Upcoming Events: Fishing

Rods, reels, tackle, bait, and instruction provided.

Come get hooked on fishing during Fall Free Fishing Day Weekend and learn everything you need to know to freshwater fish on your own with our fin-tastic fishing workshop! All you need to bring is yourself. Rods, reels, rigs and bait will be provided by the park, but you are welcome to bring your own rods and terminal tackle too. Participants will be taught how to cast, tie fishing knots, and hopefully catch a fish. We'll also go over different kinds of bait and tackle options.

Maximum of 13 participants. Rods, reels, rigs and bait will be provided by the park. We will be fishing nearby the Visitor Center.

If you'd like to attend, please call the park office at 540-854-5503. Pre-registration helps ensure enough supplies and the park can notify you of changes or cancellation.

Learn how to fish at High Bridge Trail State Park on Saturday, September 26th! Join a ranger under High Bridge for a relaxing afternoon of fishing. Limited bait and poles will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own. If you miss the 2:00 p.m. start time at the Visitor Center, you can still join the fun by following the Camp Paradise Trail which leads down to the Appomattox River. The hike to the river is roughly half a mile. Additionally, Virginia DWR fishing regulations will be followed: children under the age of 16 are not required to have a fishing license. The date chosen for this event is a "free fishing day", so that people of any age can try their hand at fishing without having a Virginia Freshwater Fishing License.

Chesterfield Outdoor Fest, presented by Chesterfield Parks and Recreation in partnership with Virginia State Parks, is a free, family-friendly event showcasing a variety of outdoor activities throughout the county. The expanded event includes demonstrations and immersive experiences for all ages and abilities. In addition to live music, beer garden and food trucks, we'll have: fishing station where you can learn how to cast (backyard bass) in addition to more fishing basics; cave simulator; Bark Ranger (dogs on a leash are welcome); paddleboarding; kayaking; guided hikes; and outdoor yoga and fitness.

We have some exciting news to share from the Department of Wildlife Resources! September 25th-27th they are offering an additional three full days of free fishing in Virginia. Just like the free fishing days in June, anyone can fish for free in both fresh and saltwater during this time period. All other rules and regulations do still apply. A limited amount of tackle will be available to borrow at no charge so you can try your hand at lakeshore angling. A park ranger will be on hand to provide some guidance (but no secret spots) on wetting your line. At the Backyard Bass casting area, hone your skills while reeling in these land-based fish. Not the angler type? Come decorate your day by making a fish print with paper and paints using our fish replicas. As a part of this special event, we'll offer a morning of free fishing-related activities at the Lakeside Picnic Shelter. All activities are first-come, first-serve while supplies last.

Cast like a pro and enjoy the waters of Seven Bends State Park. All classes meet at the Lupton boat launch. Snacks provided, all equipment and tools supplied. All sessions run from 9am-1pm. Bring a reusable water bottle, hat, and sunglasses. Wear close-toed shoes (no sandals or crocs, please).

Ages 21+ meet on Sunday, September 27 and then pick two of the following dates: October 4, 11, 25.

Registration through Shenandoah County Parks & Recreation under the Outdoor Recreation category (Activity 327461A).

Rods, reels, tackle, bait, and instruction provided.

Come get hooked on fishing during Fall Free Fishing Day Weekend and learn everything you need to know to freshwater fish on your own with our fin-tastic fishing workshop! All you need to bring is yourself. Rods, reels, rigs and bait will be provided by the park, but you are welcome to bring your own rods and terminal tackle too. Participants will be taught how to cast, tie fishing knots, and hopefully catch a fish. We'll also go over different kinds of bait and tackle options.

Maximum of 13 participants. Rods, reels, rigs and bait will be provided by the park. We will be fishing nearby the Visitor Center.

If you'd like to attend, please call the park office at 540-854-5503. Pre-registration helps ensure enough supplies and the park can notify you of changes or cancellation.

Introduction to Fly Fishing - 1 Day Workshop. Morning classroom session at the Forest Recreation Center followed by an afternoon session Thrashers Lake.

Course Outline:

8:30–10:30 AM: classroom session
10:30–10:45 AM: break
10:45–noon: hand out and set up rods, dry land casting practice
Noon–1:30 PM: lunch break and transit time to lake
1:30–3:30 PM: casting on the water
3:30–4:00 PM: wrapping up, collect equipment, final questions, adjournment

Organized by Sisters of the Tent, the Halloween Campout at First Landing State Park may include hiking, biking, beaching, fishing, and more!

RSVP & Questions to: SistersoftheTent@gmail.com or @sistersofthetent