Greatest Instances & Seasons to Fish in Virginia (Full Information)

Virginia presents a number of the finest fishing within the states. Understanding the very best seasons and instances to fish can tremendously influence your success.

The most effective instances to fish in Virginia are early morning and late night. Summer season and fall are the very best months for many species in Virginia.

On this article, we are going to focus on the very best instances and seasons to fish in Virginia. We can even speak about the place a number of the finest fishing within the state is on a month-by-month foundation.

Greatest Instances: Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Virginia

Smith Mountain Lake (January): Goal striped bass and crappie in the course of the winter months.

Rappahannock River (February): Catch trophy-sized smallmouth bass and walleye as winter transitions to spring.

Chesapeake Bay (Jap Shore) (March): Pursue trophy-sized striped bass (rockfish) as spring arrives.

James River (Scottsville) (April): Fish for smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish in the course of the early spring.

New River (Could): Get pleasure from the great thing about the New River whereas concentrating on smallmouth bass and musky.

Lake Anna (June): Reel in largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish in the course of the summer time months.

Shenandoah River (July): Keep cool and catch smallmouth bass, sunfish, and rock bass.

Occoquan Reservoir (August): Fish for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie in the course of the sizzling summer time season.

Chickahominy River (September): Discover this river for smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and catfish.

Potomac River (October): Expertise fall fishing for smallmouth bass and walleye.

Lake Moomaw (November): Search trout and walleye within the serene waters of Lake Moomaw.

Lake Anna (December): Wrap up the yr by fishing for crappie, striped bass, and catfish within the winter wonderland of Lake Anna.

Clinch River (January): Goal trout and smallmouth bass in the course of the winter months.

South Fork of the Holston River (February): Catch trout and smallmouth bass as winter provides option to spring.

North Fork of the Shenandoah River (March): Fish for smallmouth bass and sunfish as spring arrives.

Huge Stony Creek (April): Pursue trout on this scenic creek in the course of the early spring.

Rapidan River (Could): Discover the Rapidan River for trout and smallmouth bass in the course of the spring season.

Mossy Creek (June): Get pleasure from fly fishing for trout within the cool waters of Mossy Creek.

Jackson River (July): Fish for trout and smallmouth bass within the Jackson River in the course of the summer time months.

Bullpasture River (August): Search trout and smallmouth bass on this lovely river in the course of the sizzling summer time season.

Greatest Instances: Sections of Coast to Fish in Virginia

Virginia Seaside (January): Goal tautog and black sea bass in the course of the winter months.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (February): Fish for striped bass (rockfish) and tautog as winter transitions to spring.

Jap Shore Barrier Islands (March): Pursue purple drum (redfish) and speckled trout as spring arrives.

Cape Henry Wrecks (April): Catch flounder and sheepshead in the course of the early spring.

Chesapeake Bay (Could): Reel in striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, and Spanish mackerel as spring progresses.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (June): Goal cobia and spadefish in the course of the summer time months.

Chincoteague Bay (July): Fish for flounder, speckled trout, and purple drum (redfish) within the heat summer time waters.

Cape Charles (August): Pursue king mackerel and Spanish mackerel in the course of the sizzling summer time season.

Assateague Island (September): Get pleasure from surf fishing for purple drum (redfish), bluefish, and striped bass.

Chesapeake Mild Tower (October): Fish for tautog, flounder, and black sea bass as fall arrives.

York Spit (November): Goal striped bass (rockfish) and tautog in the course of the late fall season.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (December): Reel in tautog, black sea bass, and striped bass (rockfish) within the winter waters.

Kiptopeke State Park (January): Fish for tautog and sheepshead in the course of the winter months.

Wachapreague Inlet (February): Catch speckled trout and purple drum (redfish) as winter transitions to spring.

Tangier Sound (March): Pursue striped bass (rockfish) and speckled trout as spring arrives.

Chesapeake Bay (April): Goal striped bass (rockfish), flounder, and black drum in the course of the early spring.

Pocomoke Sound (Could): Fish for speckled trout, purple drum (redfish), and flounder within the spring season.

Smith Island (June): Reel in bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and croaker in the course of the summer time months.

Assateague Island (July): Get pleasure from surf fishing for kingfish, croaker, and spot within the heat summer time waters.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (August): Pursue cobia, spadefish, and flounder in the course of the sizzling summer time season.

Really helpful Fishing Guides in Virginia

These Virginia-based charters are a number of the finest at placing you on nice fishing motion. The captains are educated {and professional} and are positive to place you on fish. By clicking the hyperlinks under, you may be taken to the constitution’s respective profile on Fishing Booker the place you possibly can learn critiques, be taught extra in regards to the constitution, view photographs, and e book on-line at the very best charge.

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass (Rockfish)

Fishing for striped bass in Virginia is most profitable in the course of the spring and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on striped bass are April, Could, October, and November. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours. A few of the high places for striped bass fishing in Virginia embody the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the James River, the Rappahannock River, and the Potomac River.

Bluefish

Fishing for bluefish in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the spring, summer time, and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on bluefish are April, Could, June, September, and October. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is cooler. A few of the high places for bluefish fishing in Virginia embody the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, the Cape Henry space, and the seaside inlets of the Jap Shore.

Blue Marlin

Fishing for blue marlin in Virginia is most profitable in the course of the summer time months. The most effective months to focus on blue marlin are June, July, and August. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours. A few of the high places for blue marlin fishing in Virginia embody the offshore waters of the Norfolk Canyon, the Washington Canyon, the Cigar, and the Norfolk Offshore Tower.

Tuna

Fishing for tuna in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the summer time and early fall months. The most effective months to focus on tuna are July, August, and September. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours. A few of the high places for tuna fishing in Virginia embody the offshore waters of the Norfolk Canyon, the Washington Canyon, the Cigar, and the Norfolk Offshore Tower.

Wahoo

Fishing for wahoo in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the summer time and early fall months. The most effective months to focus on wahoo are July, August, and September. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Noticed Seatrout

Fishing for noticed seatrout in Virginia is most profitable in the course of the spring, summer time, and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on seatrout are April, Could, June, September, and October. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is cooler. A few of the high places for seatrout fishing in Virginia embody the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Lynnhaven Inlet, the Elizabeth River, and the seaside inlets of the Jap Shore.

Flounder

Fishing for flounder in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the spring, summer time, and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on flounder are Could, June, July, and September. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours when the tide is shifting. A few of the high places for flounder fishing in Virginia embody the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the Jap Shore Barrier Islands, Rudee Inlet, and the Again River Reef.

Redfish

Fishing for redfish in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the late summer time and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on redfish are September, October, and November. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours when the tide is shifting. A few of the high places for redfish fishing in Virginia embody the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the Jap Shore Barrier Islands, the York River, and the Rappahannock River.

King Mackerel

Fishing for king mackerel in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the summer time and early fall months. The most effective months to focus on king mackerel are July, August, and September. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is hotter. A few of the high places for king mackerel fishing in Virginia embody the offshore waters of the Norfolk Canyon, the Cigar, the Triangle Wrecks, and the Chesapeake Mild Tower.

Spanish Mackerel

Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Virginia is most profitable in the course of the summer time months. The most effective months to focus on Spanish mackerel are June, July, and August. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is hotter. A few of the high places for Spanish mackerel fishing in Virginia embody the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the coastal waters close to Virginia Seaside, the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Cape Henry space.

Mahi-mahi

Fishing for mahi-mahi in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the summer time months. The most effective months to focus on mahi-mahi are June, July, and August. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is hotter. .

Blue Crabs

Fishing for blue crabs in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the heat months of spring, summer time, and fall. The most effective months to focus on blue crabs are Could, June, July, and August. They’re most energetic throughout excessive tide, and it’s finest to crab in the course of the early morning or late afternoon. A few of the high places for blue crabbing in Virginia embody the Chesapeake Bay, the James River, the Rappahannock River, and the Potomac River.

Brook Trout

Fishing for brook trout in Virginia is most profitable in the course of the spring, summer time, and early fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on brook trout are April, Could, June, September, and October. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours, when temperatures are cooler. A few of the high places for brook trout fishing in Virginia embody the Rapidan River, Shenandoah Nationwide Park streams, Laurel Fork, and the North Fork of the Pound River.

Brown Trout

Fishing for brown trout in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. The most effective months to focus on brown trout are October, November, February, and March. They’re most energetic throughout low-light situations and cooler temperatures. A few of the high places for brown trout fishing in Virginia embody the Jackson River, South River, Smith River, and Mossy Creek.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Virginia is most rewarding in the course of the spring and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on rainbow trout are April, Could, October, and November. They’re most energetic throughout early morning and late afternoon, when the water temperatures are cooler. A few of the high places for rainbow trout fishing in Virginia embody the Jackson River, South River, Rose River, and the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in Virginia is most profitable in the course of the spring, summer time, and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on largemouth bass are April, Could, June, September, and October. They’re most energetic throughout early morning and late afternoon, particularly round feeding instances. A few of the high places for largemouth bass fishing in Virginia embody Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, and the Chickahominy River.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the spring, summer time, and fall seasons. The most effective months to focus on smallmouth bass are Could, June, September, and October. They’re most energetic in the course of the early morning and late afternoon hours. A few of the high places for smallmouth bass fishing in Virginia embody the New River, James River, Shenandoah River, and the higher reaches of the Rappahannock River.

Musky

Fishing for musky in Virginia is most profitable in the course of the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. The prime months to focus on musky are October, November, February, and March. Musky are sometimes extra energetic throughout overcast days and low-light situations. A few of the high places for musky fishing in Virginia embody the New River, Claytor Lake, Lake Anna, and the James River.

Carp

Carp fishing in Virginia is finest in the course of the spring, summer time, and fall seasons. The prime months to focus on carp are April, Could, June, September, and October. Carp are most energetic in the course of the early morning and late night hours. A few of the high places for carp fishing in Virginia embody the James River, Rappahannock River, Chickahominy River, and Lake Anna.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch fishing in Virginia is most efficient in the course of the late winter and early spring seasons. The most effective months to focus on yellow perch are February, March, and April. They’re usually extra energetic in the course of the daytime, particularly within the morning and late afternoon. A few of the high places for yellow perch fishing in Virginia embody Lake Anna, Lake Gaston, Lake Chesdin, and the Chickahominy River.

Catfish

Catfish might be caught year-round in Virginia, however the very best instances are in the course of the hotter months of spring, summer time, and fall. The prime months for catfish fishing are April, Could, June, September, and October. Catfish are extra energetic throughout nightfall and daybreak, so fishing throughout early morning or late night can yield higher outcomes. A few of the high places for catfish fishing in Virginia embody the James River, Chickahominy River, Potomac River, and Lake Gaston.

Crappie

To catch crappie in Virginia, the very best instances are in the course of the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for crappie fishing are March, April, Could, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon are usually the most efficient instances of day. A few of the high places for crappie fishing in Virginia embody Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, and Lake Chesdin.

Walleye

Walleye fishing in Virginia is finest in the course of the spring and fall seasons. The prime months to focus on walleye are March, April, Could, September, and October. Early morning and late night are perfect instances of day to extend your probabilities of success. A few of the high places for walleye fishing in Virginia embody Claytor Lake, Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, and the New River.

Take a look at this information for an entire breakdown of the finest instances to fish in Maryland. Take a look at this information for an entire breakdown of the finest instances to fish in Virginia Seaside. Take a look at this information for an entire breakdown of the finest instances to fish in Norfolk.

Greatest Fishing in Virginia on Seasonal Foundation

Winter

• Claytor Lake: Catch walleye.
• Occoquan Reservoir: Catch yellow perch.
• Chickahominy River: Catch chain pickerel.
• Lake Smith: Catch bluegill.

Spring

• Lake Anna: Catch crappie.
• James River: Catch shad.
• Chesapeake Bay: Catch striped bass (rockfish).
• Shenandoah River: Catch smallmouth bass.

Summer season

• Lake Anna: Spend your summer time days fishing at Lake Anna, the place you’ll have a blast catching largemouth bass. These fish love the lake’s heat waters throughout summer time, and you will discover them hiding close to constructions like docks and fallen timber.
• James River: Head to the James River for a summer time fishing journey. This mighty river is residence to numerous species, however goal catfish should you’re in search of an exciting catch.
• Chesapeake Bay: The Chesapeake Bay is a summer time hotspot for fishing fanatics. Whereas you will discover quite a lot of fish right here, one iconic catch is the blue crab.
• Lake Moomaw: Escape to Lake Moomaw for a serene summer time fishing expertise. This lovely lake nestled within the Allegheny Mountains is understood for its cool and clear waters, making it an ideal spot for trout fishing.

Fall

• Smith Mountain Lake: Head to Smith Mountain Lake for some glorious fishing within the fall. You’ll have a fantastic probability of catching largemouth bass. They love the cooler water temperatures throughout this season.
• Rappahannock River: In case you’re in search of a enjoyable fishing spot, try the Rappahannock River in japanese Virginia. Through the fall, the river is teeming with smallmouth bass.
• Chesapeake Bay: For a implausible fall fishing journey, head to the Chesapeake Bay. Some of the sought-after fish species this season is the striped bass. These fish migrate to the bay within the fall.
• New River: Discover the great thing about the New River in southwestern Virginia in the course of the fall, and also you may simply hook a musky.