Virginia offers diverse fishing opportunities ranging from the world-class saltwater action of the Chesapeake Bay to the pristine trout streams of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The state is renowned for its trophy blue catfish in the James River, record-breaking largemouth bass in its large reservoirs, and seasonal migrations of cobia and striped bass along the coast.
Buy a Fishing License
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Fishing Regulations
Current season guide
Species & Seasons
Largemouth Bass
Open year-round in most waters; peak fishing occurs during the spring spawn from March through May with a general statewide limit of 5 per day.
Blue Catfish
No closed season; Virginia is a premier destination for trophy blue cats particularly in the James and Rappahannock rivers where fish often exceed 50 pounds.
Striped Bass (Chesapeake Bay)
Managed by VMRC with specific spring and fall seasons; typically features a slot limit between 19 and 24 inches to protect the spawning biomass.
Cobia
Typically open from June 15 through September 15; limited to 1 fish per person with a 40-inch minimum total length.
Brook Trout
Virginia's only native trout; best fished in high-elevation mountain streams within the Shenandoah National Park during the spring and fall.
Smallmouth Bass
Prime fishing in the Shenandoah, James, and New Rivers from April through October; known for aggressive strikes and high energy.
Red Drum
Available in the saltier reaches of the Bay and coastal waters; managed with a 18-26 inch slot limit and a 3-fish daily bag limit.
Black Crappie
Year-round season with peak activity in early spring; Buggs Island Lake is famously known for high-volume crappie catches.
Top Waters
Smith Mountain Lake
A massive reservoir famous for its deep-water striped bass and competitive largemouth bass tournaments.
Buggs Island Lake (John H. Kerr)
Renowned as one of the best spots in the country for both crappie and heavy-hitting blue catfish.
James River
Offers world-class smallmouth bass fishing in the upper reaches and trophy blue catfish in the tidal sections near Richmond.
Chesapeake Bay
The ultimate destination for striped bass, cobia, Spanish mackerel, and red drum during their seasonal migrations.
Shenandoah River
A premier destination for float-fishing trips targeting smallmouth bass and sunfish amidst scenic mountain views.
Lake Anna
A popular power plant cooling lake that stays warm year-round, providing excellent winter bass and crappie fishing.
New River
Known for producing citation-sized smallmouth bass and musky in its ancient, rocky riverbed.
Chickahominy Lake
A cypress-filled coastal lake famous for its high density of largemouth bass and chain pickerel.
Local Charters, Bait Shops & More
Support Virginia's local fishing businesses — guides, tackle shops, marinas, fly shops, and more.
Tideline Charters
Charter/GuideVirginia Beach, VA
Specializes in light tackle inshore and nearshore fishing trips for red drum, cobia, and trout.
Fin Seeker Sportfishing
Charter/GuideVirginia Beach, VA
Offers professional offshore charters targeting tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi from Rudee Inlet.
Four Seasons Guide Service
Charter/GuideMineral, VA
Specializes in year-round guided fishing trips on Lake Anna for striped bass and largemouth bass.
New River Fly Fishing
Charter/GuideRadford, VA
Expert guided float trips for smallmouth bass and musky on the scenic New River.
Greentop Sporting Goods
Bait & Tackle ShopGlen Allen, VA
An iconic Virginia retailer providing a massive selection of gear for freshwater and saltwater anglers since 1947.
Oceans East Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopVirginia Beach, VA
Comprehensive shop catering to offshore, inshore, and surf anglers with expert local advice.
Wallace's Bait & Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopHampton, VA
A local staple providing fresh bait, tackle, and fuel for anglers heading into the lower Chesapeake Bay.
Bishop's Fishing Supply
Bait & Tackle ShopYorktown, VA
Expert local tackle shop providing custom lures and gear specifically for the York River and Chesapeake Bay.
Chris's Bait and Tackle
Bait & Tackle ShopTownsend, VA
The primary stop for Eastern Shore anglers targeting flounder, drum, and seaside species.
Deltaville Marina
MarinaDeltaville, VA
Located on Jackson Creek, this marina offers full amenities and easy access to the Bay's best fishing grounds.
Kingsmill Marina
MarinaWilliamsburg, VA
Provides boat slips, rentals, and fuel on the historic James River within the Kingsmill Resort.
Anna Point Marina
MarinaMineral, VA
A premier Lake Anna facility offering boat sales, service, rentals, and a well-stocked tackle shop.
Lynnhaven Marine
MarinaVirginia Beach, VA
A large-scale marina offering boat storage, sales, and quick access to the Lynnhaven Inlet and Atlantic Ocean.
York River Yacht Haven
MarinaGloucester Point, VA
A full-service marina located at the mouth of the York River offering slips and transient amenities.
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
Fly ShopHarrisonburg, VA
A full-service fly shop and guide service specializing in Shenandoah Valley trout and bass.
Murray's Fly Shop
Fly ShopEdinburg, VA
Expert fly fishing shop offering specialized schools, equipment, and guided trips on the Shenandoah River.
Virginia Creeper Fly Shop
Fly ShopAbingdon, VA
Providing high-quality fly fishing gear and guided trips for the tailwaters of Southwest Virginia.
Angler's Lane
Fly ShopLynchburg, VA
Orvis-endorsed fly shop and outfitter serving the James River and surrounding mountain streams.
Ed's Marine Superstore
Boat DealerAshland, VA
Offers one of the largest inventories of fishing boats, outboards, and trailers in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Norfolk Marine Company
Boat DealerNorfolk, VA
Family-owned marine dealership providing sales and service for top-tier fishing boat brands.
Prince William Marine
Boat DealerWoodbridge, VA
A full-service marina and boat dealership serving the Northern Virginia and Potomac River boating community.
Richmond Marine Center
Boat DealerQuinton, VA
Specializes in bass boats and tournament-ready fishing vessels with a dedicated service department.
Southeastern Marine
Boat DealerRichmond, VA
Providing Virginia boaters with quality fishing boat sales and outboard motor service since 1972.
Hacker Custom Rods
Rod BuilderRoanoke, VA
Crafts high-performance custom fishing rods tailored to specific species and angler preferences.
Knot-Line Custom Rods
Rod BuilderGloucester, VA
Hand-built custom fishing rods designed for durability and precision in saltwater environments.
High Rock Custom Rods
Rod BuilderLynchburg, VA
Offers premium custom rod building and repair services for freshwater and saltwater applications.
Toms Custom Rods
Rod BuilderBena, VA
Specializes in building high-end, personalized saltwater fishing rods for the Chesapeake Bay angler.
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Resource details are gathered from public sources and may change. Always confirm licenses, limits, and season dates with the official state agency before you fish.