Where to Fish in Lynchburg, Virginia
Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, along the flowing James River, and surrounded by mountain streams, Lynchburg, Virginia stands as an ideal hub for both embarking on day excursions and exploring the local fishing scene. There are plenty of opportunities to fish in and near Lynchburg!
The James River – Photo by Tale Tellers Fly Shop
Fishing in Lynchburg
The James River – The James River offers excellent fishing opportunities for a number of species like catfish, muskies, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and sunfish. Canoes or kayaks are the best way to access the river. However, you can also access the river by foot in Lynchburg by visiting the Percival’s Island Trail, as well as across the river at the RiversEdge Park.
Hollins Mill Park: This popular park provides large shade trees for picnicking, kayak access, and fishing access. Although Hollins Mill Park is catch-and-release only, Anglers can fish above or below the dam.
Clemmons Lake at Ivy Creek Park: Located inside of the Ivy Creek Industrial Park, Ivy Creek Park is a green oasis that includes the six-acre Clemmons Lake. The Montebello Fish Hatchery stocks this lake with catfish and trout. At Clemmons Lake, trout and catfish are catch and keep, and have a limit of 4 fish per day, per species, for each person. Fishing at Clemmons Lake is from sunrise to sunset every day.
Smallmouth bass from the James River, in Lynchburg
Lakes Near Lynchburg
Mill Creek Reservoir: Mill Creek Reservoir is an 189-acre impoundment located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Amherst County. At Mill Creek Lake, anglers will find largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, black crappie, channel catfish, and yellow perch.
Liberty Lake: Liberty Lake is a 1.5-acre lake located within the Town of Bedford in the Liberty Lake Park complex. There is a handicap-access fishing pier and parking. Here, the fish populations consist of largemouth bass and sunfish, bluegill, and some redbreast sunfish.
Holliday Lake State Park: Located in Appomattox County, Holliday Lake offers largemouth bass fishing, you’ll also find chain pickerel, crappie, catfish, and yellow perch. You can fish by the lake shore or by using the canoe/kayak put in.
Clemmons Lake at Ivy Creek Park in Lynchburg
Trout Fishing Near Lynchburg:
- Piney River – located in Amherst County, the Piney River is stocked throughout the year with brook trout.
- Tye River – located in Nelson County, the Tye River is stocked throughout the year with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout.
- Pedlar River – located in Amherst County, the Pedlar River is stocked with rainbow trout, brook trout, and brown trout throughout the year.
Local Fishing Tips
- Stock up up on flies and fishing supplies at Tale Tellers Fly Shop in Downtown Lynchburg. Check out their event calendar for fly tying classes, and Fly Fishing 101. They also offer guided trips if set up in advance!
- The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources posts daily trout stockings from October through May. You can visit their web page or text (434) 525-FISH.
- Make sure you have all of your fishing licenses up to date before spending a day on the water.
- Free Fishing Days in Virginia are always the second weekend in June.
For more fishing information, visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/