Best Bass Fishing Lakes In Virginia

Guide to fishing for spotted, smallmouth and largemouth bass in VA.

Virginia is a fantastic state for bass fishing, offering anglers the opportunity to target three popular species: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and spotted bass. Each species presents unique challenges and rewards, making bass fishing in Virginia an exciting pursuit for anglers of all levels of experience.

Largemouth bass, known for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights, are the most sought-after bass species in Virginia. They can be found in various bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and ponds throughout the state. Anglers target largemouth bass using a variety of techniques such as topwater lures, spinnerbaits, plastic worms, and jigs. The largemouth bass population in Virginia's waters is healthy, providing ample opportunities for anglers to land trophy-sized fish.

Smallmouth bass are another popular species among Virginia anglers, particularly in the state's rivers and streams. These bronze fighters are known for their strength and acrobatic leaps. Smallmouth bass prefer rocky and clear waters, where they can be found near boulders, submerged ledges, and eddies. Anglers commonly use crankbaits, jerkbaits, soft plastics, and live bait to entice smallmouth bass into biting.

Spotted bass, although not as abundant as largemouth and smallmouth bass, can still be found in certain lakes and rivers in Virginia. Spotted bass closely resemble largemouth bass but have a distinct row of spots along their lower sides. They exhibit similar feeding habits and behaviors to largemouth bass, offering anglers an additional challenge and diversity in their bass fishing pursuits.

The best time to target bass in Virginia varies depending on the species and the body of water. Generally, spring and fall are considered prime seasons for bass fishing, as the fish are more active and actively feeding. During these seasons, the bass move closer to the shorelines, seeking warmer waters and feeding on baitfish. However, bass can be caught year-round, and experienced anglers adapt their techniques and strategies to the changing seasons and water conditions.

Virginia's diverse bass fishing opportunities, ranging from expansive lakes to winding rivers and scenic streams, make it an attractive destination for anglers. Whether targeting largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or spotted bass, Virginia offers ample opportunities to pursue these prized gamefish and enjoy the thrill of bass fishing in picturesque surroundings.

Bass are one of the most sought after of all the game fish. Its appeal spans cultures, age groups and genders to tap on the heart strings of anglers everywhere. Visit the Bass Knowledge Center for valuable information about bass and bass fishing.

Bass Lakes In Virginia

The state of Virginia offers a nice variety of bass fishing. The Potomac River is an excellent bass fishery. Other smaller rivers also offer excellent bass fishing. Ponds and small lakes are great places to find bass as well. The major lakes in VA with good populations of bass include Carvins Cove Reservoir, Claytor Lake, Connor Lake, Diascund Creek Reservoir, Flannagan Reservoir, Kerr Reservoir, Lake Anna, Lake Chesdin, Lake Gaston, Lake Moomaw, Leesville Reservoir, Occoquan Reservoir, Philpott Lake, Smith Mountain Lake, South Holston Lake, Swift Creek Reservoir and Western Branch Reservoir.

Click the images and links above for species details.

Top 5 Bass Fishing Lures For Virginia

When bass are shallow, spinnerbaits, crankbaits and stickbaits are the most productive. As they move deeper, worms and jigs are among the top producers.

Virginia State Record Bass

The state record largemouth bass was caught from Connor Lake.

The state record smallmouth bass came from New River.

The state record spotted bass was caught out of Flannagan Reservoir.

Dave Boyers with a nice five-pound smallmouth bass.

Understanding the primary seasonal movements of smallmouth bass and largemouth bass is key to locating them on local lakes in the Old Dominion State.

Bass fishing basics video.

Catch big bass!

Bass fishing information by state.