Virginia Fly Fishing Reports
River Reports - Click a river below
Back Creek – Mountain Grove
Calfpasture River – Above Mill Creek
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge
Jackson River – Bacova
Jackson River – Below Garthright Dam
James River – Eagle Rock
James River – Scottsville
Maury River – Buena Vista
Maury River – Rockbridge Baths
Middle Fork Holston River – Meadowview
Middle Fork Holston River – Seven Mile Ford
Moormans River – Free Union
Mossy Creek – Bridgewater
New River – Pembroke
North Fork Holston River – Saltville
North Fork Rivanna River – Earlysville
North River – Stokesville
Passage Creek – Front Royal
Pedlar River – Buena Vista
Potomac River – Point of Rocks
Rapidan River – Culpeper
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg
Rivanna River – Palmyra
Shenandoah River – Luray
Smith River – Bassett
Smith River – Philpott
Smith River – Woolwine
South Fork Holston River – Damascus
South Fork Holston River – Sugar Grove
South Fork of Shenandoah River – Lynnwood
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville
South River – Waynesboro
Tye River – Lovingston
Calfpasture River – Above Mill Creek
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge
Jackson River – Bacova
Jackson River – Below Garthright Dam
James River – Eagle Rock
James River – Scottsville
Maury River – Buena Vista
Maury River – Rockbridge Baths
Middle Fork Holston River – Meadowview
Middle Fork Holston River – Seven Mile Ford
Moormans River – Free Union
Mossy Creek – Bridgewater
New River – Pembroke
North Fork Holston River – Saltville
North Fork Rivanna River – Earlysville
North River – Stokesville
Passage Creek – Front Royal
Pedlar River – Buena Vista
Potomac River – Point of Rocks
Rapidan River – Culpeper
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg
Rivanna River – Palmyra
Shenandoah River – Luray
Smith River – Bassett
Smith River – Philpott
Smith River – Woolwine
South Fork Holston River – Damascus
South Fork Holston River – Sugar Grove
South Fork of Shenandoah River – Lynnwood
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville
South River – Waynesboro
Tye River – Lovingston
State overview
- Diverse Waterways: Virginia’s rich assortment of rivers, streams, and lakes, including the famous Shenandoah and James Rivers, offers anglers a unique fly fishing experience, teeming with bass, trout, and other species.
- Scenic Beauty: The breathtaking mountain views and lush greenery of areas like Southwest Virginia not only provide a serene fishing backdrop but also enhance the overall angling experience.
- Year-Round Opportunities: With Virginia’s mild climate, fly fishing is a year-round activity, allowing both novice and experienced fishermen to enjoy the sport in all seasons.
Fishing Regulations
- License Requirements: Anyone aged 16 and older must have a valid fishing license to fish in freshwater and saltwater in Virginia. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents.
- Types of Licenses: Virginia offers various licenses such as annual, short-term, and lifetime fishing licenses. Special trout licenses are required for fishing in designated stocked trout waters.
- Where to Purchase: You can buy a Virginia fishing license online, at licensed agents, or at Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) offices.
- Unique to Virginia: Fly fishing enthusiasts will find exclusive opportunities in Virginia’s designated fly fishing only areas, where special regulations may apply to preserve the natural habitat and fish populations.
- Cost: License fees vary. Resident annual licenses are generally more affordable compared to non-resident licenses. Discounts are available for seniors.
- Regulations: It’s important to check specific area regulations, including size limits and catch limits, which help maintain fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing practices.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website to purchase your license and learn more about the regulations: Virginia DWR.
Conservation Efforts
Trout Unlimited (TU) – Virginia Chapters
- Mission: Focuses on coldwater fisheries conservation which benefits trout populations crucial for fly fishing.
- Key Initiatives:
- Stream Restoration: Restores and enhances stream habitats to improve water quality and fish health.
- Trout in the Classroom: Educates young Virginians about trout and watershed conservation through direct engagement.
- Website: Visit Trout Unlimited Virginia
Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival (VFFWF)
- Mission: Promotes the environmental and recreational opportunities of fly fishing, integrating local culture and conservation education.
- Key Initiatives:
- Conservation Workshops: Offers seminars and workshops focusing on stream management and the importance of maintaining aquatic habitats.
- Youth Engagement: Encourages younger generations to learn about fly fishing and the importance of ecological stewardship.
- Website: Virginia Fly Fishing & Wine Festival
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR)
- Mission: Manages the state’s fish populations and habitats, ensuring sustainable fishing practices and biodiversity.
- Key Initiatives:
- Habitat Development: Implements projects to enhance habitats that support a diverse range of fish species.
- Public Education: Provides extensive resources and guidelines for anglers to practice responsible fishing.
- Website: Visit DWR
By supporting these organizations, anglers contribute to a healthier ecosystem in Virginia’s waterways, ensuring that fly fishing remains a beloved activity for many years to come. Their work not only benefits the fish populations and their habitats but also enhances the overall quality of the environment in Virginia.