Fishing Fun: 10 Virginia State Parks to Reel in the Big One

Sandy Allen

Oct 6, 2024 — 6 min read

Photo: Unsplash/Matthew McBrayer/CC

From freshwater lakes to scenic rivers and saltwater bays, Virginia is home to a number of state parks that offer excellent fishing opportunities. Virginia’s state park system offers anglers a wide variety of settings to cast their lines. Here are some of the top Virginia state parks known for their fishing options.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Located in Huddleston in Bedford County, Smith Mountain Lake State Park is one of Virginia's premier fishing destinations. The lake spans over 20,000 acres and is known for its striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish. Fishing here is possible from the shore, boats, or even from the park's fishing pier. The park offers boat rentals and has several spots ideal for bank fishing, making it accessible for all levels of anglers.

Water: Freshwater
Key Species: Striped bass, largemouth bass and catfish
Fishing Type: Boat, shoreline and pier
Best Time to Fish: Spring and summer

Claytor Lake State Park

Photo: Wikimedia/VA State Parks/CC by SA 2.0

Found in Dublin in Pulaski County, Claytor Lake State Park is a popular spot for fishing in southwestern Virginia. The 4,500-acre lake was created by a hydroelectric dam built on the New River. It’s stocked with smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye and striped bass. The lake is accessible by boat, and there are numerous fishing piers for those who prefer to fish from shore. Claytor Lake also has a marina for boat rentals, making it easy to explore different parts of the lake.

Water: Freshwater
Key Species: Smallmouth, largemouth and striped bass and walleye
Fishing Type: Boat or shore
Best Time to Fish: Year-round

Leesylvania State Park

Leesylvania State Park is situated on the Potomac River in Woodbridge, making it a great spot for both freshwater and saltwater fishing from private boat docks for rent. The river offers a chance to catch catfish, striped bass, perch and largemouth bass. The park’s pier extends into the Potomac, offering great views while fishing. The boat ramp allows for easy water access. The park is also known for its historical significance and scenic trails.

Water: Freshwater and saltwater
Key Species: Catfish, striped bass, perch and largemouth bass
Fishing Type: Boat and shoreline
Best Time to Fish: Spring, summer and fall

Lake Anna State Park

Located near Spotsylvania, Lake Anna State Park sits on one of Virginia’s largest man-made freshwater lakes, Lake Anna, which covers more than 13,000 acres. The park is a hot spot for reeling in largemouth bass, crappie and catfish. Anglers can fish from the shore or launch a boat from one of the ramps for deeper water access. There’s a fishing pond specifically for children.

Water: Freshwater
Key Species: Largemouth bass, crappie and catfish
Fishing Type: Boat and shoreline
Best Time to Fish: Spring, summer and fall

Douthat State Park

Situated in the Allegheny Mountains in the western side of the state, Douthat State Park was Virginia's first and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It’s renowned for its pristine streams and stocked lake, which is regularly stocked with rainbow and brown trout. You’ll also find bass, catfish and sunfish. Fly-fishing in the mountain streams is a serene experience, making Douthat ideal for those who enjoy fishing in more natural and less crowded environments.

Water: Freshwater
Key Species: Rainbow and brown trout, bass, catfish and sunfish
Fishing Type: Boat and fly
Best Time to Fish: Year-round

Shenandoah River State Park

Shenandoah River State Park stretches along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, offering numerous fishing opportunities. Smallmouth bass, sunfish and catfish are the main catches here. The park provides access to the river through multiple boat ramps and has several shoreline spots that are perfect for wading or casting from the bank. The peaceful setting and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains add to the fishing experience whether you’re coming from a marina or a private boat lift for rent.

Water: Freshwater
Key Species: Smallmouth bass, sunfish and catfish
Fishing Type: Boat, fly and shore
Best Time to Fish: Year-round

Chippokes State Park

Situated in Surry along the James River, Chippokes State Park offers excellent fishing for catfish, croaker and spot. The river's tidal nature provides anglers with both fresh and brackish water species. The park has a boat ramp and a long shoreline for those who prefer shore fishing rather than arriving from private boat slip rentals or marinas. Chippokes is also a historic park with grounds that are open for tours.

Water: Freshwater and brackish
Key Species: Catfish, croaker and spot
Fishing Type: Boat and shore
Best Time to Fish: Year-round

Holliday Lake State Park

A hidden gem in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake State Park features a small but productive lake for fishing. Holliday Lake is stocked with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish. Boat rentals are available, but shore fishing is popular due to the park’s tranquil setting. This park is a peaceful retreat for anglers looking for a less crowded fishing experience.

Water: Fresh water
Key Species: Largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and catfish
Fishing Type: Boat and shore
Best Time to Fish: Summer and fall

Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park offers great fishing opportunities in the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, near Cape Charles, the park has a lighted fishing pier. Boats are allowed for those who wish to venture further out into the bay. Anglers can catch a variety of species, including flounder, striped bass, drum and croaker. The location also makes it a prime spot for birdwatching while fishing.

Water: Saltwater
Key Species: Flounder, striped bass, drum and croaker
Fishing Type: Boat and shoreline
Best Time to Fish: Spring and Summer, November and December for striped bass

Bear Creek Lake State Park

Located in Cumberland County, Bear Creek Lake State Park surrounds a 40-acre lake that offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie. The lake's small size makes it ideal for beginner anglers, families or those who prefer a quieter fishing experience. The park offers boat rentals. The serene atmosphere offers an excellent spot for a relaxing day by the water.

Water: Freshwater
Key Species: Largemouth bass, bluegill and crappie
Fishing Type: Boat and shore
Best Time to Fish: Summer

Fishing Regulations

Before fishing in any of these state parks, be sure to check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources for up-to-date fishing regulations. Many parks require a valid Virginia freshwater or saltwater fishing license, and some have specific rules for catch-and-release fishing or size limits.

Visit TakeMeFishing to find out where to fish in Virginia, where to get a fishing license and how to register your boat.

Resources for Fishing and Boating Information

Whether you’re trailering from home or coming from a private boat dock for rent, we hope you’ve found some new destinations for fishing fun in Virginia. Let us know what you reel in!