2022-2023 Virginia Angler Survey

Results from the 2022-2023 Virginia Angler Survey provide a range of information about fishing in the state.

The survey discovered a number of angler trends in freshwater fishing:

• Largemouth and smallmouth bass are the most popular freshwater species in Virginia
• The average angler fishes 25 days a year in five different locations
• The most popular freshwater fishing destinations are lakes and ponds under 500 acres
• Less than 5% of anglers fished in freshwater with a guide in Virginia
• Approximately 6 % of anglers competed in freshwater fishing tournaments in Virginia
• Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are used by 29.3% of Virginia anglers
• The survey indicates an overlap in interests of outdoor enthusiasts
• Angler experience in Virginia varies from beginner, novice, intermediate, advanced, and expert
• The majority of Virginia anglers feel that DWR does a good job providing information about fishing regulations

The survey found that, in addition to black bass, freshwater anglers in Virginia fish for striped bass or hybrid striped bass, panfish (bream, sunfish, rock bass), shad or herring, white perch, crappie, flathead catfish, blue catfish, channel catfish, walleye, sauger, saugeye, stocked trout (brook, rainbow, brown), wild trout (brook, rainbow, brown), northern pike, chain pickerel, muskellunge, yellow perch, carp, suckers, northern snakehead, anything that bites, bullhead catfish, unspecified catfish, gar, fallfish, bowfin, spotted bass, eels, croaker, creek chubs, rock bass, white bass, and shiners/microspecies.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) sends a survey to freshwater fishing license holders biennially, in an effort to connect with Virginia anglers and evaluate their fishing behaviors, perceptions of fisheries management, and satisfaction with fishing in Virginia.

Economic Impacts

An economic impact analysis conducted by the American Sportfishing Association indicates that Virginia’s warmwater streams, large impoundments, and small impoundments support more than $125 million a year in economic impact. The study found that coldwater streams are worth nearly $100 million a year to the Virginia economy.

source: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources