What You'll Find at First Landing State Park

First Landing State Park sits where the Lafayette River meets the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach, giving you access to both freshwater and saltwater fishing in one location. The park covers 968 acres and includes a mile of bay shoreline, a freshwater lake, and tidal marsh habitat. You can fish from the shore, wade into shallow flats, or launch a boat to reach deeper water—the setup makes it useful whether you're targeting largemouth bass in the lake or flounder and speckled trout in the bay.

The park is also a historic site marking the 1607 landing of the first English colonists, so the grounds draw a mix of history visitors and anglers. That means parking fills on weekends and holidays, especially in spring and fall. The fishing pressure is moderate compared to some Chesapeake access points, but you'll see other rods here during peak seasons.

Key Takeaways

  • First Landing offers both freshwater lake fishing for largemouth bass and saltwater bay access for flounder, speckled trout, and croaker in the same visit.
  • The park charges a day-use fee (currently $5 per vehicle for Virginia residents, higher for non-residents) and requires a Virginia fishing license for all anglers.
  • Shore access is easiest from the bay-side trails and the lake's eastern bank, though boat launch access opens deeper water and flats that hold more fish in summer.
  • Spring and fall draw the most fish and the most anglers; summer heat pushes fish deeper, and winter access is reliable but requires cold-weather gear.

Freshwater Lake Fishing for Bass and Catfish

The park's 40-acre freshwater lake holds largemouth bass, catfish, and bluegill. Bass fishing is best in spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) when water temperatures sit in the 60s and 70s. Early morning and late afternoon produce better than midday, especially in summer when the lake warms into the 80s and bass move to deeper structure or shade.

Fish the lake's eastern bank from the walking trail—it's the most accessible shore access and has deeper water within casting distance. Drop-shot rigs, soft plastics, and topwater lures all work here. Catfish bite throughout the year, especially at night; chicken liver or cut shad fished on the bottom will draw them. The lake is small enough that you can cover most of it from shore in a morning, so don't expect trophy fish, but 12- to 16-inch bass are common and catfish run 2 to 5 pounds.

Bay Fishing from Shore and Shallow Water

The Chesapeake Bay side of the park is where most of the saltwater action happens. Speckled trout (spotted seatrout) and flounder are the main targets, with croaker and black drum showing up seasonally. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are peak seasons when fish move into shallow water and the bay's tidal creeks.

Shore access is limited but usable. Walk the bay-side trails and look for deeper pockets and channel edges where the tide runs. Speckled trout respond to small soft plastics (2 to 3 inches) in white, chartreuse, or natural colors; flounder prefer live mullet or shrimp fished on the bottom. Croaker bite on small pieces of cut bait or shrimp. Tidal movement matters here—fish feed harder on the incoming tide and the first hour of the outgoing tide.

If you have a boat, launch from the park's ramp and work the shallow flats and marsh edges around the Lafayette River mouth. This is where the real numbers are in spring and fall. Wading is also possible in the shallows, though the bottom is soft mud and can be slow going.

Boat Launch and Parking

First Landing has a single concrete boat ramp on the bay side, suitable for small to medium boats. The ramp is free with your day-use fee and has a small parking area for trailers. The ramp can get crowded on weekends, especially in spring and fall, so arrive early if you're towing. There's no fuel dock at the park, so fill up before you arrive.

Day-use parking is separate from the boat ramp lot. The main parking area fills by mid-morning on weekends, particularly April through May and September through October. Arrive before 9 a.m. if you're coming on a Saturday or Sunday during peak season. The park charges $5 per vehicle for Virginia residents and $10 for non-residents.

Licenses, Fees, and Regulations

You need a valid Virginia fishing license to fish anywhere in the park, whether you're on the freshwater lake or the bay. You can purchase a one-day license for $7.50 or a full-year license for $27.50 (resident rates). Non-residents pay more; check the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources website for current non-resident pricing.

Saltwater regulations apply to bay fishing: speckled trout have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit; flounder have a 12-inch minimum and a 4-fish daily limit. Freshwater bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish daily limit. Catfish have no size limit and no daily limit. Crabbing is also allowed in the bay with a hand line or dip net, but you'll need a separate crabbing license if you're keeping more than one bushel.

When to Fish and What to Expect

Spring (March through May) is the most productive season. Water temperatures warm into the 50s and 60s, and both bass and saltwater fish move into shallower water. Speckled trout and flounder are active, and the lake bass bite is strong. Expect moderate to heavy fishing pressure on weekends.

Summer (June through August) is slower. The lake warms into the 80s and bass move deep or inactive during the day. Bay fish are present but scattered; early morning and late evening are your best windows. Fewer anglers fish in summer heat, so you'll have more solitude but fewer fish in the shallows.

Fall (September through November) rivals spring. Water cools back into the 60s and 70s, and fish feed aggressively before winter. This is peak season for speckled trout and flounder. The lake bass bite is excellent in September and October. Expect crowds on weekends and weekday mornings.

Winter (December through February) is quiet. The bay stays fishable for hardy anglers; croaker and black drum bite in deeper channels. The lake bass bite slows but doesn't stop. Parking is easy and solitude is may provide, but you'll need cold-weather gear and patience.

Getting There and What to Bring

First Landing State Park is located at 2500 Shore Drive in Virginia Beach, about 3 miles east of downtown Virginia Beach near the Naval Station Norfolk area. From I-64, take the Northampton Boulevard exit and follow signs to Shore Drive. The park entrance is well marked. There's no public transit access, so you'll need a car.

Bring a cooler with water and snacks—there's no food service at the park. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential, especially in spring and summer. If you're wading, wear shoes with good grip; the bay bottom is soft and slippery. A headlamp or flashlight is useful for early morning or evening fishing. If you're launching a boat, arrive with a full tank of fuel and check weather and tide forecasts before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish at night?

Yes, the park is open until sunset, and night fishing is allowed. Catfish bite better at night, and some anglers fish the bay shallows after dark for speckled trout. Bring a headlamp and be aware that the parking area closes at sunset, so you'll need to leave your vehicle outside the gate if you're staying late.

Is there a fish cleaning station?

No fish cleaning station is available at the park. You'll need to clean your catch at home or bring a portable cleaning kit. Some local tackle shops in Virginia Beach offer cleaning services if you ask.

What's the best tide for fishing the bay?

Incoming tide and the first hour of outgoing tide are most productive. Fish feed harder during tidal movement. Check tide tables for the Chesapeake Bay before you go; they're free on NOAA's website and most fishing apps.

Can I wade in the bay?

Yes, wading is allowed in the shallow areas around the Lafayette River mouth and the park's bay shoreline. The bottom is soft mud and can be slow going. Wear wading shoes and watch for drop-offs. Stay aware of boat traffic from the ramp.

Do I need a separate license for the freshwater lake and the bay?

No, a single Virginia fishing license covers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. You don't need separate licenses for different bodies of water within the state.