Virginia Trout Streams
Virginia holds very beautiful and prosperous trout streams. From cold freestone headwater streams to larger tail water systems, Virginia harbors a wide range of stream types for flyfishing. These waterways range from small to medium-large sized streams and rivers cascading through three major watersheds. In higher elevations one can find remote and wild populations of brook trout, whereas in lower elevations brown trout and rainbow trout can be caught.
Many of these local streams sustain healthy reproducing wild trout populations often in remote and pristine areas. Some of these trout streams are managed as wild trout waters along with stocked trout waters, giving the angler ample opportunities for landing fish. From the Shenandoah National Park to Southwest Virginia, the state offers many scenic trout fisheries where adventure awaits.
There are also a handful of fisheries which produce year in and year out, these glistening mountain streams sustain prosperous trout habitats where water temperatures stay cool year-round and abundant insect life provides energy for trout.
Some notable waters include:
Whitetop Laurel Creek
Whitetop Laurel - Whitetop Laurel Creek is a remote and pristine freestone trout stream. Flowing west from Mt Rogers, Whitetop Laurel stays cold and clear with a diverse array of insect hatches, making it very suitable habitat for wild rainbow and brown trout. These fish can be wary and fight hard, often testing the skills of the angler.
Smith River - The Smith River is a tail water that maintains colder temperatures year-round, making it suitable for a thriving wild brown trout population that has established a strong foothold in this river. The state stocks rainbow trout as well which holdover and may even reproduce as well. The Smith offers 15 miles of trout water for the angler, making it important to know where to go and pinpoint where these wary fish are holding in the river.
The trout waters mentioned above are but a small fraction of what Virginia has to offer. Depending on which species you’re looking to target and the type of environment your looking to flyfish, each guided trip is personally catered to the water we’re going to fish.
Whether it be a tailwater brown trout river or a high elevation native brook trout stream, Virginia offers a wide range of water types and the adventure awaits.
The Smith River
“The first time I ever cast a flyrod into a river, Tanner guided me directly to a point of water and taught me a specific cast. In three casts, I had a trout and spent a few thrilling minutes bringing him in. I will never forget.”
— Collin