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Hunting and Fishing in Virginia
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Claytor Lake State Park
Located on the 4,500 acre, 21-mile long Claytor Lake (from which
the park was named) in the New River Valley of southwestern
Virginia, Claytor Lake State Park offers a wide variety of
activities for water and land enthusiasts. Easily accessible
from Interstate 81, the park features the only full service
marina in the state park system. In addition, there are miles of
hiking trails, swimming, camping facilities, cabins and a
visitor center. The visitor center is located in the historic
Howe House. Motorboats permitted. Bass, catfish, muskie, walleye
and striped bass are among the popular sport fish found in the
lake. A valid Virginia fishing license is required and is
available at the marina when it is open or by contacting the
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. For information call:
(540)674-5492
Fairy Stone State Park
Fairy Stone State Park is home of the mysterious "fairy stones."
It is one of the six original Virginia state parks to open on
June 15, 1936. The treasured stone so prevalent in the region,
beautiful scenery, rich history and ample recreational
opportunities make Fairy Stone one of the favorites of park
visitors. Roanoke newspaper publisher Julius B. Fishburn donated
the 4,868-acre site, making it the largest of the six original
parks and one of the largest to this day. Fishing is allowed
with a valid Virginia fishing license on the 168 acre lake. A
fishing area is accessible to visitors with physical
disabilities. Approximately half the park's acreage is open to
hunting. There's a 5,000 acre quality deer management area
adjacent to park. For information call: (540)930-2424
Holliday Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park, located deep within the
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, boasts a scenic 150-acre
lake amid rolling hills. Activity at the park focuses on the
lake, with fishing, boating, swimming, picnicking, camping and
hiking. Fishing available with valid Virginia fishing license.
For information call: (804)248-6308
Lake Anna State Park
The land in Lake Anna State Park used to be known as "Gold Hill"
and contained the Goodwin Gold Mine. Gold was first discovered
in 1829 with mining reaching its peak in the 1880s. The last
gold to be found was in a zinc mine during the 1940s. In 1971
Lake Anna was created to serve as a water coolant for Virginia
Power's nuclear plant. In 1972 work began on the acquisition and
development of a water-oriented state park. Lake Anna State Park
opened in 1983. While boating and fishing on this beautiful lake
are major attractions, these are only some of the park's
offerings. Lakefront picnic areas and wooded hiking trails are
also popular. During the summer, interpretive programs on the
nature and history of the area complement exhibits and displays
in the visitor center. Lake Anna State Park has nearly nine
miles of hiking trails, lakeshore picnicking, a guarded swimming
beach, a children's play area, a boat ramp, a food concession
stand, a bathhouse and a children's and handicapped fishing
pond. For information call: (540)854-5503
Mason Neck State Park
Mason Neck State Park is situated on a peninsula formed by
Pohick Bay on the north, Belmont Bay on the south and the
Potomac River on the east. The peninsula is the site of an
active heron rookery. The park also attracts several other
migrating and non-migrating species of birds, including
whistling swans and assorted species of duck. Bald eagles also
inhabit the area. The park boasts several hundred acres of
hardwood forests consisting of oaks, holly, hickory and other
species of trees. In addition, several wetland areas are also
found in Mason Neck. Land was purchased over the years from the
The Nature Conservancy. The park connects with a National
Wildlife Refuge that includes over 2,000 acres. The park opened
to the public in 1985. Fresh and brackish water fishing are
available. Must have valid Virginia fishing license. Limited
deer hunt by lottery only. For information call: (703)550-0362
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