With its solitude, beautiful scenery, and bodies of water boasting numerous species, the Shenandoah Valley is an East Coast hotspot for freshwater fishing. Whether you’d rather cast your line in a lake, river, fresh mountain stream, or just in a pond with the kids, we’ve found your new favorite fishing hole. After your day on the water, celebrate your catch at a nearby Beerwerks brewery. Or, if you prefer to start cleaning fish right away, most of our breweries sell cans, bottles, and growler fills to go.
Rockbridge County
Upper James River Water Trail
20 minutes from Great Valley Farm Brewery
The Upper James River Water Trail offers 59 miles of beautiful James River scenery as well as some of the best fishing in Virginia. Anglers from all across the country catch smallmouth, spotted, and largemouth bass, channel and flathead catfish, and sunfish. Several stocked trout streams feed into the James. The UJRWT also provides extensive opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and rafting adventures.
Lake Robertson
35 minutes to Devils Backbone Outpost Tap Room & Kitchen
Rockbridge County’s 31-acre Lake Robertson was built in 1971 and named after Senator A. Willis Robertson, who championed conserving our natural resources. Nestled in the lush green mountains, the scenic recreation area includes boat rentals, a boat launch, and a campground. The clear lake averages depths of 18 feet and anglers can catch largemouth bass.
Glen Maury Park
15 minutes from Heliotrope Brewing
Got littles who want to try fishing? Take the family to Buena Vista’s Glen Maury Park for a fun introduction to the sport. Fishermen can drop a line from the banks of the Maury River or launch a canoe from the park’s boat ramp. Stocked with trout eight times a year, the Maury River is also home to small-mouth bass, rock bass, fallfish, and bluegills. Make a weekend of camping in the park. There are trails, an ice cream shop, and much more.
Guides and Outfitters
- John Roberts Fly Fishing Adventures / Lexington
- Journey Outdoors / Lexington
Augusta County
Lake Tams
5 minutes from Queen City Brewing
Another nice place for family fishing is Staunton’s Lake Tams. This stocked 2.5-acre pond is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish. This spot is perfect for introducing your youngest family members to the sport. This site boasts ample parking, room to set up lawn chairs, and it’s a short distance from playgrounds and dining.
The South River
5 minutes from Basic City Beer Co.
The South River offers opportunities for both warm- and cold-water fishing. Anglers can catch smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, rock bass, fallfish, and largemouth bass along the length of the river. Several sections of the river are stocked with rainbow and brown trout. The South River flows through Waynesboro, and the section from Ridgeview Park to Basic Park makes up the 4-mile Waynesboro Water Trail. It’s one of only two urban trout fisheries in the state and it offers launches for small craft, a fishing platform, habitats constructed for fish, and easy access to downtown dining.
Braley Pond
30 minutes from Skipping Rock Beer Company
4.5-acre Braley Pond is part of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Constructed by the U.S. Forest Service for recreational purposes in 1965, the beautiful, forested setting can be reached in minutes from Rt. 250 west of Staunton. The pond is stocked with rainbow trout, and fishermen can also catch largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill. Nearby, 54-acre Elkhorn Lake supplies water to the city of Staunton and is managed for both warm and cold-water fishing. Fishermen can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and channel catfish.
North River Headwaters
50 minutes from Stable Craft Brewing
The North River flows eastward through Augusta County and eventually joins the South River to form the South Fork of the Shenandoah. Hike into the headwaters above Elkhorn Lake to fish for wild brook trout. Below Elkhorn Dam, stocked sections of the river are designated both delayed harvest and put and take.
Sherando Lake
25 minutes from Seven Arrows Brewing
Sherando Lake Recreation Area’s two lakes are good spots to fish for rainbow and brook trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, and redear sunfish. The 7-acre upper lake has fishing piers, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. The lower 20-acre lake can be fished from the bank or from canoe or kayak.
Outfitters and Guides
- Dominion Outdoors / Fishersville
- Rockfish Gap Outfitters / Waynesboro
- South River Fly Shop / Waynesboro
- Wilderness Adventures / Staunton
Rockingham County
Mossy Creek
20 minutes from Pale Fire Brewing Co.
Mossy Creek is stocked with brown trout each fall and makes a worthy destination for experienced fly fishermen. The creek flows through private property, but landowners along with The Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries and Trout Unlimited have made a four-mile stretch open to the public. No wading is allowed, but dry fly fisherment who patiently work the steep banks often score big catches of brown trout. Fishermen must carry a signed permit card along with their VA fishing license.
Shenandoah River
15 minutes from BrewHaHa Brewing Company
The beautiful, lazy Shenandoah River is one of the world’s best sites for smallmouth bass. You can also catch largemouth, carp, and musky. The South Fork, which is formed when the Middle River joins the South River has a number of public access points, so you can fish from your canoe or take advantage of shoreline access to the river in Port Republic. So many fish make this body of water their home that anglers rarely report returning home empty-handed.
Hone Quarry
35 minutes from Brothers Craft Brewing
Located in the George Washington National Forest, Hone Quarry is a 5.5-acre lake that’s stocked with trout, channel catfish, bass, sunfish, and crappie. There’s a primitive boat ramp for crafts powered by electric motors or paddles. Hone Quarry Recreation Area also offers camping and hiking, so you can make a weekend out of it. Nearby 9-acre Briery Branch Lake is stocked with channel catfish and trout. Fishing is permitted from the banks or from small boats, but there is no boat launch.
Lake Shenandoah
15 minutes from Cave Hill Farms Brewery
Shallow Lake Shenandoah offers easy paddling and access to Harrisonburg. Fishermen can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, carp, channel catfish, and musky from the shore, a fishing pier, or from non-motorized boats. The lake is also a good spot to see both migrating and year-round waterfowl.
Silver Lake
10 minutes from Restless Moons Brewing Company
Just south and west of Harrisonburg, Silver Lake is a second fishing destination that’s close to the downtown action. You’ll find the shallow waters stocked with trout.
Outfitters and Guides
- Blue Ridge Outdoor Supplies / Elkton
- Dubby’s Fishing and Hunting / Harrisonburg
- Heartland Outfitters / Dayton
- Mossy Creek Fly Fishing / Harrisonburg
- Old Dominion Outfitter and Guide Service / McGaheysville
Licenses and Permits
Have your fishing license in hand before you bait your hook. For information, visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fishing.
