Fishing Charters in Virginia
Browse fishing charters in Virginia that can help you catch striped bass.


It’S A Shore Thang Charters
Cape Charles, Virginia
Shore Thang Charters. Fishing charters. Fishing guide. inshore fishing. offshore fishing. Chesapeake Bay. Virginia. boat guide. boat trip. fishing trip. redfish. mackerel. black drum. rockfish. mahi mahi. tuna.


Takedown Sportfishing
saltwater fishing boat cruise charter boat cobia stripers rockfish flounder tog tautog spadefish triggerfish sheepshead saltwater charters offshore charters fishing


Rock Creek Striper Guide Service
When it comes to chasing Trophy Striper having the right equipment is essential


Captain Marc’s Striper Guide Service
Captain Marc's striper fishing guide service site contains a gallery of photos of customers with stripers, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and catfish. It contains the 2022 charter rates, and everything you will need for a great fishing experience on Smith Mountain Lake.


Squid hound Fishing Charters
Squidhound Fishing Charters provide guided striper fishing trips on Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Email: [email protected] Phone#: 540-204-6170


Rockfish Adventures, LLC
Rockfish Adventures is Smith Mountain Lake’s leading striper and catfish fishing charter! offer professional fishing guided services, Book Now!


Patriot Fishing Charters
Patriot Fishing Charters is a veteran owned, operated, and captained Smith Mountain Lake Striper fishing charter boat. Join veteran and patriot, Captain John, for the catch of a lifetime.


Class Act Charters LLC
Class Act Charters runs the best Fishing Charter. Learn more about Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charter, Black Drum, Bluefish., Cobia, Redfish, Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Spadefish, Spanish Mackerel, Striped Bass, Tautog, Chesapeake Bay Fishing Charter, Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, chesapeake bay fishing seasons


The Shad Taxi Striper Guide Service
Striper Fishing T Shirts are now here! These striper shirts are popular with all striper fishermen. Striped bass, hybrids, and stripers are our focus.


Kenny's Striper Guide Service
Fish for striper on Smith Mountain Lake with an expert: Captain Kenny Short
Best Time to Catch Striped Bass
Striped Bass can be caught year-round in Painter. Right now in March, activity is Good.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Striped Bass
While Painter, Virginia, isn't typically known as a striper hotspot, targeting striped bass in the freshwater portions of the local rivers and creeks connected to the Chesapeake Bay can be a worthwhile pursuit, especially during their spawning runs. Spring and fall are your best bets, as the stripers migrate upriver. Look for them near bridges, dams, and areas with current. Casting swimbaits or crankbaits that mimic local baitfish is a common tactic. Be aware of size and creel limits as they can change frequently. A key local tip is to check the water salinity levels; stripers tend to move further upriver during periods of lower salinity. Accessing these areas often requires a boat, so utilize the local boat ramps and be mindful of tides and currents. While the stripers here may not be as large as those found in the main stem of the Bay, they offer a unique freshwater fishing experience.
Plan a Trip to Painter
See what's biting in Painter, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Striped Bass
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Striped Bass in Painter.
Striped Bass Fishing Regulations in Virginia
Open Season
Year-round
Daily Bag Limit
1 per day
Size Limit
18-24 inch slot limit, except in the tidal Potomac River where the slot limit is 20-26 inches
License Required
Freshwater fishing license
Possession of striped bass or hybrid striped bass is prohibited on Gaston Lake and its tributaries from April 1 through May 31. Check local advisories for specific water bodies.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Virginia state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Virginia
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the size and bag limits for striped bass in freshwater near Painter, VA?
You can keep one striped bass per day with a slot limit of 18-24 inches, except in the tidal Potomac River where the slot limit is 20-26 inches. Check specific water body regulations, as some areas may have closures.
What kind of license do I need to fish for striped bass near Painter, Virginia?
You'll need a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license to fish for striped bass in freshwater areas. Make sure to check for any additional permits or endorsements that might be required for specific locations.
What's the best bait for striped bass in the Painter area?
Live bait such as alewives or gizzard shad are often effective. Artificial lures like swimbaits, crankbaits, and bucktails can also produce good results.
When is the best time to target striped bass near Painter?
Striped bass fishing is often best during the spring and fall months when they migrate and are actively feeding. Check local fishing reports for the most up-to-date information.
More Striped Bass Fishing in Virginia
Other Species to Fish in Painter
Ready to Catch Striped Bass in Painter?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.


