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Fishing in Virginia

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Want trophy-size catches? These Virginia spots deliver

About Virginia fishing

Virginia combines mountain trout streams, bass lakes, and Chesapeake Bay fishing. Striped bass, catfish, and panfish thrive, making the state a versatile destination for freshwater and inshore anglers.

Virginia fishing license

Virginia fishing licenses are required for anglers 16+. Licenses include resident and non-resident, annual, short-term, and combination options, available online or from licensed agents.

Get license

Top fish species caught in Virginia

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Biggest catches in Virginia

Explore your local leaderboard—see the top catches in the app.

State records of caught fish in Virginia

SpeciesWeightBlue catfish143 lbsStriped bass53.4 lbsChannel catfish31.5 lbsLargemouth bass16.2 lbsSmallmouth bass8.1 lbsBluegill4.5 lbs

Latest Virginia fishing reports

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White perch

Swift Creek Reservoir

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Channel catfish

Lake Cook

18 in · 1 lb 5 oz

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American shad

James River Fishing Pier

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Largemouth bass

Westhampton Lake

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Black crappie

Lake Anna

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Largemouth bass

Smithfield Lake

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Northern snakehead

Lake Anna

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Flathead catfish

Lake Brittle

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Bluegill

Strawbridge North Park

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Largemouth bass

Meadow Glenn Park

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Fishing regulations in Virginia

Disclaimer: Always check local fishing regulations, water access rights and land ownership before fishing, regardless of any catches logged in that area by the Fishbrain community. Fishbrain has mapped millions of acres of government-owned land across the USA to help you identify potential fishing access, but you are responsible for ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.

Fishing regulations in Virginia can change throughout the year. Make sure to check this page before fishing for the most up to date rules and regulations for the current season. Local regulations govern when you can fish, the max size of the fish you can keep, how many fish you can keep, and more.

Below you will see fishing regulations for catching Loading... as of Loading.... To view regulations for a different fish species, please click on your preferred species in the drop-down.

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From the Fishbrain blog

Learn where to fish, when to fish, and top tips from our anglers to help you land that personal best

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FAQ about Virginia fishing

Fishing regulations in Virginia, United States vary by location, species, and season. Rules may include size limits, bag limits, licensing requirements, and protected areas. Because regulations are managed locally and can change throughout the year, it's important to check the latest official guidance before fishing.

To stay up to date and avoid guesswork, use the to explore local rules, discover popular waters, and see what other anglers are catching across United States.
Some of the most popular species anglers target in Virginia, United States include Largemouth bass, Channel catfish, and Bluegill. The best species often depend on season, water type, and location within the country.

For more detailed, real-time insights, the shows which species are being caught near you and what baits are working best across United States.
Some of the most popular fishing spots in Virginia, United States include James River, Smith Mountain Lake, and Four Mile Run. Anglers across the country fish a wide range of waters, with opportunities varying by region and season.

With the , you can explore local hotspots anywhere in United States, see recent catches, and find out what's working near you.