Carp

• Marshmallows make fine carp bait.Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
  
  While not native to the United States, carp have been introduced and become very successful in Virginia waters. These large - 15 to 20 lbs. - fish are wary of danger and have excellent senses of hearing, smell and taste. They prefer clear water but may be less shy in murkier ponds. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries recommends chumming the water with bite-sized foods like cooked vegetables or oatmeal, noting that bait itself should lie on the bottom.
  
  

Catfish

• Catfish naturally feed on things like crayfish.Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
  
  Of the four catfish species native to Virginia - blue, channel, flathead and white - blue and channel are available at fee-fishing ponds. The two species are sometimes confused for one another, as they have similar color and body configuration. The number of rays on the anal fin distinguishes them, as blues have 30 to 35 while channel cats sport 25 to 29. The best fishing for cats is done during the night or under low-light conditions.
  
  

Perch

• The larger perch species, like walleye, have sharp teeth.Tom Brakefield/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Sauger, walleye and yellow are the three types of perch found in Virginia, white perch actually being a member of the bass family. Walleye are the largest, growing to 3 or 4 lbs. in three years. They typically stick to shadowy areas and are drawn to live bait, such as minnows, which are preferred for yellow perch, although this species may be slow to bite. Saugers typically feed near river bottoms, not in stocked ponds.
  
  

Pike

• Pike require larger hooks.Hemera Technologies/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  Pike are predatory fish and they have the teeth to prove it. All three species in Virginia - the chain pickerel, muskellunge and northern pike - prefer cooler waters and may be found deep below the surface in hot weather. Muskies and northerns are not native to the state. Pickerels and northerns respond well to minnows, while muskie anglers have better luck with tackle and trolling. These fish like to lair up around sunken debris or weed beds where the prey comes to them.
  
  

Sunfish

• Worms are straightforward bluegill bait.Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
  
  Sunfish comprises 14 species, including several types of bass. The Department of Fish and Wildlife Services at Virginia Tech identify four that are commonly found in fee-fishing ponds: largemouth bass, black crappie, white crappie and bluegill. Largemouth bass are opportunistic feeders and will accept a range of bait or tackle. Crappies prefer smaller jigs or tackle that imitates live bait. Bluegill enjoy a varied diet but are partial to worms.
  
  

Trout

• Farm-raised rainbow trout may take kernel corn or even marshmallows.Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
  
  Three trout species make their home in the state, and all three can be found in fee-fishing ponds. The brook trout, despite its name, also lives in lakes and ponds. Fly fishing is the method of choice for these fish, but bait fishing is also effective. Brown trout aren't finicky, they accept dry and wet flies, tackle or live bait with equal enthusiasm. Rainbow trout are an introduced species. They'll take a variety of flies, tackle or bait.