Are you looking for the best bass fishing spots in Virginia? From the Potomac River to Lake Anna and Smith Mountain Lake, there are plenty of places to cast your line and catch some of the biggest largemouth bass in the state. Whether you're looking for a place to catch and release or a spot to take home your catch, this guide will help you find the perfect spot for your next fishing trip. The South Side region is home to some of the largest bass in Virginia. Lake Burton in Callands-Gretna is one of the best spots for black largemouth bass. This beautiful lake is strictly catch and release, but it's worth a visit and your line will be jumping all day long.
Another great spot is Lake Banister in Halifax, which is the best big (over 400 acres) bass fishing spot in Virginia. With endless options for where to launch your line, this could be your favorite place. The Potomac River is an excellent bass fishery and one of the best places for bass fishing in Northern Virginia. This 400-mile river creates the border between Virginia and Maryland and offers plenty of marinas and access points throughout the DC metropolitan area. If you want to maximize your chances of success, focus on shallow, grassy areas with moving baits. If brackish water and rising tides don't scare you away from bass fishing, Aquia Creek is another great option.
This tributary of the Potomac River runs from Fauquier to Stafford County and is approximately 30 miles long. If you're farther south of Northern Virginia, this may be a better option than driving north to the Potomac. If you want to avoid the tidal nature of the Potomac River, Occoquan Reservoir is a great option. This 2,100-acre reservoir borders Fairfax and Prince William Counties, right on the I-95 corridor, making it very easy to access. The VDGIF classifies Occoquan Reservoir as an “exceptional bass fishery” with abundant black largemouth bass. Lake Anna is another great spot for bass fishing near Northern Virginia.
This 20 square mile lake with a length of 17 miles offers plenty of stream arms where you can find great success. There's also a nuclear power plant on Anna's private side that keeps the water warm all year round. The Shenandoah River is another great option for smallmouth bass fishing in Northern Virginia. This 55-mile river with two branches that run 100 miles offers plenty of shallow areas where you can cast your line. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, this could be your favorite spot. Finally, Smith Mountain Lake is considered one of the top fishing spots on the East Coast.
This 13,000 acre reservoir offers plenty of opportunities for anglers with different levels of experience. You can expect to find largemouth bass, crab and striped bass as well as Wiper, which is a hybrid between Striped Bass and White Bass. No matter where you decide to go fishing in Virginia Beach, you'll be surrounded by several species from guinea pig to flounder and monster marlin. So grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable experience!.