Just looking for some info on some new fishing places along or near 81. I know I could look up places online but most have no reviews or are absolute duds. Not looking for anyones spots or honey holes, just a few productive spots for bass and or bottom fishing. I would be willing to travel as far north as harpers ferry and possibly further south than lynchburg. Thanks in advance!

I assume you've spent some time on the Shenandoah....

 

I've rented canoes from Front Royal Canoe and floated the South Fork for smallies a couple of times and absolutely loved it.

 

I don't get as far west as 81 very often for fishing, but I'd also be interested to read replies.

I grew up on the Occoquan, potomac and shenandoah, and still fish the main, North and South forks all the time due to living so close. There's something almost magical about it. Just an amazing place to be. The fishing is phenomenal until it chokes up with weeds.

I prefer the scenery here to that of Nova but Nova has better fishing IMO. With that said these days I'm just happy when I don't get skunked.

Smith Mountain Lake

Leesville Lake

Carvin Cove Res.

Douthat

If you ever decide the make the hike, New River has some quality spots for smallies and muskie.

Please get a copy of the DG&IF free booklet, Freshwater Fishing in Virginia for a list of the places to fish up and down the I=81 corridor.

 

Also, the concrete pond on the Shenandoah University campus is a great place to bass fish and its free.

Smith Mountain Lake

Leesville Lake

Carvin Cove Res.

Douthat

Thanks Wayne. I have been to Smith and Douthat before and had some luck. I will definitely add the others to the list. I haven't heard of carvin before.

If you ever decide the make the hike, New River has some quality spots for smallies and muskie.

The New river was just suggested to me today and came highly recommended. Definitely looking forward to checking it out. Thanks for the advice!

Please get a copy of the DG&IF free booklet, Freshwater Fishing in Virginia for a list of the places to fish up and down the I=81 corridor.

 

Also, the concrete pond on the Shenandoah University campus is a great place to bass fish and its free.

I usually read the booklet or browse vdgif but alot of those places are pretty bad and or not for me. That concrete pond comes up alot in discussions but I haven't made it there yet. Fall ball is taking my precious fishing time.