Fish Virginia First

The Tackle Box is the name of our free quarterly newsletter. The latest edition is now available. Check it out and find some good ideas for planning your next fishing trip in Virginia.

Plan a Perfect Virginia Fishing Trip There are many factors that contribute to a successful fishing trip – Good weather, quality gear, the right companions, and of course, fish that are biting. While Fish Virginia First can’t guarantee all these details, it is a valuable source for planning a great trip.

Our latest e-newsletter is out today. It includes some fun gift ideas for anglers this holiday season. If you don't receive this free NL, visit our website to sign up.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Virginia Anglers Do you have someone on your list who is difficult to buy gifts for? If that person enjoys fishing, we have some good news. His or her hobby can provide a lifetime of amazing gift ideas… if you know where to look.

Fall is a beautiful time to spend a day casting a line on your favorite river or lake. Find amazing places like the one shown here at

Fish Virginia First Virginia offers some of the finest freshwater fishing in the country. You’ll find picturesque rivers, lakes and streams to cast your line.

In our Partner Spotlight today, we introduce you to Nelson County. Located east of the Shenandoah Valley in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Nelson County has almost every kind of outdoor recreation including excellent fishing on two lakes and four rivers including the mighty James River.

Nelson County - Fish Virginia First Fish – Nelson Style. Nelson County offers an abundance of fishing venues, as well as outdoor recreational opportunities like canoeing and kayaking. With the Tye and Rockfish Rivers running through its scenic countryside, it’s an ideal locale to visit if you are seeking solitude and a fishing par...

Fishing in Va State Parks, record catches around Virginia and some cool destinations in the spotlight — it's all in our latest newsletter. Check it out and share it with a fishing friend.

Fishing Virginia State Parks and Beyond Virginia State Parks are a great destination for every kind of outdoor sport, and fishing is no exception. There are 41 parks around the Commonwealth, from the beach to the mountains. Nine beautiful state parks are located in Fish Virginia First partner localities. Some of the parks have lakes or po...

Wytheville and Wythe County are ideally located in the Blue Ridge Mountains at the crossroads of I-81 and I-77. It also happens to be home to three lakes and six waterways including the majestic New River where anglers can find some trophy-sized trout, bass and more.

Wytheville and Wythe County - Fish Virginia First Wytheville and Wythe County boasts an abundance of fishing opportunities, from streams and rivers to a 90-acre lake teaming with a variety of fish. The experienced fisherman can find a challenge trying to catch the illusive Brook Trout in Dry Run Creek and the novice can get a thrill catching large....

We know and appreciate that anglers share our desire to keep our waters pristine for all to enjoy. Thank you for being a good steward of our resources by following leave no trace practices, obeying rules on limits, and always having proper licenses. More information on safety and conservation can be found here:

Conservation & Safety - Fish Virginia First Conservation & Safety Virginia welcomes anglers because we know that you share our passion for keeping our lands and waters clean for future generations. These resources will help you, your friends and family stay safe and follow Virginia laws during your visit. Virginia Department of Wildlife Resou...

Today in the "Partner Spotlight" we look at Culpeper, VA. Ideally located a short drive from Northern Virginia, Fredericksburg and Charlottesvile, Culpeper is a great getaway for an outdoor adventure. You can paddle around beautiful Lake Culpeper or fish for largemouth bass on the Rappahannock River. When the sun goes down, explore the historic downtown and sample the great dining spots.

Culpeper - Fish Virginia First   Fishing enthusiasts and visitors looking for a relaxing way to spend a beautiful day outside can find some incredible fishing spots in Culpeper, VA. Choose from a variety of rivers, ponds and creeks to cast a line during your next outdoor adventure. Rent a boat at Lake Culpeper, or fish from the ...

Like if you wish you were in this spot right now... Share if you have actually been here (Location is Hungry Mother Lake in Smyth County, VA)... Comment if you're fishing somewhere equally as beautiful this week and tell us where.

Fish Virginia First Load up the boat, pack your best rod and hit the road! With more than 176,000 acres of public lakes

Martinsville-Henry County is well-known as home to the Martinsville Speedway. Did you now that anglers also race to the county in southern Virginia for some great fishing opportunities? Philpott Lake is a magnificent 3,000 acre reservoir and the Smith River is regarded among the finest brown and rainbow trout streams in the U.S. Learn all about Martinsville-Henry County and it abundance of outfitters, guides and gear stores at

Martinsville - Henry County - Fish Virginia First Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Martinsville-Henry County, Virginia offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers to enjoy. The fun starts in the Northwest corner of Henry County at Philpott Lake. As seen on NBC Sports’ FLW Outdoors, this 3,000-acre reservoir, shared ...

The latest edition of Blue Ridge Country Magazine features the reader-selected Best of the Mountains results. The results cover 48 categories with winners from Maryland to Georgia. Virginia destinations are among the winners in two fishing categories:
Best Fishing Lake - #2 Smith Mountains Lake
Best Fishing River - #1 New River and #2 James River
We're proud to say that all three are located in Fish Virginia First partner communities. Congrats to the winners.
For information on these and other Virginia freshwater fishing spots, visit

Great Places to Cast - Fish Virginia First Great Places to Cast Fish Virginia First is committed to helping anglers from all over the country find the best freshwater fishing spots in Virginia. These communities offer exceptional fishing experiences that vary from big lakes to cool mountain streams and just about everything in between. Check...

We're excited to share the premier issue of our Fish Virginia First E-Newsletter. We hope every issue will inspire anglers to explore new places for freshwater fishing all across the Commonwealth. If you wish to receive future quarterly issues, sign up on our website and tell your fishing buddies, too. It's totally free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Welcome to The Tackle Box Fish Virginia First is a collection of communities dedicated to connecting anglers to great places to fish. The partner communities all offer excellent freshwater fishing opportunities and wish to let anglers know they will receive a warm welcome.

Wishing a Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. We hope you get to spend some time this weekend relaxing by casting a line at your favorite fishing spot.

If you'd like to stay informed of the latest fishing news from all the Fish Virginia First destination partners, as well get some general tips and information, sign up for our brand new quarterly e-newsletter. It's absolutely free and your email will not be shared with any other parties.

Contact Us - Fish Virginia First Contact Us If you have questions or comments about Fish Virginia First, please send us a message. We value your opinion. Sign up for our e-newsletter or request a free brochure.

We continue to shine a spotlight on the many great destinations that are part of Fish Virginia First. King George County is known as the land between two rivers. You know that means you'll find plenty of great fishing opportunities there. All you need to know to plan a great fishing trip is right here:

King George County - Fish Virginia First King George County is known as the land between two rivers. As a gateway to the Northern Neck National Heritage area and bordered by both the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, King George is a premier location to start your fishing adventure. Offering sites for both beginners and master anglers, fish...

The 2023 Free Fishing Days in Virginia are June 2 – 4. Don't miss the opportunity to cast a line or introduce someone else to the joy of fishing in Virginia without a license. Mark your calendar and plan a weekend of fishing at one of these great destinations:

Great Places to Cast - Fish Virginia First Great Places to Cast Fish Virginia First is committed to helping anglers from all over the country find the best freshwater fishing spots in Virginia. These communities offer exceptional fishing experiences that vary from big lakes to cool mountain streams and just about everything in between. Check...

Who plans to spend at least part of their weekend doing this?
Tell us where in Virginia you fished and how your weekend was.

Join us Saturday April 8th at the Lyric theater for the Fly Fishing Film Tour. Each ticket comes with one chance at the raffle, additional raffle tickets for sale at the show.

Our friends at the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources looked back at some 2022 data on where to catch trophy smallmouth bass. Some awesome Fish Virginia First destinations are on the list. We hope you get a trophy catch in 2023! https://dwr.virginia.gov/blog/top-virginia-waters-for-trophy-smallmouth-bass-in-2022/?fbclid=IwAR3pMfGw3xMl021mH1dSlaManR32CL-xYE5Q5A95-nbKm3znri_0Jm1ieHg

Top Virginia Waters for Trophy Smallmouth Bass in 2022 The top five waterbodies for trophy smallmouth according to OVARP data.

Today is National Plan For Vacation Day. If your idea of a great vacation includes fishing, plan a road trip to one these amazing destinations in Virginia.

Great Places to Cast - Fish Virginia First Great Places to Cast Fish Virginia First is committed to helping anglers from all over the country find the best freshwater fishing spots in Virginia. These communities offer exceptional fishing experiences that vary from big lakes to cool mountain streams and just about everything in between. Check...

The show that Fishing University filmed on Lake Moomaw Alleghany Highlands of Virginia is going to air this week beginning Monday, January 23rd! It will air on both World Fishing Network and Outdoor Channel the following days and times:
Outdoor Channel Monday 9:30 AM
Outdoor Channel Wednesday 12:30 PM
Outdoor Channel Thursday 6:30 AM
Outdoor Channel Saturday 8:30 AM
Outdoor Channel Saturday 5:30 AM
WFN Tuesday 7:00 PM
WFN Tuesday 11:00 PM
WFN Tuesday 3:00 AM
WFN Saturday 8:30 AM
A big thank you to everyone that assisted with this project! We can’t wait to see the show air!

Fish Virginia First
The Virginia Film Office

Fall is a beautiful time to be outdoors in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Craig County in the western part of the state, less than an hour from Roanoke, has mountain views that seem to go on forever. You'll find great fishing, too, on Potts Creek, Craig Creek and more. After a day of fishing, head to the charming town of Paint Bank for a delicious meal.

Craig County - Fish Virginia First Welcome to Craig County, where your next adventure is just around the bend! Travel Virginia Scenic Byways Rt. 311, Rt. 42, and Rt. 615 to over 112,000 acres of the George Washington-Jefferson National Forest. Located in the Allegheny Mountains on the southern end of Virginia’s Western Highlands, C...

Botetourt County has a history of welcoming adventurers. Fincastle was once a frontier town that many Americans passed through on their way westward. Troutville is a designated AT Community that welcomes hikers along the famous trail. It's safe to say that anglers will experience genuine hospitality in Botetourt County. Plus, the fishing is fantastic in mountains streams and the beautiful James River. Accessing the river is easy. Outfitters and guides are available to help make a visit to Botetourt County unforgettable.

www.fishvirginiafirst.com

A special thank you to our friends at Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine for helping to get the word out about the great freshwater fishing in Virginia and how Fish Virginia First can help anglers plan a great trip. Check out this great online article from BRO:

Your Next Great Fishing Trip Begins at Fish Virginia First Anglers are discovering that Fish Virginia First is an indispensable resource for finding the best freshwater fishing in the Commonwealth.