The Plains, VA Fishing Trip — October

Your The Plains, VA Fishing Trip

October2 peopleFamily Trip
High 65°F / Low 47°F3.1" rain · 7 rainy daysMild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

What’s Biting in October

5 species
Blue CatfishExcellent
Blue Catfish
Bottom Fishing · Drift Fishing
Channel CatfishExcellent
Channel Catfish
Bottom Fishing · Jug Fishing
Striped BassGood
Striped Bass
Trolling · Casting
CrappieGood
Crappie
Jigging · Live Bait Fishing
Largemouth BassGood
Largemouth Bass
Spinning · Baitcasting

October Weather in The Plains

65°F
Avg High
47°F
Avg Low
3.1"
Rainfall
7
Rainy Days

Mild weather — bring layers for cool mornings on the water.

4 Guides Near The Plains

No guides are based in The Plains, but these guides operate nearby.

$910
Estimated total for 2 people
$455
per person
Charter $500
Tip $100
Licenses $60
Food $100
Lodging $150

Estimates based on local charter rates and averages. Contact guides for exact pricing.

Also Consider Fishing In...

What to Bring

Check with your guide about what gear is provided. Here's a recommended packing list:

Essentials

  • Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or visor
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Non-marking shoes or deck shoes

Food & Personal

  • Water and drinks (stay hydrated)
  • Snacks or lunch
  • Cooler for your catch
  • Motion sickness medication (if needed)
  • Camera or phone (waterproof case recommended)
  • Valid fishing license (confirm with captain)

For bowfishing / freshwater Fishing

  • Bug spray
  • Rain gear

Virginia Fishing License

License Cost
Resident$23
Non-Resident$47
Requirements

Required for ages 16+. Freshwater and saltwater licenses sold separately. Trout license additional.

Buy License Online — Virginia

Species Regulations

Blue Catfish
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:No limit
Size Limit:No size limit

Anglers are encouraged to harvest blue catfish to help control the population in certain areas.

Channel Catfish
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:No limit
Size Limit:No size limit

Some waters may have specific regulations; consult the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources regulations.

Striped Bass
Season:Year-round
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

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.

Crappie
Season:Year-round
Bag Limit:25 per day
Size Limit:No size limit
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