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Virginia

Fishing

Fishing

Special Regulation Trout Waters

Quick Reference

This table only refers to stream sections classified as “Special Regulations.”

See the sections below the table for more specific information.

Stream

County

Regulation

Accotink Creek*

Fairfax

Delayed Harvest

Beaver Creek

Bristol

Catch and Release

Big Mocassin Creek*

Scott

Delayed Harvest

Big Stony Creek (Mountain Fork)

Wise/Scott

Catch and Release

Big Tumbling Creek*

Washington

Seasonal Catch and Release

Big Wilson Creek

Grayson

9 inch min

Brumley Creek

Washington

Catch and Release

Buffalo Creek

Rockbridge

16 inch / 2 per day

Back Creek*

Bath

Delayed Harvest

Cabin Creek

Grayson

9 inch min

Chestnut Creek*

Carroll

Delayed Harvest

Conway River

Greene/Madison

9 inch min

Dan River

Patrick

16 inch / 2 per day

Dan River

Patrick

Catch and Release

East Fork Chestnut Creek

Grayson/Carroll

Catch and Release

Garth Run

Madison

9 inch min

Green Cove Creek

Washington

Catch and Release

Hardy Creek*

Lee

Delayed Harvest

High Knob Lake

Wise

14 inch / 2 per day

Holliday Creek*

Appomattox/Buckingham

Delayed Harvest

Holmes Run*

Fairfax

Delayed Harvest

Indian Creek*

Lee

Delayed Harvest

Jackson River*

Bath

16 inch / 2 per day

Jackson River (Tailwater)

Alleghany

Special slot

Little Stony Creek

Giles

9 inch min

Little Stony Creek

Scott

Catch and Release

Little Stony Creek

Shenandoah

9 inch min

Little Tumbling Creek

Smyth/Tazewell

Catch and Release

Little Wilson Creek

Grayson

9 inch min

Middle Fork Powell River*

Wise

Delayed Harvest

Mill Creek

Giles

9 inch min

Mill Creek

Grayson

9 inch min

Mossy Creek

Augusta

20 inch / 1 per day FFO

North Creek

Botetourt

Catch and Release

North Fork Buffalo River

Amherst

9 inch min

North Fork Pound River*

Wise

Delayed Harvest

North Fork Moormans River

Albemarle

Catch and Release

North River*

Augusta

Delayed Harvest

Passage Creek*

Warren

Delayed Harvest

Pedlar River*

Amherst

Delayed Harvest

Piney River*

Nelson/Amherst

Delayed Harvest

Pound River

Dickenson

16 inch / 2 per day

Pound River*

Wise

Delayed Harvest

Quebec Branch

Grayson

9 inch min

Ramsey Draft

Augusta

9 inch min

Rapidan River

Madison

Catch and Release

Roanoke River*

Roanoke

Delayed Harvest

Roaring Fork

Tazewell

Catch and Release

Roaring Run

Botetourt

16 inch / 2 per day

Snake Creek

Carroll

Catch and Release

Smith Creek

Alleghany

Catch and Release

Smith River (Tailwater)

Henry

Special slot

South Fork Holston River

Smyth

16 inch / 2 per day

South Fork Holston River

Smyth

Catch and Release

South River City of Waynesboro*

Augusta

Catch and Release

South River

Augusta

20 inch / 1 per day FFO

Spring Run*

Bath

Catch and Release

St. Mary’s River

Augusta

9 inch min

Stewart’s Creek

Carroll

Catch and Release

Venrick Run

Wythe

Catch and Release

Wildcat Hollow

Fauquier

Catch and Release

Whitetop Laurel Creek

Washington

Catch and Release

Wilburn Branch

Grayson

9 inch min

Wolf Creek

Abingdon

Catch and Release

Special Regulation Trout Waters

Bait Allowed

Jackson River Tail­water (Alleghany County):

From Gathright Dam downstream to the West­vaco Dam at Covington: No rainbow trout 12 to 16 inches; no brown trout less than 20 inches; 4 trout (combined rainbow and brown) creel (harvest) limit per day, only 1 of 4 can be a brown trout over 20 inches. All rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches and all brown trout less than 20 inches must be released immediately. The 7-inch statewide minimum size limit does not apply to rainbow trout in this section of river. Bait allowed.

Lake Moomaw (Alleghany/Bath Counties):

The entire reservoir has the special 16-inch minimum size limit and 2 fish per day creel limit on trout. Bait allowed.

Smith River (Henry County):

From Philpott Dam downstream to the State Route 636 bridge crossing (Mitchell Bridge) located approximately 31 miles downstream of Philpott Dam and approximately 10.5 miles below Martinsville Dam: No brown trout 10 to 24 inches, only 1 brown trout per day longer than 24 inches. The length limit for rainbow and brook trout is 7-inch minimum. The creel limit for all trout combined is 6 fish/day, and only one brown trout can be larger than 24 inches. The use of bait and any combination of artificial lure is allowed throughout this section of river. (A trout license is required in the Put-N-Take stocked sections of Smith River October 1 through June 15.) Bait allowed.

South Holston Reservoir (Washington County):

7 per day creel (harvest) limit, only 2 of 7 can be a Lake trout; no length limits. See licenses and regulations in the reciprocal section on License Information. Bait allowed.

9-inch Minimum

Big and Little Wilson Creeks and their tributaries, Quebec Branch, Wilburn Branch, and Mill Creek (Grayson County):

That portion within the Grayson Highlands State Park and the Jefferson National Forest Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. With the special regulation on Cabin Creek (see below), all of the streams within Grayson Highlands State Park are under one regulation. Access can be gained through Grayson Highlands State Park on Route 806 and 817 off U.S. Route 58. Be prepared to do some hiking to fish this area.

Cabin Creek (Grayson County):

That portion of stream and its tributaries within the Grayson Highlands State Park and the Jefferson National Forest Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. See above for more information on the area.

Conway River/Devils Ditch (Greene and Madison Counties):

That portion of Conway River and its major tributary, Devils Ditch, within the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and the Shenandoah National Park. The stream lies north of Stanardsville and can be reached by Route 615 from Graves Mill.

Garth Run (Madison County):

That portion of stream within the Rapidan WMA. The stream can be reached by Route 615 from Graves Mill. Most of the stream is accessible only by foot as the streams enters a gorge.

Little Stony Creek (Giles County):

That portion of stream within the Jefferson National Forest. The stream is located near Pembroke and can be reached by Route 623.

Little Stony Creek (Shenandoah County):

That portion of stream within the George Washington National Forest, including Woodstock Reservoir. The stream is located west of Woodstock and the Forest Service Road 92 crosses the lower portion of the special regulation section. Much of the upper reaches can only be reached by foot trail.

Mill Creek (Giles County):

That portion of Mill Creek and its tributaries upstream of the Poplar Street Bridge in the Town of Narrows (Mill Creek flows through the National Forest in Giles County and the Town of Narrows.) The stream can be accessed from a parking area on Northview Street, off of State Route 100, south of Narrows.

North Fork Buffalo River (Amherst County):

That portion of the stream and its tributaries within the George Washington National Forest. Access is available by a forest trail off Forest Road 51 or from the end of State Route 635.

St. Mary’s River (Augusta County):

All portions of the stream and its tributaries above the gate near the George Washington National Forest property line. The stream lies east of Raphine off Route 608, a short distance from I-81. Most of the area is accessible by foot trail only and backpacking is popular.

Ramsey’s Draft (Augusta County):

That portion of the stream and its tributaries within the George Washington National Forest. To reach this stream, drive 15 miles west of Churchville on Route 250 and look for the Mountain Home Picnic Area on the right; a foot trail parallels the stream from the picnic area.

16-inch Minimum, 2 Fish Per Day

*Buffalo Creek (Rockbridge County):

That portion from the confluence of Collier’s Creek upstream 2.9 miles to the confluence of North and South Buffalo creeks. The stream flows through private land and *a free written landowner permit is required to fish these waters. A no-cost permit, map (indicating stream sections closed to fishing), and addi­tional information for this stream can be obtained by visiting DWR’s website
https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/trout/special-regulation-trout-waters/.

*Dan River (Patrick County):

That portion from Talbott Dam approximately 6 miles downstream to a sign posted just upstream from the confluence of the Dan River and Townes Reservoir. The upper reaches 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 can only be accessed by boat at the upper end of Townes Reservoir. *A permit from Northbrook Virginia Hydro LLC is required and information about permits can be obtained by calling 276-251-5141.

Jackson River (Bath County):

That portion from the Forest Service swinging bridge, located just upstream from the mouth of Muddy Run, upstream 3 miles to the last ford on Forest Service Road 481D. This section is stocked several times a year with catchable-sized trout and good populations are always present (a trout license is required to fish in this stream from October 1 through June 15). This section can only be reached by foot travel, either from the Hidden Valley area or off Route 623 and FS Road 481. Note: Multiple hook artificial lures are permitted.

Pound River (Dickenson County):

That portion from a sign 0.4 miles below Flannagan Dam downstream 1.2 miles to a sign just upstream of the confluence of the Pound River and the Russell Fork River. The section can be accessed from Flannagan Dam, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Roaring Run (Botetourt County):

The 1-mile special trophy trout 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/Alleghany County line. The stream can be accessed by taking Route 615 off US Route 220 west of Eagle Rock to Route 621 at Strom. The lower section of Roaring Run (within the National Forest) remains catchable stocked trout water.

South Fork Holston River (Smyth County):

This section includes approximately 4 miles of stream extending from 500 feet above the concrete dam at Buller Fish Hatchery, upstream to the upper Jefferson National Forest boundary (above the crossing of the Appalachian Trail). This section is located South of Marion and west of the community of Sugar Grove off Route 16. Anglers can access most of this section from Route 670.

20-inch Minimum, 1 Fish Per Day, Flyfishing Only

*Mossy Creek (Augusta County):

A 4-mile portion of stream upstream from the Augusta/Rockingham county line to a sign posted at the confluence of Joseph’s Spring. The stream is located just off Route 42 south of Bridgewater. Fishing is restricted to fly-fishing only and *a free written landowner permit is required to fish these waters. A no cost permit, map (indicating stream sections closed to fishing), and additional information for this stream can be obtained by visiting DWR’s website https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/trout/special-regulation-trout-waters.

*South River (Augusta County):

That portion of South River from North Oak Lane Bridge in Waynesboro upstream to a sign posted approximately 1.5 miles above the Rt. 626 (Shalom Road) Bridge. This section of stream flows through private property and * a free written landowner permit is required to fish these waters. A no cost permit, map (indicating stream sections closed to fishing), and additional information for this stream can be obtained by visiting DWR’s website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/trout/special-regulation-trout-waters.

Catch and Release Only

Beaver Creek (Washington County):

That portion of stream and its tributaries within the boundaries of Sugar Hollow Park in the City of Bristol.

Big Stony Creek (Mountain Fork)(Wise and Scott Counties):

That portion of Big Stony Creek (Mountain Fork) and its tributaries within the Jefferson National Forest from the outlet of High Knob Lake downstream to the confluence of Chimney Rock Fork and Big Stony Creek.

Brumley Creek (Washington County):

That portion of stream and its tributaries from the Hidden Valley WMA boundary upstream to the Hidden Valley Lake Dam. This portion of stream is hike-in access only from the Hidden Valley WMA.

*Dan River (Patrick County):

That portion of stream and its tributaries between the Townes Dam and the Pinnacles Hydroelectric Powerhouse. This section can be reached by taking Route 8 south from Stuart to Route 103 west, turn right on Route 648 at Claudeville, and proceed to the powerhouse at the end of the road. The upper end of this section can be reached by taking Route 614 south from Meadows of Dan, turning left on Route 602, and proceeding to Townes Dam. *A permit from Northbrook Virginia Hydro LLC is required and information about permits can be obtained by calling 276-251-5141.

East Fork Chestnut Creek (Farmers Creek) (Grayson and Carroll Counties):

That portion of stream and its tributaries upstream from the Blue Ridge Parkway. The stream lies south of Galax, crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway a short distance east of Route 89.

Little Stony Creek (Scott County):

That portion of Little Stony Creek and its tributaries within the Jefferson National Forest from the Falls of Little Stony Creek downstream to a posted sign at the Hanging Rock Recreation Area.

Little Tumbling Creek (Smyth and Tazewell Counties):

That portion of stream within the Clinch Mountain WMA. Access is available from Route 91 via a WMA access road that parallels the lower 2 miles of stream. Access to the headwaters is by foot only.

Big Tumbling Creek (Russell, Smyth, and Washington Counties):

Seasonal Catch and Release Only (October 1st until five days prior to the start of the Fee Fishing Season. Closed to angling five days prior to the start of the Fee Fishing Season). That portion of stream located on the Clinch Mountain WMA from a sign starting at the foot of the mountain and extending upstream to the Briar Cove Bridge and also Laurel Bed Creek upstream to Laurel Bed Dam. A trout license is required.

North Creek (Botetourt County):

That portion of stream and its tributaries upstream from a sign at the North Creek Campground. The stream is located east of Buchanan, a short distance from I-81. The Jefferson National Forest maintains a campground adjacent to the stream and vehicular access is available along most of its length.

North Fork Moormans River (Albemarle County):

That portion of the stream from the head of Sugar Hollow Reservoir upstream to and including the portion within the Shenandoah National Park. Access is available using Rt. 614 past Sugar Hollow Reservoir.

Rapidan River (Madison County):

That portion of stream and its tributaries (including Staunton River) upstream from a sign at the lower Shenandoah National Park boundary (includes the entire stream and its tributaries within the Shenandoah National Park and the Rapidan WMA). Access to the Rapidan is available using Route 662 from Graves Mill and Route 649 from Criglersville.

Redbud Run (Frederick County):

Approximately 1.3 mile section of stream within the Redbud Run WMA starting at Route 656 and ending just downstream of Route 660. Angler parking is located off of Route 660 just north of Route 7, east of Winchester.

Roaring Fork (Tazewell County):

That portion upstream from the southwest boundary of Beartown Wilderness Area of the Jefferson National Forest. Access can be gained from Forest Service Road 222 off Route 16, south of Tazewell, some hiking will be required.

Smith Creek (Alleghany County):

That portion from the Clifton Forge Dam downstream to a sign at the Forest Service boundary above the C & O Dam. Best stream access is by Route 606 from Clifton Forge to the Clifton Forge Water Plant access road; anglers must park at the entrance and walk a half mile to the stream.

Snake Creek (Carroll County):

That portion of Big Snake Creek below Hall Ford and that portion of Little Snake Creek below the junction of Routes 922 and 674, downstream to Route 58. Fishing downstream of Route 58 is no longer permitted. Parking and angler access is only permitted along Route 922 and at the Route 58 bridge (unless an individual is a landowner or guest).

South Fork Holston River (Smyth County):

That portion of stream from the concrete dam at Buller Fish Hatchery downstream to the lower boundary of the Buller Fish Hatchery. Access can be gained through the Buller Fish Hatchery property off Route 650, south of Marion.

South River (Augusta County/City of Waynesboro)

That portion of stream from the Second St. Bridge upstream 2 miles to the Wayne Ave. Bridge in the City of Waynesboro. A trout license is required.

Spring Run (Bath County):

That portion of the stream from its confluence with the Cowpasture River upstream to a cable and posted sign at the discharge from Coursey Springs Hatchery. Parking is available at the angler access just below the hatchery. A trout license is required October 1 through June 15.

Stewart’s Creek (Carroll County):

Approximately 4.5 miles of Stewart’s Creek and its two major tributaries, North Fork and South Fork Stewart’s Creek, within the Stewarts Creek WMA. Stewart’s Creek WMA is southeast of Galax on the east side of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Take Exit 1 off I-77. Follow the trailblazer signs to the area.

Venrick Run (Wythe County):

That portion of Venrick Run and its tributaries within Big Survey WMA and Town of
Wytheville property. The stream can be accessed from a parking lot on Town property at the end of State Route 684, off of State Route 21, south of Wytheville.

Whitetop Laurel/Green Cove Creeks (Washington County):

Whitetop Laurel (2 sections)—that portion upstream from the first railroad trestle above Taylor Valley to the mouth of Green Cove Creek at Creek Junction and that portion upstream from the mouth of Straight Branch to a sign at the Forest Service boundary just downstream of Taylors Valley. There remains a section of catchable stocked trout water without special regulations through the village of Taylors Valley.

Green Cove Creek—that portion from Rt. 859 downstream to its mouth. The special regulation area is located east of Damascus (near the Tennessee line) and lies within the Mount Rogers Recreation Area.

Wildcat Hollow (Fauquier County):

That portion of stream within the G. R. Thompson WMA. Foot access is available from the lower Ted Lake Trail parking area located off of Rt. 688.

Wolf Creek (Washington County):

That portion of stream and its tributaries within the Abingdon Muster Grounds in the Town of Abingdon from Colonial Avenue downstream to Stone Mill Road.

Delayed Harvest
Waters

From October 1 through May 31 fishing on the following waters is permitted under specific regulations only:

  1. Only artificial lures may be used.
  2. No trout may be in possession (catch and release only) while fishing these waters.
  3. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters.
  4. Trout license required October 1–June 15.

Note: During the period of June 1 through September 30 restrictions 1 through 3 above will not apply and these waters are like any other designated stocked trout water (see Trout Fishing Guide).

Accotink Creek (Fairfax County):

That portion of stream from King Arthur Road downstream 3.1 miles to Route 620 (Braddock Road). Primary access is via the FCPA Wakefield Park facility off Braddock Road.

Back Creek (Bath County):

That portion of stream from the Rt. 600 Bridge just below the Virginia Power Back Creek Dam downstream 1.5 miles to the Rt. 600 Bridge at the lower boundary of the Virginia Power Recreational Area. Take Route 39 west from Warm Springs to Mountain Grove, then right on Route 600 for 6 miles.

Big Moccasin Creek (Scott County)

That portion of the stream from the VDOT foot bridge at the lower end of Gate City downstream to the Wadlow Gap Highway Bridge (Highway 58/421).

Chestnut Creek (Carroll County):

That portion of stream from the U.S. Rt. 58 Bridge downstream 11.4 miles to the confluence with the New River. The stream parallels the New River Trail State Park, and parking is available at state road crossings and at the trailhead in Galax. In addition to the state park, many private landowners have made this program possible and anglers should be sure to respect adjoining private property.

Hardy Creek (Lee County):

That portion of stream from the VDOT swinging bridge just upstream of the Route 658 ford downstream to the Route 661 bridge.

Holliday Creek (Appomattox/Buckingham Counties):

That portion of stream from the Rt. 640 crossing downstream 2.8 miles to a sign at the headwaters of Holliday Lake. This section is located completely within the Appomattox/Buckingham State Forest that can be accessed by taking Route 24 north out of Appomattox to Route 626. Anglers should turn onto Routes 640 or 614 to access a series of foot trails to the stream that have been developed by the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF). A State Forest Use Permit is required by the VDOF for anyone 16 years and older who fishes in one of Virginia’s 19 State Forests; the Use Permit is available at authorized retailers who sell fishing licenses, or online.

Holmes Run (Fairfax County):

That portion of stream from the Lake Barcroft Dam downstream 1.2 miles to a sign posted at the Alexandria City line. A fairly good trail follows (and sometimes crosses) the stream from the parking lot off Columbia Pike (Route 244).

Indian Creek (Lee County)

That portion of stream within the boundaries of Wilderness Road State Park. The stream can be accessed from Route 58.

Middle Fork of Powell River (Wise County)

That portion of stream from the trestle bridge just downstream of the Town of Appalachia to the trestle bridge just upstream of the Town of Big Stone Gap. This stream reach parallels Business Route 23.

North Fork of Pound and Pound Rivers (Wise County):

That portion of the streams from the base of North Fork of Pound Dam downstream to the confluence with Indian Creek. Access is available at the North Fork of Pound Dam and at parking lots within the town of Pound.

North River (Augusta County):

That portion of stream from the base of Elkhorn Dam downstream 1.5 miles to a sign posted at the head of Staunton City Reservoir. This is a remote section of stream that can only be reached by foot trail. Access is available by parking at Elkhorn Lake and following the trail along the lake to the spillway.

Passage Creek (Warren County):

That portion of stream from the Shenandoah/

Warren County line downstream approximately 1 mile through the Department’s Front Royal Fish Hatchery. This section is immediately downstream of the area that has historically been stocked under the put-and-take program. Parking is available on Forest Service lands adjacent to Route 678 or on Department lands adjacent to Route 619.

Pedlar River (Amherst County):

That portion of stream from the City of Lynchburg/George Washington National Forest boundary line (below Lynchburg Reservoir) downstream 2.7 miles to the boundary line of the George Washington National Forest (southeast of Buena Vista). The U.S. Forest Service and the Department have cooperated in the development of three access sites to the river located along FS 39 off Route 607.

Piney River (Nelson/Amherst Counties):

That portion of stream from the Piney River Trailhead of the Virginia Blue Ridge Trail (downstream from Route 151) downstream to the Route 674 crossing at Roses Mill Road.

Roanoke River (Roanoke County and City of Salem):

There are two delayed harvest sections located on the Roanoke River near Roanoke. The first section is located within Green Hill Park in Roanoke County and was established in 2001. The newest section is located within the City of Salem and was established in 2003. The Green Hill Park section is easily found off Route 11/460 west of Salem and stretches from the Route 760 Bridge (Diguids Lane) upstream 1 mile to a sign posted at the upper end of the park. It is best to access the stream from the park side of the stream, and anglers are encouraged to use the parking areas provided. The Salem section is located along Riverside Drive and stretches from the Colorado Street Bridge downstream approximately 2 miles to the Route 419 Bridge. This section is most easily accessed from the Riverside Drive side of the river.

Fee Fishing Areas

The fee fishing areas offer put-and-take trout fishing with the added advantage that trout are stocked several times weekly throughout the season. For those anglers who reminisce about the opening day of trout season, these areas still provide this opportunity on the first Saturday in April when they open at 9:00 a.m. (The fee season may vary among the 3 fee fishing areas. Refer to information listed under each fee area). Fee areas are closed to fishing 5 days prior to opening day. During the fee fishing season, a daily permit ($8.00) is required of any person over 12 years of age, in addition to a valid Virginia freshwater fishing license (all children under 16 are exempted from having a fishing license). Children 12 years of age and under can fish without a permit throughout the fee-fishing area as long as they are accompanied by a permitted adult and their combined creel does not exceed that of the adult (6 trout). Daily permits are available at authorized license agents or online www.gooutdoorsvirginia.com. After the fee fishing season, these areas revert to designated stocked trout waters and a trout license is required instead of the daily permit. The creel limit at these areas is six fish per day, minimum length 7 inches. Fishermen are required to use separate stringers. Bait or artificial lures may be used as posted. Children-only fishing area (where applicable) regulations are posted.

Clinch Mountain Fee Fishing Area:

This fee area is located in southwest Virginia, about 7 miles west of Saltville. A daily permit ($8.00) is required from the first Saturday in April through September 30. Trout are stocked 4 times per week throughout the fee period, and fishing begins at 5:00 a.m. daily, except for 9:00 a.m. on opening day, and ends one hour after sunset. The area consists of approximately 7 miles of Big Tumbling Creek and its two major tributaries, Briar Cove Creek and Laurel Bed Creek. Note: Access to Laurel Bed Lake is also closed the 5 days prior to opening day for this fee area.

Directions: From Saltville, turn left off of Rt. 107 onto Rt. 91 (1⁄4 mile); then right onto Rt. 634; bear left onto Rt. 613 and proceed 3.5 miles; then right onto Rt. 747 to the area.

Crooked Creek Fee Fishing Area:

This area is located in Carroll County, 5 miles east of Galax, and consists of a 5-mile stocked section and an approximately 2-mile section managed as a wild trout fishery. A daily permit ($8.00) is required from the first Saturday in April through September 30. Trout are stocked 4 times per week throughout the fee period, and fishing begins at 5:00 a.m. daily, except for 9:00 a.m. on opening day, and ends one hour after sunset.

Directions: From Galax, take Rt. 58 east to Woodlawn, then take Rt. 620 south approximately 4 miles to the area.

Douthat State Park Fee Fishing Area:

This area includes Douthat State Park Lake (60 acres) and 4 miles of Wilson Creek: above the lake to the park boundary and downstream to the lower USFS boundary. Trout are stocked 2 times per week throughout the fee period with the exception of the final week of the fee season which will receive a single stocking of a double load. A daily permit ($8.00) is required from the first Saturday in April through June 15 and from September 15 through October 31. From June 16 through September 14, no trout will be stocked and no daily fee or trout license is required. Fishing begins at 6:00 a.m daily, except on opening day (9:00 a.m.). A small “children-only” area has been established on Wilson Creek, just below the dam.

Directions: Located 7 miles north of Clifton Forge on Rt. 629 which can be accessed by Exit 27 off of I-64.

For maps and more detailed trout fishing information check out: www.virginiawildlife.gov/fishing/trout/.

Regulations for the 9-inch, 16-inch/2 fish, 20-inch/1 fish, and Catch and Release trout stream sections that follow:

  1. Only single-point hook artificial lures may be used unless otherwise noted. (see artificial lure definition)
  2. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters unless otherwise noted.
  3. All trout less than the minimum size must be immediately returned to the water unharmed. No trout less than the minimum size may be in possession while fishing in these waters.

2024 Trout Heritage Waters

This program was added for those anglers who enjoyed and missed the old opening day. Selected waters are stocked for the first Saturday in April to create an announced stocking event.

The following waters will be stocked for the April 1st Heritage Day:

Beartree Lake
Washington County

Bark Camp Lake
Scott County

Clinch Mountain Fee Fishing Area*
Washington County

Cripple Creek
(Ravens Cliff)
Wythe County

Crooked Creek Fee Fishing Area*
Carroll County

Douthat State Park Fee Fishing Area*
Bath County

Hawksbill Creek
Page County

Jennings Creek
Botetourt County

Lake Witten
Tazewell County

Liberty Lake
Bedford County

Lincolnshire Lake
Tazewell County

Middle Fork
Holston River

Smyth County

Passage Creek
Shenandoah County

Pedlar River (upper)
Amherst County

Pigg River
Franklin County

Quantico MCB
Prince William County

Robinson River
Madison County

Rose River
Madison County

South Fork Powell River
Wise County

Tinker Creek
Roanoke County

* The fee fishing areas are closed to angling from March 27 to 31.

Heritage Waters are closed on March 31. On April 1, fishing can begin at 9:00 a.m.