FIND WHAT
YOU LOVE.

HOME
STAY
EXPLORE
EAT
PLAY
ABOUT
Facebook-f Instagram

Cast your line and have a good time in Tazewell County!

Year-round, recreational fishing draws visitors to Tazewell County. As a biodiverse region, the abundance of local rivers and lakes boast a variety of fish, making our county a prime place for fishermen, says Daniel Ingram, sales manager at MEFCOR Outdoors. 

But before casting a line, make sure you’re up to speed on regional and statewide regulations and packing all the essentials. Read on for Ingram’s quick tips and a list of Tazewell County’s must-visit fishing spots!

Fishing in Tazewell County

  1. Make sure your fishing license is valid. Before you embark on your trip, be sure you have the appropriate fishing license and that it’s up to date. Depending on the time of year, Ingram notes, “not only do you have to have a valid state freshwater fishing license, you also have to have a state trout fishing license if the body of water is stocked with trout, regardless of if you are fishing for them.”
  2. Be prepared with the appropriate supplies and equipment. Ingram recommends packing a first aid kit, glasses, a cell phone, wire cutters and pliers, and bug spray.
  3. Be mindful of the weather. Research the weather prior to your trip so you can plan accordingly. Don’t risk your safety.
  4. Be cognizant of other fishermen on the water. “Don’t hog boat ramps,” Ingram says, adding that fishermen using boats should set up their vessels before they launch. Or, place the boat into the water and pull it aside to set up. 
  5. Leave no trace. Leaving litter behind can pose threats and danger to native wildlife. Plus, it’s just unsightly!
  6. Know the limits for catching. “It’s okay to take fish to eat as long as creel and slot limits are observed,” Ingram says. “If you catch a really nice one you want to mount, take photos and measurements for a replica. It takes the nice ones a long time to get that size. Let’s preserve them for the next generation.”

Where should I go? 

Below, we’ve rounded up a couple of Tazewell County’s most popular fishing hotspots! 

Lake Witten 

If you’re looking for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, channel catfish, bluegills, or crappie, you’ve come to the right place. According to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, Lake Witten is a prime spot to catch these local species. 

Visit the DWR for directions.

Clinch River

If you aren’t yet familiar with the Clinch River, you should be. Considered one of the most biologically diverse rivers in the nation, the Clinch supports more than two dozen endangered wildlife species. Here, fishermen tend to find a variety of bass, walleye, sauger, catfish, sunfish, musky, and freshwater drum, the DWR reports.  

Read the DWR’s regulations for fishing on the Clinch River here.

Lincolnshire Lake

Between the lake and the park, there’s no shortage of activities waiting for you at Lincolnshire. Bring your fishing gear and hiking boots, and while you’re here, look for other wildlife, like turtles and birds. Learn more about Lincolnshire Lake here. 

Bluestone River

In the market for bass and bluegill? Fish along the scenic Bluestone River and test your luck. The river flows between the towns of Tazewell and Bluefield and into our neighboring Appalachian state of West Virginia.

Other hotspots to consider this summer:

  • Roaring Fork
  • Little Tumbling Creek
  • Falls Mills Dam


For more information about fishing in Tazewell County and elsewhere throughout the state, visit Virginia’s Department of Wildlife Resources. To apply for fishing and hunting licenses or learn more about quotas, visit the DWR’s portal here.

all about tazewell county

Visit our facebook

facebook page

founded in 1799

start making memories

Tazewell County, Virginia is nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Founded in 1799, the county has a rich history spanning generations and is home to some of the best outdoor recreation experiences available in the region!

EVENTS

© Visit Tazewell county 2024 All Rights Reserved