RICHMOND, VA (Rocktown Now) – Smallmouth bass are Virginia’s second most popular sportfish—in a given year, more than 55% of anglers in the Commonwealth fish for this species. For this reason and to provide additional transparency to the fisheries management process DWR has drafted its first Smallmouth Bass Management Plan.

According to a press release, the plan will use management and monitoring to enhance recreational opportunities for smallmouth, employ targeted research to better understand the species, explore hatchery culture to potentially enhance and restore populations throughout the state, and more effectively promote this resource.

DWR encourages anyone who values smallmouth bass to provide input on this inaugural plan. Public input provides the Department a better understanding of what anglers want and ensures their needs are met. The public comment period is open through April 11, 2025. DWR staff will review all comments and consider them relative to the goals, objectives, and strategies within the plan.

DWR intends to adopt the inaugural Smallmouth Bass Management Plan in the fall of 2025.

The link to provide feedback can be found here: Draft Smallmouth Bass Management Plan | Virginia DWR