Few things in the world are more relaxing – or more exciting, depending on the day – than fishing. With so many freshwater lakes and rivers, plus an abundance of saltwater options, fishing in Virginia is top-rated. From fly fishing to shore casting, here are some of the best spots to try your luck. Please note, that these aren’t ranked in any particular order, but we have mentioned some of the fish you’re most likely to catch.

1. Lake Moomaw, Covington
Gene / flickr
What to catch: Brown Trout
2. The New River between Eggleston and Pembroke
VaMedia / flickr
What to catch: Smallmouth Bass
3. Mossy Creek, Mount Solon
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Facebook
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Facebook
What to catch: Brown Trout (Considered one of the most famous fly fishing spots in Virginia. Trout are often in the 20" range.)
4 Briery Creek Lake, Farmville
Briery Creek Lake / Facebook
Briery Creek Lake / Facebook
What to catch: Largemouth Bass
5. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Virginia Beach
USFWS Fish and Aquatic Conservation / flickr
What to catch: White Perch
6. Upper Rappahannock River, Kelly's Ford and Mott's Landing, Fredericksburg
Michael Noirot / flickr
What to catch: Redbreast Sunfish
7. Laurel Bed Lake at Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Russell County
Martina-Ann / flickr
What to catch: Smallmouth Bass
8. Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Virginia Beach
Archman8 / flickr
What to catch: Striped Bass and Croaker

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9. Lake Frederick, White Post (Frederick County near Front Royal)
Lake Frederick Bait & Tackle / Facebook
Lake Frederick Bait & Tackle / Facebook
What to catch: Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Redear Sunfish and Channel Catfish
10. Gloucester Point, Gloucester County
Stephen Little / flickr
What to catch: Croaker
11. Claytor Lake, Dublin
Virginia State Parks / flickr
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation / flickr
What to catch: Bass, Catfish, Muskie and Walleye
12. James River at the Dutch Gap Conservation Area, Chesterfield
Tess Shebaylo / flickr
What to catch: Bass (Smallmouth, Largemouth, Striped) and Blue Catfish and Shad
13. The Jackson River at Gaithright Dam, Covington
What to catch: Trout
What to catch: Trout
14. John H. Kerr Reservoir (Bugg's Island Lake) at Occoneechee State Park, Clarksville
Virginia State Parks / flickr
What to catch: Striped Bass, Crappie and White Perch
15. Smith Mountain Lake, Moneta
Virginia State Parks / flickr
VSPYCC / flickr
What to catch: Largemouth Bass
16. Windmill Point, Whitestone
Kate Webster / flickr
What to catch: Bluefish

Have we left any great spots off the list? Let us know about your favorite places to fish in the comments below!

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