Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Virginia (Complete Guide)

Virginia offers some of the best fishing in the states. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.

The best times to fish in Virginia are early morning and late evening. Summer and fall are the best months for most species in Virginia.

Month	Virginia Fishing Location
January	Smith Mountain Lake – Reel in striped bass and crappie at this popular winter fishing spot.
February	Rappahannock River – Catch trophy-sized smallmouth bass and walleye.
March	Chesapeake Bay (Eastern Shore) – Target trophy-sized striped bass (rockfish) on the Eastern Shore.
April	James River (Scottsville) – Find smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish in the James River.
May	New River – Experience the beauty of the New River while fishing for smallmouth bass and musky.
June	Lake Anna – Enjoy summer fishing for largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish.
July	Shenandoah River – Stay cool while reeling in smallmouth bass, sunfish, and rock bass.
August	Chickahominy River – Discover abundant smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and catfish catches.
September	Chickahominy River – Discover abundant catches of smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and catfish.
October	Potomac River – Reap the rewards of fall fishing with plentiful smallmouth bass and walleye.
November	Lake Moomaw – Seek trout and walleye in the serene waters of Lake Moomaw.
December	Lake Anna – Wrap up the year by fishing for crappie, striped bass, and catfish in Lake Anna.

In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Virginia. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.

Best Times: Sections of Creeks/Rivers to Fly Fish in Virginia

Smith Mountain Lake (January): Target striped bass and crappie during the winter months.

Rappahannock River (February): Catch trophy-sized smallmouth bass and walleye as winter transitions to spring.

Chesapeake Bay (Eastern Shore) (March): Pursue trophy-sized striped bass (rockfish) as spring arrives.

James River (Scottsville) (April): Fish for smallmouth bass, sunfish, and catfish during the early spring.

New River (May): Enjoy the beauty of the New River while targeting smallmouth bass and musky.

Lake Anna (June): Reel in largemouth bass, crappie, and catfish during the summer months.

Shenandoah River (July): Stay cool and catch smallmouth bass, sunfish, and rock bass.

Occoquan Reservoir (August): Fish for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie during the hot summer season.

Chickahominy River (September): Explore this river for smallmouth bass, chain pickerel, and catfish.

Potomac River (October): Experience fall fishing for smallmouth bass and walleye.

Lake Moomaw (November): Seek trout and walleye in the serene waters of Lake Moomaw.

Lake Anna (December): Wrap up the year by fishing for crappie, striped bass, and catfish in the winter wonderland of Lake Anna.

Clinch River (January): Target trout and smallmouth bass during the winter months.

South Fork of the Holston River (February): Catch trout and smallmouth bass as winter gives way to spring.

North Fork of the Shenandoah River (March): Fish for smallmouth bass and sunfish as spring arrives.

Big Stony Creek (April): Pursue trout in this scenic creek during the early spring.

Rapidan River (May): Explore the Rapidan River for trout and smallmouth bass during the spring season.

Mossy Creek (June): Enjoy fly fishing for trout in the cool waters of Mossy Creek.

Jackson River (July): Fish for trout and smallmouth bass in the Jackson River during the summer months.

Bullpasture River (August): Seek trout and smallmouth bass in this beautiful river during the hot summer season.

Best Times: Sections of Coast to Fish in Virginia

Virginia Beach (January): Target tautog and black sea bass during the winter months.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (February): Fish for striped bass (rockfish) and tautog as winter transitions to spring.

Eastern Shore Barrier Islands (March): Pursue red drum (redfish) and speckled trout as spring arrives.

Cape Henry Wrecks (April): Catch flounder and sheepshead during the early spring.

Chesapeake Bay (May): Reel in striped bass (rockfish), bluefish, and Spanish mackerel as spring progresses.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (June): Target cobia and spadefish during the summer months.

Chincoteague Bay (July): Fish for flounder, speckled trout, and red drum (redfish) in the warm summer waters.

Cape Charles (August): Pursue king mackerel and Spanish mackerel during the hot summer season.

Assateague Island (September): Enjoy surf fishing for red drum (redfish), bluefish, and striped bass.

Chesapeake Light Tower (October): Fish for tautog, flounder, and black sea bass as fall arrives.

York Spit (November): Target striped bass (rockfish) and tautog during the late fall season.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (December): Reel in tautog, black sea bass, and striped bass (rockfish) in the winter waters.

Kiptopeke State Park (January): Fish for tautog and sheepshead during the winter months.

Wachapreague Inlet (February): Catch speckled trout and red drum (redfish) as winter transitions to spring.

Tangier Sound (March): Pursue striped bass (rockfish) and speckled trout as spring arrives.

Chesapeake Bay (April): Target striped bass (rockfish), flounder, and black drum during the early spring.

Pocomoke Sound (May): Fish for speckled trout, red drum (redfish), and flounder in the spring season.

Smith Island (June): Reel in bluefish, Spanish mackerel, and croaker during the summer months.

Assateague Island (July): Enjoy surf fishing for kingfish, croaker, and spot in the warm summer waters.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (August): Pursue cobia, spadefish, and flounder during the hot summer season.

Click here to learn about the average price for a Virginia Beach fishing charter.

Recommended Fishing Guides in Virginia

These Virginia-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Prowler Fishing Charter	Norfolk, VA
Islander Sportfishing	Hampton, VA
E-FishinSea Sport Fishing Charters	Virginia Beach, VA
Sea Teaser Sportfishing	Virginia Beach, VA
Maritime Mayhem Charter Service	Deltaville, VA
Captain Pete’s Fish Tales	Chincoteague, VA
Marshland Expeditions	Poquoson, VA
Four Winds Chartering	Hampton, VA
Four Reel Charters	Virginia Beach, VA
Earning Stripes Sportfishing	Cape Charles, VA
Fin-Atic Sportfishing Charters	Poquoson, VA

Species Seasonal Breakdown

Striped Bass (Rockfish)

Fishing for striped bass in Virginia is most successful during the spring and fall seasons. The best months to target striped bass are April, May, October, and November. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations for striped bass fishing in Virginia include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the James River, the Rappahannock River, and the Potomac River.

Bluefish

Fishing for bluefish in Virginia is most productive during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The best months to target bluefish are April, May, June, September, and October. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is cooler. Some of the top locations for bluefish fishing in Virginia include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, the Cape Henry area, and the seaside inlets of the Eastern Shore.

Blue Marlin

Fishing for blue marlin in Virginia is most successful during the summer months. The best months to target blue marlin are June, July, and August. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations for blue marlin fishing in Virginia include the offshore waters of the Norfolk Canyon, the Washington Canyon, the Cigar, and the Norfolk Offshore Tower.

Tuna

Fishing for tuna in Virginia is most productive during the summer and early fall months. The best months to target tuna are July, August, and September. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations for tuna fishing in Virginia include the offshore waters of the Norfolk Canyon, the Washington Canyon, the Cigar, and the Norfolk Offshore Tower.

Wahoo

Fishing for wahoo in Virginia is most productive during the summer and early fall months. The best months to target wahoo are July, August, and September. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours.

Spotted Seatrout

Fishing for spotted seatrout in Virginia is most successful during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The best months to target seatrout are April, May, June, September, and October. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is cooler. Some of the top locations for seatrout fishing in Virginia include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Lynnhaven Inlet, the Elizabeth River, and the seaside inlets of the Eastern Shore.

Flounder

Fishing for flounder in Virginia is most productive during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The best months to target flounder are May, June, July, and September. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the tide is moving. Some of the top locations for flounder fishing in Virginia include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the Eastern Shore Barrier Islands, Rudee Inlet, and the Back River Reef.

Redfish

Fishing for redfish in Virginia is most productive during the late summer and fall seasons. The best months to target redfish are September, October, and November. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the tide is moving. Some of the top locations for redfish fishing in Virginia include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the Eastern Shore Barrier Islands, the York River, and the Rappahannock River.

King Mackerel

Fishing for king mackerel in Virginia is most productive during the summer and early fall months. The best months to target king mackerel are July, August, and September. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is warmer. Some of the top locations for king mackerel fishing in Virginia include the offshore waters of the Norfolk Canyon, the Cigar, the Triangle Wrecks, and the Chesapeake Light Tower.

Spanish Mackerel

Fishing for Spanish mackerel in Virginia is most successful during the summer months. The best months to target Spanish mackerel are June, July, and August. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is warmer. Some of the top locations for Spanish mackerel fishing in Virginia include the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, the coastal waters near Virginia Beach, the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Cape Henry area.

Mahi-mahi

Fishing for mahi-mahi in Virginia is most productive during the summer months. The best months to target mahi-mahi are June, July, and August. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours when the water is warmer. .

Blue Crabs

Fishing for blue crabs in Virginia is most productive during the warm months of spring, summer, and fall. The best months to target blue crabs are May, June, July, and August. They are most active during high tide, and it’s best to crab during the early morning or late afternoon. Some of the top locations for blue crabbing in Virginia include the Chesapeake Bay, the James River, the Rappahannock River, and the Potomac River.

Brook Trout

Fishing for brook trout in Virginia is most successful during the spring, summer, and early fall seasons. The best months to target brook trout are April, May, June, September, and October. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, when temperatures are cooler. Some of the top locations for brook trout fishing in Virginia include the Rapidan River, Shenandoah National Park streams, Laurel Fork, and the North Fork of the Pound River.

Brown Trout

Fishing for brown trout in Virginia is most productive during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. The best months to target brown trout are October, November, February, and March. They are most active during low-light conditions and cooler temperatures. Some of the top locations for brown trout fishing in Virginia include the Jackson River, South River, Smith River, and Mossy Creek.

Rainbow Trout

Rainbow trout fishing in Virginia is most rewarding during the spring and fall seasons. The best months to target rainbow trout are April, May, October, and November. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon, when the water temperatures are cooler. Some of the top locations for rainbow trout fishing in Virginia include the Jackson River, South River, Rose River, and the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing in Virginia is most successful during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The best months to target largemouth bass are April, May, June, September, and October. They are most active during early morning and late afternoon, especially around feeding times. Some of the top locations for largemouth bass fishing in Virginia include Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, and the Chickahominy River.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass fishing in Virginia is most productive during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The best months to target smallmouth bass are May, June, September, and October. They are most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours. Some of the top locations for smallmouth bass fishing in Virginia include the New River, James River, Shenandoah River, and the upper reaches of the Rappahannock River.

Musky

Fishing for musky in Virginia is most successful during the fall, winter, and early spring seasons. The prime months to target musky are October, November, February, and March. Musky are often more active during overcast days and low-light conditions. Some of the top locations for musky fishing in Virginia include the New River, Claytor Lake, Lake Anna, and the James River.

Carp

Carp fishing in Virginia is best during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The prime months to target carp are April, May, June, September, and October. Carp are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. Some of the top locations for carp fishing in Virginia include the James River, Rappahannock River, Chickahominy River, and Lake Anna.

Yellow Perch

Yellow perch fishing in Virginia is most productive during the late winter and early spring seasons. The best months to target yellow perch are February, March, and April. They are often more active during the daytime, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Some of the top locations for yellow perch fishing in Virginia include Lake Anna, Lake Gaston, Lake Chesdin, and the Chickahominy River.

Catfish

Catfish can be caught year-round in Virginia, but the best times are during the warmer months of spring, summer, and fall. The prime months for catfish fishing are April, May, June, September, and October. Catfish are more active during dusk and dawn, so fishing during early morning or late evening can yield better results. Some of the top locations for catfish fishing in Virginia include the James River, Chickahominy River, Potomac River, and Lake Gaston.

Crappie

To catch crappie in Virginia, the best times are during the spring and fall seasons. The prime months for crappie fishing are March, April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late afternoon tend to be the most productive times of day. Some of the top locations for crappie fishing in Virginia include Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Claytor Lake, and Lake Chesdin.

Walleye

Walleye fishing in Virginia is best during the spring and fall seasons. The prime months to target walleye are March, April, May, September, and October. Early morning and late evening are ideal times of day to increase your chances of success. Some of the top locations for walleye fishing in Virginia include Claytor Lake, Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, and the New River.

Best Fishing in Virginia on Seasonal Basis

Winter

Claytor Lake: Catch walleye.
Occoquan Reservoir: Catch yellow perch.
Chickahominy River: Catch chain pickerel.
Lake Smith: Catch bluegill.

Spring

Lake Anna: Catch crappie.
James River: Catch shad.
Chesapeake Bay: Catch striped bass (rockfish).
Shenandoah River: Catch smallmouth bass.

Summer

Lake Anna: Spend your summer days fishing at Lake Anna, where you’ll have a blast catching largemouth bass. These fish love the lake’s warm waters during summer, and you can find them hiding near structures like docks and fallen trees.
James River: Head to the James River for a summer fishing adventure. This mighty river is home to various species, but target catfish if you’re looking for a thrilling catch.
Chesapeake Bay: The Chesapeake Bay is a summer hotspot for fishing enthusiasts. While you can find a variety of fish here, one iconic catch is the blue crab.
Lake Moomaw: Escape to Lake Moomaw for a serene summer fishing experience. This beautiful lake nestled in the Allegheny Mountains is known for its cool and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for trout fishing.

Fall

Smith Mountain Lake: Head to Smith Mountain Lake for some excellent fishing in the fall. You’ll have a great chance of catching largemouth bass. They love the cooler water temperatures during this season.
Rappahannock River: If you’re looking for a fun fishing spot, check out the Rappahannock River in eastern Virginia. During the fall, the river is teeming with smallmouth bass.
Chesapeake Bay: For a fantastic fall fishing adventure, head to the Chesapeake Bay. One of the most sought-after fish species this season is the striped bass. These fish migrate to the bay in the fall.
New River: Explore the beauty of the New River in southwestern Virginia during the fall, and you might just hook a musky.