Sachem’s Pass At Big Bend Farm on The Cowpasture River, Bath County.

The Flat At Big Bend Farm.

Big Bend is not your typical little Virginia trout stream. The width and freestone bottom resembles western rivers much more then most Virginia rivers.

For fly fishing in Virginia, its hard to beat Big Bend Farm. This private trout water is managed to provide the highest quality experience for anglers in terms of both size and quantity of fish. Big Bend Farm’s primary species is rainbow trout however, browns and brookies are never out of the question. Anglers can expect many fish per day depending on environmental factors and the skill of the angler. Fly Fishing Guides are available but fly fishing is allowed without a fishing guide as well. Big Bend Farm is located on the Cowpasture river. A mile and a half of water is open and stocked multiple times each year within its numerous runs, riffles, and pools. This is a beautiful and unspoiled property on very quality water which promises lots of fish in a natural, private setting. The season at Big Bend Farm will run from mid September until the end of May. Limited to 5 Members per day.

Big Bend Farm is Albemarle Anglers’ first, and longest operating fishery. Just shy of a decade now it has welcomed many to its beautiful waters and has held the reputation of being a favorite among anglers, and here’s why…

Bath County is located primarily along the eastern slope of Warm Springs Mountain and adjacent ridges, the Allegheny Highlands. This property will offer relaxing afternoons, for you to explore over a mile and a half of private runs, riffles, and pools which are stocked multiple times each year. A uniquely wide river with its freestone bottom, most commonly found in western river bottoms. Managed by Albemarle Angler this private trout water provides the highest quality experience for members in terms of both size and quantity of fish. Big Bend’s primary species are rainbow trout however, browns and “brookies” are always a possibility! Truly a beautiful, unspoiled property. For fly fishing in Virginia, it will be hard to beat Big Bend!

The Cowpasture River flows through some of Western Virginia’s most scenic, rural landscape. Beginning in Highland County, it flows south through Bath, Alleghany and Botetourt Counties for over 80 miles. At Iron Gate, it joins the Jackson River to form The James River. People who experience the Cowpasture River find that its beauty and peace remain with them always.

There is an interesting story about how the Cowpasture and neighboring rivers the Bullriver and Calfpasture River came to be so named. It is said that the Shawnee once had stolen a herd, of settlers’ cattle and was driving them westward into the mountains. The calves naturally tired first; they were left behind at the river which is now the Calfpasture. The cows were driven on farther, but they, too, had to be abandoned, the valley in which they were left became the valley of the Cowpasture. The bulls, being somewhat hardier, were still able to continue westward; they finally were left at the river which is known as the Bullpasture.

The Native Americans had named the river Walatoola, which means “winding waters”, describing the great bends in the river. However, when British settlers arrived in the 1720s they named it the Cowpasture.

There is also a nice cabin available for rent on the property. Please click on ” The Cabin at Big Bend Farm” link bellow for information on booking the cabin.

The Cabin at Big Bend Farm

NOT INCLUDED overnight accommodations may be available at the cabin at Big Bend Farm, an original 1928 log house built from native lumber and stone and features sleeping accommodations for up to ten persons. A cozy living area, fully equipped kitchen, and large outdoor decks with grill are included.
The beautiful Cowpasture River flows just downhill from the cabin.
1 night stays at the cabin are available mid-week only for $275/night based on double occupancy. The Cabin will sleep up to 10 people. After the first two, each additional person adds $10 to the price. Fishing fees for the river are NOT included in the rental price but can be scheduled through Albemarle Angler. 434.977.6882.

During weekends there is a two night minimum for $200/night double occupancy. The cabin offers a great solution for those driving more than 2-3 hours to fish this terrific water. If you’re in the DC area and are interested in fishing mid-week, by all means book a stay in this cabin. Travel and fish your first day, then stay overnight and fish the second day.

For membership availability and pricing, please give us a call, (434) 977-6882.

Platinum Membership ~ 

• Access to all club waters
• Big Bend Farm fishing access from September 1^st through May 31st
• Buffalo Creek fishing access from September 1^st through June 30^th
• South River Preserve fishing access from September 1^st through May 31^st
• The River House fishing access from September 1^st through June 30th
• Fly fishing clinics & events
• 20% discount on all Albemarle Angler purchases
• Overnight camping included on Buffalo Creek maximum of six, no camping at Big Bend
• Four guided trips per year $1,800 value
• Four guest fees included
• Guest fee $50 per guest/non family
• Guest fee $25.00 family.
• 20% discount on all other Albemarle Angler Private waters
• Invitations to all club events

Gold Membership ~ 

• Access to the property/river of your choice, Cowpasture/Big Bend Farm, Buffalo Creek/Sachems or South River/South River Preserve for one year
• Fly fishing clinics & events
• 20% discount on all Albemarle Angler purchases
• Overnight camping included on Buffalo Creek maximum of six, no camping at Big Bend
• Four guided trips per year $1,800 value
• Four guest fees included
• Guest fee $50 per guest/non family
• Guest fee $25.00 family.
• 20% discount on all other Albemarle Angler Private waters
• Invitations to all club events

Silver Membership ~ 

• Access to all club waters
• Big Bend Farm fishing access from September 1^st through May 31st
• Buffalo Creek fishing access from September 1^st through June 30^th
• South River Preserve fishing access from September 1^st through May 31^st
• The River House fishing access from September 1^st through June 30th
• 10% discount on all Albemarle Angler purchases
• Two guest fees included
• Guest fee $75.00 per guest/non family
• Guest fee $50.00 family
• Overnight camping at $25 per person, maximum of six, no camping at Big Bend
• Invitations to all club events

Bronze Membership ~ 

• Access to the property/river of your choice, Cowpasture/Big Bend Farm, Buffalo Creek/Sachems or South River/South River Preserve for one year
• 10% discount on all Albemarle Angler purchases
• Guest fee $100.00 non family
• Guest fee $75.00 family
• Overnight camping $35.00 per person, maximum of six, no camping at Big Bend
• Invitations to all club events

Initiation Fee ~ 

• Sachem’s Pass tour
• Parking Pass
• Fishpond Nomad El Jefe landing net, $199.95 value
• Pin-on/arm band club member pass
• Access to online calendar for scheduling

Total Memberships

• Platinum & Gold Memberships, combined total 30
• Silver & Bronze Memberships, combined total 60
• Maximum yearly membership is 90