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Virginia is an excellent place for anglers, and the options are as varied as tranquil mountain lakes to busy coastal waters.

Compiling any of these, Virginia offers something for the fisherman that casts a line in the Atlantic, explores the hidden rivers or plies the vast reservoirs.

Elizabeth River fishing is one of the most exciting places for anglers.

The excellent fishing opportunity this river offers year-round is caused by its location in the southeastern part of the state.

It is an ideal destination for both locals and travelers owing to the accessibility and abundance of fish species to be found there.

Using an Elizabeth River map can allow you to pinpoint the best places to go at the waterway, and thus help you plan your fishing trip efficiently.

So, now let us explore the best fishing places in Virginia along with saltwater sea and secluded freshwater gem.

Top Fishing Spots in Virginia

1. Elizabeth River

Why Fish Here?

Virginia’s Elizabeth River is one of the premier inshore saltwater fishing locations, but the river is well known for catching fish.

This river flows through the Hampton Roads area offering anglers good opportunities to fish for a variety of fish species.

The river is saltwater and brackish and connected to the Chesapeake Bay.

Fish Species Found Here:

• Speckled trout;
• Red drum;
• Striped bass;
• Flounder;
•  Croaker.

Best Time to Visit:

• Speckled trout and red drum are best timed in spring and fall.
• Striped bass fishing is excellent in the winter.
• Flounder and croaker live to survive for summer.

Local Tips:

• Speckled trout are best with live shrimp or soft plastic lures.
• Topwater action is best in the early mornings and late afternoons.
• Find deep channels and grass flats where fish are most likely to be in the Elizabeth River.

For those who love to fish the inshore with the opportunity to hook up a trophy, you must place Elizabeth River on your bucket list.

2. Lake Moomaw

Why Fish Here?

Lake Moomaw is a freshwater lake located in western Virginia, near the Allegheny Mountains, with deep clear water, and abundant fish populations.

It’s a great place for those wishing for solitude and excellent quality fishing.

Fish Species Found Here:

• Brown trout;
• Rainbow trout;
• Smallmouth bass;
• Yellow perch.

Best Time to Visit:

• Trout fishing is best in spring and fall.
• The bass and perch are always in good shape during the summer.

Local Tips:

• Trolling with spoons or live bait for trout are most effective.
• The greatest odds of catching smallmouth bass is on fishing near submerged structures and drop-offs.

3. Smith Mountain Lake

Why Fish Here?

Smith Mountain Lake is the large 20,000-acre reservoir known as one of Virginia’s finest bass fishing lakes where there are some incredible angling opportunities.

Both professional bass tournaments and recreational fishing are popular at this location.

Fish Species Found Here:

• Largemouth bass;
• Striped bass;
• Crappie;
• Catfish.

Best Time to Visit:

• Bass are best caught in the spring and fall.
• Night fishing for catfish is perfect in summer.

Local Tips:

• Early in the morning, aggressive bass bites can be used with topwater lures.
• The fishing areas are the lake’s rocky points and submerged brush piles.

It is even an all-in-one go fishing retreat with boat rentals, fishing guides and waterfront accommodation on Smith Mountain Lake.

4. Briery Creek Lake

Why Fish Here?

One of Virginia’s top places for trophy sized bass is Briery Creek Lake.

Anglers especially like this 845-acr lake because it is managed to produce large bass populations.

Fish Species Found Here:

• Largemouth bass;
• Bluegill;
• Crappie.

Best Time to Visit:

• The best seasons for bass fish are during spring and early summer.

Local Tips:

• Great hiding spots for big bass are many of the submerged trees and stumps lying in the lake.
• In these waters, slow moving, soft plastics and jigs will work.

5. Claytor Lake

Why Fish Here?

Situated in southwestern Virginia, Claytor Lake is a scenic reservoir boasting a broad assortment of fish species and unending fishing possibilities.

Families and solo anglers appreciate it as a great spot.

Fish Species Found Here:

• Walleye;
• Smallmouth bass;
• Muskie;
• Striped bass.

Best Time to Visit:

• Bass and muskie are great to come out during spring and fall.
• The walleyes bite during Winter and early Spring.

Local Tips:

• Try deep-water trolling for walleye.
• Looking for smallmouth bass on rocky shorelines.

If the roads are clear, it’s an excellent choice for a weekend fishing trip due to its blend of great fishing, boating access, and beautiful scenery.

Conclusion

Virginia has many of the types of fishing environments, coastal waters to hidden freshwater lakes, that an angler could dream of.

From sport fishing new record bass to powerful red drum to elusive trout the state has something for everyone from the sport fisherman.

Elizabeth River fishing is perfect for that top tier fishing experience, a mix of saltwater species and easy access for the fisherman.

An Elizabeth River map could offer you to contact the key fishing spots and have a maximum of a successful catch.

Whether at one of the many fishing spots, Virginia’s waters have a lot of interesting stuff to offer.

Well, pick your fishing gear and take on your destination to commence your next fishing adventure!