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Virginia Bass Slam Challenge

Illustrations of various bass species superimposed over an artistic outline of Virginia.

Artwork by Ron Shearer.

What is the Virginia Bass Slam?

Many anglers cherish our diverse bass fisheries across the state. Virginia is blessed with some of the best smallmouth bass rivers in the Mid-Atlantic in addition to trophy largemouth bass fisheries. Add on opportunities for striped bass and hybrid striped bass in large reservoirs and impoundments in addition to runs of anadromous striped bass in tidal rivers and Virginia quickly becomes a bass anglers paradise. The Virginia Bass Slam is a challenge to anglers to catch three species of Bass (Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Striped Bass or Hybrid Striped Bass) in one year. Both stocked fish and wild fish of any size count toward the slam, but catching all three in the same resource and in the same day is the ultimate trifecta. Chasing the bass slam offers a new challenge to anglers, and adds adventure to a fishing trip by forcing the angler to explore new resources in an attempt to complete the slam.

Bass Slam Submissions

Once anglers complete the slam, they are encouraged to submit their catches to DWR via Go Outdoors VA. Log In, click on make a purchase, Click on Fishing, and choose Bass Slam Application. Once the form is processed, the angler will be mailed a Virginia Bass Slam sticker. Display it proudly, and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@VirginiaWildlife) and use #vabassslam!

Planning Your Bass Fishing Trip

Anglers are encouraged to use the “Where to Fish” webpage to locate lakes and rivers to complete the slam. There are many options to build your own trip, but below are some pre-planned trips you can try. Click on the waterbodies below for more information. The directions will take you to public waters, but anglers need to be aware of and respect private property adjacent to the public sections. Anglers are responsible for knowing the regulations and licensing requirements for each waterbody.

Pre-Planned Fishing Trips

Northern Virginia

Central Virginia

Southwest Virginia

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