With easy access to the Roanoke and James Rivers, Carvins Cove Reservoir and Smith Mountain Lake, and the many other streams and lakes in Bedford, Botetourt, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Roanoke, and Rockbridge Counties, anglers in the Roanoke Valley are blessed with some of the finest lake and river fishing on the East Coast.

In Fishing the Roanoke Valley, M. W. Smith, a professional outdoor guide and author of Fishing the New River Valley, discusses the fish species common to the streams of the Roanoke Valley, from tiny native trout to monster-sized striped bass, and discusses the many stocked trout streams in the region, county by county, as listed by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. He also offers invaluable tips on fishing Smith Mountain Lake for striped, smallmouth, and largemouth bass and gives sage advice on working the very popular and productive water at Carvins Cove Reservoir. Fishing the Roanoke Valley covers how to target certain species throughout the year, including useful information on winter fishing (such as vertical jigging), catching and using live shad, and tackle and lure choices.

The James River is well known for its excellent smallmouth fishing, and Smith shares his experience to help anglers find success in targeting this and other game fish species such as muskie and catfish. Detailed information on a number of great float trips down the Upper James from Eagle Rock to Snowden (through Balcony Falls)—including entry and exit points for floats—and useful tips about how to negotiate rapids provide enormous help for recreational paddlers and anglers.

Fishing the Roanoke Valley also features a comprehensive map of Roanoke Valley streams as well as notes on specific fishing locations keyed to maps in DeLorme’s Virginia Atlas and Gazetteer and an appendix that lists local guide services, tackle shops, rod and reel repair shops, boat dealers, and more.

Whether new to the Roanoke Valley or a longtime resident, novice or pro, the angler will find Fishing the Roanoke Valley: An Angler’s Guide fully stocked with the information needed to best utilize the area’s abundant waters.