Virginia is a haven for freshwater fishing, with its scenic beauty and the abundance of lakes teeming with a variety of fish species. From the tranquil waters of the Blue Ridge Mountains to the bustling shoreline of Virginia Beach, this state offers incredible fishing opportunities. If you are considering a fishing trip, here are the ten best lakes in Virginia.
10 Best Fishing Lakes in Virginia
1. Lake Chesdin
Lake Chesdin is a much-loved spot among fishing enthusiasts, offering a 3,100-acre freshwater lake brimming with various fish species.
Nestled in the lush landscapes of northern Virginia, the lake is a prime location for catching largemouth and smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and black crappie.
The lake offers several noteworthy fishing locations where anglers can find success. One such place is near the Lake Chesdin Campground, renowned for its plentiful bass population.
Another popular spot is the area surrounding Whippoorwill Marina, which is often bustling with channel catfish.
Best fishing spots on Lake Chesdin:
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Lake Chesdin Campground | Largemouth bass, Smallmouth bass |
| Whippoorwill Marina | Channel catfish, Black crappie |
Marinas on Lake Chesdin:
- Lake Chesdin Campground and Marina: Offers camping spots, a fishing pier, and picnic areas alongside boating facilities.
- Whippoorwill Marina: A full-service marina with boat storage, a boat ramp, and a tackle shop stocked with fishing gear. Boat rentals are also available.
2. Smith Mountain Lake
Smith Mountain Lake is Virginia’s second-largest lake and one of the state’s most popular fishing destinations. With an expansive 20,000 acres of water and a sprawling 500 miles of shoreline, it provides ample opportunities for anglers to enjoy a day out on the water.
The lake is particularly well-known for its largemouth bass and striped bass fishing, with plentiful populations. Prime fishing spots are scattered across the lake, with prosperous fishing grounds near Smith Mountain Lake State Park and at the base of Smith Mountain itself.
Best fishing spots on Smith Mountain Lake
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Smith Mountain Lake State Park | Largemouth bass, Striped bass |
| Smith Mountain Base | Largemouth bass, Striped bass |
Marinas on Smith Mountain Lake:
- Bridgewater Marina: Offers boat rentals, fishing gear, and has several restaurants nearby.
- Crazy Horse Marina: Provides boat rentals, a tackle shop, and a picnic area.
- Mitchell’s Point Marina & RV Resort: Offers boat rentals, RV camping spots, and a fishing pier.
- Gills Creek Marina: Provides boat storage, a fuel dock, and a convenience store.
3. Lake Moomaw
Lake Moomaw, a serene 2,530-acre lake nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, offers some of the finest trout fishing in Virginia. Its clean, clear waters teem with brown trout and rainbow trout, a major draw for anglers from far and wide.
Popular fishing spots at Lake Moomaw are often located near inflow streams and deep lake sections where the water stays cooler.
For example, the area near Cole’s Point is known for its deep water and steady trout populations. Also, the vicinity of the Fortney Branch is a favored spot due to the consistent stream inflow, which attracts trout.
Best fishing spots on Lake Moomaw
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Cole’s Point | Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout |
| Fortney Branch | Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout |
Marinas and boat launches at Lake Moomaw
- Lake Moomaw Marina: Offers boat rentals, a tackle shop, and fishing gear.
- Fortney Branch Boat Launch: A popular launch point with ample parking space.
- Cole’s Point Boat Launch: Another well-maintained boat launch with convenient access to prime fishing spots.
4. Lake Anna
Situated in Central Virginia, Lake Anna is one of the largest freshwater lakes in the state. Adjacent to Lake Anna State Park, this destination is renowned for its blend of recreational activities, including water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing.
The warm waters of Lake Anna are home to an array of fish species, with anglers frequently landing sizable largemouth bass and blue catfish. The lake offers several notable fishing spots, like the waters near Jett Island and the deeper sections around Rose Valley Island.
Best fishing spots on Lake Anna
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Jett Island | Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish |
| Rose Valley Island | Largemouth Bass, Blue Catfish |
Marinas on Lake Anna
- Lake Anna Marina: Features boat rentals, fishing gear, and a variety of dining options nearby.
- Sturgeon Creek Marina: Offers boat rentals, a fully-stocked tackle shop, and a designated picnic area.
- Duke’s Creek Marina: Provides boat storage, a fuel dock, and a convenience store for all your boating needs.
5. Kerr Lake
Kerr Lake, or the John H. Kerr Reservoir, is the largest lake in Virginia, straddling the border between Virginia and North Carolina.
The lake boasts 850 miles of wooded shoreline teeming with an abundant population of largemouth bass, white bass, and channel catfish.
Kerr Lake is dotted with numerous productive fishing spots. Nutbush Creek is renowned for its robust largemouth bass population, while the waters around the Ivy Hill area are favored for white bass.
Best fishing spots on Kerr Lake
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Nutbush Creek | Largemouth Bass |
| Ivy Hill Area | White Bass, Channel Catfish |
Marinas on Kerr Lake:
- Clarksville Marina: Offers boat rentals, fishing gear, and a restaurant.
- Steele’s Creek Marina: Provides boat storage, a tackle shop, and a fuel dock.
- North Bend Park: Features a public boat ramp, picnic areas, and camping spots.
6. Claytor Lake
Claytor Lake, nestled within the stunning scenery of Claytor Lake State Park in southwestern Virginia, is a favored destination for anglers and families. Known for its thriving smallmouth and black bass populations, the lake promises an exciting fishing adventure.
Several locations around the lake are top-rated among anglers. The coves near the Claytor Lake State Park are often bustling with smallmouth bass, while the waters around the Allisonia Boat Launch yield a good catch of black bass.
Best fishing spots on Claytor Lake
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Claytor Lake State Park | Smallmouth Bass |
| Allisonia Boat Launch | Black Bass |
Marinas on Claytor Lake
- Claytor Lake State Park: Offers boat rentals, a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.
- Lighthouse Bridge Marina: Provides boat storage, a tackle shop, and a fuel dock.
- Rock House Marina: Offers boat rentals, fishing gear, a restaurant, and a picnic area.
7. South Holston Lake
South Holston Lake, a beautiful 7,580-acre lake tucked away in the Appalachian Mountains and stretching into North Carolina, is a popular destination for bass fishing.
The lake’s waters are well-stocked with largemouth and smallmouth bass, promising a fruitful fishing experience against a backdrop of picturesque scenery.
Several areas in South Holston Lake are noted for their high bass yields. The waters near Washington County Park are teeming with largemouth bass, while the deeper sections around the South Holston Dam often yield good catches of smallmouth bass.
Best fishing spots on South Holston Lake
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Washington County Park | Largemouth Bass |
| South Holston Dam | Smallmouth Bass |
Marinas on South Holston Lake:
- Lake View Dock: Offers boat rentals, a full-service marina, and a bait shop.
- Friendship Resort & Marina: A boat ramp, fuel dock, and camping areas are provided.
- Observation Knob Park: Features boat rentals, picnic areas, and camping spots.
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8. Lake Gaston
Lake Gaston, straddling the border between Virginia and North Carolina, is a popular fishing destination recognized for its thriving populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and blue catfish.
The lake is beloved among fishing enthusiasts and water sports lovers with its pristine waters and ample boating opportunities.
Several locations around Lake Gaston are hotspots for fishing. The waters near Eaton Ferry Bridge are renowned for largemouth bass, while the regions near Holly Grove Marina are frequented by those fishing for channel and blue catfish.
Best fishing spots on Lake Gaston
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Eaton Ferry Bridge | Largemouth Bass |
| Holly Grove Marina | Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish |
Marinas around Lake Gaston:
- Morningstar Marina at Eaton Ferry: Offers boat rentals, fishing gear, and a full-service marina.
- Stonehouse Timber Lodge Marina: Provides boat storage, a tackle shop, and a fuel dock.
- Holly Grove Marina: Features a boat ramp, bait and tackle shop, and camping areas.
9. Philpott Lake
Philpott Lake, a gem nestled within the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, is revered by anglers for its thriving largemouth and smallmouth bass populations.
The lake’s tranquil waters are also a popular spot for fly fishing, promising an enriching experience against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.
Several locations around Philpott Lake are particularly noted for their excellent fishing yields. The waters near the dam are often bustling with largemouth bass, while the stretches around Twin Ridge Recreation Area are ideal for catching smallmouth bass.
Best fishing spots on Philpott Lake
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Near the Dam | Largemouth Bass |
| Twin Ridge Recreation Area | Smallmouth Bass |
Marinas Around Philpott Lake:
- Philpott Marina: Offers boat rentals, a fuel dock, and fishing gear.
- Twin Ridge Recreation Area: Provides picnic areas, nature trails, and a boat ramp.
- Horseshoe Point Recreation Area: Features camping spots, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
10. Swift Creek Reservoir
Swift Creek Reservoir, located in northern Virginia, is a popular destination for anglers in and around the northern part of the state. Its waters teem with various fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie, promising a fruitful fishing expedition.
The reservoir has several well-regarded fishing spots. The waters near the dam are famous for yielding large catches of largemouth bass, while the regions close to the Falling Creek tributary are preferred for bluegill and crappie fishing.
Best fishing spots at Swift Creek Reservoir
| Best Fishing Spots | Notable Species |
|---|---|
| Near the Dam | Largemouth Bass |
| Falling Creek Tributary | Bluegill, Crappie |
Marinas around Swift Creek Reservoir:
- Swift Creek Marina: Offers boat rentals, fishing gear, and a full-service marina.
- Reservoir Park: Provides a boat ramp, picnic areas, and nature trails.
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Fishing Regulations in Virginia
Virginia’s fishing regulations are set by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and aim to promote the responsible and sustainable enjoyment of the state’s abundant fishing resources. Here are some key regulations to keep in mind while planning a fishing trip in Virginia:
1. Fishing License: Every angler aged 16 and above is required to have a valid fishing license. The type of license required depends on the type of fishing (freshwater, saltwater, or both) and whether you’re a resident of Virginia or an out-of-state visitor. Licenses can be purchased online through the DGIF website, at local DGIF offices, or at licensed agents such as tackle shops.
2. Creel and Size Limits: Virginia imposes daily limits on the number of fish an angler can keep (creel limit) and the minimum length a fish must be before it can be kept (size limit). These limits vary depending on the species and location. For example, the creel limit for largemouth and smallmouth bass is five in aggregate, with a minimum size limit of 15 inches in most waters.
3. Seasons and Times: Some species of fish can only be caught during certain times of the year to allow for spawning and population growth. Always check the DGIF website for the most current regulations regarding seasons and times.
4. Bait Regulations: Certain types of bait are prohibited in specific bodies of water to prevent the spread of invasive species. Before using live or cut bait, you must check the specific regulations for the water body where you’re fishing.
5. Trout License: Anglers targeting trout in Virginia’s designated trout waters need to have a trout license in addition to their regular fishing license. This rule applies during trout season, typically from October 1st through June 15th.
6. Boat Registration: If you’re using your boat, you must ensure it is appropriately registered with the DGIF. Boat registration can be done online, at a DGIF office, or by mail.
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Conclusion – Best Fishing Lakes in Virginia
As you can see, there are many great lakes to take the family on a fishing trip in Virginia. Along with the lakes, there are many places to visit and stay in the Old Dominion State.
If you have fished in Virginia, we would love to hear from you in the comments below. Until next time Happy Fishing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are some of the best fishing lakes in Virginia?
Virginia is a hub for fishing enthusiasts, with diverse lakes. Top-rated fishing lakes include Smith Mountain Lake, Lake Anna, Burke Lake, Claytor Lake, and Lake Moomaw. Each of these lakes has its unique species and offers a distinct fishing experience.
What types of fish can I catch at Smith Mountain Lake?
Smith Mountain Lake is renowned for its striped bass, but you can also expect to find species like Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, Crappie, Catfish, and various sunfish.
Can I night fish at Lake Anna?
Yes, night fishing is allowed at Lake Anna. It’s a popular destination for night fishing, especially for those targeting striped bass.
What is the largest fish ever caught in Virginia?
The largest fish ever caught in Virginia is a bluefin tuna. The record stands at 573 lbs and was caught off Virginia Beach’s coast. However, if you’re talking about freshwater catches, a 143 lbs blue catfish caught in Buggs Island Lake holds the record.
Are there any special fishing regulations I should know in Virginia?
Virginia has specific fishing regulations depending on the type of fish, the season, and the location. It is always recommended to check the most up-to-date fishing rules and regulations from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before fishing.
Do I need a fishing license to fish in Virginia lakes?
A fishing license is required to fish in Virginia’s public waters. You can purchase a fishing license online, from an approved license agent, or at Department of Wildlife Resources offices.
Are there any boat rentals available on Burke Lake for fishing?
Burke Lake Park offers boat rentals, including rowboats, canoes, and pedal boats. Please note that availability may vary based on season and demand.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Virginia?
A8: Fishing in Virginia can be successful all year round, but the best time often depends on the type of fish you’re targeting. For example, spring and fall are generally the best times for largemouth bass, while winter is good for catching striped bass.
Can I fly fish in Claytor Lake?
Yes, Claytor Lake supports fly fishing. It’s mainly known for its largemouth bass and hybrid striped bass populations. However, fly fishing in a lake environment may require different techniques and flies than river or stream fly fishing.
Are fishing guides available for Lake Moomaw?
Yes, there are fishing guide services available for Lake Moomaw. These professionals can provide a beneficial experience for beginners and experienced anglers, offering knowledge about the best fishing spots, bait, and techniques for the lake’s species.
Cory Haasnoot
Cory is a content writer-editor and founder of Tackle Box Talk. Favorite Quote: "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime."