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 Port Haywood. Right now in May, activity is high.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Striped Bass
Chasing striped bass near Port Haywood offers a unique Chesapeake Bay experience. The Rappahannock River's confluence with the Bay creates a dynamic environment where stripers thrive, especially during their spring and fall migrations. Focus your efforts on areas where forage fish concentrate; these include points, drop-offs, and areas near structure like bridge pilings or oyster beds. Spring (April-May) sees the stripers moving upriver to spawn, while fall (October-November) finds them returning to the Bay. Match your lure presentation to the prevalent baitfish – bunker spoons, crankbaits, and swimbaits are all effective. Local tip: The public boat ramp at the end of Route 660 provides good access to the lower Rappahannock. Pay close attention to water temperature; stripers tend to be more active when the water is between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, be aware of tidal currents, as stripers often position themselves to ambush prey in these areas.
Plan a Trip to Port Haywood
See what's biting in Port Haywood, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Striped Bass
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's the best bait for catching striped bass in Port Haywood, VA?
Anglers in Port Haywood often have success using live bait such as spot or menhaden for striped bass. Lure fisherman can try using bucktails or crankbaits.
What's the legal size for striped bass I can keep in Port Haywood?
You can only keep striped bass between 18 and 24 inches in length. Keep in mind the Potomac River has a different slot size.
Is there a daily limit for striped bass in the Port Haywood area?
Yes, the daily bag limit for striped bass is one fish per person.
Do I need a specific license to fish for striped bass near Port Haywood?
Yes, you need a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license to fish for striped bass in this area.
More Striped Bass Fishing in Virginia
Other Species to Fish in Port Haywood
Ready to Catch Striped Bass in Port Haywood?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.