* A valid trout license (annual or lifetime) is required in addition to other resident licenses only if you are fishing in designated stocked trout waters (October 1–June 15).
Table of Contents
Where is the best fly fishing in Virginia?
- James River, Appomattox, VA. The James River is actually almost 350 miles-long, with excellent fly fishing all along it.
- Shenandoah River, Harrisonburg, VA. Mossy Creek Fly Fishing offers fly fishing trips up and down the Shenandoah River, near Harrisonburg, Virginia.
- Smith Creek.
Is fly fishing good Virginia?
Virginia anglers are truly blessed with an abundance of trout streams in the Commonwealth. The diversity of these streams provides opportunities for every trout angler whether you prefer fishing for wild trout or stocked trout, spin fishing or fly fishing, or fishing with bait versus artificial flies and lures.
Does Virginia have good trout fishing?
Virginia contains over 3,500 miles of trout streams, in addition to numerous ponds, small lakes and reservoirs. The total includes over 2,900 miles of wild trout streams and about 600 miles of water inhabited with stocked trout. Virginia’s diversified trout habitat offers a wide range of trout fishing opportunities.
Where are the biggest trout in Virginia?
The South Fork Holston River rises in Smyth County, Virginia near Sugar Grove and is home to the Virginia state brown trout record. It also serves as the headwaters for the popular Holston River tailwater in northern Tennessee.
Where can I fish for rainbow trout in Virginia?
Rivers and Streams: Smith River, Elk Creek, Dan River, Potts Creek, Cripple Creek, Roanoke River, Little Reed Island Creek, Jackson River, Crooked Creek and Big Tumbling Creek, and many others on both sides of the Blue Ridge. Some good wild streams are Whitetop Laurel, Fox Creek, and the South Fork Holston River.
Can you trout fish at night in Virginia?
Designated Trout Waters (Catchable Trout Stocking Waters) A trout license is not required from June 16 through September 30. Trout angling hours on designated stocked trout waters are from 5:00 am until one hour after sunset.
When can we fly fish in Virginia?
The season runs from May until November, giving you plenty of time to visit. The water here is a little warmer, which changes up the type of fish you’ll find. Fish species in Lake Brittle are walleye, largemouth bass, and sunfish. It’s not the typical trout fishing that many other areas offer.
When can you fish for trout in Virginia?
Virginia’s trout season is open year-round and the general statewide limits are 6 trout per day, no fish less than 7 inches.
What flies to use in Virginia?
- Murray’s Pearl Marauder size 12.
- Mr. Rapidan Dry size 14.
- Murray’s Flying Beetle size 14.
- Mr. Rapidan Olive Delta Wing Caddis size 14.
- Murray’s Dark Stonefly Nymph size 12.
- Mr. Rapidan Ant size 16.
- Murray’s Tan Caddis Pupa size 12.
- Mr. Rapidan Olive Soft Hackle Nymph size 14.
Can you fish on Sundays in VA?
Fishing is permitted 24 hours a day unless otherwise posted at Department-owned lakes, ponds, streams, or boat access sites.
What trout are native to Virginia?
Biologists are encouraged to find that brook trout, the only trout species native to Virginia, still accounts for 80 percent of the wild trout resource in the state. Rainbow trout, a western introduction, have taken over many of the native brook trout streams in the other southeastern states.
What is the best trout bait?
- Berkley Powerbait.
- Berkley Micetails.
- Maggots.
- Berkley Powerbait Honey Worms.
- Berkley Trout Bait Nuggets.
Are brook trout trout or char?
Despite the name, brook trout is a char, Salvelinus fontinalis. A dark body with light spots is a typical visual characteristic of char. Brook trout are native to Eastern North America. They’re known for their preference for clear and cold streams.
What license do I need to trout fish in VA?
Residents 16 years of age and older: A state or county freshwater fishing license. Fishing a Designated Stocked Trout Water? Need an additional trout license. (Note a resident may not use a 5-day freshwater license in combination with a trout license).
What fish are in season in Virginia 2021?
New species added to the Angler Recognition Program in 2021 include black crappie, white crappie, saugeye, fallfish, bluegill, redear sunfish, and other sunfish.
What is the best month to fish for trout?
Normally, the best months to target trout are July to Early September when the waters are at their warmest and many insects are hatching. Because of this, dry fly fishing becomes incredibly effective.
Is it safe to eat fish from the Shenandoah River?
Stocked trout have been tested and are safe to eat. South Fork Shenandoah River: No more than two meals (1/2 pound each or the size of your hand) of fish per month should be eaten from these waters. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, nursing mothers, and young children should not eat fish from these waters.
Do trout feed off the bottom?
Trout are not bottom feeders like carp or catfish. But, they do feed predominantly near or just off the bottom. Trout prefer to wait and cruise in the bottom 2-3 feet of water to intercept any food that drifts by.
Are there trout in the New River in Virginia?
Trout are present in several tributaries of the New River. West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources stocks these tributaries each spring with golden, rainbow, brook, and brown trout.
Do you need fishing license in VA?
Virginia residents age 16 and older are required to obtain a fishing license before fishing on the inland waters of this state.
Where can I fly fish in Charlottesville VA?
The hard part of selecting North Fork was to drive past the stream leading up to the reservoir. The local fishing club has made the drive very inviting for fly fishing on the Moorman’s River along Sugar Hollow road. Hiking or fishing the North Fork of Moorman’s River will make any TDY trip to NGIC better.
How many trout do they Stock Virginia?
Roughly 1.2 million catchable-size trout (600,000 pounds) are stocked into 135 streams and 32 ponds and lakes (totaling 204 different stream sections and impoundments).
Can you fish year round in Virginia?
There is a continuous, year-round season for all freshwater fish, with the following exceptions: Special times and limited closures for trout (Designated Stocked Trout Waters on Trout Fishing Guide, Youth-only Stocked Trout Waters, Trout Heritage Waters pg.
What flies are trout biting this time of year?
During this time of the year, trout feed on mayflies, caddis, and eggs. During colder months, trout usually keep at deeper levels, so you’ll need to use nymph flies to reach their depth.