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 Ridgeway. Right now in March, activity is Good.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Striped Bass
Targeting Striped Bass near Ridgeway, Virginia, means heading to Smith Mountain Lake, a well-known striper fishery. These powerful fish thrive in the lake's cool, deep waters. Spring and fall are prime times to fish for stripers, as they are more active in cooler temperatures. During the spring, they often move closer to the surface, making them accessible to anglers trolling with lures or using live bait. In the fall, they can be found schooling near the surface, chasing baitfish. Live shad is a preferred bait, but artificial lures like swimbaits and crankbaits can also be effective. A helpful local tip: watch for bird activity, as diving birds often indicate the presence of schooling stripers. Be prepared for a strong fight; these fish are known for their powerful runs. The striper population in Smith Mountain Lake is maintained through stocking, ensuring a consistent and exciting fishing experience.
Plan a Trip to Ridgeway
See what's biting in Ridgeway, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Striped Bass
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Striped Bass in Ridgeway.
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 is the size limit for striped bass in Virginia?
There's a protected slot limit of 18-24 inches for striped bass. This means you can only keep fish within that size range, except in the tidal Potomac River where the slot limit is 20-26 inches.
How many striped bass can I keep per day in Ridgeway, VA?
The daily bag limit for striped bass is 1 per person. Be sure to measure your catch carefully to ensure it falls within the legal slot limit.
What's the best bait for striped bass in freshwater near Ridgeway?
Striped bass are predatory fish and can be caught using large swimbaits, crankbaits, and bucktails. Live bait like shad or alewives can also be very effective.
Is there a closed season for striped bass fishing in Virginia?
No, the striped bass season is open year-round in Virginia, but always check for any emergency regulations or closures before heading out.
More Striped Bass Fishing in Virginia
Other Species to Fish in Ridgeway
Ready to Catch Striped Bass in Ridgeway?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.