In the following streams, special regulations require the use of single hook, artificial lures and restrictcreel to fish over 12 inches in length. Trout from 6 to 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 summer waters 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 & 0 Dam upstream 2.5 miles to the Clifton Forge Dam. Within this section, subcatchable brown trout are stocked once annuauy. The stream contains good numbers of 8 to 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 Hull Ford and all of Little Snake Creek belowthe 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. Holdover of stocked fish is good along with a fair population of native brook trout.

Management of a few selected streams as trophy trout water is relatively new to Virginia. Regulations restrict fishing to the use of single hook artificial lures and the creel to 2 fish per day over 16 inches (except for Mossy Creek where the creel is one fish per day over 20 inches). Mossy Creek, Sinking Creek, and Smith Creek, furthermore, are restricted to fly-fishing only. The management approach is to stock fingerling trout (5-6") 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 Colhers 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 VDGIF office in Verona (please include a SASE). Brown and rainbow trout are stocked annually as subcatchables and good numbers of 10 to 16-inch fish are available. Trophy fish of 5 to 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 six 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 to 12-inch size range and brown trout in the 8 to 18inch size range. The upper reaches of the special regulation section can be reached by taking Route 614 south from the Meadows of Dan. Tum 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. A permit 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: 804/788-5270.

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 of 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 VDGIF office in Verona. Please include a SASE). Mossy Creek is a classic, meadow limestone stream averaging about 15 feet in width and flowing through open pastures. Brown trout in the 3 to 7-pound class are available to fishermen.

Sinking Creek (Giles and Craig Counties)

The special area includes two sections of stream. The first section extends from a cable with VDGIF sign 0.4 miles below the State Route 703 low-water bridge, upstream 1.8 miles to a cable with VDGIF sign (which is 0.1 mile above the Reynolds farm covered bridge). The second section runs from a cable with VDGIF sign 1.0 mile below the State Route 642 bridge, upstream to a cable with VDGIF sign (which is 0.5 miles above the State Route 642 bridge in Craig County). Brown and rainbow trout are stocked annually and angling is restricted to fly-fishing only. A fishing permit is required to fish this stream. Permits may be obtained at the VDGIF office in Blacksburg and locally at the Twin Oaks Grocery Store on State Route 42 in Craig County, the Super Value Grocery Store in Newport, and the Orvis Shop in Roanoke.

Smith Creek (Rockingham County)

The special section includes approximately 1.5 miles of stream near Lacy Spring. Smith Creek flows through private farmland and requires a written landowner permit to fish, which is available from VDGIF office in Verona (please include a SASE). Brown trout fingerlings are stocked annually in the fall. Good numbers of 10 to 16-inch trout are available and fish over 4 pounds have been reported.

Smith River (Henry County)

The special area includes the posted section extending 3 miles downstream from Towne Creek near the town of Bassett. Smith River is Virginia's most noted trophy trout stream. The historic state record 18 pound, 11 ounce brown trout was taken in 1979 and numerous trout exceeding 10 pounds have been caught. Smith River is a large, flat, tailwater stream receiving coldwater discharges from Philpott Dam.

South Fork Holston River (Smyth County)

The special regulation section is located south of Marion and west of the community of Sugar Grove off of Route 16. Two miles of the stream, which extends from just below the confluence of Comers Creek upstream, flows through National Forest and private land. Permission is not required prior to fishing within the privately owned sections. Recently included in Virginia's special trout stream regulations, the South Fork offers the opportunity to fish for both trophy rainbow and brown trout. An abundance of 10 to 14-inch trout and some trout in excess of the 16 inch minimum size limit are available.

HTML © Virginia's Fisheries Updated:March 21, 1996.

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