Fishing is an inherent pastime on the coast of Virginia. For residents in the Chesapeake area, there are several prime fishing holes within driving distance that make for a great afternoon of fun and relaxation. If you’re ready to load up your gear and head out to the water, consider visiting one of these fishing locations:
Briery Creek Lake
Located about three hours west of Chesapeake, Briery Creek Lake is known for its trophy fish. This 845-acre lake is part of the Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area and has been open to fishing since 1989. Before that time, the lake was stocked with both northern and Florida strain largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish. Timber in the floodplain resulted in a thriving fish habitat, and now Briery Creek Lake is recognized as one of Virginia’s premier bass fisheries. The daily bag limit is five bass, with only one exceeding 24 inches in length.
Jackson River
Situated in the northwestern part of the state just outside of Covington, Jackson River is an excellent location for rainbow trout, rock bass, smallmouth bass, and brown trout. The river offers six public areas below Gathright Dam that make access easy. There are no fishing gear restrictions between the dam and Covington’s water treatment plant, and the only stipulations are that brown trout less than 20 inches and rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches be released immediately. When you want to enjoy a scenic getaway with a mountainous backdrop, Jackson River is the place to be.
Northwest River Park Lake
If you prefer to stay closer to home, opt for nearby waters in the Urban Fishing Program. Northwest River Park Lake is routinely stocked with trout and has a trout creel limit of four per day. What’s more, you only need a trout license from November 1 through April 30; it’s not required the rest of the year. The 763-acre park is also a great area for boating and hiking, and with two rental cabins and 66 campsites, this is one place you’ll want to pitch a tent and stay the weekend.
Upper Rappahannock River
The Rappahannock River runs from the Chesapeake Bay past Fredericksburg, and the upper portion of the river keeps a well-guarded secret: a redbreast sunfish fishery. Described as feisty and fat, these sunfish are highly prized by local anglers, who typically launch their canoes from the Rappahannock River Campground or any of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries launches. There’s also plenty of live bait to be found in the fallen woods and sandy pits.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Bordering the Atlantic, this 8,000-acre freshwater wildlife refuge is teeming with fish. Whether you prefer freshwater or surf fishing, Back Bay has it all. White perch are particularly prominent here. Although they’re typically thought of as a spring fish, white perch are frequently caught here during the summer. There’s even a night surf-fishing program with special beach access in the fall.
Grab your bait and tackle and head to your favorite fishing location any time of year to enjoy one of the best pastimes Virginia has to offer.
Image Via Pixabay
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