moderate
4–8 hours
Moderate physical fitness needed for handling drift boats, casting, and long hours outdoors.
Chase mighty muskies on the New River with Virginia Trophy Guides in Roanoke, Virginia. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, these seasoned guides bring unmatched local knowledge and skill to help you land the fish of a lifetime.
Roanoke, Virginia, a city that sits where the Blue Ridge Mountains begin to rise, offers anglers an unforgettable gateway to freshwater trophy fishing. At the heart of this region’s outdoor adventure is Virginia Trophy Guides, a trusted name specializing in musky and smallmouth bass trips on the New River and surrounding waterways. The New River’s limestone banks and clear, fast-moving currents carve a diverse aquatic habitat that invites anglers in search of challenging, high-reward catches.
Virginia Trophy Guides delivers half-day and full-day musky fishing expeditions that balance technical skill with memorable experiences. Their expert guides, like Austin and Josh, bring not only deep knowledge of the fishery but also a keen understanding of how to read the river’s subtle shifts—from pockets of slow current where muskies ambush prey, to rocky riffles favored by smallmouth bass. Their mastery of the drift boat offers smooth, efficient access to prime fishing spots few others reach. Anglers have consistently praised the guides’ patience, instruction, and local insight, going home with stories of personal bests and tough, toothy muskies earned through persistence.
Beyond the fishing itself, trips often reveal glimpses of eastern wildlife such as bald eagles, mink, and kingfishers, offering a rich connection to the river’s ecosystem. The New River, one of the oldest rivers in North America, flows through a region steeped in natural history, blending scenic wilderness with the vibrant recreational culture of Roanoke.
For those hunting Virginia musky, Virginia Trophy Guides stands out not just as guides but as stewards of the river. Their low-impact approach keeps the waters clean and the fishery sustainable, ensuring new generations can experience the thrill of landing a musky. Whether you are a seasoned angler or stepping into musky waters for the first time, their trips provide a potent mix of challenge, camaraderie, and riverfront tranquility that defines outdoor adventure in Southwest Virginia.
Virginia Trophy Guides’ experts know the river intimately—trust their spot calls to improve your catch rate.
Layered clothing helps you stay comfortable for long hours on the river, where temperatures can vary.
Basic fly casting skills improve your success, though guides provide helpful instruction to sharpen your technique.
Full-day trips can be demanding—carry water and energy food to maintain focus and stamina.
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in North America, flowing northward through many geological epochs and shaping the region’s ecology and culture.
Virginia Trophy Guides practices catch-and-release and promotes low-impact boating to protect fish populations and maintain river health.
A sturdy 8-10 weight fly rod paired with a smooth reel handles musky-sized flies and strong fish.
Protects from wet weather, splashes, and river winds during long floats.
spring|summer|fall|winter specific
Reduces surface glare on the water, helping you spot fish and river features.
Hat, sunscreen, and lip balm guard against UV exposure during long daylight hours.
spring|summer|fall specific