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Virginia · Fishing
Virginia packs a surprising range of fishing into one state. In the southwest, tailwaters below Claytor Lake Dam on the New River and the Clinch River near Cleveland both hold rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass at elevations
200 spots9 townsUpdated dailyFree to access
View on mapFishing · 200 spots
Virginia packs a surprising range of fishing into one state. In the southwest, tailwaters below Claytor Lake Dam on the New River and the Clinch River near Cleveland both hold rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass at elevations around 1,580 to 1,880 feet, where cooler water temperatures hold through summer longer than most lowland streams. The Shenandoah Valley offers a different pace: Passage Creek in the Elizabeth Furnace area runs easy enough for beginners and carries all three native trout species — rainbow, brown, and brook — in a shaded creek setting at 900 feet. East of the Blue Ridge, the fishing shifts to warmwater. Ponds like Byers Millpond near Powhatan, Drumwright Pond near Wakefield, and Philpott Park near Bassett are typical of the Piedmont and coastal plain, where largemouth bass and panfish dominate. Down on the coast and tidal rivers, spots like Scopus Marsh near Virginia Beach and Rudds Creek Recreation Area near Boydton open up options for brackish and reservoir fishing. With 206 active listings across the state, Virginia rewards anglers who match the water type to the season rather than chasing a single destination.
The New River below Claytor Lake Dam near Dublin and the Clinch River near Cleveland both hold rainbow trout, brown trout, and smallmouth bass. Both are rated moderate difficulty, so you'll want some experience reading moving water and mending a fly line, but neither requires expert-level skills to fish productively.
Yes, a Virginia freshwater fishing license is required for residents and non-residents alike. Trout streams and designated stocked waters often carry additional requirements, including a Virginia Freshwater Fishing License with a Trout License. Check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources regulations for the specific water body before you go, since rules on bait, catch limits, and catch-and-release sections vary by location.
Picketts Creek Reservoir
~10 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Lake Anna - Public Side Access
~49 min drive
Easy
Trice Lake
~11 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Licking Hole Farm Pond
~12 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Fairfield Pond
~15 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Bolling Hall Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Fairfield Pond
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
McIver Lake
~16 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
New Ash Pond
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
New Ash Pond
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Harris Pond
~17 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Lake Dillon
~24 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
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Spring and fall are the most productive windows for the rainbow, brown, and brook trout at Passage Creek. Water levels are typically higher and temperatures more favorable for trout activity in April and May, and again from late September through November. Midsummer can push water temperatures up in shallow creek sections, so early morning fishing is worth the effort if you visit in July or August.
Passage Creek near Fort Valley is listed as easy difficulty and is a reasonable starting point for newer fly fishers. The many pond and lake listings across the state, including spots like Johnsons Pond near Disputanta, Mayes Pond near Jarratt, and Lake Kingman near Portsmouth, are generally more forgiving for beginners using spinning gear and live or artificial bait.
A 9-foot, 5-weight fly rod covers most situations on the New River tailwater near Dublin and the Clinch River near Cleveland. Both waters hold smallmouth bass in addition to trout, so having a selection of streamers alongside standard nymph rigs gives you more options. Waders and felt or rubber-soled wading boots are practical on both rivers given the moderate current and rocky substrate.
