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George Washington & Jefferson National Forest - Fishing

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Immerse yourself in unparalleled fishing adventures near Roanoke, VA, within the expansive beauty of George Washington and Jefferson National Forests. Spanning over 2,000 miles of streams, rivers, and lakes, this pristine wilderness offers a diverse array of fish species, including native brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, catfish, and more.

Trout enthusiasts will find sanctuary in the clear waters of the Roanoke River and its tributaries, such as Craig Creek and Catawba Creek, teeming with both stocked and native trout. Meanwhile, Carvins Cove Reservoir, the second-largest municipal park in the nation, beckons with abundant lake fishing opportunities and a rich variety of fish species.

For fly fishing aficionados, the forest's mountain streams provide an exhilarating challenge, where skillfully crafted fly patterns entice elusive trout. Additionally, nearby Delayed Harvest streams offer thrilling catch-and-release experiences, especially during the fall and winter seasons.

Whether seeking solitude along secluded streams or camaraderie at popular fishing spots, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests promise unforgettable angling amidst nature's splendor.

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Recreation
Directions
  • Directions: The George Washington & Jefferson National Forest is located north of Roanoke and runs parallel to Interstate 81.
  • Major Access Routes: I-81
Recreation
  • Additional Information: We feature hundreds of hiking trails, ranging from all levels of difficulty. With few exceptions, the forest is open 24 hours a day. Fees are charged for various uses in developed areas such as campgrounds, group picnic facilities and the swimming area.
  • Friday Hours: Open
  • Monday Hours: Open
  • RV Parking:
  • Saturday Hours: Open
  • Sports: Hiking, Biking, Swimming, Hunting, Horseback Riding
  • Sunday Hours: Open
  • Thursday Hours: Open
  • Tuesday Hours: Open
  • Wednesday Hours: Open
Driving Distances
  • Atlanta
    430 miles
  • Baltimore
    281 miles
  • Charleston, WV
    180 miles
  • Charlotte
    194 miles
  • Columbia
    284 miles
  • Greensboro
    104 miles
  • Lexington
    356 miles
  • Pittsburgh
    340 miles
  • Raleigh
    167 miles
  • Richmond
    164 miles
  • Virginia Beach
    295 miles
  • Washington, DC
    251 miles
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Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge 101 Shenandoah Avenue NE Roanoke, VA 24016 (540) 342-6025 (800) 635-5535

Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge is committed to cultivating an atmosphere that welcomes and celebrates the unique backgrounds, abilities, passions, and perspectives of our vibrant community. As our region’s only destination marketing organization, we have a responsibility to showcase the best the Roanoke Region has to offer, and those assets and strengths come in varied forms. We embrace differences in race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, language, visible and invisible disabilities, and all the intersecting identities that make Virginians and visitors alike so unique. We believe our differences make us stronger– and better.