In the following streams, regulations require the use of single hook artificial lures and trout less than 9 inches in length be returned to the water unharmed. The exceptions are the Rapidan River and its tributaries, Stewart's Creek, North Fork Moorman River, Dan River, East Fork of Chestnut Creek, Roaring Fork and South Fork Holston River, which require the release of all fish caught, and Whitetop Laurel/Green Cove Creeks which have a 12-inch minimum size limit.

Buffalo River (Amherst County)

Special regulations apply to that portion of North Fork of Buffalo River and its tributaries within the George Washington National Forest. Access is available by forest trail off of Forest Road 51 or 6om the end of State Route 635. Buffalo Creek is a moderate to high gradient stream dominated by large boulders and deep pools. The stream contains a good native brook trout population with numerous fish 8 to 10 inches in length.

Big and Little Wilson Creeks (Grayson County)

The special regulation sections of Big Wilson and Little Wilson Creeks and their tributaries include all portions of each stream within the boundaries of Grayson Highlands State Park and the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Big and Little Wilson Creeks provide the opportunity to fish for both wild rainbow and brook trout. Brook trout are primarily restricted to the headwaters of both streams and their tributaries. Rainbow trout can be found throughout the area. Big Wilson Creek offers some spectacular scenery. Large boulders predominate the stream channel, interspersed with deep pools associated with a steep gradient characterize the stream. Access can be gained through Grayson Highlands State Park or Route 806 and 817 off U.S. Route 58. Be prepared to do some hiking to fish this area.

Conway River/Devils Ditch (Greene County)

Special regulations apply to that portion of Conway River and its major tributary, Devils Ditch, within the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area. The stream contains brook trout in the upper reaches with wild brown trout scattered through the lower portions. Adult brook trout range from 7 to 11 inches in length, brown trout occasionally exceed 20 inches. The stream lies north of Stanardsville and can be reached by Route 615 from Graves Mill. The area adjoins the Shenandoah National Park.

Dan River (Patrick County)

The Dan River in Patrick County from the Pinnacles Powerhouse to Townes Dam is designated as a catch-and-release trout fishery. The Dan River below the Pinnacles Powerhouse (Kibler Valley) remains put-and-take trout water. Reproducing brown trout are the dominant species in the lower reaches of the section, while wild brook trout are found in the upper reaches. This three-mile section of the Dan River has been subjected to very low flows for years, however, a new agreement with the City of Danville has resulted in greatly improved flows. The special regulation section can be reached by taking Route 8 south of Stuart to Route 103 west, turn right on Route 648 at Claudeville and proceed to the powerhouse. In addition, the section can be reached by taking Route 614 south from the Meadows of Dan. Turn left on Route 602 from Route 614 and proceed to Townes Dam. A permit from the City of Danville is required and can be obtained at no charge at the Pinnacles Powerhouse or from the City Utilities Department. Contact: City of Danville, Director of Electric Division, Department of Utilities, PO. Box 3300, Danville, VA 24543.

Phone: 804/799-5270.

East Fork of Chestnut Creek (Grayson and Carroll Counties)

East Fork of Chestnut Creek, locally known as Farmer's Creek, has recently been designated a catch-and-release trout fishery. The special regulation section includes all portions of the creek upstream of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The lower mile of the special regulation area is a low gradient native brook trout stream with numerous deep pools and undercut banks. The stream decreases in size and increases in gradient upstream and is characterized by numerous small plunge pools and a dense rhododendron canopy. Adult brook trout average 8 to 13 inches in length with occasional larger fish in the lower reaches. The stream lies south of Galax, crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway a short distance east of Route 89.

Little Stony Creek (Giles County)

Special regulations apply to that portion of Little Stony Creek in the Jefferson National Forest. Most of the special section is below the Cascades waterfall. The upper reaches of Little Stony Creek contain native brook trout, but rainbow trout comprise most of the trout population below the Cascades. Adult rainbows average 7 to 12 inches in length. The area is heavily used by hikers and picnickers. The stream is located near Pembroke and can be reached by Route 623.

Little Stony Creek (Shenandoah County)

Little Stony Creek is a small mountain brook trout stream. The special regulations apply to that portion of stream above Woodstock Reservoir. Adult brook trout presently average 7 to 10 inches in length. The stream is located west of Woodstock and 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.

North Creek (Botetourt County)

The upper section of the stream (above the first bridge upstream of the North Creek campground) is designated for special regulations, while the lower portion remains put-n-take trout water. Rainbow trout predon-dnate, although brook trout are present in the headwater tributaries. Adult trout will range from 7 to 12 inches. 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 Moormans River lying within the Shenandoah National Park is designated as fishfor-fun. The stream has historically contained an excellent population of brook trout with numerous adults of 8 to 12 inches. In addition, a small population of wild brown trout can be found in the lower half of the stream. However, this drainage was struck with devastating floods during June, 1995. The stream suffered significant habitat damage and resident trout populations have been severely reduced. At the time of this printing, the area is closed to fishing. If it is reopened to fishing in 1996, do not expect the quality of trout anghng you may have experienced in the past. It will require several years for this population to recover. Access to the Moormans River has been restored over State Route 614 past Sugar Hollow Reservoir but much of the streamside trail no longer exists. Call the Shenandoah National Park for current information.

Ramsey's Draft (Augusta County)

Ramsey's Draft and its tributaries within the George Washington National Forest provide over 10 miles of native brook trout water. Most of this section of stream is located within the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area providing the angler with the opportunity to fish for quality native trout in a remote setting. Summer flows are usually quite low in this stream so plan to fish Ramsey's Draft during the springtime. To reach Ramsey's Draft, drive 15 miles west of Churchville on State Route 250 and look for the Mountain Home Picnic Area on the right. A foot trail parallels the stream from the picnic area.

Rapidan River (Madison County)

The Rapidan River is Virginia's best-known trout stream. Not only was it the state's first special regulation stream, it was also the site of the Presidential Retreat established by President Hoover. Much of the original Camp Hoover is still intact and is occasionally used. The special regulation area of the Rapidan includes all the stream and its tributaries within the Shenandoah National Park and the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area. The stream generally contains an excellent native brook trout population with good numbers of 10 to 11- inch adults.

This stream drainage was hit by a devastating flood in June, 1995. At the time of this printing Shenandoah National Pi;rk has cul'osed their sections of stream to fishing. Stream habitat has been severely impacted along the lower reaches and in one tributary, the Staunton River. Impacts to the resident trout population can be expected to be high in the Staunton River and lower reaches of the Rapidan. The impact of these floods on trout populations in the upper Rapidan and other tributaries should be much less severe. Access to the Rapidan has been restored over Route 662 from Graves Mill and over Route 649 from Criglersville. Call the Shenandoah National Park or local VDGIF office for current conditions.

Roaring Fork (Tazewell County)

This special regulation area is located within the boundaries of the Beartown Wilderness Area of the Jefferson National Forest. Acidification of this stream resulting in a steadily declining brook trout population prompted the inclusion of this stream section into Virginia's catch and release trout regulations. Access to the special regulated section is difficult and some hiking will be required. Access can be gained from Forest Service Road 222 off of Route 16, south of Tazewell.

St. Mary's River (Augusta County)

The special regulation section includes all portions of the St. Mary's River above the gate at the National Forest boundary. It is a fairly high gradient stream with a number of waterfalls. Although water levels can get quite low along lower reaches, flows are much improved upstream and large, deep pools provide ample trout cover. Adult brook trout average 8 tol2 inches in length.

Due to acidification of the stream in recent years, brook trout have replaced rainbows as the dominant trout species. The stream lies east of Raphine off of Route 608 a short distance from 1-81. Most of the area is accessible by foot trail only and backpacking is popular.

South Fork Holston River (Smyth County)

This section of the South Fork Holston River lies within the property boundaries of VDGIF's Buller Fish Hatchery. Regulations allow only the use of artificial lures and all trout caught must be released. This special regulation section of stream provides an excellent opportunity to catch trout of trophy size. Access can be gained through the Buller Fish Hatchery property off of Route 650, south of Marion.

Stewart's Creek (Carroll County)

Stewart's Creek is another of the catch-and-release trout fisheries in the state. It is a high-gradient native brook trout stream with numerous plunge pools, rock ledges, and a dense rhododendron canopy for cover. Approximately 4.5 miles of Stewart's Creek and its two major tributaries, North Fork and South Fork Stewart's Creek, were opened to the public in 1989 for year-round fishing. Only single hook, artificial lures can be used.

Stewart's Creek Wildlife Management Area is southeast of Galax on the east side of the Blue Ridge Parkway Take Exit 1 off 1-77. Follow the traflblazer signs to the area.

Whitetop Laurel/Green Cove Creeks (Washington County)

The special regulation area includes the lower mile of Green Cove Creek plus Whitetop Laurel Creek from the mouth of Green Cove to the first bridge above the village of Taylors Valley. Whitetop Laurel is one of Virginia's largest and most beautiful wild trout streams. Wild rainbow trout dominate, with most adults in the 7 to 14-inch class. A few wild brown trout provide occasional trophy fish. The special regulation area is located east of Damascus near the Tennessee line and lies within the Mount Rogers Recreation Area. Minimum size limit in this section is 12 inches.

Shenandoah National Park

The Park provides an entire region of special regulation trout streams extending from Front Royal to Waynesboro. Regulations require the use of single hook, artificial lures only, and restrict daily creel limits to five fish, all of which must be eight inches or more in length. The season is open from the third Saturday in March through October 15. Most streams within the Park contain good populations of native brook trout, but not all are open to fishing. Some isolated brown trout are also found in the lower reaches of the large, east slope streams.

The Park is currently reviewing its fisheries management program and will be considering some changes in its trout fishing regulations. If any of these changes are adopted, they may become effective during 1996. Call the Shenandoah National Park for current updates.

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

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