Learn how to catch more fish in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Ocean City, Virginia, North Carolina, Outer Banks, South Carolina, Georgia, & Florida!

FISHING IN VIRGINIA   Be prepared by choosing the location, gathering the necessary gear, supplies, and your fishing license (individual - $12.50, Recreational Boat - $38.00 or a 10-day temporary for $5.00. If you want to fish on private property don't forget to ask permission. If it is trout fishing you are interested in you will appreciate knowing there are over 2,800 miles of trout steams not including the many ponds, reservoirs and small lakes.  600 miles of these waters are alive with stocked trout.  Trout fishing in the summer is slower due to the warm waters. However, in the right spot, with experience or beginners good fortune, in the spring, fall and mild winter the Rainbow Trout ,Brook Trout and Brown Trout are yours for the taking. Visit the five area maps that are stocked, special regulation and larger wild trout waters: Area One, Area Two, Area Three, Area Four and Area Five. Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program There is an effort to get the public recreational anglers to participate in the protection of finfish.  Registration began in December and will continue until the maximum number of 160  anglers sign up.  Anglers are required to attend a workshop, generally in February weekday evenings, on fish tagging and handling techniques and the operation of the Virginia Game Fish Tagging Program VGFTP. Anglers will help collect scientific information by writing down the tag number placed on the fish to record the activity of targeted species.  These fish include the red drum, black drum, cobia, flounder, speckled trout, black sea bass, tautog, spadefish, sheepshead and gray triggerfish.  If you catch a tagged fish it is important that you follow these guidelines: 1.  Write down the tag number on the released fish or cut off the actual tag being cautious not to scrape the tag less you destroy the number.  2.  Write down the length and species of the fish. 3. Write down the date, location and manner the fish was caught. 4. Write any unusual findings regarding the condition of the fish. 5. Contact the agency written on the tag and follow their instructions. You may be recognized for your cooperation or even receive a reward. For more information The Virginia Gamefish Tagging Program number to call is (757) 491-5160, Fax (757) 491-5172 or email mrcswt@visi.net Catch and Release Fishermen have a responsibility to return any fish that he does not intend to eat unharmed into the water.  Before you leave home, study the rules regarding the seasons, creel limits and size limits.  Keep a measuring device handy.  One with size information clearly marked will aid you in deciding which fish you can show off with pride and which fish needs to return for further growth. Understanding that fish need to be released before the point-of-no-return is important.  A fish that has been fighting for a long period of time needs a lot of oxygen to balance the ph of their blood and to be released into cool salty water will provide them the best chance of recovery. Gentle remove the hook as fast as possible.  If the proper tools are not available for a gut hooked fish the angler is advised to cut the line and quickly return the fish to the water. Using circle hooks will prevent gut hooking since they almost always hook the fish in the corner of the mouth. There are many hook removing tools on the market from which to choose .  Use pliers or a J- style de-hooker .  Squashing the barb of the fishhook will make the process much easier, especially for fish with tough mouth tissue like sharks and use a Deep Throat type de-hooker on a long pole.  Hemostats can be used to remove hooks, especially flies, from freshwater fish like trout.  Keep you tools handy and make sure you know how to use them no what what kind you choose.  This will cause the least stress, not only to the fish, but to you as you attempt to free the catch.  It is necessary to avoid scuffing off the slime (protective layer on the skin of the fish) to prevent bacteria and fungi from attacking the fish. You can accomplish this by using wet rubber gloves, wet hands or a wet towel.  Covering the fish's eyes with a wet towel can help keep him calm and prevent a lot of thrashing that may injure the fish or yourself by the sharp spines of the fish.  Bacteria can cause nasty wounds that may prove difficult to heal and let's not forget to mention the pain involved. Large fish should not be hung vertically since internal damage can occur to the fish.  Don't grip the fish by the mouth as it can cause damage to the jaw muscles and joints of any fish. Never hold fish up by putting your hand in the gills if they are going to be released. Remember fish live in a weightless environment and the strain of being held out of water without proper support while a photographer takes a beautiful picture can prove disastrous to the fish you intend to release.  Be quick with the camera and when returning the exhausted fish, hold it by the tail and move it back and forth to help the water move through the gills. Safety First Mishaps and even tragedy can be prevented with a good safety plan. Education is the foundation of a good safety plan.  The things that come to mind immediately are the sun protective lotion, the sunglasses, fuel, proper clothing, first aid kit and fresh water, but what about boating safety?  Consider a boating safety course, avoid being under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, learn about the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning while boating, Check out your fishing vessel.  Have a check list to avoid potential problems on your outing. Remember to plan your trip carefully by checking the weather and consider the safest land and water routes.  Have a safe, fun and peaceful day fishing in Virginia. The Snakehead Fish Anglers  should take note that all snakehead species  are freshwater fish.  It is important to recognize and identify the snakehead fish, being careful not to confuse it with the Bowfin, Sea Lamprey or American eel.  These fish, thought to be native to parts of Asia and Africa or possibly Korea and Russia, can grow to be 33 inches in length.  They are capable of breathing air for as long as three days.  They are able hibernate during cold weather or survive in mud during droughts.  They can travel short distances across land using their pectoral fins.  They are extreme predators of fish, frogs and aquatic wildlife.  They have no natural predators in the United States although they themselves are considered food with the power to cure throughout southeast Asia.  Snakeheads disrupt native aquatic systems by impacting the food supply and preying on local fish.  They can transmit parasites or disease to native wildlife and even in some circumstances to humans.  There are potential impacts on fishing or related resources on local economies.  If you find a snakehead fish, put it on ice after killing it and then contact the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at 1-800-770-4951 and they will assist in the properly disposal of the fish.  It is also import to report any unusual fish caught.  Many of these fish have been released from home aquariums after being purchased as pets. Virginia's Artificial Reefs       Virginia  desires to provide a fish habitat that is as close to normal as possible to provide shelter and feeding grounds for reef dwelling fish.  These fish attract larger predator fish that anglers seek.  Artificial reefs are constructed of various materials provided by the Department of Defense, including Armored Personnel Carriers and Sheridan tanks that have been stripped and cleaned before deploying.  Other materials include specially fabricated units of concrete reef balls, tetrahedrons, igloos and tires-in-concrete. If you are interested in more information regarding Virginia's artificial reefs contact Mike Meier at  (757) 247-2263 or by e-mail.  Surf Fishing Virginia's Beaches Anglers are itching to hit the sand the minute they realize the red drum are migrating north up the coast.  This is the beginning of summer fishing and Virginia has miles of beautiful beaches.  If you are fishing in an area managed by The National Park Service be careful to follow the rules created to protect the dunes and wildlife.  Assateague is an example where you can enjoy public parking areas from 5 am until 10 pm during the summer months.  If you are driving a four-wheel vehicle on the beach you will need a permit (presently $70 for the year).  To prevent getting stuck (most of us have at one time or another) you will need a tow rope, shovel and a jack.  Pay extra attention to the bird-nesting areas.  Check the rules regarding pets on the beach. Surf  fishing gear should include pliers to remove hooks, bait board, a sharp knife, a pail, sand spike and a towel.  Of course you will need your fishing rod (preferably a medium with 15-20 lb. line for kingfish, flounder, croaker and/or spot that you find inside of the breakers and a heaver rod with 20-30 lb. line for striped bass, bluefish or small sharks.

Your tackle box should contain extra hooks (circle hooks will most likely prevent the fish from being gut hooked and encourage easy release) extra line, pyramid-type sinkers that will hold bottom, leaders and "fish finder" rigs, and last-but by no means least---your bait.  

Make sure you have drinks, snack, sunglasses, hat, appropriate clothing, sunscreen and a comfortable lightweight chair is always a plus.  Don't forget your flashlight.   The real pros tape light sticks on the end of their rod for night fishing.  You can pick them up at most Dollar Stores or tackle shops.  You will have to use good ole Eastern Shore Ingenuity to concoct a way to tote everything if you are parking any distance from the shore.

Choosing the best time to surf  fish is debatable, most anglers agree that fishing is best just before dawn and dusk, as well as during the night, but regardless - all ingredients have to be in the bowl for the recipe to be successful and the wind and tide are two biggies. 

Never underestimate the mosquitoes and green-head flies (you know the ones whose bite resembles a hot match head).   It has been stated that even the horses dive in the water when the wind blows the pesky devils from the south.  There are many insect sprays on the market and you need to bring your favorite with the intention to share with the less fortunate.

Lets talk bait... You may choose to dig sand crabs, or cut small fish on your bait board.  Clams and squid work, but careful ...nothing stinks more than a squid that has been festering since dawn! The local tackle shop will offer suggestions according to your need.  Bloodworms, clams, soft/peeler crabs and/or scraps from the local dock will suffice if you know what you are scrounging around for in the discard tubs.  The tackle shops will usually offer friendly information on what's happening and what's not and where to look for the best opportunity to bring home the "big" fish.

When fishing for red drum or shark you will want to try, clam chunks, peeler crab, mole crabs, fresh-cut mullet or bunker.  When fishing for stripers fresh bunker, live eels, finger mullet, clams and/or peeler crabs are baits of choice.  Weakfish (trout), spot and croaker like squid, sand fleas, cut peeler crabs, bunker, mullet and bloodworms.  Flounder prefer squid strips, sand fleas, or live minnows while kingfish choose squid or bloodworms.

Virginia's Fresh Water Record Fish

Species	Weight	Where	When	Angler
Yellow Perch	2 lb. 7 oz.	Lake Moomaw	3/20/1999	Tim Austin
Brown Trout	12 lb. 12 oz.	South Fork Holston	5/24/1990	Mike Perkins
Rainbow Trout	14 lb. 7 oz.	Greer's Pond	6/28/1993	Michael Lowe
Brook Trout	5 lb. 10 oz.	Big Stony Creek	10/22/1987	Greg Orndorff
Channel Catfish	31 lb. 8 oz.	Rappahannock River	10/2/1992	Sue Stanley
Blue Catfish	95 lb. 11 oz.	James River	6/15/1996	Archie D. Gold
Flathead Catfish	66 lb. 4 oz.	Occoquan Reservoir	5/6/1994	Mike Willems
White Catfish	7 lb. 6 oz.	Western Branch Reservoir	7/24/1994	Thomas Elkins
Chain Pickerel	7 lb. 10 oz.	Lake Shawnee	12/31/1996	R.L. White
Carp	49 lb. 4 oz.	Lake Prince	6/25/1986	Jeff Graham
Gar	25 lb. 2 oz.	Lake Prince	5/28/1987	Roger Beaver
Bowfin	16 lb. 8 oz.	Lake Cahoon	10/17/2004	Gohn Plyer, Jr.
Sauger	2 lb. 12 oz.	Clinch River	10/21/2005	Freland Eugene Maxfield
Northern Pike	31 lbs. 4 oz.	Motts Run Reservoir	7/24/1994	George Wood
Muskie(including Tiger)	45 lbs.	New River	7/30/89	R.A. Underwood

Rules for Catching a State Record Fish

1. The fish must be caught in Virginia waters or the Potomac River bordering Virginia by legal hook and line, non-commercial methods.  The angler must identify the specific waters from which the fish was caught.
2. A Department employee must witness the official weighing.  Only the weight observed by the Department employee will be used to certify the fish.  The fish must be unfrozen, in whole condition and be made available to the Department employee for a thorough examination.  The fish may also be made available to the department employee for further examination if deemed necessary by the Department representative.
3. The species of the fish must be confirmed by a Department Fish Biologist who must inspect the fish in whole condition. (This can be accomplished subsequent to the weighing if the Department witness is not a fish biologist.)
4. An application must be made within 60 days of the catch.  A clear, side-view photograph of the fish should accompany the application.
5. Weighing scales must be appropriate to the size of the fish and be certified for legal commercial trade.  Fish under 25 pounds must be weighed on a scale capable of weighing to the ounce. Fish over 25 pounds should be weighed on scales having no greater graduations than one-half pound.  Whenever scales of 8 ounce graduations are used, the fish weight will always be rounded down to the nearest one-half pound.
6. Any potential state record fish found to contain artificial food in the stomach will not be recognized as a new record.
7. If there is a reasonable doubt regarding any aspect of the application it may be rejected.
8. One appeal to the State Record Fish Committee's decision may be made within 60 days of notification., The appeal must be in writing to :  Chairman, State Record Fish Committee, 4010 W Broad Street, Richmond, VA  23230; Telephone:  (804) 367-6796.

Virginia's Salt Water Record Fish

Virginia's Lakes and Rivers

Abel Reservoir  
Location:  Stafford County
Fish:  Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed and Walleye

Albemarle Lake 
Location: Near Charlottesville, in Albemarle county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass

Lake Airfield 
Location: Near Wakefield, in Sussex county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Flier, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Warmouth, Yellow Bullhead and Yellow Perch

Amelia Lake 
Location: Near Amelia, in Amelia county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Walleye

Lake Anna 
Location: Near Mineral, in Louisa, Orange, and Spotsylvania county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Coho Salmon, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Pumpkinseed , Redear Sunfish , Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye and White Perch

Arrowhead Lake 
Location: Near Luray, in Page county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Redear Sunfish and Walleye

Back Bay 
Location: Near Virginia Beach, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and White Perch

Bark Camp Lake 
Location:Near Dungannon , in Scott county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Rainbow Trout

Bath County Recreation Ponds 
Location: Near Warm Springs, in Bath county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass

Bear Creek Lake 
Location: Near Damascus, Virginia 
Fish: Channel Catfish, Bigmouth Bass, Bluegill and Black Crappie

Beaver Creek Reservoir 
Location: Near Charlottesville, in Charlottesville county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass

Beaverdam Creek Reservoir 
Location: Near Crozet, in Loudoun county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Beaverdam Swamp Reservoir  
Location: Near Gloucester, in Gloucester county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Braley Pond 
Location: Near Staunton, in Augusta county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout

Briery Branch Lake 
Location: Near Dayton, in Rockingham county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout

Briery Creek Lake 
Location: Near Farmville, in Prince Edward county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill and Largemouth Bass

Lake Brittle 
Location: Near New Baltimore, in Fauquier county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Walleye

Bryan Park 
Location:  City of Richmond
Fish:  Channel catfish, Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, yellow perch, and brown bullheads.  

Brunswick Lake 
Location: Near Lawrenceville, in Brunswick county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Yellow Perch

Lake Burton 
Location: Near Chatham, in Pittsylvania county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, White Catfish and White Crappie

Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir) 
Location: Near Clarksville, in Mecklenburg county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, White Bass and White Perch

Lake Burke 
Location: Near Fairfax Station, in Fairfax county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Redear Sunfish , Walleye and Yellow Perch

Burnt Mills Reservoir 
Location: Near Norfolk, in Suffolk, sle of White county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Cave Mountain Lake 
Location: Near Roanoke, in Rockbridge county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Chandler's Mill Pond 
Location: Near Montross, in Westmoreland county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flier, Largemouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Redear Sunfish and Redfin Pickerel

Chesdin Reservoir 
Location: Near Matoaca, in Chesterfield, Dinwiddie county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Hybrid Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye and White Crappie

Chickahominy Lake 
Location: Near Lanexa, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin, Chain Pickerel, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Striped Bass

Chris Greene Reservoir 
Location: Near Charlottesville, in Albemarle county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie and Largemouth Bass

Claytor Lake 
Location: Near Dublin, in Pulaski county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Hybrid Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye and White Bass

Clearbrook Lake
Location:  Northeastern Frederick County, in the Town of Clearbrook Park.
Fish:  Trout  

Clifton Forge Reservoir 
Location: Near Clifton Forge, in Alleghany county, Virginia 
Fish: Brook Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Lake Cohoon 
Location: Near Suffolk, in Suffolk county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Walleye

Lake Conner 
Location: Near South Boston, in Halifax county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Catfish and Largemouth Bass  

Crump Park Lake
Location:  The park and the lake are on Courtney Road, northwest of Richmond at Glen Allen. From I-295 take Route 33 (Staples Mill Road) east and turn left on Mountain Road and watch for signs on the left.
Fish: Channel Catfish, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish  

Cumberland State Forest Lakes 
Location: Near Cumberland, in Cumberland county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass

Lake Curtis 
Location: Near Fredericksburg, in Stafford county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass

Deep Run Park Lakes   
Location:  Henrico County. half mile south of I-64, just west of the intersection of Gaskins Road (Rt. 157) and Ridgefield Parkway.
Fish: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Redear Sunfish  

Diascund Reservoir 
Location: Near Lanexa, in New Kent and James City county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Longnose Gar, Redear Sunfish , White Perch and Yellow Perch

Dorey Park Lake 
Location: Near Richmond, in Henrico county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Douthat Lake 
Location: Near Clifton Forge, in Bath county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Rainbow Trout

Echo Lake
Location: The northern part of Henrico County on Springfield Road (Rt. 157), approximately one mile west of Staples Mill Road (Rt. 33).
Fish:  Bass, bluegill, Channel Catfish and Redear Sunfish  

Lake Drummond 
Location: Near Suffolk, in Suffolk county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Chain Pickerel, Flier, Longnose Gar and Yellow Perch

Elkhorn Lake 
Location: Near Churchville, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed and Rainbow Trout

Emporia Reservoir 
Location: in Greensville county, Virginia 
Fish: Largemouth Bass, Longnose Gar and White Crappie

Fairfax Lake 
Location:  Fairfax County
Fish: Bluegills, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish and Crappies.  

Fairy Stone Lake 
Location: Near Stuart, in Patrick county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Flannagan Reservoir   
Location:  Dickenson County
Fish:  Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Hybrid Striped Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Rock Bass, Common Carp and Musky.

Fluvanna Ruritan 
Location: Near Cunningham, in Fluvanna county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill and Largemouth Bass

Fort Pickett Lakes 
Location: Near Blackstone, in Nottoway county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Common Carp and Largemouth Bass

Lake Frederick 
Location: Near Front Royal, in Frederick county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Redear Sunfish and Walleye

Gardy's Millpond 
Location: Near Callao, in Northumberland county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed and Redear Sunfish

Lake Gaston 
Location: in Mecklenburg and Brunswick county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Walleye and Yellow Perch

Gatewood Reservoir 
Location: Near Pulaski, in Pulaski county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass

Germantown Lake 
Location: Near Midland, in Fauquier county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass

Lake Gordon 
Location: Near South Hill, in Mecklenburg county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Yellow Perch

Lake Gordonsville (Bowler's Mill) 
Location: Near Louisa, in Louisa county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Pumpkinseed

Great Creek Watershed Lake 
Location: Near Lawrenceville, in Brunswick county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass

Harrison Lake 
Location: Near Charles City, in Charles City county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bowfin, Brown Bullhead, Chain Pickerel, Flier, Largemouth Bass and Warmouth

Harwood's Mill Reservoir 
Location: Near Newport News, in Warwick county, Virginia 
Fish: Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, White Perch and Yellow Perch

Hearthstone Lake 
Location: Near Stokesville, in Augusta county, Virginia 
Fish: Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout and Yellow Perch

Henrico County Parks Lakes 
Location: Near Richmond, in Henrico county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Hidden Valley Lake 
Location: Near Abington, in Washington county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Redbreast Sunfish, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye

Holliday Lake 
Location: Near Appomattox, in Appomattox county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass and Northern Pike

Hone Quarry 
Location: Near Bridgewater, in Rockingham county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rainbow Trout and Walleye

Horsepen Lake 
Location: in Buckingham county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Hungry Mother Lake 
Location: Near Marion, in Smyth county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Walleye

Lake Keokee 
Location: Near Keokee, in Lee county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Lake Kilby 
Location: Near Portsmouth, in James City county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass and Warmouth

Lakeview Reservoir 
Location: Near Chester, in Chesterfield county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish  

Lake Laura 
Location: Near Basye, in Shenandoah county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Pumpkinseed and Walleye

Laurel Bed Lake 
Location: Near Allison Gap, Virginia 
Fish: Brook Trout

Laurel Lake 
Location:  Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County
Fish:  Catfish (channel and flathead), Bass and Bluegill  

Lee Hall Reservoir 
Location: Near Newport News, in Warwick county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish , White Perch and Yellow Perch

Leesville Reservoir 
Location: Near Altavista, in Pittsylvania and Bedford county, Virginia 
Fish: Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye and White Bass

Little Creek Reservoir 
Location: Near Newport News, in 23601 county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Bowfin, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish , Striped Bass and Walleye

Locust Shade Park 
Location:  Prince William County park
Fish: Trout and Channel Catfish  

Lone Star Lakes 
Location: Near Suffolk, in Suffolk county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish , Striped Bass and White Perch

Lovill's Creek Lake 
Location: Near Cana, in Carroll county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Lake Manassas 
Location: Near Manassas, in Prince William county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye

Martinsville Reservoir 
Location: Near Martinsville, in Henry county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Redbreast Sunfish and Yellow Perch

Lake Maury 
Location: Near Newport News, in Warwick county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Largemouth Bass and White Perch

Lake Meade 
Location: Near Portsmouth, in James City county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed , Redear Sunfish and Striped Bass  

Mill Creek & Coles Run Reservoirs 
Location:  Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger District of the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Fish:  Brook Trout  

Mint Springs 
Location:  Albemarle Park located off Route 684, on Route 788 west of Crozet
Fish:  Largemouth Bass, Bluegill and Trout  

Lake Moomaw 
Location: Near Verona, in Bath county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed , Rainbow Trout, Redear Sunfish , Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Bullhead

Motts Run Reservoir 
Location: Near Fredericksburg, in Spotsylvania county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and White Perch

Mountain Run 
Location: Near Culpeper, in Culpeper county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Tiger Muskellunge

Lake Nelson 
Location: Near Arrington, in Nelson county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Ni Reservoir  
Location: Near Fredericksburg, in Spotsylvania county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Flier, Largemouth Bass and Walleye

Northeast Reservoir 
Location: Near Louisa, in Louisa county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish andRedear Sunfish

Northwest River Park Lake 
Location: Near Chesapeake, in Norfolk county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and White Perch

North Fork Pound Reservoir 
Location: Near Pound, in Wise county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie and Spotted Bass

Nottoway Lake
Location: Near Blackstone, in Nottoway county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Occoquan Reservoir 
Location: Near Alexandria, in Fairfax and Prince William county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and White Crappie

Lake Orange 
Location: Near Orange, in Orange county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleye

Pelham Reservoir 
Location: Near Culpeper, in Culpeper county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Pumpkinseed

Pete's Pond 
Location: Near Chatham, in Pittsylvania county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Catfish and Largemouth Bass

Phelps Pond 
Location: Near Remington, Virginia 
Fish: Largemouth Bass

Philpott Reservoir 
Location: Near Martinsville, in Patrick and Henry county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed , Rainbow Trout, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye

Powhatan Ponds 
Location: Near Powhatan, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Catfish, Crappie and Largemouth Bass

Powhatan Lakes  Closed 

Lake Prince 
Location: Near Suffolk, in Suffolk county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Striped Bass  

Prince Edward/Goodwin Lakes 
Location:  Twin Lake State Park
Fish:  Grass Carp, Sunfish, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, and Channel Catfish  

Quantico MCB Ponds & Lakes 
Location:  Quantico MCB
Fish:   Walleye and Bullheads  

Ragged Mountain Reservoirs 
Location:  Charlottesville
Fish:  Largemouth Bass and Bluegill  

Rivanna Reservoir 
Location: Near Charlottesville, in Albermarle county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed and Redear Sunfish

Lake Robertson 
Location: Near Lexington, in Rockbridge county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill and Catfish

Rural Retreat Lake 
Location: Near Wytheville, in Wythe county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie and Northern Pike

Sandy Bottom Park Pond 
Location:  City of Hampton
Fish:  Largemouth Bass, Bluegill. Channel Catfish, Black Crappie, Warmouth and Pumpkinseed  

Sandy River Reservoir 
Location: Near Farmville, in Prince Edward county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redear Sunfish and Walleye

Sherando Lakes 
Location:  George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Fish: largemouth bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Channel Catfish

Lake Shenandoah 
Location: Near Harrisonburg, in Rockingham county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Muskie

Shields Lake 
Location:  Byrd Park,  located on Boulevard Avenue in downtown Richmond.
Fish:  Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Green Sunfish, Yellow Perch, and Brown Bullheads.  

Silver Lake 
Location:  City of Harrisonburg
Fish:  Trout, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish and Carp  

Skidmore Reservoir 
Location: Near Harrisonburg, in Rockingham county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Brook Trout, Brown Bullhead, Largemouth Bass, Pumpkinseed and Rock Bass  

Slate Lick Lake 
Location:  George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in western Rockingham County.
Fish:  Brook Trout, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish and Channel Catfish  

Slate River Impoundment 
Location:  Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest
Fish:  Being stocked with Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Bluegill in 2007  

Lake Smith 
Location:  Across Northampton Boulevard From The Little Creek Side Of Lake Whitehurst,
Fish: Largemouth Bass, White Catfish, Crappie, White Perch, Bluegill, and Flathead Catfish

Smith Mountain Lake 
Location: Near Roanoke, in Bedford and Franklin county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass, Striped Bass and Walleye

South Holston Reservoir 
Location: Near Abingdon, in Washington county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Common Carp, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye

Speight's Run 
Location: Near Suffolk, in Suffolk county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Stonehouse Lake 
Location:  Blue Ridge Mountains of Amherst County
Fish:  Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Black Crappie.

Staunton Run 
Location:  Staunton Dam is in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests on Forest Development Road (FDR) 95B off FDR 95 between Elkhorn Lake and Todd Lake.
Fish:  Largemouth And Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Redbreast And Green Sunfish, Rock Bass, And Channel Catfish, Northern Pike and a few Muskellunge

Strasburg Reservoir 
Location: Near Strasburg, in Shenandoah county, Virginia 
Fish: Brook Trout

Sugar Hollow 
Location:  Moormans River in Albemarle County
Fish: Rainbow and Brook Trout  

Swan Lake 
Location:  Byrd Park, City of Richmond
Fish: Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Yellow Perch, and Brown Bullheads.

Swift Creek Lake
Location: Near Chester, in Chesterfield county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Lake Tams 
Location:  Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton
Fish:  Blue Gill, Grass Carp, Channel Catfish and Trout

Three Lakes Park 
Location: Northeastern Portion of Henrico County
Fish: Bass and Grass Carp

Lake Thompson 
Location: Near Markham, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Brown Trout, Catfish, Rainbow Trout and Smallmouth Bass

Thrasher Lake 
Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of Amherst County 
Fish: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, and Black Crappie

Tomahawk Pond 
Location: Shenandoah County in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
Fish:  Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Trout ,Channel Catfish and Grass Carp

Trashmore Lake 
Location: Near Virginia Beach, in Princess Anne county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass and White Perch

Totier Creek Reservoir 
Location: Near Scottsville, in Albemarle county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Waller Mill Reservoir 
Location: Near Williamsburg, in York county, Virginia 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Common Carp, Largemouth Bass, Striped Bass and White Perch

Walnut Creek 
Location: Near Charlottesville, in Albemarle county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass and Redear Sunfish

Western Branch Reservoir 
Location: City of Norfolk 
Fish:  White & Yellow Perch, Stripers, Largemouth bass and Redear sunfish or shell crackers

Wilkins Lake
Location: City of Winchester
Fish:  Trout Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Crappie, and Catfish.

Lake Witten
Location: Tazewell County
Fish: Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegills, Crappie, and Channel Catfish

Lake Whitehurst
Location: Rt. 13 Near Virginia Beach
Fish:  Walleye, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, White Perch, Redear Sunfish and Flathead Catfish

Woodstock Pond  Location: Near Williamsburg, in York county, Virginia 
Fish: Bluegill and Largemouth Bass

Rivers & Streams: 

Appomattox River 
Fish:Black Crappie, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Flier, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass and Walleye

Big Tumbling Creek (Clinch Fee Fishing Area) 
Fish:Trout

Blackwater River
 Fish: Alligator Gar, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Bowfin, Chain Pickerel, Flier, Largemouth Bass and Striped Bass

Chesapeake Bay
Fish: American Eel, American Shad, Atlantic Croaker, Atlantic Sturgeon, Black Drum, Black Sea Bass, Bluefish, King Mackerel, Pumpkinseed , Redfish, Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass and Summer Flounder

Chickahominy River 
Fish: Black Crappie, Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Chain Pickerel, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Longnose Gar, White Perch and Yellow Perch

Cowpasture River 
Fish: Muskie, Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass

Clinch River 
Fish: Black Crappie, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Spotted Bass, Striped Bass, Walleye and White Bass

Dan River 
Fish:  Brook Trout and Striped Bass.

Holston River - Middle Fork 
Fish: Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and White Bass

Holston River - North Fork 
Fish: Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye and White Bass

Holston River - South Fork 
Fish: Brown Trout, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye andWhite Bass

Jackson River 
Fish: Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass and Smallmouth Bass

James River - Upper 
Fish: Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Striped Bass

James River - Lower 
Fish: Blue Catfish, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass andStriped Bass

Mattaponi River 
Fish: Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Striped Bass, White Catfish and Yellow Perch

Maury River 
Fish: Brook Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Sunfish, Carp, Catfish, Suckers, Bluegills and Largemouth Bass

Meherrin River 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye

New River 
Fish: Largemouth Bass, Muskie, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye

North Landing and Northwest Rivers  (Tidewater area of Virginia) 
Fish: White Perch, White catfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Redear Sunfish (shellcrackers), Black Crappie and Chain Pickerel

Nottoway River 
Fish: Black Crappie, Bluegill, Redbreast Sunfish, Redear Sunfish , Smallmouth Bass and Walleye  

Occoquan River 
Fish: White Perch, Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Yellow Perch, Flathead Catfish, and Channel Catfish, Herring and Shad

Pamunkey River 
Fish: Channel Catfish and White Perch

Dragon Run / Piankatank River
Fish:  Largemouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Warmouth Shad, Striped Bass, Chain pickerel, Warmouth Sunfish, Bowfin,  White Catfish, American Shad, Hickory Shad, River Herring (actually two species, alewife and blueback herring) and Striped Bass. White and Yellow Perch  The Piankatank, is a transition zone from a primarily saltwater fish assemblage represented by Croaker, Flounder, Spotted Trout, Spot, as well as other species typical of the Chesapeake Bay to a freshwater assemblage represented by Channel and White Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, and Sunfish.

Pound River 
Fish:  Spotted Trout

Powell River 
Fish:  Redbreast Sunfish, Rock Bass And Smallmouth Bass. Anglers May Also Catch A Few Spotted Bass, Channel Catfish and Muskie.

Rappahannock River 
Fish: Blue Catfish, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch

Shenandoah River - Mainstem 
Fish: Largemouth Bass, Rock Bass and Smallmouth Bass

Shenandoah River - North Fork 
Fish:   Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, Fallfish, Musky, American Eel, White Sucker, Northern Hogsucker, Common Carp, Crappie, Yellow Bullhead and Channel Catfish

Shenandoah River - South Fork 
Fish:  Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Redbreast Sunfish, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, Rock Bass Or "Red-Eye", Both Black and White Crappie, Muskellunge (Musky), American Eel, White Sucker, Margined Madtom, Northern Hogsucker, Common Carp, Fallfish, Yellow Bullhead, Brown Bullhead, and Redhorse

St. Marys River 
Fish:  Brook Trout 

Whitetop Laurel Creek 
Fish:  Brown Trout

Fishing fills a multitude of needs.  It satisfies the belly, strenghtens the spirit and quiets the soul.  Share the experience, take a friend fishing.  Create a memory for a young person and a blessing for yourself.