Brook trout, Virginia’s official state freshwater fish. (Photo: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) Striped bass, Virginia’s official state saltwater fish.

Since reaching full capacity in 1966, Smith Mountain Lake has become a premiere destination for outdoor recreational enthusiasts, especially anglers who come from all over the country for its prized ...

This is part of a continuing occasional series on efforts to preserve Atlantic striped bass, which are Virginia’s state saltwater fish and vital to the economies of every Atlantic coast state.