When it comes to bass fishing in Northern VA, it is essential to understand the structure of the area. Fish are often found in areas with rocky ledges or slopes, as well as sunken logs, underwater meadows, and emerging aquatic willows. These provide shelter for smallmouth bass. Additionally, they can be found along current veins where fast and slow water meet.
Quiet areas behind rocks in the middle of the river or the tail of an island are also great spots to fish. Live bait options recommended by the DGIF include giant fireflies, small blue gills, minnows, crayfish, nocturnal crawlers and frogs. For those who fly fish, streamers and big poppers on an 8- to 10-pound leader can be productive. Fishing Fun, a course for children on basic fishing techniques, is offered on Saturday mornings at 9am.
Lake Brittle is a 77-acre lake built in 1953 as a public fishing area and is home to an important community of warm-water fish. Bass and blue gall abound in Lake Curtis and can be fished on the lake's extensive shoreline and on several docks with bulkheads. Lake Anna is considered one of the best largemouth bass fishing spots in Virginia and hosts many tournaments. A 5.25-mile coastal trail surrounds the lake and four fishing bulkheads are also available.
Cold temperatures offer anglers more chances of getting a trophy fish (in the case of some species). However, the number of fish caught per excursion decreases during the coldest months of the year. For those looking to get the most out of their bass fishing experience in Northern VA, it is important to understand where to look for these fish. Rocky ledges and slopes provide shelter for smallmouth bass, while current veins where fast and slow water meet are also great spots to find them. Quiet areas behind rocks in rivers or islands are also ideal locations for bass fishing.
Additionally, Lake Brittle, Lake Curtis, and Lake Anna are all excellent spots for largemouth bass fishing. When it comes to bait options, live bait such as giant fireflies, small blue gills, minnows, crayfish, nocturnal crawlers and frogs are recommended by the DGIF. Fishing Fun is a course offered on Saturday mornings at 9am that teaches children basic fishing techniques. Finally, cold temperatures offer anglers more chances of getting a trophy fish (in the case of some species). However, the number of fish caught per excursion decreases during the coldest months of the year. By understanding where to look for bass in Northern VA and what bait options work best for each location, anglers can maximize their chances of catching trophy fish.
