Fishing
2022 Recreational Fishing, Aquatic Wildlife, and Boating Regulation Cycle
DWR has begun its biennial process for changing the regulations guiding recreational fishing, aquatic wildlife management, and boating. This process offers the opportunity for citizens to suggest potential regulatory changes during the scoping period. Read more…
Study of Musky Warm-Water Mortality Concluded
A cooperative study of warm-water muskellunge mortality showed a higher mortality rate but little impact on the population. Read more…
Explore the Wild: Find a Musky
Muskellunge, or "musky,' are big, they're hard to catch, and they're definitely in Virginia. Join the DWR Statewide Access Education Coordinator to find out the best places to launch and fish for these fish of a lifetime. Watch…
Hunting for Musky on the Upper James River
Join us as we visit the beautiful Upper James River in search of the fish of 10,000 casts. Watch…
A Day Spent Sampling Trout on the Smith River
DWR volunteer Al Kittredge blogged about a day of trout sampling with DWR aquatics biologists and other volunteers on a section of the lower Smith River. Read more…
Bringing Trout to the Cities – Virginia’s Urban Trout Stocking Program
The fall trout stocking season has started for Virginia's urban program waters. In this report, Brendan Delbos, State Hatchery Superintendent, provides an overview of the urban program and DWR's coldwater hatcheries. Watch…
Pass Some Time on Passage Creek
Passage Creek is a picturesque and productive fishing destination to add to your list. Read more…
Catfish Stocking Returns to the Commonwealth
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Fisheries staff will be busy this fall stocking catchable channel catfish in more than 120 waters throughout the state. Read more…
Trigger a Brown Trout’s Predatory Instinct by Streamer Fishing in the Fall
The cooling of air temperatures and water temperatures that fall brings is a cue for brown trout to begin their spawning rituals. Streamers are a great way to target trophy-sized fish. Read more…