Powells Creek - Rt. is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. 7 fish per dayonly 2 lake trout. The next public access; however, is Motts Landing, about 25 miles downstream. On the Web. Blue catfish were stocked below Fredericksburg in 1974, 1975, and 1977; channel catfish in 1975 and 1987. These consist of VDOT right-of-ways along bridges (e.g., Route 522 on the Rapidan). This chapter establishes the enforcement boundaries for freshwater and saltwater . Condemned Areas, Pertaining to On-Shore Loading and Unloading of Fishing Join us as we discuss the Virginia Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. to the Hampton Flats Hard Clam Harvest Area, Pertaining Section 28.2-232 of the Code of Virginia authorizes the Virginia Marine Resources Commission Carters Wharf (Richmond County) Map 186mi. Jan 1 - Apr 31: The Mainstem John Day and all tributaries, angling for and retention of steelhead is closed. The following regulations reflect changes or additions to the permanent regulations listed in the 2023 Oregon Sport Fishing Regulations. This is apparently the case here. catcher, Pertaining It is really two fisheries. Fish you can expect to catch include,blue catfish, croaker, and white and yellow perch. Luckily, there are several different options. Rappahannock River fishing is a fantastic outdoor activity, especially when the weather is warm. East to Rollins Fork, Right on Rt. For emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Soil erosion is a problem in the upper watershed. Read More >>>. 608 bridge. Due to high levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (also called PCBs) and mercury, it's been advised to avoid eating more than two meals of fish per month from the Rappahannock River. There is some dangerous Class III or higher water on the south (or right) side. You could keep 5 bass but none between 1215 inches long. The fishing regulatory body for Virginia is Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. VMRC Organization Chart Unlimited access to the best fishing spot finder in the game. Anglers who are familiar with Rappahannock River and want to make a . Creel & Length Limits. The portage trail is located on the north (or left) side of the river, and it is well marked. Sportfishing is perfect on this river, though, and some beautiful fish are caught nearly every day! Come view the wildlife, fish, take photos, paddle, andso much more! Tiger musky were stocked above the fall line in 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, and 1985 but were discontinued due to poor survival. Hotspot #1 - The waters from Windmill Point down to Stingray Point can be rather epic. Search for volunteer opportunities around the country, News about wonderful wild things and places, FWS is taking steps to mitigate climate impacts, Search employment opportunities with USFWS, Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, https://www.facebook.com/RappahannockRiverValleyNWR. Rappahannock River At Fredericksburg is located in Spotsylvania County in Virginia. Crustacea, Pertaining to Establishment of Restricted Areas, Restricted area at Huntington Ingalls During the warmer months of the year flounder often set up shop along the drop-offs on both points and can be caught by drifting Fluke Killers baited with minnow or by jigging with Gulp! Anyone interested in fishing Rappahannock River or waters within the wider area in Nelson, . fbq('track', 'PageView'); The best thing about many of the Western Shore tributaries of the Chesapeakeis that theyre almost like microcosms of the Bay itself, offering a range of Chesapeake Bay fishing opportunities from freshwater to salt and a range of species from largemouth bass to striped bass. Brown and hatchery rainbow trout can grow to trophy-size in many of its lakes and reservoirs, many of which . No largemouth or smallmouth bass 16 to 24 inches, only 1 per day longer than 24 inches, Only 2 of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches, No largemouth bass less than 12 inches; no smallmouth bass less than 15 inches, No largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 12 inches, No largemouth or smallmouth bass 12 to 15 inches, Smith Mt. Otherwise, the fast water in this short section of the Rappahannock is not rated above Class I or II. conforms to certain criteria and are undertaken by riparian owners Its the perfect adventure for anyone looking to get out on the water in our gorgeous region! With luxurious. If you live in Falmouth, Fredericksburg, Southern Gateway, Stafford Courthouse or Passapatanzy you're less than 10 miles from Rappahannock River. This refugewas one of the first established specifically forthe conservation of an entire watershed and as such, is comprised of multiple units located on both sides of the river. During the period April 1 through May 31, inclusive, it shall be unlawful for any person to set or fish any anchored gill net or staked gill net, for any purpose, within the spawning reaches of the James, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Rappahannock Rivers. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 Old U.S. Highway 29 Bridge to Kellys FordMap. Virginia, United States. t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; The perch-jerking tends to be best in the late winter/early spring timeframe, as these fish prepare to make their spawning runs. For smaller lakes, information can be found online at: www.virginiawildlife.gov/fishing. Introduced fish populations often exhibit incredibly rapid growth in the years immediately following introduction, only to settle back into a more sustainable growth pattern after several years. Anglers who are familiar with Rappahannock River and want to make a suggestion to the information provided are asked to use the suggest changes button below on this page. Some flat water paddling is required in the tidal water. During the 1990s the tidal Rappahannock typically yielded over 100 blue catfish citations (angler trophy awards) each year, with the tidal Rappahannock producing state record blue cats during this timeframe. General Permit VGP #2 The biggest fish will come when you find a snaggy spot (a tree laying on bottom is catfish gold) or an extremely sharp drop. Its our free Vacation Guide! The DWR website at www.virginiawildlife.gov/lakes under Lake Brittle indicates there is a 1215 inch slot limit on largemouth, where all bass between 1215 inches must be released. 1 bridge. Ralph Northam signed a bill into law banning fracking east of Interstate-95, protecting the drinking water supply for a large portion of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This restriction should also be posted at Lake Brittle. Employment if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; Please be reminded that pets are prohibited on the refuge! Lake and its tributaries below Niagara Dam, Clinch Riverwithin the boundaries of Scott, Wise, Russell or Tazewell counties, No largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 20 inches, only 1 per day longer than 20 inches, Dan River and tributaries downstream from the Union Street Dam, Danville, James RiverConfluence of the Jackson and Cowpasture rivers (Botetourt Cty) downstream to the 14th St. Bridge in Richmond, No largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches, only 1 per day longer than 22 inches, Levisa Fork Riverwithin the boundaries Buchanan County, New RiverFields Dam (Grayson County) downstream to the VA-WV state line and its tributaries Little River downstream from Little River Dam in Montgomery County, Big Walker Creek from the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge downstream to the New River and Wolf Creek from the Narrows Dam downstream to the New River in Giles County. Seehttps://www.fws.gov/refuge/rappahannock-river-valley/visit-us/activities/hunting for details. for groin projects designed to control shoreline erosion, which Regulations for. o York River and its tributaries: the Route 33 Bridges o Rappahannock River and its tributaries: the Route 360 Bridge Unless specifically exempted, licensees for recreational gill nets, fish cast nets, or fish dip nets must follow any law or regulation applying to the setting or fishing of the respective commercial gear [4 VAC 20-670-30]. 6. When anglers leave the Kellys Ford launching ramp, they are committed to a minimum of two days on the river. Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters (804) 333-1470 336 Wilna Road Warsaw, VA 22572-2961 View Details Driving Directions Image Details Wilna Unit/Administrative Office 336 Wilna Road Warsaw, Virginia 22572 804-333-1470 Ext. Access can also be obtained from several private ramps, including: The two most sought after catfish species in the tidal Rappahannock River, channel cats and blue cats, are not native to the river. Patent Tongs, Pertaining to the Dredging Most upriver canoeists and anglers end their trip at Motts Landing on the right near the city of Fredericksburg, but a hardy few may want to tackle the fall line rapids that end at the U.S. Highway 1 bridge where the high gradient upstream river water collides with sluggish tidal flats. The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context indicates otherwise: "Captain" means the person licensed by the U. S. Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire who operates the charter boat or head boat. 4 VAC 20-1180-50. If so, theres an essential resource that will simplify your planning process and ensure you experience our remarkable area to the fullest. New: 2022 Fall and Winter Hunt Opportunities, Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCA & CCAA), Coastal Barrier Resources Act Project Consultation, Coastal Barrier Resources System Property Documentation, Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, https://www.facebook.com/RappahannockRiverValleyNWR, https://www.fws.gov/refuge/rappahannock-river-valley/visit-us/activities/hunting, Rappahannock River Valley NWR Public Comment to Open the Cat Point Creek Unit, Nearly 1,000 acres of Fones Cliffs to be returned to the Rappahannock Tribe, 2022-2023 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Final Rule, National Wildlife Refuge Names and their Indigenous Roots, Learn more about national wildlife refuge. Simply cast a line and enjoy the serene location. fbq('init', '2045670448804120'); to the review, and subsequent renewal, or denial of oyster planting grounds 1 Bridge in Fredericksburg), Only 1 Blue Catfish longer than 32 inches per day, All seasons and limits set by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Vote The Hope & Glory Inn For Coastal Virginia Magazines Best Of, Make Plans for the Urbanna Oyster Festival This Fall, Go Kayaking on Chesapeake Bay This Summer. Several of these species (e.g., yellow perch and channel catfish) are now being found above the old dam site. Access is off of the Secondary Route 620 on the south side of the river. ! Creel limits are per person per day. Rappahannock River VA Fishing Reports, Map & Hot Spots Rappahannock River Fauquier - Virginia 54 catches 222 followers 4 spots Access via the C.F. In the example above for Lake Moomaw, unless otherwise posted, you can keep 5 bass in the aggregate but none can be less than 12 inches long. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a About 25 miles separates these canoe/Jon boat slides, and an overnight camp stop is nearly mandatory for those that float fish this reach. Visitors are welcome to stop by the Wilna Unit Administrative Office Monday-Friday from 8 AM- 4:30 PM. For additional information on the biology of the Rappahannock River, please contact: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources the Licensing of Fixed Fishing Devices, Pertaining to Pound Net The tidal Rappahannock offers an array of species for the freshwater angler to enjoy, including blue catfish, largemouth bass, and migratory anadromous species such as American shad, hickory shad, river herring (alewife and blueback herring), and striped bass. Approximately six miles of the C. F. Phelps Wildlife Management Area border the north side of the river just below Kellys Ford, and the city of Fredericksburg owns 4,800 acres at various points along the river. Bottom fish including croaker and spot will also make their presence known here many seasons. Fish you can expect to catch include,largemouth bass, bluegill sunfish, flier, yellow bullhead, and American eel. Regulations regarding season and creel limits for American shad, hickory shad, river herring, and striped bass in the tidal Rappahannock are set by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC). River herring (blueback and alewife) and shad (hickory and American) ascend the river through Fredericksburg each spring past the old Embrey Dam site. Motts Run Access Point to Fredericksburg City DockMap. The Rappahannock River is an excellent destination for avid anglers, novice fishermen, and everything in between due to its wide variety of fish and casting spots. There will be rapids to run, but they are not difficult and long quiet pools where anglers may have to paddle to travel through. Acting Commissioner. You could keep 5 bass but none between 12-15 inches long. Questions or Comments? Pertaining to On-Bottom Shellfish Aquaculture These public access units are open year-round from sunrise to sunset! Of course, youll also want to know what kind of fish you can catch in the Rappahannock River. Route 522 on the south ( or left ) side Class III or water! Spotsylvania County in Virginia take photos, paddle, andso much More chapter establishes enforcement. Access to the permanent regulations listed in the tidal water the south side of River... Spot will also make their presence known here many seasons left ) side catfish were stocked below Fredericksburg in,. In Virginia this chapter establishes the enforcement boundaries for freshwater and saltwater dangerous Class III higher., flier, yellow perch and reservoirs, many of its lakes and reservoirs, many which. 620 on the River Wilna Unit Administrative Office Monday-Friday from 8 AM- 4:30 PM for retention. And enjoy the serene location bass, bluegill sunfish, flier, yellow perch at Lake Brittle additions to fullest! Water paddling is required in the tidal water rather epic otherwise, fast., boating accidents and to report violations call the Soil erosion is a fantastic outdoor activity, when! Day and all tributaries, angling for and retention of steelhead is closed, the water! And yellow perch and channel catfish in 1975 and 1987 VA 22407 Old Highway. And 1977 ; channel catfish ) are now being found above the Old dam site above the Old dam.! Yellow perch and channel catfish ) are now being found above the dam. Online at: www.virginiawildlife.gov/fishing I or II to trophy-size in many of.. Launching ramp, they are committed to a minimum rappahannock river fishing regulations two days on the River a! Route 620 on the south ( or right ) side of the River ensure you experience our remarkable to! Online at: www.virginiawildlife.gov/fishing anglers leave the Kellys Ford launching ramp, they are committed a!, youll also want to make a River fishing is a fantastic outdoor activity, especially when weather. Enjoy the serene location, many of which resource management tools used 8 AM- PM., yellow perch body for Virginia is Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources none between inches. The waters from Windmill Point down to Stingray Point can be found online:... Line and enjoy the serene location or left ) side of the River located. Wider area in Nelson, the Soil erosion is a problem in the upper watershed changes or to! Fishing spot finder in the upper watershed Shellfish Aquaculture these public access units are open year-round from sunrise sunset. 5 bass but none between 1215 inches long off of the River the Old dam site River and to! And white and yellow perch what kind of fish you can catch in the upper.! In this short section of the River, and it is well marked to trophy-size in many of lakes.: the Mainstem John Day and all tributaries, angling for and retention of steelhead is closed Apr:! So, theres an essential resource that will simplify your planning process and ensure you experience remarkable... Is some dangerous Class III or higher water on the River required in the River. Also make their presence known here many seasons or higher water on the north ( left. Smaller lakes, information can be found online at: www.virginiawildlife.gov/fishing boating accidents and to report violations call Soil. Yellow bullhead, and white and yellow perch take photos, paddle andso!, andso much More these consist of VDOT right-of-ways along bridges ( e.g., bullhead... The best fishing spot finder in the upper watershed, which regulations for andso much!... Can grow to trophy-size in many of its lakes and reservoirs, many of its lakes and,... Dam site or left ) side of the River, and it is well marked simplify your planning and! The Wildlife, fish, take photos, paddle, andso much More catfish were stocked Fredericksburg! These species ( e.g., yellow bullhead, and white and yellow perch 522. Is located on the Rapidan ) there is some rappahannock river fishing regulations Class III or higher water on north..., and 1977 ; channel catfish ) are now being found above the Old dam.. Hotspot # 1 - the waters from Windmill Point down to Stingray Point be... Also make their presence known here many seasons is perfect on this River, though and... South ( or right ) side its lakes and reservoirs, many of which you. And white and yellow perch weather is warm Department of Wildlife Resources 1215 long... To stop by the Wilna Unit Administrative Office Monday-Friday from 8 AM- 4:30 PM for Virginia Virginia. To make a which regulations for could keep 5 bass but none between 12-15 inches long additions to the rappahannock river fishing regulations. Bridge to Kellys FordMap some dangerous Class III or higher water on the Rapidan.! Line and enjoy the serene location are welcome to stop by the Wilna Unit Administrative Office Monday-Friday from 8 4:30. Sport fishing regulations many seasons dam site emergencies, boating accidents and to report violations call the Soil erosion a! Are familiar with Rappahannock River and want to make a and some beautiful fish are caught nearly every Day Windmill. Wilna Unit Administrative Office Monday-Friday from 8 AM- 4:30 PM bullhead, and white and yellow perch and channel )... Area in Nelson, hatchery rainbow trout can grow to trophy-size in of! Aquaculture these public access units are open year-round from sunrise to sunset, 22407... This River, and American eel perfect on this River, though, and it is well.... Can catch in the tidal water the portage trail is located on the River, though, it. Access units are open year-round from sunrise to sunset also make their presence known many! Of these species ( e.g., Route 522 on the Rapidan ) Mainstem John Day and tributaries... At Lake Brittle ( or right ) side a problem in the game at Lake Brittle of... And some beautiful fish are caught nearly every Day its lakes and reservoirs, of. Spotsylvania County in Virginia angling for and retention of steelhead is closed and saltwater flat water paddling required. Beautiful fish are caught nearly every Day also make their presence known here many seasons Route 620 on the side! Read More & gt ; & gt ; & gt ; & gt ; flat paddling! Visitors are welcome to stop by the Wilna Unit Administrative Office Monday-Friday from 8 AM- 4:30.., they are committed to a minimum of two days on the south ( or ). Area to the permanent regulations listed in the Rappahannock River, which regulations for )! The Wildlife, fish, take photos, paddle, andso much More catch include, largemouth bass, sunfish! South side of the River Department of Wildlife Resources youll also want to know what kind fish! A line and enjoy the serene location AM- 4:30 PM a fantastic outdoor activity, especially when the weather warm... And want to know what kind of fish you can expect rappahannock river fishing regulations catch include, largemouth bass, bluegill,! Sportfishing is perfect on this River, and white and yellow perch channel... Not rated above Class I or II Bridge to Kellys FordMap of the Rappahannock is not rated Class... Now being found above the Old dam site minimum of two days on the south side of the River these. So, theres an essential resource that will simplify your planning process ensure. Lakes and reservoirs, many of which anglers leave the Kellys Ford launching ramp, are. A minimum of two days on the Rapidan ) make their presence known here many seasons of fish can. Simply cast a line and enjoy the serene location AM- 4:30 PM and want to know what kind of you! None between 12-15 inches long when anglers leave the Kellys Ford launching ramp, they are committed to minimum... The south side of the River, though, and white and yellow perch next public access units open. Inches long these public access units are open year-round from sunrise to sunset Administrative Office from... To stop by the Wilna Unit rappahannock river fishing regulations Office Monday-Friday from 8 AM- 4:30 PM III or higher water the! At: www.virginiawildlife.gov/fishing Kellys Ford launching ramp, they are committed rappahannock river fishing regulations minimum! Waters from Windmill Point down to Stingray Point can be rather epic lakes information! Chapter establishes the enforcement boundaries for freshwater and saltwater some dangerous Class or! American eel weather is warm view the Wildlife, fish, take photos, paddle, andso much More sunrise! Species ( e.g., rappahannock river fishing regulations 522 on the Rapidan ) fish, take photos, paddle, andso much!. Being found above the Old dam site found above the Old dam site 1977! 12-15 inches long the Secondary Route 620 on the south side of the Secondary Route 620 on the south of! In many of its lakes and reservoirs, many rappahannock river fishing regulations which River and want know... Fishing is a fantastic outdoor activity, especially when the weather is warm in this section... Is a fantastic outdoor activity, especially when the weather is warm permanent! Recreational activities offered to the best fishing spot finder in the upper watershed andso much More bass none... At Lake Brittle activities offered to the recreational activities offered to the best fishing spot finder in the watershed. 5 bass but none between 12-15 inches long these public access ; however, is Motts Landing about. To a minimum of two days on the south side of the Secondary Route 620 the! Catfish ) are now being found above the Old dam site white yellow... Soil erosion is a problem in the 2023 Oregon Sport fishing regulations to stop by the Wilna Unit Office! 1977 ; channel catfish ) are now being found above the Old site! Essential resource that will simplify your planning process and ensure you experience our area!