Fingerling Stocking Program
The fingerling stocking program is the smallest of the state's three management programs. It is designed to take advantage of the natural potential of high-elevation lakes, deep reservoirs, coldwater tailwaters, and spring-fed streams to produce quality trout fishing opportunities where wild fisheries are not possible due to the lack of natural reproduction.
Because summer water temperatures are usually a limiting factor to trout survival in Virginia, under this program a stream or lake must provide suitable, year-round water temperatures for trout survival vival, have good habitat and be productive enough to provide adequate food for good growth.
Suitable trout waters are stocked once annually with fingerling or subcatchable (smaller than the legal size limit) trout, and often length limits and angling gear restrictions are imposed to protect these small fish until they reach harvestable size. In areas receiving heavy fishing pressure, special gear restrictions are often necessary to avoid high hooking mortality rates that can occur when bait fishing is permitted. These fish will often be caught several times before they eventually reach harvestable size, and the program can only be successful if hooking mortality remains low. Depending on the length limit, these stocked fish will not reach a legal size for six months to two years. During this time, trout lose most of their hatchery characteristics, both in appearance and behavior, and create a fishery that approaches a wild one in terms of fishing experience.
Some of Virginia's most exciting trout fishing opportunities can be found within our fingerling stocking program, and by stocking small fish once a year, a high quality fishery can be developed at a fraction of the cost of the more common put-and-take program. Many anglers have discovered this quality angling and participation in the program is growing. The Department recognizes this growing interest and is continuing to develop new waters in the state.
Trout Lakes
The warm summer climate of Virginia limits the potential for development of good trout populations in lakes. Numerous small ponds and lakes are stocked under the catchable stocking program (see Trout Stocking Plan), however, very few provide good, yearround trout habitat for management of wild or put-and-grow trout fisheries. In order to provide adequate coldwater habitat in Virginia, a lake must either be located at high elevations where cool summer temperatures prevail, or be deep enough to maintain a cold layer of water. Virginia has five small lakes at sufficient elevation for trout and one reservoir deep enough to provide a two-story fishery. Twostory reservoirs stratify during summer months, providing an upper, warmwater layer where fish, such as bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish exist and a deep, coldwater layer suitable for trout.
Laurel Bed Lake (Russell County)
Laurel Bed Lake is a 330-acre, mountaintop impoundment located approximately 10 miles northwest of Saltville. The lake is located in the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area and, in addition to providing a unique fishery, is used to augment the flow to Big Tumbling Creek during summer months. Until 1999 Laurel Bed Lake was part of the fee fishing area, but the lake no longer requires a daily permit or a trout license. The fishery is based on stocking sub-catchable brook trout in the fall. 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. Favorite summer fishing spots are located around coves where spring branches enter. Late summer and early fall fishing is dependent on the number of fish that survive through the summer, and this changes significantly from year to year. Limited camping is permitted on the management area and a concession is in operation.
Lexington City Reservoir (Rockbridge County)
The Lexington City Reservoir is a 22-acre, high elevation lake located in Rockbridge County. It is a put-and-grow lake that is stocked annually with brook trout. The brookies have done well in the reservoir and many measure 9-13 inches in length.
It is a long hike across USFS lands to the reservoir and primitive camping is permitted. General fishing regulations are in effect, and no trout stamp is required. However, a $1.00 daily use permit or a $15.00 seasonal pass (good from July 1-June 30) is required from Lexington City Hall, (540) 462-3702.
Mills Creek and Coles Run Reservoirs (Augusta County)
Mills Creek (17 acres) and Coles Run (13 acres) are located in the Pedlar Ranger District of the George Washington National Forest. They are both old Augusta County water supply reservoirs that were first opened to fishing in 1990.
The lakes are managed as put-and-grow lakes and are stocked annually with small brook trout. Samples collected show good populations of 10-12 inch brook trout.
There are no facilities and access by foot is about a half mile to Coles Run and 1.5 miles to Mills Creek. For more information, call the Glenwood/Pedlar Ranger District at (540) 291-2188. Access is west of Route 664 at Sherando off Forest Service Road 42.
Skidmore Lake (Switzer Dam)
Skidmore Lake is a 104-acre impoundment located off Route 33 west of Harrisonburg. The dam was built by the Soil Conservation Service for flood control and water supply, and it is now managed by the City of Harrisonburg. An access road is available off Route 33. Boats without motors are permitted but must be carried to the water as no ramp is provided. Fingerling brook trout have been stocked since 1976, and fishing has been permitted since 1979. Angler success has been good, with most fish in the 8-14 inch range and an occasional large brook trout of 2-3 pounds. New regulations posted in 2002 require release of all trout less than 10 inches. In addition, the lake has developed a fairly good population of largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. In recent years, the city has drawn more water from the lake, and it is not unusual to find the lake well below full pool in late summer and fall, which can make boat access very difficult. No camping is permitted at the lake, but primitive camping is available in the National Forest nearby.
Lake Moomaw (Alleghany/Bath Counties)
This flood control reservoir was completed in 1981 with the closing of the Gathright Dam on the Jackson River. It resulted in the formation of a 13-mile long, 2,530-acre reservoir with more than 43 miles of shoreline.
Much of the shoreline is adjacent to the 13,428-acre Gathright Wildlife Management Area, which is owned and managed by the Department. The average depth of the lake is 80 feet and flow augmentation results in a normal 5 to 15-foot draw down by late summer. Trout management at the reservoir consists of stocking subcatchable brown trout and the McConaughy strain of rainbow trout. Regulations were changed in 1995 to reflect the potential of this lake to produce trophy-sized trout. The creel limit was reduced to two trout per day with a minimum size limit of 16 inches. Brown trout fishing has been good in recent years with large numbers of 3-5 pound trout reported caught. McConaughy strain rainbow trout are doing very well, also. Most trout are caught by trolling with shad imitation crankbaits; some are caught still-fishing with live shad 25 feet down and others by jump fishing. Some are caught incidental to bass fishing.
The area around Moomaw provides nearly year-round opportunities for boating water sports, fishing, camping, picnicking, hiking, birding, sight-seeing, photography and hunting.
Boats are restricted to a maximum length of 25 feet. No house boats are allowed and excessive noise is prohibited. Trailer-launched boats must be launched at ramps at Fortney Branch, Bolar Flat or Coles Point. Canoes and cartops can be launched at Coles Mountain Fishing Access, McClintock Bridge, McClintock Point, and Midway.
The lake is open 24 hours a day, year-round. There is a 12-inch size limit on bass. Neither a trout license nor a National Forest stamp is required.
The Bolar Mountain Recreation Area provides camping, swimming, beaches, restrooms and picnic grounds. Bolar Flat has a picnic area, a four-lane boat dock, a courtesy dock, a marina and restrooms. There are primitive camping areas at Greenwood and McClintock Point. The Morris Hill Campground and picnic area, the four-lane Fortney Branch ramp and courtesy dock, and the Coles Mountain Area are located on the south end of the lake in Alleghany County. Adaily fee is charged for swimming, picnicking, camping and use of boat ramps.
For facilities information, contact the James River Ranger District in Covington (540) 962-2214; the Warm Springs Ranger District in Hot Springs (540) 839-2521 or 839-2442; or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Covington (540) 962-1138.
Special Regulations
Jackson River Tailwater (Alleghany County)
The Jackson River, below Gathright Dam, provides almost 19 miles of high quality trout fishing on a large river. The river is legally navigable and is easily floated by canoe. Six access points are available for public use, located at about 3 mile intervals. However, several landowners along the upper portion of this section of river have legally established exclusive private rights to the fishery on their properties. Anglers should be careful on where they fish this river.
Regulations on this section of river allow the use of bait and creeling of 4 trout per day over 12 inches in length. Trout populations, which had shown a significant decline after stocking was terminated, have now rebounded. An excellent wild rainbow trout fishery has developed throughout the river and wild brown trout populations continue to expand. Trout density and average size are well above levels seen when trout were stocked. Rainbow trout commonly reach 16 to 18 inches and brown trout 18 to 24 inches.
In the following streams, special regulations require the use of single hook, artificial lures and restrict creel to fish over 12 inches in length. Trout from 6-8 inches are stocked periodically and allowed to grow for a year or two before being creeled. This approach can be used in streams that maintain good flow, cool summerwaters and are productive enough for good growth of trout.
Smith Creek (Alleghany County)
The special regulation section extends from the Forest Service boundary (above the old C & O Dam) upstream 2.5 miles to the Clifton Forge Dam. Within this section, fingerling brown trout are stocked once annually. The stream contains good numbers of 8-12 inch brown trout with occasional fish to 20 inches. The stream maintains good flow throughout the year and provides wide, flat pools and good fly-fishing opportunities. The best way to access this stream is by Route 606 from Clifton Forge to the access road for the Clifton Forge Water Plant. Fishermen must park at the entrance and walk a half mile to the stream.
Snake Creek (Carroll County)
Special regulations apply to all of Big Snake Creek below Hall Ford and all of Little Snake Creek below the junction of Routes 922 and 674. The stream is located just north of Fancy Gap. Snake Creek is a moderate gradient, softwater, gravel bottomed stream with an average width of about 18 feet. The holdover of stocked brown trout is good, with some fish reaching 4 pounds. Recent sampling efforts indicate that some natural reproduction of brown trout is also occurring.
Trophy Trout Streams
In the following streams regulations restrict fishing to the use of single hook, artificial lures and the creel is two fish per day over 16 inches (except for Mossy Creek where the creel is one fish per day over 20 inches). Mossy Creek is restricted to fly-fishing only. The management approach is to stock fingerling trout (5-6 inches) in high quality streams where they will grow exceptionally fast.
Buffalo Creek (Rockbridge County)
The special regulation area includes that section of stream from the confluence of Colliers Creek upstream 2.9 miles to the confluence of North and South Forks of Buffalo Creek. The stream flows through private land and requires a written landowner permit to fish, which is available from the Department office in Verona (please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope). Brown and rainbow trout are stocked annually as subcatchables, and good numbers of 10-16 inch fish are available. Trophy fish of 5-8 pounds have been caught in the stream. Buffalo Creek can be reached by taking Route 251 from Lexington.
Dan River (Patrick County)
The special regulation section is located within the Pinnacles Hydroelectric Project in what is known as the "Grand Canyon" of Virginia. The terrain is quite rugged and the scenery is spectacular. The section contains approximately 6 miles of stream and extends from Talbott Dam downstream to the confluence with Townes Reservoir. The fishery is maintained by natural reproduction and consists primarily of rainbow trout in the 8-12 inch size range and brown trout in the 8-18 inch size range. The upper reaches of the special regulation section can be reached by taking Route 614 south from Meadows of Dan. Turn right on Route 601 and proceed to Talbott Dam. The lower reach of the section can only be accessed by boat at the upper end of Townes Reservoir. Apermit from the City of Danville is required and can be obtained at no charge from the City Utilities Department or on site at the Pinnacles Powerhouse. Contact: City of Danville, Director of Electric Division, Department of Utilities, P.O. Box 3300, Danville, VA 24543. Phone: (434) 799-5270.
Jackson River (Bath County)
This section of the Jackson River is stocked several times a year with catchable-sized trout and good populations are always present. The special regulation section extends from the USFS swinging bridge (located just above the mouth of Muddy Run) upstream 3 miles to the last ford on FS 481D. This section can only be reached by foot travel, either from the Hidden Valley area or off Route 623 and FS Road 481. The area provides a remote fishing opportunity on a relatively large, productive stream. A trout license is required to fish in this stream from October 1 through June 15.
Mossy Creek (Augusta County)
The special section includes about 4 miles of stream extending upstream from the Augusta/Rockingham County line. The stream is located just off Route 42 south of Bridgewater. Fishing in Mossy Creek is restricted to fly-fishing only and a written landowner permit must be obtained (available from the Department office in Verona. You must include a self-addressed, stamped envelope). Mossy Creek is a classic, meadow, limestone stream averaging about 15 feet in width and flowing through open pastures. Brown trout in the 3-7 pound class are available to fishermen.
Pound River (Dickenson County)
This special regulation area begins at a sign posted 0.4 miles downstream of John W. Flannagan Dam and extends downstream 1.2 miles almost to the confluence with the Russell Fork River. Located within the rugged Cumberland Mountains, the scenic, tailwater fishery is dependent on coolwater discharges from Flannagan Reservoir. The Pound River immediately below the dam remains in the catchable trout program. Brown trout fingerlings are stocked in the special regulation area periodically to enhance the existing wild brown fishery. Anglers should be able to find occasional rainbow trout, as well as brown trout, up to and exceeding the 16 inch minimum size limit. This section of the Pound River can be accessed from Flannagan Dam, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Roaring Run (Botetourt County)
The Roaring Run trophy trout section was established in 1999. The 1 mile section is located in the Jefferson National Forest between the third foot bridge upstream of the Roaring Run Furnace Day Use Area and the Botetourt County line. The lower section of Roaring Run (within the National Forest) remains put-and-take water. The trophy section runs through a very steep gorge that has an abundance of deep pools, which are supplied with coldwater from a large limestone spring. The trophy section was originally developed using annual brown and rainbow fingerling stockings. Starting in 2007 the management strategy for Roaring Run was changed to try and develop the stream as a brook trout water under the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture of the National Fish Habitat Initiative. Initial observations indicate that trout growth and survival to date has been good. The stream can be accessed by taking Route 615 off US Route 220 west of Eagle Rock to Route 621 at Strom.
Smith River (Henry County)
The special regulation area on the Smith River extends from the mouth of Town Creek (approximately 2.5 miles below Philpott Dam) downstream to the Route 666 bridge at the upper end of the Town of Bassett. This 3-mile section of the river has a large population of wild brown trout. Fish up to 14 inches are common, but larger fish are relatively rare. The habitat in this area consists of large deep pools connected by moderately deep runs and shallow riffles. There is no direct vehicle access to this portion of the river, so you'll have to park at either end and walk into the section. Also, when power is generated at Philpott Dam, the river is too high for wading. You should call the Army Corps of Engineers (the operators of Philpott Dam) at (276) 629-2432 to get the recorded generation schedule before you go fishing.
South Fork Holston River (Smyth County)
The special regulation section is located south of Marion and west of the community of Sugar Grove off Route 16. The area was expanded in 1999 and now includes approximately 4 miles of stream extending from 500 feet above the dam at Buller Hatchery, upstream to the upper Jefferson National Forest boundary (above the crossing of the Appalachian Trail). The South Fork offers the opportunity to fish for both trophy rainbow and brown trout. An abundance of 10-14 inch trout are available.