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VA
No conditions check on file for this trail yet — always verify current conditions before you go.
Why you'll love it
Like this spot? Try:
New River - Claytor Lake Dam Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Clinch River - Cleveland Access
River · brown_trout, rainbow_trout
Pound River - Flannagan Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
North Fork Holston River - Saltville Access
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Rapidan River - Rapidan Wildlife Management Area
River · brook_trout, rainbow_trout
New River - Claytor Lake Dam Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Clinch River - Cleveland Access
River · brown_trout, rainbow_trout
Pound River - Flannagan Tailwater
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
North Fork Holston River - Saltville Access
River · rainbow_trout, brown_trout
Rapidan River - Rapidan Wildlife Management Area
River · brook_trout, rainbow_trout
Smith River - Philpott Tailwater
AI-suggested draft · review before you go
The Smith River below Philpott Dam is Virginia's most celebrated tailwater trout fishery, producing trophy-sized brown and rainbow trout in cold, clear releases from the bottom of the reservoir. This stretch is designated as a Special Regulation Delayed Harvest area and is heavily featured in Virginia fishing guidebooks and VDWR resources. Dry fly and nymph fishing are both productive depending on season.
Philpott Park
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
New River - Claytor Lake Dam Tailwater
~1h 8m drive
Moderate
Claytor Lake
~1h 8m drive
Easy
Hickory Lake
~53 min drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Spring Lake
~1h 2m drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Beaverdam Reservoir
~1h 3m drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Eastern Divide Ranger District
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Duck Pond
~1h 6m drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Pandapas Pond Day Use Area
~1h 13m drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Watson Pond
~1h 19m drive
A worthwhile stop near VA.
Also worth it near here