Discover the Official State Fish of Virginia (And Where You Can Catch Them This Summer)

Every state in the U.S. has its own favorites… of everything. And while some of those favorites are just preferences among local residents, others are codified by the state. That is why you may often hear about state flowers, plants, trees, animals, or birds. But did you know that each state also has its own official state fish? That is good news for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. However, it gets even better for Virginians. This east coast state does not have one state fish. Instead, there are two official state fish of Virginia! Those species are the brook trout and striped bass. So they have a representative from freshwater environments and saltwater ones. Read below to learn all about these two amazing species and where you may get lucky enough to catch them!

Brook Trout Facts

One of the official state fish of Virginia is the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Keep reading to discover some fun facts about this amazing freshwater fish.

Habitat and Distribution

Brook Trout is also called charr, sea trout, speckled trout, and salter. This fish thrives in any freshwater environment. But it prefers ponds, lakes, and spring-fed streams and rivers. But this particular freshwater fish prefers slightly colder waters.   As long as there is ample vegetation for these fish to hide in and a bottom comprised of gravel or sand, they are content.

They are native to the eastern United States, from the Great Lakes region down to Georgia.

Appearance

These magnificent fish vary in size, depending on where they call home. In lakes, particularly up north, they can reach 15 pounds and are two feet long. However, in streams and rivers, they tend to grow slightly smaller. Those brook trout typically only get up to about 15 inches long and weigh no more than five pounds. And in Virginia’s streams, they tend to reach about 12 inches long and weigh in at one or two pounds.

One of the most fascinating aspects of brook trout is its vibrant and striking appearance that actually changes during the spawning season. In the off-season, they have a dark green to brownish back adorned with yellow or red spots. During the spawning season, their lower fins exhibit a reddish-orange hue. Nature enthusiasts and anglers love the amazing color array.

Diet

Brook trout are opportunistic feeders. They readily adapt their diet to the available food sources in their habitat and will happily snap up anything nearby. But the main sustenance for adults consists of aquatic insects, small crustaceans, minnows, and other small fish. However, younger brook trout don’t quite have the same feeding capabilities. They begin feasting on plankton, work their way to insects, and then add larger prey as they grow.

Population Size

The brook trout population is abundant and widespread, so the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) has fairly generous regulations around brook trout fishing. They imposed a limit of six brook trout daily, and any smaller fish (less than seven inches long) must get tossed back. But, the VDWR does caution anglers that stricter local regulations may exist. 

A little later in the article, we will explore some specific bodies of water where you can fish for brook trout. If one catches your eye, be sure to read up on any local regulations and limits. The fishing season is open year-round statewide, which is good news for fans of this tasty fish.

Striped Bass Facts

Virginia also has an official saltwater state fish. That is the striped bass (Morone saxatilis). It is also known as the striper, bass, and rockfish. Here is some basic information about this incredible fish species.

Habitat and Distribution

Striped bass live in saltwater environments ranging from as far north as Canada to as far south as Florida. They even make their way into the Gulf of Mexico throughout their travels. They undertake extensive migrations between coastal areas and estuaries for spawning purposes, which they do in freshwater. 

In Virginia, they can be found along the state’s expansive Atlantic coast, as well as in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. 

Appearance

The appearance of striped bass is distinctive and easily recognizable. Their sleek bodies sport seven or eight dark horizontal stripes along their sides. Their coloring ranges greatly and may include black, light green, brown, olive, or steel blue. But their underbellies are either silver or white.

Striped bass can grow to impressive sizes, with some individuals exceeding 70 pounds, offering anglers an exhilarating challenge. They can also reach up to 5 feet long in certain waters.

Diet

All striped bass are voracious predators. They have a varied diet, but it primarily consists of smaller fish. Adults also love chowing down on squid and crabs when given the chance. But younger striped bass have a more nuanced diet. They focus on insect larvae and small crustaceans.

Population Size

Unfortunately, the striped bass population is fairly overfished due to their popularity. But NOAA fisheries put a rebuilding plan in place and has begun responsibly managing the population. Due to these actions, striped bass can now get fished and sold sustainably.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission also published specific regulations on striped bass fishing. These vary greatly by location, so all anglers are urged to familiarize themselves before heading out.

Where to Fish for Brook Trout in Virginia

There are over 400 Virginia streams with brook trout, so there is ample opportunity to bring home a sizable catch. Their populations are particularly abundant in the western part of the state, where the Appalachian Mountains create an ideal habitat. 

Here are a few locations to try your hand at brook trout fishing.

Shenandoah National Park

Many of Virginia’s confirmed brook trout streams lie within the confines of Shenandoah National Park. This spectacular park is a wonderful getaway for a fly-fishing adventure. One perfect spot to check out within the park boundaries is Rapidan River.

Mossy Creek

If you are an experienced fly fisherman or want to give the sport a try, this is your spot. Mossy Creek is exclusively for fly fishing and gets restocked by the DWR annually.

Other great locations to check include rivers, streams, and lakes in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Or head to the headwaters of rivers like the Rappahannock or Potomac. 

The DWR also recommends Coles Creek, Switzer Lake, Mill Creek Reservoir, Laurel Bed, Lexington City Reservoir, Rose River, Little Stoney Creek, Crooked Creek, Jeremy’s Run, and more!

Where to Fish for Striped Bass in Virginia

Virginia anglers’ prize striped, so finding a quiet fishing spot may prove difficult. But thankfully, the DWR has successfully relocated some striped bass to freshwater locations throughout the state. So it opens up the options slightly.

These fish frequent the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries during their migrations. The best time to try your hand at snagging a decent-sized striped base is either spring or fall. But most coastal waters and parts of the bay have different fishing seasons. If you are willing to pay close attention to these differences and drive to all the different spots, you could catch striped bass all year!

Some freshwater locations to visit include Smith Mountain Lake, Anna Lake, Gaston Lake, Buggs Island Lake, Claytor Lake, and Leesville Lake. Or try heading to Staunton River, Roanoke River, or any tidal rivers.