FISHING IN VIRGINIA
Virginia has more than 2,800 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs. Tackle bass and sunfish and many other species in one of their public fishing lakes. Visit one of their many scenic rivers for fantastic smallmouth fishing or cast for a monster catfish. Virginia currently holds the IGFA World Record blue catfish caught in Bugg’s Island Lake.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN VIRGINIA
LAKE ANNA STATE PARK
BEAR CREEK LAKE STATE PARK
CLAYTOR LAKE STATE PARK
GET A VIRGINIA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN VIRGINIA
SPANISH MACKEREL
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Spanish mackerel are a good food fish and although they are considered large at 10 lb. (4.53 kg) some record specimens will grow to more that twice that size.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 8-foot light-medium power, moderate-fast action spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 6-12 pound test line with a 30-to-60 pound test line leader (sharp teeth) |
| Lure | Scaled Sardines, Cut Squid Belly,Frozen Chunk Bait, Strip Bait, Spoons |
REDBREAST SUNFISH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The redbreast sunfish is an excellent panfish and a scrappy fighter.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 12-13 foot ultra-light spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | Lightweight 4-pound test line |
| Lure | Worms, Minnows Spinners, Spoons, Plugs, Artificial Flies, Popping Bugs (use a small float and small hook) |
CHAIN PICKEREL
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
All members of the genus Esox look very much alike. The chain pickerel can be recognized by its markings.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7-foot light to medium weight spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 6-10 pound test fishing line |
| Lure | Minnows, Spoonds, Diving Crankbaits, Jigs, Wobblers, Prop Lures, Poppers |
YELLOW PERCH
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The yellow perch, unlike the so-called white perch, Morone americana, is a true perch, not a bass.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-foot, fast-action spinning rod |
| Reel | Small spinning reel |
| Line | 4-pound test line |
| Lure | #2-#6 hook, Most commonly used bait are worms, Rubber jig, Small Spinners |
TAUTOG
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The tog is a member of the wrasse family which, with 450 species in 60 known genera, is one of the largest families of fishes.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 7-8 foot medium-fast action spinning rod |
| Reel | 6000 spinning reel |
| Line | 50-80 pound test braided line knotted to an 4-5 foot topshot of 80-pound fluorocarbon leader |
| Lure | Hermit crabs, blue-claw crabs, white-legger crabs, green crabs, fiddler crabs. Size 5/0 to 7/0 Octopus hook. |
YELLOWFIN TUNA
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
The yellowfin tuna is highly esteemed both as a sport fish and as table fare.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-7 foot graphite and fiberglass rod |
| Reel | 20000 or 6500 spinning reel |
| Line | 80-pound braid and a 4-foot, 80-pound fluoro leader |
| Lure | 9/0 to 12/0 Hooks, Soft Plastics (3-4 inches), Live Shrimp |
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
