Fishing in Virginia

Striped bass are a staple in Chesapeake Bay; this one was caught near the Bay Bridge Tunnel.

Not too many states can say that they offer anglers the opportunity to catch native brook trout from small mountain streams and also giant blue marlin from the vast waters of the Atlantic Ocean’s Gulf Stream. The Commonwealth of Virginia can boast this and much more because in between these extremes are ponds, reservoirs, streams, rivers, and the Chesapeake Bay, all with varied species and multiple angling possibilities.

This may be a surprise to those unfamiliar with the Old Dominion state, but it shouldn’t be when you consider that Virginia has 2,800 miles of trout streams, 112 miles of coastline, more than 1,500 square miles of the Chesapeake Bay, several major rivers, and loads of ponds, lakes, and small to medium reservoirs.

For freshwater devotees, some of Virginia’s lakes and reservoirs offer first-class angling for various species, especially largemouth bass and striped bass, and the rivers and streams have terrific opportunities for trout and smallmouths. For saltwater enthusiasts, Virginia could be as good as it gets, with striped bass, bluefish, speckled trout, and drum heading a long list of highly desirable species that are often found in good abundance.