Wytheville Convention Visitor's Bureau Featured Fishing Sites

Site #1: New River

Description:

The New River rivals the James and Rappahannock rivers as one of the best fishing rivers in Virginia. It supports outstanding populations of just about every major freshwater game fish in the state: seven different bass varieties, muskellunge, walleye, black crappie, channel catfish, flathead catfish, yellow perch, redbreast sunfish, and bluegill.

The New River flows through spectacular scenery complete with rock cliffs and magnificent gorges. Fast water and big rock outcroppings are a feature of the New River, providing perfect habitat for smallmouth bass and flathead catfish. Calm, slow waters also abound, yielding big flathead and channel catfish as well as walleye and smallmouth bass.

Wading the river is very popular, however many anglers find canoeing is the best way to access the river. Small boats can be launched at most access points.

Access Points;

From I-77, take Exit 24; go east on Route 69 to Route 52 and follow signs to Shot Tower. Parking fee required;

Foster Falls - From I-77, take Exit 24, go east on Route 69 to Route 52, go north to Route 608, go east and follow signs. Parking fee required;

Ivanhoe - From I-81 take Exit 80, 1 mile on 52 South, right on Rt. 94, go east on Rt. 639; Austinville -From I-81 take Exit 80, take 52 South, Rt. 619

Site #2: Rural Retreat Lake

Description:

Located on 330 acres of Wythe County parkland, just west of Wytheville. This 90-acre pristine lake offers excellent fishing from its cool mountain waters. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish including trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, muskellunge and channel catfish.
Providing anglers with convenient over night accommodations is the lakes 72 site wooded campground. Campground guests will enjoy sites with hookups, a refreshing swimming pool, picnic area, and miles of hiking trails.

Access Points:

From I-81, take Exit 60, go South on Main Stree-Rt 749. Turn right on Rural Retreat Lake Road-Rt. 677, turn left on Lake Road and Proceed to The Lake

Site #3: Cripple Creek

Description:

Anglers can experience trophy trout fishing in the sparkling clear, mountain water of Cripple Creek.

Access Points: