Do you have the fever? The fever to catch some 1st class fish? Virginia Is for Lovers, and Martinsville-Henry County is for Fishing Lovers. Whether you’re looking to hook some beautiful largemouth bass, or snag the daily limit of some gorgeous trophy brown and rainbow trout, Martinsville-Henry County has all the fresh water fishing needed to cure your fever. So, plan a weekend escape today because fall is the best time to fish the waters of MHC.
Start your fishing weekend getaway by checking into one of the many campgrounds throughout MHC; several of which are near Philpott Lake and the Smith River, such as the Philpott Lake Group Campground, Indian Heritage RV Park or the (new) Lily Pad RV Park & Campground.
Philpott Lake: The group campground at the overlook is located in a private setting overlooking Philpott Marina and has 10 RV spaces with extra room for tents. Each space has water, electric and sewer hook-ups. The campground also features a picnic shelter, tables, fire rings and a bathhouse facility with restrooms and showers. This is the only group campground on Philpott Lake and can be rented nightly. Other campgrounds at Philpott Lake include: Goose Point Park, Deer Island, Horseshoe Point Park, and Jamison Mill Park. Philpott Marina’s amenities include a fueling station with non-ethanol fuel, a marina store with fishing supplies, food, ice cream, bagged ice, drinks and snacks, and public restrooms.
Indian Heritage RV Park & Campground and Lily Pad RV Park bothoffer RV and tent camping right along the trout-filled Smith River. Indian Heritage RV Park & Campground is located off of 220 South in Martinsville and offers 29 full hook ups and 17 tent camping sites. Lily Pad RV Park, located off of T B Stanley Highway in Bassett, offers 122 full hookup sites and 10 tent camping sites.
Hit the Lake: After you’re all checked in and settled, it’s time to get ready for your fishing experience in MHC. If you’ve brought your bass boat, hit the waters of Philpott Lake via 1 of the 9 public boat access points located around the lake. Be sure to bring a variety of baits and lurers; fisherman can expect to catch largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, sunfish, walleye and catfish.
Hit the River: If river fishing piques your interest more, visit the incredibly diverse and scenic Smith River in Martinsville-Henry County. The 44.5-mile section of the Smith River bisects Henry County as it travels from Philpott Lake Dam down to the North Carolina State line. This one water destination really has it all. Float fisherman can kayak or canoe the river during peak water generation from the dam, or enjoy a gentle flat-water paddle through MHC, while catching brown and rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass further downstream. Or wade into the water for a little fly-fishing. If you want to get on the river, but need a little guidance, give the folks at Smith River Outfitters in Bassett a call. Smith River Outfitters will help you get on the river by providing boats, shuttle services, and/or guided fishing trips. These guided trips allow you to spend a half day with an experienced, professional angler as you are guided down a premier trout stream.
*Be sure to call 276-629-2432 to check the water generation schedule.
Specialty Shopping & Items for the Fisherman
In the market for a new pole? Colonel’s Custom Rods offers handmade fishing reels, with some available for purchase at Philpott Marina. Check out the online store or call the marina to check availability.
Anglers Choice Bass Boat Super Store has a huge selection of new and used boats from top brands like Ranger Boats, Ranger Reata Pontoons, Triton Boats and Mako Center Console boats. They also welcome trade-ins.
Once you fall in love with the Smith River, you may be interested in purchasing a waterproof Smith River Guide the state-certified Visitor Center in Uptown Martinsville.
Need your license? Go to www.dwr.virginia.gov/licenses to order it online or find a list of agents that sell licenses locally.
For an even more memorable experience, plan your fishing trip in Martinsville-Henry County for the fall, and enjoy some of the prettiest showcases of foliage in Southern Virginia. Remember, MHC has a fishing hole, or two, that may become your new favorite. For more information on fishing, boating, and camping in MHC, check out www.VisitMartinsville.com.