FishKillFlea From the towering blue-hued peaks of the Appalachians to the salt marsh barrier islands of the Eastern Shore, a $39 Combo VA fishing license unlocks a staggering variety of environments.
The Tidal Systems (Saltwater/Brackish)
| Spot | Region | Species | Why Famous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel | VA Beach | Striped Bass, Cobia | One of the greatest man-made fish reefs on Earth |
| Potomac River (Tidal) | Northern VA | Bass, Snakehead, Stripers | World-famous largemouth tournaments near DC |
| James River (Lower) | Richmond/Norfolk | Catfish, Croaker | Produces massive blue catfish nearing 100 lbs |
Inland Reservoirs (Freshwater)
| Water | Region | Species | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buggs Island (Kerr Lake) | Southern VA | Crappie, Blue Catfish | Produced the 143 lb World Record Blue Catfish! |
| Smith Mountain Lake | Roanoke | Striped Bass, Bass | Incredible, deep, clear-water striper trolling |
| Lake Anna | Central VA | Largemouth, Wipers | Features a "hot side" warmed by the power plant (year-round fishing) |
Appalachian Rivers (Requires Trout/Freshwater)
| Water | Region | Species | Why Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shenandoah River | Shenandoah Valley | Smallmouth Bass | Perhaps the best floating smallmouth river in the East |
| Jackson River | Alleghany Highlands | Brown & Rainbow Trout | Beautiful wild and stocked trout tailwater |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Best Targets | Prime Spots | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Trout Stocking, Bass | Jackson River, Lake Anna | Opening weeks of trout stocking in mountain streams are legendary |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Cobia, Smallmouth | Chesapeake Bay, Shenandoah | Sight-casting to giant Cobia on the Bay |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Stripers (Rockfish) | Lower Chesapeake | The fall massive striper run provides the best eating of the year |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Blue Catfish | James & Tidal Rivers | Cold water concentrates the giant 50lb+ blue cats in deep holes |
Neighboring: Maryland for Potomac reciprocity, North Carolina for Buggs Island overlap, West Virginia for mountain trout.
An VA annual license is $23. See full costs or buy yours.