir. Largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, hybrid striped bass, sunfish, perch, walleye, and bluegill are some fish you can snag from this lake. After fishing, you can try camping along the shorelines, and it will surely provide you with the relaxation your need away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. From Dublin, you can go to the Roanoke Region of Virginia to find the Smith Mountain Lake. This lake is the state’s second-largest lake, and you can catch channel catfish, black bass, flathead catfish, common carp, and blue catfish from its waters. The area around Smith Mountain Lake offers visitors more than 500 miles of shoreline for enjoying outdoor activities on land or boating and fishing on the water. The lake has six launch ramps along its shores, accommodating a variety of boats.

Aside from great fishing spots, you will also find fish species that are stapes to anglers who visit this state. One of these is the striped bass. You might be surprised to know that the waters surrounding the Virginia beach house roughly 90% of the world’s striped bass population. You can fish for them all year round, and they are also a suitable target during a winter fishing trip. Another fish that anglers are excited about when visiting Virginia is the wahoo. Wahoo doesn't live in the shallows, so you'll need to go deep if you want to catch one. Look for wahoo around underwater structures such as the artificial reefs and wrecks and on the edge of canyon drop-offs. Next, cobia is a prized fish in Virginia Beach. It peaks in June and September and can remain around until the end of the season. Cobia likes to follow rays around, so you are highly likely to see a cobia.

There are also seasonal catches in Virginia like tuna, which shows up in deeper waters between July and September. Some varieties of tuna that you may snag include bluefin and yellowfin. Bigeye tuna is also a prominent catch in Virginia Beach. However, this variety peaks later in September and October. Marlin is also a seasonal catch in this state. The blue and white marlin comes into the waters when the temperature rises. This fish peaks from August to September, and if you want to catch one, you have to head to the canyons and wrecks of the deeper waters and out to the Gulf Stream. You can also find mackerel on the wrecks and reefs of Virginia from June to October. The seamounts, too, harbor large populations. You'll find your best odds of catching mackerel from the seamounts in August and September when waters begin to cool. That is because, as the water temperature drops, mackerel heads to deeper and warmer waters.

You can also enjoy fishing tournaments held in this state from June to August. Some of the anticipated are the blue marlin, blue catfish, tuna, and billfish tournaments.

Everything Else About Virginia Fishing

Fishing in Virginia is not just a tournament or pastime but is embedded deep into their roots. During the establishment of the first English colonies in Virginia, the Chesapeake region played an important role in providing subsistence and commercial opportunities. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, commercial fishing has become a thriving industry in the state. The Potomac River Compact allowed anglers to freely fish in all areas of the Potomac River, which was a property of Maryland. This compact created sustainability for the fishing industry of Virginia.

Virginia also became known for its oysters. This industry has become so popular that oysters from this state have been heavily exploited. In the 1860s, they started appointing inspectors to enforce oyster laws. After that, the population of oysters in Virginia recovered.

Plenty of tourists visit Virginia not just for its diverse angling opportunities or oysters but also for its picturesque sceneries and great outdoor adventures. From fishing, hiking, and exploring historical sites to tasting great beer and wine, you will surely love every moment you spend here in the Old Dominion.

So, if you want to visit Virginia and seek great catches and beautiful views and adventures, Guidesly can connect you with trusted fishing guides. Book a guide with Captain Weston Hartman, and he will take you on a day full of fun fishing and games on Smith Mountain Lake. He will get you the most productive fishing spots in this lake and teach you how to land an excellent catch. Furthermore, he is also the perfect guide to book if you are a striper enthusiast. Smith Moutain Lake brims with different sizes of striped bass, and Captain Weston has all the gear you need to snag this fish.