Fishing Virginia's Highlands

Book excerpt: Rich in angling lore, the secluded lakes and rivers of Virginia's Highlands offer some of the best trout and smallmouth bass fishing found anywhere in the state. From the Alleghany Highlands in the north (which encompass Alleghany, Bath, and Rockbridge counties) to the Blue Ridge/Grayson Highlands in the southwest (which include Grayson, Smythe, and Washington counties), these portions of the commonwealth offer many high-yield rivers, lakes, and streams including Lake Moomaw, the Maury River, South Holston Lake, and the North Fork of the Holston River. In his new guide, Fishing Virginia's Highlands, M. W. Smith extends his ongoing tour of the state's greatest fishing spots to these two remote regions, offering readers excellent advice on where, when, and how to catch more fish in Virginia's Highlands. Renowned for its mineral springs, the Alleghany Highlands is home to world-famous spas, including the Homestead in Bath County, making it a popular destination for many outdoor enthusiasts. The Blue Ridge/Grayson Highlands, which is surrounded by such cities as Abingdon, Bristol, Winston-Salem/Greensboro, and Charlotte, is also a common weekend getaway spot. By considering these two areas in one volume, Smith provides valuable information for anglers and other visitors, giving readers the information they need to enjoy the natural beauty of the waters and to catch more fish from them. Complete with a comprehensive map of the regions' streams, notes on specific fishing locations keyed to maps in DeLorme's Virginia Atlas and Gazetteer, and an appendix that lists local guide services, tackle shops, camping sites, and parks, Smith's guidebook is a compact and informative resource. Whether you are a visitor or a longtime resident, novice angler or pro, Fishing Virginia's Highlands will prove an indispensable guide to every fishing adventure you undertake in highland waters.