The Best Catfish Fishing Locations in Virginia

Are you ready to drop your line for a mouthwatering, delicious catfish dinner? Virginia is chock-full of prime fishing spots just waiting for you. From the Roanoke River to Lake Moomaw, this southern state offers plenty of opportunities to land some giant flatheads or huge channel cats. In this blog post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the best catfish fishing locations in Virginia with tips on where and how-to go fish—so let’s get started!

Best Catfish Fishing Locations in Virginia

Virginia is home to some of the best catfish fishing locations in the United States. With abundant lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, there are plenty of opportunities for anglers to cast their lines and reel in a big catch. In this guide, we will explore some of Virginia’s top catfish fishing spots, detailing their dimensions, historical information, and the fish species commonly found in each location.

1. James River

The James River is one of the longest rivers in Virginia, stretching over 340 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. It has a rich history dating back to the early days of American colonization and served as a vital transportation route for both Native Americans and European settlers. The river played a significant role in the development of Virginia, with the first permanent English settlement, Jamestown, established along its banks in 1607. Today, the James River is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and anglers alike, offering excellent opportunities for catching catfish, particularly in the tidal sections below Richmond.

Fish species commonly found in James River:

• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Smallmouth Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• American Shad

2. Lake Anna

Lake Anna is a large, man-made reservoir in central Virginia, covering over 13,000 acres. It was created in the early 1970s by constructing a dam on the North Anna River to provide cooling water for the North Anna Nuclear Generating Station. The lake has become a popular recreational area, attracting visitors for boating, swimming, and fishing. With its diverse fish population and abundant underwater structure, including submerged timber and rocky outcrops, Lake Anna is an excellent spot for catfish anglers. The lake also hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year.

Fish species commonly found in Lake Anna:

• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Striped Bass
• Crappie

3. Potomac River

The Potomac River is another major river in Virginia, running over 400 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. It forms part of the border between Virginia and Maryland, and its watershed covers an area of more than 14,000 square miles. The Potomac River played a significant role in American history, supporting many key events, including George Washington’s crossing during the Revolutionary War and the infamous duel between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. Today, it is a popular destination for boaters, kayakers, and anglers, with the tidal sections near Washington, D.C., offering some of the best catfish fishing opportunities in the region.

Fish species commonly found in Potomac River:

• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Smallmouth Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• American Shad

4. Buggs Island Lake (Kerr Reservoir)

Buggs Island Lake, also known as Kerr Reservoir, is a massive man-made lake straddles the border between Virginia and North Carolina. It covers over 50,000 acres and has more than 850 miles of shoreline. The lake was created in the early 1950s with the construction of the John H. Kerr Dam on the Roanoke River, primarily for flood control, hydroelectric power generation, and recreation purposes. Buggs Island Lake is a favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering numerous recreational opportunities, including camping, boating, and fishing. The lake is known for its excellent catfish fishing, with numerous state record catches in its waters.

Fish species commonly found in Buggs Island Lake:

• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Striped Bass
• Crappie

5. Chickahominy River

The Chickahominy River is a relatively small but scenic river in eastern Virginia, flowing for approximately 90 miles before emptying into the James River. The river is named after the Chickahominy Native American tribe, who once lived there. It played a crucial role during the American Civil War, serving as a natural barrier during the Peninsula Campaign and a key supply route for Union and Confederate forces. Today, the Chickahominy River is a popular canoeing, kayaking, and fishing spot. Its vast cypress swamps, lily pad fields, and submerged vegetation create an ideal habitat for catfish, making it a favorite destination among anglers.

Fish species commonly found in Chickahominy River:

• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Crappie
• Chain Pickerel

6. Rappahannock River

The Rappahannock River is a scenic waterway in eastern Virginia, spanning approximately 195 miles from its headwaters in the Blue Ridge Mountains to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. The river played a significant role in American history, serving as a critical transportation route during the colonial era and as a battleground during the Civil War. Today, the Rappahannock River offers excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for catfish, in both its tidal and non-tidal sections.

• Fish species commonly found in Rappahannock River:
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Smallmouth Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• American Shad

7. Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake is a large, picturesque reservoir located in southwest Virginia, covering over 20,000 acres and boasting more than 500 miles of shoreline. The lake was created in the early 1960s by the construction of the Smith Mountain Dam on the Roanoke River. Known as the “Jewel of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” the lake is a popular destination for vacationers and anglers alike, offering excellent fishing opportunities for catfish and other species.

• Fish species commonly found in Smith Mountain Lake:
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Striped Bass
• Crappie

8. Occoquan Reservoir

Occoquan Reservoir is a 2,100-acre impoundment located in northern Virginia, just south of Washington, D.C. Created in the late 1950s by constructing a dam on the Occoquan River, the reservoir serves as a primary drinking water source for the surrounding communities. Despite its proximity to the urban landscape, the Occoquan Reservoir offers a serene setting for anglers and is known for its excellent catfish fishing, particularly in the deeper channels and submerged structures.

• Fish species commonly found in Occoquan Reservoir:
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Largemouth Bass
• Northern Pike
• Crappie

9. New River

The New River is a unique waterway that flows through southwest Virginia, spanning approximately 160 miles before crossing into West Virginia and eventually joining the Ohio River system. The river is believed to be one of the oldest in the world, with a geological history dating back millions of years. The New River offers diverse fishing opportunities, with its deep pools, rocky shoals, and swift rapids providing an ideal habitat for catfish and other game fish.

• Fish species commonly found in New River:
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Smallmouth Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• Walleye

10. Shenandoah River

The Shenandoah River is a picturesque waterway that meanders through the beautiful Shenandoah Valley in northern Virginia. The river, which stretches over 150 miles, is a major tributary of the Potomac River and played a vital role in the region’s development during the colonial era and the Civil War. Today, the Shenandoah River offers outstanding fishing opportunities for catfish and other species, with the deeper holes and undercut banks providing excellent hiding spots for these elusive fish.

• Fish species commonly found in Shenandoah River:
• Blue Catfish
• Channel Catfish
• Flathead Catfish
• Smallmouth Bass
• Largemouth Bass
• Musky

Catfishing Techniques in Virginia

Virginia’s diverse catfish fishing locations offer a range of opportunities for anglers to employ various techniques to catch these popular game fish. The choice of technique often depends on factors such as the specific waterbody, time of year, and the type of catfish being targeted. Here, we explore some of the most effective catfishing techniques used by anglers in Virginia.

1. Bottom Fishing

One of the most popular and effective techniques for catfish fishing in Virginia is bottom fishing. As catfish are bottom-dwelling species, this method involves presenting bait directly on or just above the river or lake bed. Anglers typically use a Carolina rig or sliding sinker rig, which allows the bait to stay near the bottom while still providing some movement to attract the catfish. Common baits for bottom fishing include cut bait, live bait (such as shad or bluegill), and prepared stink baits.

2. Drift Fishing

Drift fishing is another effective technique for catching catfish in Virginia, particularly in larger rivers and reservoirs. This method involves drifting with the current or wind while presenting bait at various depths to cover more water and increase the chances of locating catfish. Anglers often use a three-way swivel or modified Carolina rig, with a float or balloon to keep the bait suspended off the bottom. Drift fishing can be especially productive when targeting blue catfish in tidal rivers like the James and Potomac.

3. Jug Fishing

Jug fishing is a popular catfishing technique in Virginia, particularly in large reservoirs and slow-moving rivers. This method involves attaching a line and hook with bait to a floating jug or buoy, allowing the bait to drift naturally with the wind and currents. Anglers can set multiple jugs in strategic locations to increase their chances of catching catfish. Jug fishing is often used to target channel catfish and flathead catfish in areas with submerged timber, rock piles, or other underwater structures.

4. Noodling

Noodling, also known as hand fishing or grabbling, is a unique and adventurous catfishing technique practiced by some anglers in Virginia. This method involves reaching into underwater holes, crevices, or hollow logs where catfish may be hiding and attempting to catch the fish by hand. Noodling can be an exciting and thrilling experience but requires caution and awareness of potential dangers, such as snapping turtles or venomous snakes. Checking local regulations before attempting noodling is essential, as it may be prohibited in some locations.

5. Night Fishing

Catfish are known to be more active during the night, making night fishing a popular and productive technique for catfish anglers in Virginia. Fishing during low-light conditions allows anglers to target catfish when they are most likely to be feeding near the surface or in shallow water. Effective night fishing techniques include bottom fishing with glow-in-the-dark or illuminated bobbers and using artificial lures that create vibrations or sounds to attract catfish. Be sure to familiarize yourself with any specific nighttime fishing regulations in your chosen location.

By employing these various catfishing techniques in Virginia, anglers can increase their chances of landing a trophy-sized catfish and enjoying a memorable day on the water.

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