Below the dam at Lake Moomaw lies one of the best trout streams in the state of Virginia. Whitetop Laurel has browns, rainbows, and brookies, making this a great destination for anglers to complete the Virginia Trout Slam Challenge, in which anglers are challenged to catch a brown, rainbow, and brook trout all in the same day. See the Trout Stocking Plan for the streams and lakes stocked and their stocking schedule. Which means you will be the only one out there. Within Basic Park there is a ¼ mile section of river that is designated for youth fishing only. It holds panfish, rock bass, smallmouth, as well as the ever-abundant fallfish. The author with a 21″ brown trout caught on a large streamer while floating the Jackson River tailwater. 8 Trout Stream Destinations to Try in 2021, If you choose to fish during the pandemic it is essential that you follow, Fish alone or with family members or others that you live with and are isolating with during the Governor’s. South Fork Holston River The South Fork Holston River rises in Smyth County, Virginia near Sugar Grove and is home to the Virginia state brown trout record. If you really want to you could consistently catch these fish on dry flies year-round. Finally, the Douthat State Park fee fishing area provides opportunities to target stocked trout on the 60-acre lake and in Wilson Creek. Be prepared to face fishing pressure here during the spring and fall. Anglers looking to fish a larger river for wild trout should look no further than the Jackson River tailwater. This means that from June until fall this is the fly with which I start. But the special regulations area is great for fishing year-round. Since the Jackson River is a tailwater, make sure to check the river flows and release schedule before planning your trip. Once you’ve located an area look for spots to park and hike into. There are 600 documented native brook trout streams in Virginia, totaling more than 2,000 miles of native brook trout water. Near Ridgeview park in Waynesboro the river is “Designated stocked trout water”. The lake is stocked with both warm water fish, like bass, sunfish, crappie, and catfish, and cold water fish, such as trout. The special regulation area is single hook artificial only, and is loaded with wild trout. It is the … Rapidan” was named specifically after this river and works well on it. It is always best to avoid respect other people’s private property but the Jackson deserves a little extra attention. Bears, fishing, and rainbow trout! It flows through terrain that is only partially accessible by vehicle. Stay at least 6 feet away from other anglers you encounter and try to avoid crowded access points. Fly anglers will enjoy nymphing the many riffles and pools on the South. By purchasing items listed on this site I make a small commission. If casting your line in freshwater or from shore, you’ll need a license. There is also a Youth Only Stocked Trout Water section located in Basic Park that is great for introducing kids to trout fishing. The stocked “put and take” sections of the creek offer opportunities for anglers interested in catching trout for dinner. Fly anglers fishing Mossy Creek must carry the free landowner permit, which can be acquired online at www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com. The months of April and May provide fine dry fly fishing in high spring flows during most years. Whitetop has an incredible forage base so there is no shortage of trout food even during the colder months. Cranberry River. Good Blue Ridge trout fishing often begins in March after the water sustains a temperature above 40 degrees F. for several days. But fortunately, you don’t have to worry about any type of livestock getting caught in your back cast. DWR Fisheries Biologist, Steve Owens, hooked up at the Clinch Mountain Fee Fishing area. Anglers can fish for both stocked and wild stream-bred trout on this stream. There is some limited natural reproduction of rainbow trout, which is exciting to see. Do not share equipment with anyone, and wash your equipment when you’re done. Be wary of the spooky browns that live in this water. The best fishing on the Green River is in the early spring when the crowds are sparse. % of the Hipcamps for your dates are already booked. He has since left the distilling world and turned his focus to writing and teaching people about the sport he loves. Here you can throw streamers for big browns, nymph for bows, and toss dries to brookies on crystal clear mountain streams. Virginia has more than 2,800 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs. Camp Hoover, located near the headwaters, is named after President Hoover who would often use the area as a retreat and even had a cabin in the area. Whitetop Laurel is a large trout stream located in Washington County near the town of Damascus. Virginia is no exception as thousands of anglers take to the Old Dominion in search of trout each year. The Crooked Creek fee fishing area is in Carroll County, not far from Galax. Easy Winter Bass Fishing Strategies Sure to Catch More Fish! Trout Fishing Virginia: Top 7 Spots for Trout Fisherman, 5 Best Trout Lures That Catch The Most Fish, How To Use A Fishing Float/Bobber for Beginners, 11 Proven Trout Fishing Tips you can Trust, River Fishing for Trout | Advanced Level Tips, Trout Fishing Tips For Beginners – How to Catch Fish, How to Fly Fishing for Beginners – What You Need to Know, Fly Fishing Line 101 – Weight, Taper, & Density, How I Catch Bass Fishing in Ponds Near Me, Bass Fishing at Night – Tips Tactics & Gear, Bass Fishing Early Spring – Tactics to Catch More Fish, Bass Fishing Basics – 7 Tips Every Beginner Should Know, How to Catch Early Spring Bass – 4 Best Techniques, 7 Best Ever Bass Fishing Lures to Catch Big Fish. But its best known for its Brown and Rainbow Trout. This area is stocked annually with fingerling rainbow and brown trout, thanks to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources as well as the local “South River Fly Shop”. During the winter your best bet is to nymph. This is a single hook artificial lure only river. These areas are untouched by humans and other fisherman. There are several parking areas, but you can also pull off to the side of the road if need be and hike down. Both spin anglers and fly anglers will enjoy the opportunities the Smith has to offer. If you are wondering where to get started, consider these eight destinations listed below in alphabetical order. There are also two stocked “put and take” sections of the Smith, providing diversity to the fishery with rainbow and brook trout. Jackson Tailwater. You are allowed two fish per day but they must be 16” or larger. Both fly anglers and spin anglers will enjoy the fee fishing areas. It doesn’t matter if your a beginner trout fisherman or a novice, these waters contain the best trout fishing VA has to offer. Stocked with rainbow, browns, native brook trout, and gold rainbow trout, the North Fork of the Cherry River is a popular spot for fishing. Below the dam at Lake Moomaw lies one of the best trout streams in … The Smith River tailwater is a popular trout fishery that’s a little over an hour drive south of Roanoke. Both fly anglers and spin anglers can find big fish here, and there are both wild and stocked trout present. This is considered the home to some of the best muskie, walleye, and smallmouth bass fishing in the state. The brown trout in the Smith are wild stream-bred fish and some can reach quite impressive sizes, although the average fish is 8 to 12 inches long. This river is similar to Mossy in that, the private land owners have worked with the department of game to allow the public to fish here. Waffles the trusty fishing dog looks on. Here you are allowed to retain your catch. March is one of the best months to fish this stretch of river and dry fly fishing is one of the most effective methods. These fee fishing areas also have the added bonus of being stocked numerous times a week throughout the season. This larger river provides anglers the opportunity to fish from a raft or drift boat for wild trout, with many in the 12- to 16-inch range. The Catchable Trout Stocking Program is the best known and most popular. You may use spinning equipment in this part of the river. DWR stocks Mossy Creek annually with advanced fingerling brown trout as natural reproduction is limited. Which means there is no way to rinse off. We are members of the amazon associates program. The permit itself costs nothing, but caught without one and you will be penalized. 10 Top-Rated Rivers & Lakes for Trout Fishing in West Virginia 1. Fee Fishing Areas (Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek, Douthat State Park). During the summer months the brook trout key in on terrestrial insects like ants, beetles, inchworms, and crickets. The area that runs through downtown between Wayne Avenue to 2nd street. However, if you can downsize the length as well as the weight then do so. Keep a low profile and be as stealthy as possible. There’s good reason Hoover liked to fish here. There are 600 documented native brook trout streams in Virginia, totaling more than 2,000 miles of native brook trout water. This is a great wild trout stream that is loaded with fish. The Elk River, located in central West Virginia, is a 172-mile tributary of The Kanawha River, giving anglers plenty of area to ply their craft. Come on in! This special regulation stream is fly fishing only and there are 4 miles of water open to the public thanks to a partnership between DWR, Trout Unlimited, and local landowners. However, the seclusion of this river usually does not produce large crowds. Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, mossy was opened to the public for fishing in 1978. 4 Briery Creek Lake, Farmville Briery Creek Lake / Facebook If you’re looking for a guide, they also provide that service as well. 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He came from the world of distilling and when he wasn’t producing whiskey, vodka, or rum he was pursuing his first passion, fishing. Most fish are also subject to size and bag limits, and some have strict seasons, too. Dallas Hudgens enjoys a glass of whiskey, he attempts to write, and sometimes goes fishing. Terrestrials are the fly to use come summer time. Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or using alcohol-based sanitizer even while afield or afloat. The South Fork Holston River provides anglers with an opportunity to catch some truly large trout. Below is a very affordable 2wt/3wt rod suitable for these types of situations. Which is all downhill and takes around an hour. During the fee fishing season, which opens the first Saturday in April, the daily permit is $8. This website is reader supported. Finally, the Douthat State Park fee fishing area provides opportunities to target stocked trout on the 60-acre lake and in Wilson Creek. 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