Highland County

Highland County is home to some of the most remote locations in the state of Virginia and offers three rivers for public fishing – the Bullpasture, the Potomac, and Laurel Fork. The Bullpasture and Potomac Rivers offer easy access just steps away from a main road.

The Highland Wildlife Management Area offers over 14,000 acres of outdoor recreation on three separate tracts of land, with some stocked trout fishing available supplied by the Department of Wildlife Resources.  More information and applicable permits can be found at https://dwr.virginia.gov/wma/highland/.

Laurel Fork, located in the Laurel Fork Management Area, offers fishing amidst majestic scenery. Its location is a bit remote and requires some walking. With many trails and primitive camp sites, Laurel Fork is also great for backpackers!

Highland County is also home to the Virginia Trout Company that raises Allegheny Mountain trout for stocking in ponds and offers walk-in food sales of frozen trout filets and smoked trout.

In addition to public fishing localities, several of our cabin rentals offer on-site fishing in rivers, such as the Jackson River, which doesn’t feature any public fishing sites. Check out our lodging page by clicking here.

Many other exploration opportunities are waiting for visitors and the entire family, such as Hiner Town Trout Fishing, the Virginia Maple Syrup Trail, Highland County Barn Quilt Trail, the Sounding Knob Fire Tower, hiking, maple sugar camps, and unique shopping. For your taste buds to enjoy, there are local eateries and a cidery called Big Fish Cider, Co. (just look for the giant trout on top of the building!) Plus, there is a weekly Farmers’ Market that is held on Fridays from May to October, which can provide great sides to your catch of the day.

License Requirements
Residents: All residents 16 years of age and older are required to possess a state freshwater fishing license to fish for trout. Persons who fish in designated stocked waters must have an additional trout license. A National Forest Stamp is necessary when fishing in most waters within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.

Non-Residents: Out-of-state anglers who fish designated stocked waters need to purchase: a non-resident state freshwater fishing license (five-day, non-resident licenses are available), a non-resident trout license, and a National Forest Stamp (where appropriate). For fishing in wild trout or most special regulation waters, the non-resident needs only: a non-resident state freshwater fishing license, the appropriate National Forest Stamp and landowner permit cards.