Below Niagara Dam is the Roanoke River Gorge, a short 3 mile stretch of great smallmouth water accessible from Explore Park. Largemouth bass and a variety of other species can be caught here as fish can run out of Smith Mountain Lake into this section of river.
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Where is the best fly fishing in Virginia?
- Lake Brittle. Sometimes you don’t want that small stream experience.
- Holmes Run. Located near the city of Alexandria is Holmes Run.
- Shenandoah River – South Fork. The Shenandoah River – South Fork is one of the more popular options in Virginia.
Are there trout in the Roanoke River?
The Roanoke River is a stocked trout stream and portions are “delayed harvest waters,” which means fishermen are expected to abide by additional fishing regulations. In addition to stocked trout, other species available for catching are smallmouth and largemouth bass, redeye, bluegill, and catfish.
Is there fly fishing in 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.
Where can I find wild 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.
Is fly fishing good Virginia?
There’s a lot of great fly fishing in Virginia. I may be biased, but I think it’s one of the best fly fishing destinations in the southeastern states. From spring-fed rivers full of trout to large winding rivers full of smallmouth and largemouth bass, there’s truly a bounty of fish.
Can you fish at Explore Park?
Fishing Access Several sites along the river within Explore Park offer access to catch stripes, catfish and bass. Virginia fishing licenses are required, but not available at the park. Please see the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
What kind of fish are in Carvins Cove?
Carvins Cove reservoir contains largemouth bass, sunfish, and hybrid striped bass. Picnic facilities and boat rentals are also available from the boat dock office.
What animals live in the Roanoke River?
In addition to the anadromous species which frequent the River during the spawning season, the Roanoke River and its tributaries provide excellent habitat for a diverse assemblage of resident fish species such as crappie, catfish, longnose gar, carp, shinners, largemouth bass, darters, bluegill, and white perch.
Where can I fish in Salem VA?
- Moncove Lake State Park. Gap Mills, WV.
- Smith Mountain Lake State Park. Huddleston, VA.
- Fairy Stone State Park. Stuart, VA.
- Bedford Fishing And Hunting. Bedford, VA.
- Claytor Lake State Park. Dublin, VA.
- The Omni Homestead Resort. Hot Springs, VA.
- Douthat State Park. Millboro, VA.
- Calvin Price State Forest.
What kind of fish are in Philpott Lake?
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.
Does Virginia have good trout fishing?
Virginia’s trout season is open year-round and the general statewide limits are 6 trout per day, no fish less than 7 inches.
When can you fish for trout in Virginia?
The most popular species that you can find in Virginia are the rainbow trout, brown trout or the brook trout. Out of these three species, the only species native to Virginia is the brook trout, which inhabits areas in the Shenandoah and throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Can you catch trout in Virginia?
It is unlawful to feed, bait, or snag trout in designated stocked trout waters. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing in designated stocked trout waters to use more than one rod, one line, and one baited hook (a treble hook is considered one hook); however, any combination of artificial lures is allowed.
What is the best trout bait?
- Berkley Powerbait.
- Berkley Micetails.
- Maggots.
- Berkley Powerbait Honey Worms.
- Berkley Trout Bait Nuggets.
Can you use treble hooks for trout in VA?
Fishing is usually excellent through June, with limits of trout being common. The favored fishing methods include nightcrawlers, mealworms, flies, and spinners. Fishing usually becomes sporadic as the lake temperature increases, with fish hitting well for a few days, then slacking off for several days.
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.
How do you catch lake trout in Virginia?
Help us support continued operation of Explore Park while gaining exclusive access and discounts. Passes are $50 per year for an individual, or $90 per year for a household (up to 6 members, each additional $10). You’ll receive: A membership card valid for one year from purchase.
How do you catch trout in creeks?

How much is Explore Park?
Dogs are welcome throughout the park with the exception of the Historic Park area or in buildings. For visitors with pets who would like to visit the historic areas, there are free locked kennels; just pick up keys and a water bowl at the admissions office.
Are dogs allowed in Explore Park?
Carvins Cove is tucked along the Appalachian Trail and a nature lover’s paradise. Fishing and kayaking have been allowed at the cove, but since the cove provides the Roanoke Valley’s drinking water, the water authority restricts access to the water. Swimming is not allowed and there are restrictions on boats.
Can you swim in Carvins Cove?
Carvins Cove Natural Reserve is open from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., seven days a week; however, the boat dock parking lot closes at dark and is locked overnight. Please do not park your car in the boat dock parking lot if you plan to stay in Carvins Cove after dark.
Is carvins Cove open?
Experience this 4.5-mile out-and-back trail near Roanoke, Virginia. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 55 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, hiking, and horseback riding, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
How long is Carvins Cove?
Catfish and carp from these waters may contain low levels of dioxins. Women of childbearing age and children should not eat any catfish or carp from this area until further notice. All other persons should eat no more than one meal per month of catfish and carp from this area.
Can you eat fish from Roanoke River?
The Roanoke River and 11 of the 13 tributaries are currently impaired. These 12 streams (1+11) are on the 303(d) list for exceeding safe level of either bacteria (E. coli), sediment, temperature, and PCBs or a combination of these pollutants.