Lifelong Anglers Share Their Love for the Sport
“My love for fishing has never failed me,” says Alan Necessary, owner of Washington County’s successful supply store, Appalachian Baits. “It’s such a stress reliever for me. Whether you catch a fish or not, it gets your mind off any other problems you may have in life.”
Mountainous terrain stretches across Southwest Virginia, carving some of the most coveted rivers and streams for fishing enthusiasts near and far. The shimmering scales of various freshwater fish, like bass, trout, walleye and musky, attract anglers from all over the country.
Generational Anglers
Around this region, a wholesome love for fishing seems almost like a common trait passed down within families. “My grandfather, my dad and my entire family have all been trout fishermen,” Necessary says.
Bruce Wankel, who opened Virginia Creeper Fly Shop in 1994, offers similar sentiments toward the familial feeling. “Growing up, my family thought fishing was the most fun a person could have,” he says. “And it seemed like there was always something interesting going on around the local streams, rivers and TVA lakes where we fished.”
It’s important to acknowledge, as locals will remind you, that fishing is clearly a cherished and traditional sport in the Washington County area. It’s not merely about gain or competition. This is immersing yourself in the simplicity of nature and spending time with the people you care about. Why not backdrop those memories with some gorgeous Appalachian scenery?
Activities Bait Attention
The key to the increasing popularity of Washington County streams and lakes? It may have something to do with the growing number of outdoorsy businesses, campsites and public trails.
“I purposefully suggest folks in my audience to come and stay not just for a day of guided fly-fishing with us, but to put together a plan for a long weekend, or better yet, a full week of activities in the area,” Wankel says.
Perhaps the easiest way to blend an outdoorsy vacation with a fishing agenda is to visit the Virginia Creeper Trail in Damascus. Each year, over 150,000 people head to the picturesque 34-mile bike trail. “You’ll see a lot of bike riders on the Creeper Trail that have fly rods or spinning equipment on their backs. Just about everywhere along the trail, there’s some sort of stream beside it,” Necessary says.
While in the area, be sure to watch for festivals and competitive fishing derbies to catch some angler action. After reeling ‘em in, Washington County features a roster of restaurants, art galleries, theaters and live-music venues for your itinerary.
Fishing Hot Spots
“There’s such a wide variety of fish in this county, alone. You can fish the rivers, lakes and mountain streams to target just about any species of freshwater fish that you want to catch,” Necessary says. A few of the most recognizable spots in Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee are South Holston Lake, Whitetop Laurel Creek, Beaverdam Creek and Beartree Lake.
Whitetop Laurel Creek is a hot spot for trout – rainbow, brown, brook and wild trout. In addition, Big Tumbling Creek is deliberately stocked three to four times a week with trout during the warm seasons. It’s another gem for anglers – perhaps even the most far-reaching. “I was just at Big Tumbling today and met a guy that had traveled from Ohio. He’s staying here for a week just to fish Big Tumbling,” Necessary says.
The combination of abundant fishing opportunities, breathtaking scenery and a welcoming community creates an experience unlike any other. Those who cast a line in this part of Appalachia will not only leave with memories that will last a lifetime, but also a deep appreciation for the natural beauty and rich traditions that define this region.
This article, Reeled In, was first published in the 2025 issue of Livability magazine. Sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce. Learn more at Livability Washington County.
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