Fall is here, and it’s our last chance to soak up the warm weather before the cold arrives! One great way to get out and enjoy the changing seasons is to go out and do some fishing!  Central Virginia has some great opportunities to go after many different species of fish! If you’re into bass fishing, grab a canoe and head to the James! The James River provides great opportunities for both smallmouth and largemouth bass. If you’re really hardcore, grab the biggest streamer you can find, throw some salt over your shoulder, and go hunting for some muskies! Always be sure to pick up your fishing license when heading to public waters, this is a great way to support conservation and save yourself from some trouble, if you happen to see a game warden.

Another great spot for canoe and kayak fishing is to located at Clemmons Lake in Ivy Creek Park. They stocked over four-hundred pounds of trout and catfish last November and you can catch and keep up to four catfish or trout a day, so whether you’re a spin fisherman or a fly fishermen, head on over and try to catch some dinner! If you’re a fly fisherman looking for trout streams, take a drive and head out to some public streams. Due to lower water levels in the late summer, try to adjust your tactics to the conditions. Consider using a lighter tippet and being even more careful on your approach to the stream to combat the easily spooked fish. If you’re looking for more tips, or needing to stock up on some lures, stop by our friends at Angler’s Lane or Taletellers Fly Shop and get their tips and favorite lures for fishing this time of year!

Another great way to go after some trout this fall is to come to the Fishing Derby at Hydaway on Saturday, November 2^nd. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout just prior to the derby, and you can catch and keep up to five trout! Food will be provided, and awards and prizes will be given to the anglers with the most total inches, highest average overall, and the largest fish.

Angler’s Lane will be there to help us run the event and provide tips or answer any questions you may have! If you’re an experienced fisherman, come out and show us how it’s done! If you are new to fishing, this is a great way to meet some new prospective fishing buddies! Fishing is a great way of bringing people together, and there is no better way to learn than under the wing of an experienced fishermen. No matter how much knowledge I have learned from watching videos and reading articles, some of the best tips I’ve ever gotten was going out with some of my friends who knew what they were doing!