Justin D. Worrell Virginia Outdoor Center/Rappahannock Outdoor Education Center No matter what month of they year it may be or exactly where on this river you launch, you can always be sure there are fish of one sort or another within shooting distance so lets take a look at a few of the hotspots that make this river so great. The Future Today, much of the river's watershed is rural and forested but is facing increasing pressure from development and population growth. Due to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (also called PCBs) and mercury, it's been advised to avoid eating more than two meals of fish per month from the Rappahannock River. The texts of our regulations have been provided for reference only; summaries of current restrictions have also been posted and are much easier to understand than the underlying regulations. Fish you can expect to catch include,largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, flier, yellow bullhead, and American eel. The Hope and Glory Inn is the best place to stay in the area, located in the storybook, waterfront resort town of Irvington, Virginia. Jerk Shad in chartreuse or white, on half-ounce jigheads, which just about any species will attack with abandon. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you head out. The Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established as a refuge with multiple units throughout the Rappahannock River watershed to protect migratory birds and federally endangered and threatened species. Material along Beaches in the Commonwealth, Coastal Primary Sand Dune / Beaches Guidelines: However, under GEOGRAPHICAL EXCEPTIONS, Lake Moomaw is listed. Rappahannock River At Fredericksburg is located in Spotsylvania County in Virginia. Its just a matter of time before you accept this challenge again. So, pack your tackle box and maybe a cooler full of snacks and drinks and get ready for a delightful fishing adventure. Phelps Wildlife Management Area. piers and navigational hazards, Pertaining to Designation of Seed Areas and Clean Cull Areas, Pertaining to Marking of Leased Oyster Planting Motts Run Access Point to Fredericksburg City DockMap. 5927 River Road Another access point is located on the Rapidan River at Elys Ford (Route 610) in Spotsylvania County about 14 miles upstream of Motts Landing. Species composition shifts with habitat, and largemouth bass, catfish and anadromous species are more common in and below Fredericksburg. Rappahannock River fishing is a fantastic outdoor activity, especially when the weather is warm. 10 Best Bass Waters Off The Beaten Path. 76-14.119 (center point marked with yellow VMRC buoy) Established in 2004, this state fishing reef can be found about 1.4 nautical miles north of Windmill Point Light. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. However, do you know the best ways to reel in those trophy catches? VGP #3 for Noncommercial Riparian Fishing license is required. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. It shall be unlawful to operate as a captain on a charter or head boat without the corresponding licenses from the Commission in the following waters: 1. A. The Virginia Department of Health also recommends avoiding fish with high levels of mercury or PCBs altogether if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. Bottom fish including croaker and spot will also make their presence known here many seasons. 4 VAC 20-1180-30. Today anglers can still catch good numbers of eating size 1-3 lb channel catfish by fishing night crawlers or other cutbait. Phone: 540-899-4169 Striped bass. Fishing is available year round at our Hutchinson, Laurel Grove, and Wilna Units. Siting Public Interest Review, Pertaining to the Setting of Fishing Devices General Permit VGP #1 for Projects undertaken by the Virginia Department of Transportation In, On or Over State-Owned Subaqueous Lands Anywhere Within the Commonwealth. Employment Some anglers prefer to wade in and go fly fishing, while others prefer to stay on the river bank. Many anglers choose one of the canoe liveries that have agreements with landowners and provide floats of varying length from access points not available to the general public. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context indicates otherwise: "Captain" means the person licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire who operates the charter boat or head boat. ), North Fork Holston RiverRt. The fishing regulatory body for Virginia is Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Near the confluence of the Rapidan River, which flows in from the south (or on the right side of the Rappahannock going downstream), there are some Class II rapids. "Charter boat permit" or "head boat permit" means the permit for the charter boat or head boat that allows the charter boat or head boat passengers to fish. However, in recent years the number of blue catfish citations has dropped dramatically in this river, due slower growth rates now days the average blue catfish will not reach 30 pounds even if it lived 25 years. Soil erosion is a problem in the upper watershed. Just what sort of life theyll hold can vary tremendously from season to season, but depending on the year you might encounter anything from flounder to speckled trout prowling the bars. Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Areas, Pertaining to the Removal of Gill Nets and Other Note that this bridge serves as the official dividing line between fresh and saltwater as far as the state is concerned; that said, theres still a significant tidal flow and some seasons saltier species like croaker can be caught here. 1320 Belman Road Loading regulations for the selected species. The clear water and rocky. fbq('init', '2045670448804120'); to revoke the licenses and fishing privileges of a person who has violated certain laws for a period of up to five years. The names of some bass fisheries resonate with anglers on a national scale: Okeechobee, Kentucky Lake, Guntersville, Havasu, Clear Lake, Lake Fork,. Southeast Zone. Access may also be gained via several non established points. You may even see bald eagles overhead during certain times of the year. These consist of VDOT right-of-ways along bridges (e.g., Route 522 on the Rapidan). ! Join us as we discuss the Virginia Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Pertaining to On-Bottom Shellfish Aquaculture Beyond the put-in at Kellys Ford landing, canoeists can find 25 miles of stream awaiting them that have changed little over time. Refuge units are located in Essex, King George, Caroline, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties and include fresh water tidal marsh, forest swamp, upland deciduous forest, mixed pine forest, and grassland habitats. For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Are you planning a trip to the Northern Neck of Virginia? One of the many offerings that set us apart from other hotels is that we provide guests the opportunity to take seasonal cruises aboard our boat. Shellfishing & Non-Hook & Line Fishing, Administrative Code of Virginia Regulation Search Database, Pertaining to Display of License to Catch Finfish ______________________________________________ Virginia, United States. The Hope and Glory Inn is the best place to stay in the area, located in the storybook, waterfront resort town of Irvington, Virginia. No largemouth or smallmouth bass 16 to 24 inches, only 1 per day longer than 24 inches, Only 2 of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches, No largemouth bass less than 12 inches; no smallmouth bass less than 15 inches, No largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 12 inches, No largemouth or smallmouth bass 12 to 15 inches, Smith Mt. Length. n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; Access can also be obtained from several private ramps, including: The two most sought after catfish species in the tidal Rappahannock River, channel cats and blue cats, are not native to the river. to Fisherman Identification Program, Pertaining to Fishing License and Privilege Revocations, Pertaining to Establishment of Restricted Area - Maritime Administration James River Reserve Fleet, Guidelines on Apr 1, 2022 Written By Sydney Giuliano Rising more than 100 feet above the glittering waters of the Rappahannock River, Fones Cliffs is unmistakable. There is good bass fishing both above and below the rapids. Ralph Northam signed a bill into law banning fracking east of Interstate-95, protecting the drinking water supply for a large portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia. B. the Licensing of Fixed Fishing Devices, Pertaining to Pound Net {if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function(){n.callMethod? The exception is that no bass may be kept less than 12 inches long. The regulation texts provided below are not legal copies of the regulations. Sportfishing is perfect on this river, though, and some beautiful fish are caught nearly every day! Elys Ford Access Point on the Rapidan River to Motts Run Access PointMap. A charter boat or head boat permit or a fishing guide reciprocity permit shall be required for any registered or documented charter boat or head boat operating for hire in the waters of the Commonwealth under the jurisdiction of the Marine Resources Commission, pursuant to 4 VAC 20-1180-70. Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) Transplantation Guidelines, VGP #4 General Wetlands Permit for Emergency Situations, Criteria for the Siting of Marinas or Community 612 Third Street, Suite 3C Ground, Pertaining to Restrictions on Oyster Harvest, Pertaining Rappahannock River: the mainstem and all tributaries of the Rappahannock River downstream of the Route 360 Bridge; 3. 5. As set forth in 28.2-903 of the Code of Virginia, any individual violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor, and a second or subsequent violation of any provision of this chapter committed by the same individual within 12 months of a prior violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor. When anglers leave the Kellys Ford launching ramp, they are committed to a minimum of two days on the river. Tour routes of great scenic drives on National Wildlife Refuges. Please read below for more information about the specific fishing opportunities available at each unit. Fishing from the catwalk of the dam is restricted. Jan 1 - Apr 31: The Mainstem John Day and all tributaries, angling for and retention of steelhead is closed. Potomac Creek - Rt. Get all the fishing intel you need to start catching more, and bigger, fish. immediately upriver of Anderson Point; 4. Q: I am fishing for smallmouth bass at Lake Moomaw. Once you have floated and fished the Rappahannock, you will always want to return. Questions or Comments? Rappahannock River is a stream located just 9.8 miles from Kilmarnock, in Lancaster County, in the state of Virginia, United States, near Westland, VA. . 111 Directions: Turn north on Newland Road (Route 624) from US-360. Going downstream, both access points are on the right. In addition to smallmouth bass and redbreast sunfish, anglers floating the river may encounter native fish such as catfish, chain pickerel, fallfish, and suckers. Anyone can join the group and please keep it positive and kid friendly. 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); Take out at Motts Run Access Point just off of Secondary Route 618. Fax: 540-371-6704. The substrate over which clear water flows (providing it has not rained recently) is sandy in places, but in others filled with ledges and rock gardens where bass lurk. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available licenses in any calendar year, those applicants shall be placed on a waitlist. The Rappahannock River flows almost 200 miles from its origin in Fauquier. Marine Police Dispatch Center toll free at (800) 541-4646 During Colonial days, the Rappahannock River was a major shipping artery for transporting tobacco, salted fish, iron ore, and grains. For more information, contact Clore Brothers (540-786-7749), Rappahannock Outdoor Education Center (540-371-5085) or Rappahannock River Campground (800-784-7235) . Please ensure to adhere to the fishing regulations for the state. On January 1st, 2012, VMRC enacted a regulation which makes it unlawful for any person to be in possession of river herring in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Read More >>>. On January 1st, 2012, VMRC enacted a regulation which makes it unlawful for any person to be in possession of river herring in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Above Fredericksburg, the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers provide excellent smallmouth bass and redbreast sunfish angling. The angler must identify the specific waters from which the fish was caught. The number of Class A fishing guide licenses sold in any one year shall not exceed 240 for residents of Virginia and 38 for nonresidents. bass, sunfish, and (with the removal of Embry Dam) seasonal populations of. There is no fishing pier available. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA If a Class A fishing guide license is not purchased annually, then the applicant shall reapply using a New Class A Fishing Guide License Applicant form. Don't worry about structure, docks, etc. Gill Nets, Pertaining to Hampton Roads Management Area, Pertaining to Eastern Shore Bayside Management 7 fish per dayonly 2 lake trout. The Rappahannock River is an excellent destination for avid anglers, novice fishermen, and everything in between due to its wide variety of fish and casting spots. No transfer of a Class A fishing guide license from a resident to a non-resident or non-resident to resident shall be approved. fishing spots are not nearly as crowded as some of the others nearby, making them great places for a quiet afternoon. The refuge is made up of multiple units, five of which are open to the public. The effective date of this chapter is March 1, 2022. The refuge was established to protect and conserve important wildlife habitats along the river and its major tributaries. This is apparently the case here. So, pack your tackle box and maybe a cooler full of snacks and drinks and get ready for a delightful fishing adventure. Prices and optons are listed including non resident fishing licenses. This restriction should also be posted at Lake Brittle. Working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Piankatank River: the mainstem and all tributaries of the Piankatank River downstream of the first set of power lines If so, theres an essential resource that will simplify your planning process and ensure you experience our remarkable area to the fullest. The canoeist will encounter tidal water at the U.S. Highway 1 Bridge, but can exit the river at the city park on the right side of the river. The Rappahannock River flows from its origin at Chester Gap in Rappahannock County approximately 184 miles to the Chesapeake Bay. Are you planning a trip to the Northern Neck of Virginia? However recent angler reports of good catches of bass in the tidal Rappahannock match findings of VDGIF biologists, which include improved electrofishing catch rates in recent years. in tidal rivers, Meherrin River below Emporia Dam, Nottoway River, Blackwater River (Chowan Drainage), North Landing and Northwest rivers, and their tributaries plus Back Bay, Anadromous (coastal) Alewife and Blueback Herring, Above and below the fall line in all coastal rivers of the Chesapeake Bay and their tributaries, Creel and length limits shall be the same as those set by the Virginia Marine Resources Comm. If the person from the waitlist fails to purchase the Class A fishing guide license within 14 days, the applicant forfeits eligibility for the current calendar year and the next person shall be selected from the waitlist. However, there is a Fish Consumption Advisory for the river. of Conchs (Also known as Whelks), Pertaining to the Taking of Shellfish from The DWR website at www.virginiawildlife.gov/lakes under Lake Brittle indicates there is a 1215 inch slot limit on largemouth, where all bass between 1215 inches must be released. For additional information on the biology of the Rappahannock River, please contact: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Anglers may possess grass carp taken from inland public waters, except for public lakes and reservoirs. Fishing spots, fishing reports and regulations in. A Class A fishing guide licensee shall be required to purchase a Class A fishing guide license annually to maintain eligibility to purchase a Class A fishing guide license for the following year. The following businesses/organizations provide rental and educational services pertaining to the Rappahannock River. 1 bridge. These public access units are open year-round from sunrise to sunset! John Day River. 2023 Rudow's FishTalk LLC, VIMS viewer of oyster stock assessment and replenishment map. , along Carters Creek. 91 Bridge upstream of Saltville, Va. downstream to the VA-TN state line, Potomac River Virginia tidal tributaries above Rt. Hunting opportunities at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge vary by unit, and include white-tailed deer, coyote, fall turkey, spring turkey, rabbit, squirrel, and waterfowl (see annual hunt letter: 2022 Hunt Letter) . There is good fishing for smallmouth bass, sunfish, and a number of other species in the Rapidan River. Retreat to the Hope and Glory Inn for Rest and Relaxation, Last, but certainly not least, youll need to figure out where to stay for your Rappahannock River fishing trip. The local anglers like to chum the waters between Windmill Point and Stingray Point, which often draws in the hungry Cobia. Transfer of a Class a fishing guide license from a resident to a non-resident or non-resident resident... 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Read below for more information about the specific waters from which the fish was.! Can join the group and please keep it positive and kid friendly is good fishing! Beautiful fish are caught nearly every day Fredericksburg is located in Spotsylvania County Virginia!, Route 522 on the Rapidan River nearby, making them great places for a delightful adventure. Lake Moomaw Route 522 on the right a matter of time before you accept this challenge again ramp they! Ford access Point just off of Secondary Route 618 group and please it!: Turn north on Newland Road ( Route 624 ) from US-360 many.. Problem in the Rapidan River to Motts Run access PointMap year, those applicants be! Noncommercial Riparian fishing license options, fishing rules and fishing regulations for River! Common in and below Fredericksburg several non established points any calendar year, those applicants shall be.... 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