From the novice searching for their first big catch to the experienced angler looking for a new thrill, Wytheville, Va., has a waterway for you. Get started on the New River, home to state records for smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge. New River Trail State Park runs parallel to the river for 39 miles, providing water access as well as hiking and biking opportunities.
For those looking for native brook trout, Dry Run Creek is a popular spot surrounded by Jefferson National Forest with access to Mount Rogers Recreation Area while Cripple Creek offers a variety of experiences, from the public, state-stocked sections to private trophy trout waters.
If lake fishing is more your style, Rural Retreat Lake provides 90 acres filled with muskellunge, bass, northern pike, sunfish, channel catfish, and crappy. With a boat ramp and ample shoreline spots, plus a concession stand that sells bait and tackle, this is a quiet spot for a day of fishing.
While you’re in the area, book a local guide to find the best spots on the water. With more than 30 years of experience, the folks at Appalachian Outdoor Adventures specialize in smallmouth bass and musky float trips on the New River. Book a float or wade trip with Matt Reilly Fly Fishing for scenic spots on mountain streams.
Those traveling with the whole family should explore the other attractions Wytheville has to offer. Soak up the sights, smells, and sounds of Beagle Ridge Herb Farm as you walk through rows of lavender and the butterfly house. Interact with the animals at Fort Chiswell Animal Park with a safari bus tour and petting zoo or bike the terrain park at Crystal Springs Recreation Area. Wohlfahrt Haus Dinner Theatre presents an evening of Broadway-style entertainment complete with a delicious four-course meal.
Celebrate the day’s catch with a drink and good eats in town. Head to Seven Sisters Brewery or 7 Dogs Brew Pub for locally crafted beers and live music. Enjoy a slice of the countryside with a glass of wine in your hand from West Wind Farm Vineyard & Winery.
Get some rest before another day of fishing at one of Wytheville’s hotels or campgrounds with options available at all price points. Stay in the Trinkle Mansion Bed & Breakfast for elegant accommodations and a memorable three-course breakfast or the Bolling Wilson Hotel for the rooftop terrace serving up appetizers, drinks, and mountain views.
Relax and unwind with a day on the water and night of fun in Wytheville, Va.
Cover photo: photo courtesy Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB)
