The Shenandoah Valley is famous for its role in Civil War history and for its great natural beauty. But there is something else: it is a tremendous place to fish. Fishing the Shenandoah Valley: An Angler’s Guide is the latest stop in author M. W. Smith’s continuing tour of the Commonwealth‘s great fishing spots.

Surveying the entire Shenandoah River drainage system, including the Allegheny Mountains to the west, Smith looks in depth at these remarkably diverse waters. The book takes you by county through many of the region’s stocked trout streams, as well as the wild trout streams of Shenandoah National Park, with advice for both spinning and fly-fishing. The area’s largest impoundments, Lakes Frederick and Shenandoah, are thoroughly covered, from access points and contact information to the best techniques for landing largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, and catfish. The book also devotes an entire chapter to the Shenandoah River, and includes more than just sound advice on catching smallmouth bass – you also get details on float trips, including tips on the river’s rapids, as well as adjustments for winter and spring fishing.

As with all of M. W. Smith’s fishing guides, Fishing the Shenandoah Valley takes your complete fishing trip into account, answering questions about guide services, tackle shops, campsites – as well as providing detailed descriptions of the various species, so you know what you’re catching, not simply how to catch it. There’s always more to fishing than just getting a line wet.