GONE FISHIN'
Every cast a good hope, every catch a full pleasure.
Cast away your worries along Page Valley waterways. But always remember, "it's called fishing, not catching."
Here, amidst Page Valley's serene beauty of nature, every cast of the line is a promise of discovery, and every catch is a testament to the timeless allure of fishing in one of Virginia's most picturesque places.
From fly fishing to bass reeling, the Page Valley region offers a plethora of water activities for all seasons. Home to the Shenandoah River, Hawksbill Creek and Lake Arrowhead, visitors have their choice of nature’s playground by the water.
Enjoy one of Virginia’s most beautiful and historic rivers, ranked as a top smallmouth bass destination in the eastern United States. Flowing for 55 miles through the Page Valley, the South Fork of the Shenandoah River is a water haven and a dream for fishing and boating. C.T. Campbell, a 15-year instructor of Page Valley Fly Fishing Service, encourages guests to enjoy “the simplicity of fishing.”
“There are just so many opportunities for outdoor recreation — at a different pace than a lot of things are today,” he says.
When asked what someone should know about fly fishing, owner of Dragonfly Fishing Co. Ben Bailey explains, “The biggest thing about fishing is just that: it’s called ‘fishing,’ not ‘catching.’
Looking to fish on a lake? Luray is home to Lake Arrowhead, a community gathering place with shelters, ball fields, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, walking trails and the Edwin Smith Scout Camping Area. Lake Arrowhead is home to bluegill, bass, catfish, crappie, tiger perch and walleye varieties. With an ample supply of fish in the area, fishing is one of Lake Arrowhead’s most popular activities.
“When children have sat their phones down and are actually staring into the water and wonder of the great creations that we have here — that is the amazing part watching man be one with nature, the most natural thing,” says Tom Long of Long's Outfitters. The lifelong Page Valley resident offers visitors guided fishing trips throughout the area, often offering unique insights and local history.
For those looking to enjoy fishing with urban amenities close by, the Hawksbill Creek offers trout fishing along the scenic Luray-Hawksbill Greenway. “The Greenway,” as locals call it, combines a lush habitat for birds, butterflies, trout and other wildlife over a 2-mile, 10-foot-wide paved walking and biking trail that is handicapped accessible.
The Greenway offers a great alternative for those wanting to spend a day outdoors fishing, with opportunities for the whole family to enjoy bird watching, picnicking frisbee, bicycling, rollerblading, running and pet exercise. To complement your day, there are six convenient parking areas, two modern restrooms, four drinking fountains, more than 24 trailside benches and eight picnic tables.
Whether you're an avid angler or a curious newcomer, the fishing opportunities in the Shenandoah Valley offer something for everyone. Pack your gear, gather your loved ones and get ready to cast your worries away in the waters of Page Valley.
Anglin' in Luray
Angle along two ADA-accessible fishing platforms along the award-winning Luray-Hawsksbill Greenway. The platforms are designed for persons such as disabled veterans, those with walking disabilities, and those who are not comfortable walking on uneven surfaces.
The Hawksbill Creek — a Class A fishing stream — is stocked with more than 3 tons of rainbow and brook trout each year. The Town of Luray each April hosts a youth trout fishing tournament in Downtown Luray along the creek.
