Where to Fish in Williamsburg
Fishing is one of nature’s more peaceful hobbies, and there are plenty of beautiful locations around the Williamsburg area to cast your line and wait for a bite!
This park offers a 290-foot lighted fishing pier and a boat ramp, available for use 24 hours a day. There’s also a park store that sells drinks, snacks, ice cream, ice, bait and tackle, firewood, camping supplies, batteries, maps, boating supplies, paper products, and more.
For fishermen looking for land as far as the eye can see, Little Creek Reservoir has 996 acres. Fishing, boating, and picnicking are offered year-round. Be sure to check out the one-mile hike along the multi-use trail to take in nature and local wildlife.
Available for use 24 hours a day, this park offers five fishing piers and a non-motorized boat/canoe/kayak launch providing access to the James River at Jamestown Island, including scenic views of Historic Jamestown. The creek also passes through several important Colonial American landmarks, including Jamestown Island, Greensprings Plantation, and Mainland Farm–the oldest continually cultivated farm in America.
Boat Fishing Only
If you’ve got a boat, take it to Brickyard Landing and Diascund Reservoir Park, the latter of which is operated jointly by Newport News, James City County, and the Division of Game and Inland Fisheries. Both are open to the general public for boating access and fishing from sunrise to sunset.
A family and dog-friendly beach open daily, 8 a.m. to sunset, this beachfront park features a designated fishing area, picnic areas with charcoal grills, and an observation pier. A concession facility sells ice cream, hot dogs, burgers, drinks, and snacks.
Fishing is aplenty at York River State Park. With access to the York River from Croaker Landing, there is a boat launch dock and a 360-foot fishing pier. There is also fishing available in the park on Taskinas Creek and Woodstock Pond using kayaks, canoes, paddleboats, and jon boats. Open from 8 a.m. to dusk, the park is known for its rich marine and plant life, thanks to the estuarine environment where freshwater meets saltwater. There is a boat ramp, saltwater fishing spots, and a fishing pier to enjoy.
You don’t need a license to fish at the Yorktown Fishing Pier, and depending on the time of year, you might be able to catch famous Chesapeake Bay blue crabs or puppy drum fish, which are in-season from spring through fall. In the same area is Yorktown Waterfront and Riverwalk Landing, featuring restaurants and shopping.
Coming to Yorktown by boat? No problem! Riverwalk Landing’s main pier – located at the foot of Ballard Street – is 395 feet long and 20 feet wide. It’s large enough to accommodate everything from tall ships and regional cruise lines, to large and small motor and sailing vessels.
Rodgers A. Smith Boat landing offers one double wide boat ramp and one single boat ramp on the Poquoson River with easy access to the York River. Visitors can expect a large fishing/crabbing pier, parking area, and public restrooms, along with a scenic view. It’s open 24 hours, and there is no fee associated.
Situated on 27 acres of land, not only are there picnic areas, restrooms, and tennis courts at Back Creek Park, but also a free boat launching facility and kayak access.
This enormous park (545 acres, to be exact) has something for everyone year-round. You’ll find hiking, mountain biking, picnic shelters, and more. For those who want to fish, a floating pier is available.
Other Things to Know
Don’t miss Free Fishing Days in Virginia from June 4-6, 2021, meaning you can fish without having to purchase a fishing license. All are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and cast a line with friends and family!
There are a few places where you do not need a fishing license, but for most areas, every person who is required to have a license to fish must carry that license with them (electronic copy, printed paper, or annual hard card). For a full list of details, learn about getting your license here.
As you plan your visit, be sure to check out our trip planning tools for all Williamsburg has to offer.
