Fishing piers in Virginia have always been among the hotspot areas. Fishing from the Virginia pier is a highlight for anglers with all skill levels. They catch all kinds of fish at the dock including bluefish, kingfish, spot, croakers, sharks, Spanish mackerel, red drum, and a few others.
No wonder, Virginia is one of the USA's exclusive fisheries. From the famous waters of Chesapeake Bay to the blue expanses of the Atlantic, the state offers more fish species than you can imagine. As Virginia is dotted with dozens of docks and fishing piers, we have listed the 14 best Virginia Fishing Piers below:
1. Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
Without a doubt, one of the greatest fishing towns on the East Coast is Virginia Beach. There is no comparison to the sheer variety of fish that can be caught here. The best aspect is that pier fishing is ideal since the fish approach the coast directly.
The local fishing pier is the best place to witness the strong fishing culture that permeates the area. The Virginia Beach fishing pier, which is situated on the town's seaside promenade, is the best place to go ocean fishing.
You may catch anything from Red Drum to Spot, Spanish Mackerel, Kingfish, and Bluefish, depending on the season. Adults are required to pay $12, children under 12 are required to pay $6, and spectators are required to pay $3, please note that all rates are subject to change.
- Located at: 15th Street and Atlantic Avenue, Virginia Beach
2. Ocean View Fishing Pier
One of Norfolk's favorite places to fish is Ocean View, which has the vast ocean to the east and the lovely Chesapeake Bay to the north. From a fishing view, the pier's location is ideal.
There are many facilities available at Ocean View even when you're not fishing. The catch of the day is gladly served at the pier cafe. Furthermore, this is a great place to organize a variety of gatherings. The upper deck extends the view towards the cities, while the lower deck faces the picturesque bay.
Adult fishing is $11; seniors over 64 and military personnel cost $8; children under five can fish for free. On the pier, there's a tackle shop where you can buy bait and rent rods.
- Located at: 400 W.Ocean View Avenue, Norfolk
3. James T. Wilson Pier
One of the most popular fishing locations in Chesapeake Bay is James T. Wilson Pier, often known as Buckroe Fishing Pier. The 709-foot concrete pier in Hampton is open 24 hours a day, usually from April until December. The location has a snack bar, a bait shop, and bathrooms.
For fishing in the James T. Wilson Pier, it costs $8 for adults and $6 for seniors (62 and over) and children (10 and under). A $4 Non-Fishing Visitor option is also available.
In November 2019, a drifting vessel struck the pier, causing it to collapse. Buckroe Fishing Pier has reopened and is now accessible to anglers and tourists after nearly a year.
- Located at: 330 S Resort Blvd, Hampton, VA 23664, United States
4. Yorktown Fishing Pier
Yorktown offers a chance to go fishing on the York River directly across the river from Gloucester Point. Similar to its counterpart, Yorktown Fishing Pier provides a variety of regional species for fishing. Here, blue crab, flounder, croaker, and striper are frequently caught.
Keep your eyes on the river, even if the views of the neighboring Coleman Bridge are quite breathtaking. The pier is wheelchair accessible, free to the public, and open all year round.
A relaxing small beach runs down the riverbed at the foot of the pier as it is a great place for a picnic with the family. If you're feeling a little more energetic, you may hire a kayak or paddleboard in the area or go for a swim.
- Located at: 632-646 Water Street, Yorktown
5. James River Fishing Pier
Another excellent spot for bay fishing is the James River Fishing Pier, which is situated near Newport News at the base of the James River Bridge. Because so many baitfish are drawn to the bridge, their predators are always around.
One of the greatest places to take in those bay sunsets is the pier, which reopened in 2015. You may catch a variety of fish, including striped bass, croaker, spot, and flounder. The pier's operating hours vary depending on the season and are from April to October.
Adults must pay $11 to fish from the pier, while elderly and children under 12 are allowed to fish for just $8. If you're hungry after all that reeling, there is a seafood restaurant on the pier that will serve you delicious and tasty foods.
- Located at: Address: 2019 James River Bridge, Newport News
6. Gloucester Point Park Fishing Pier
Gloucester Point, which is situated on the York River's north bank, provides a variety of saltwater fish species to chase. Fishing in these places will leave you with an abundance of options, ranging from Striped Bass and Gray Trout to Croaker and Spot.
With 325 feet of length and 325 feet of width, the T-shaped pier offers you plenty of room for casting. Although it doesn't require a license, you must quickly register online.
Plenty of places to unwind and enjoy yourself can be found around the park. The pavilion has a gazebo beside the river, with grills and picnic tables all around it. In addition, there is a huge parking space, bathrooms, and a playground for children.
- Located at: 1255 Greate Rd, Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA
7. Sandbridge Fishing Pier
This list of top Virginia fishing piers would be incomplete without listing Sandbridge. Sandbride Fishing Pier is only 10 miles south of Virginia Beach fishing pier as it is the best option for fishers who are in the hunt for amazing ocean fishing. But the crowds there are overfilled.
Here to be taken advantage of are the typical suspects. Bluefish and the occasional Spanish Mackerel are present, along with Red Drum, Spot, and Croaker. There's a fish cleaning facility on the pier, so you can easily get your catch ready to go home.
The fee or the cost of using the Sandbridge fishing pier is $10 for non-residents and $8 for municipal residents. As an alternative, homeowners can pay $25 or non-residents $35 for a weekly pier fishing pass. Residents can park for $3 and visitors from outside the city can park for $5; however, please be aware that these fees are subject to change.
- Located at: 3820 Sandpiper Road, just north of Back Bay Wildlife Refuge.
8. Westmoreland State Park Fishing Pier
Westmoreland State Park, one of Virginia's oldest parks, has a lot to offer outdoor enthusiasts. Hiking, camping, accommodation, boating, swimming, and other enjoyable family-friendly activities are all available in the 1300-acre historic park. Above all, the park provides fantastic fishing on the famous Potomac River.
You can catch Croaker, Spot, White Perch, and even Stripers when fishing from the park's pier. Remember that to wet a line here, you must possess a current Virginia freshwater fishing license. Crabbing is something you won't want to miss while you're here. There is a snack bar and restrooms available at the park.
Hiking routes across the park lead to prehistoric fossils of sharks, whales, and porpoises that date back up to 15 million years. You never know, you could even stumble and find a fossilized shark tooth if you keep an eye out.
- Located at: 145 Cliff Road, 145 Cliff Rd, Montross, VA 22520, USA
9. Tom’s Cove Park, Chincoteague
Tom's Cove Park, which is located in Chincoteague town is Virginia's most preferred place for camping and fishing. The pure and natural rivers and their being near the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge have been able to pull the people who love outdoor activities not just from the country but across the country.
Tom's Cove has 3 different fishing piers, and as it is near Chincoteague town, it offers a peaceful gateway that is best for wetting a line. You will get to catch different species of fish like Red Drum, Black Bass, Spot, Odd Striper, and a few more different species.
However, having a Virginia fishing license is a must in order to fish from these piers and you have to obey the rules and comply with them. As the National Wildlife Refuge has beautiful beaches and wetlands, it is also best for hiking and trail activities, shooting, and of course fishing. You will also get to see the popular Chincoteague horses along with the beautiful views that it offers.
- Located at: 8128 Beebe Road Chincoteague, VA 23336
10. Chicks Beach
Stretching only two kilometers down the beach, Chicks Beach is quite small and it extends roughly east of Little Creek, the amphibious base, and reaches from the Lynnhaven Inlet to just west of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. To put it mildly, the residences in this region are diverse. This landscape is made up of older, stunning beach cottages as well as more recent, enormous residences, condominiums, and even duplexes.
Chicks Beach is a terrific option if you're searching for a dog-friendly beach since it offers a good sandbar and a great spot for dogs to swim. There is a large sand bar on this beach where you and your dog may walk about 20 to 30 feet from the shoreline, with the water just perhaps reaching your knees.
If your dogs are outspoken and friendly and like to meet new friends then this is it. Hence, as it is situated in a residential area, it does not have ample parking spaces.
- Located at: 3656 Shore Dr Virginia Beach, VA 23455
11. Bob's Fishing Hole
For fishermen of all skill levels, Bob's Fishing Hole, which is among a well-known fishing spot in Virginia, provides a calm and beautiful environment. This well-known fishing pier is tucked away among lush vegetation and offers a peaceful view of a lake, making it the perfect spot to throw a line and take in the peace of the outdoors. With its several platforms, the pier offers plenty of room for people to fish in comfort.
There is no better spot to spend time with family and go fishing than this amazing location. Plenty of fish, plenty of joy, and lots of tranquility will be yours to capture. Thus, this is the finest spot to be if you're seeking a great site to fish with a great view.
- Located at: 4243 Battlefield Blvd S Chesapeake, VA 23322
12. Elizabeth River Park
In 2004, the Elizabeth River Fishing Pier project was finished as the 125-foot pier runs along the base of the Jordan Bridge in Chesapeake and is a feature of the Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park. This facility, which is close to Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, provides access to the Elizabeth River's Southern Branch.
A double-wide boat ramp with docks, many parking spaces, and a spacious picnic pavilion are present in the park. Fishing and crabbing are prohibited on the boating piers and ramps. For both recreational fishing and crabbing, use the newly constructed ADA-compliant fishing pier. This facility requires a valid individual saltwater recreational fishing license.
This facility is situated in Chesapeake, Virginia, on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River. Take I-464 from I-64 or I-264 and proceed about 1/4 mile to Elizabeth River Way after taking the Poindexter St. west exit (Exit #4). Once you cross the railroad tracks, you will see the park entrance on your left.
- Located at: 1400 Elizabeth River Way, Chesapeake, VA 23324, USA
13. Glebe Point Fishing Pier
The 60-foot pier, the first phase, was finished in 2001, while the crabbing deck and T-head were erected on the pier in 2002. To fish from the pier, you must have a valid saltwater recreational fishing license; there is no charge as having a license is the only requirement. The Lions Club of Northumberland contributed two picnic tables.
The pier is fully wheelchair accessible, and the facility offers two disabled parking places. Nine concrete parking spots and extra dirt parking may be found at the VDOT overflow lot beneath the Route 200 bridge. There is one portable restroom that is accessible to people with disabilities.
In this portion of the Great Wicomico River, at least four different kinds of fish are often caught: striped bass, seatrout, croaker, and spot. The nearby bridge is within casting distance and offers a great structure for fish.
- Located at: Great Wicomico River at the base of the Route 200 bridge
14. Morley's Wharf Fishing Pier
In 1999, the fishing pier at Morley's Wharf was concluded, with a 50-foot L-head, the pier advances 150 feet into Occohannock Creek. The building satisfies current ADA requirements and is wheelchair accessible.
However, this area also has a modest paved parking lot and two double-wide boat ramps. The pier is available twenty-four hours a day and there is no charge to use it.
Excellent spots, croaker, red drum, spotted trout, flounder, black drum, cobia, striped bass, tautog, and gray trout fishing are available in Occohannock Creek as it's a well-liked spot, and every year the VSRFDF funds annual children's fishing competitions are held there.
- Located on: the south side of Occohannock Creek