Fishing

Three Go-To Baits for Targeting Bigger Bass this Summer
Department of Wildlife Resources' Fisheries Chief shares his three favorite baits for targeting trophy bass in the summer. Read more…

Fly Fishing for Panfish
One of the most rewarding ways to target panfish is by fly fishing. Even a simple setup can yield great results while you have a lot of fun. Read more…

Kid Fishing or Fish Fry? Bream are Great for Both
Sunfish aren't just for kids! A good day of fishing for bream can result in a great dinner as they can be caught by the dozen with proper technique. Read more…

A Tidewater Angler’s Traditional Breakfast
Shad roe from a hickory shad is a traditional Tidewater angler's delicacy that can be cooked in many ways for a delicious treat. Read more…

Try These Tactics for Shad Fishing
Shad darts and spoons are definitely the traditional go-to for targeting shad, those acrobatic silver fish but many other alternatives also work well Read more…

The Occoquan River Shad Run: Who Knew?
Located north of the James and the Rappahannock rivers, the Occoquan River provides another—albeit lesser known—destination for spring shad fishing. Read more…

Chasing a Toothy Critter: Saugeye Are a Great Species to Target!
Saugeye, a walleye-sauger hybrid stocked by DWR, is not only a lot of fun to catch, but also makes a great meal. Read more…

Saugeye Fishing in Virginia
Behind the scenes to learn how the Department of Wildlife Resources produces fish for stocking and which baits are best for each species. Watch…

Top Virginia Waters for Trophy Smallmouth Bass in 2022
The top five waterbodies for trophy smallmouth according to OVARP data such as the James River and Smith Mountain Lake. Read more…
