When winter comes along, many fishing enthusiasts simply pack their gear and get used to the thought that there will be no more fishing until spring. That shouldn’t always be the case, however, as Virginia’s rivers and coastline provide excellent winter fishing opportunities. Here are some of the best.
1. Chesapeake Bay Charter Fishing
The Chesapeake Bay is a great year-round fishing spot, with fishing charters available all year long. One of them is Captain Hogg’s Charter Fishing, a large and comfortable boat that can fit up to 32 passengers and offer them the fishing experience of a lifetime. The boat is fast, so you won’t waste any time cruising to your fishing destination. It’s also equipped with state of the art fishing equipment and technology, with the staff there to help you in case there’s anything you need.
Winter fishing in the Chesapeake Bay is mostly for striped bass, also known as the rockfish because of their tendency to stay near rocks. They put up a great fight, making the whole catching experience an exciting one, while they also taste absolutely delicious. The boat charters every day out of Hampton.
2. The Lower James River
James River begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows for almost 350 miles up to the Chesapeake Bay. It’s a great location for winter fishing, for those who’d rather be alone with nature on a riverbank than on a boat. There are many types of fish you can catch there, such as the striped bass, crappie, largemouth bass, and bream. The most exciting prospect for fishers, however, is the blue catfish, with average sizes of 20-30 pounds. Someone catching a 50-pound catfish is a common occurrence on the James River.
3. Buggs Island
Buggs Island Lake is one of the best places for largemouth bass in the country. Most of them grow to a weight of 2-4 pounds, but catching them is great fun because they put up a fight. The best places to fish there during the winter are the spots from Goat Island to the Clarksville Bridge, but that doesn’t mean other areas don’t have enough fish. It’s also a great place for catching crappie, especially in late winter. You may also get the chance to catch a big fish, as channel catfish in the area can reach 30 pounds or more.
4. Lake Anna
One of the largest freshwater inland reservoirs in the state, Lake Anna is one of the most popular lakes around in every season. The lake is divided into two sides: the public side and the private side, where North Anna Power Station is located. The power station uses the lake water to cool off the generators, making the water on the private side significantly warmer. During the winter, some of that warm water circulates back to the public side, luring in fish, especially largemouth bass.
Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean the fish won’t bite. Put an extra coat on, grab your gear, and go to any of these Virginia fishing destinations for a great time out in nature.
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