Top 30 Trout Streams in Virginia

Virginia’s trout streams are full of fishing fun, from wild mountain waters to calm valley rivers, each packed with trout and charm. I’ve fished here for years, hooking brook trout in Shenandoah’s shady spots and big browns in the chilly Smith River. But I didn’t make this list alone—I asked local friends for their top picks, chatting over zoom and by the water. We also posted on social media, asking followers to share their favorite streams and why they love them. Together, we came up with Virginia’s 30 best trout spots, mixing my research with their votes.

This list is for everyone—folks like us who love fishing. Whether you use a fly rod for wild trout or a spinner for stocked ones, there’s a stream here for you. Virginia has it all: big-fish rivers, secret hideaways, and city-close creeks. Grab your rod, pick a spot, and enjoy some of the state’s top fishing, straight from people who know it best.

30. Passage Creek

Stretching through George Washington National Forest near Front Royal, Passage Creek dishes out stocked trout in a mountain embrace. Off Route 55, park at Elizabeth Furnace for this broad, babbling run. Fly anglers, rig a 4-weight and skim a size 16 Sulphur dry—fish rise quick. Spin casters, lob a small silver Panther Martin into riffles; hits land fast. Spring stocking sets it off; fall keeps the pace. Wading’s wide and pebbly—boots grip best. A 20-minute drive from Front Royal, it’s a forested trout treat with room to roam.

29. Wilson Creek

Below Douthat Lake’s spillway in Bath County, Wilson Creek rushes through Douthat State Park near Millboro. Stocked twice weekly with rainbow, brown, and brook trout during fee season, it’s a hotspot off Route 629. Fly anglers, wield a 5-weight and swing a size 14 Kreelex streamer—trout hammer it. Spin fishers, toss a small gold Panther Martin into swift runs; they’ll bite. Peak stocking hits April; fall keeps fish active. Wading’s cold and rocky—wear solid waders. Just an hour from Roanoke, it’s a lively, family-friendly trout stretch with a kids’ zone below the dam.

28. Holmes Run

Near Alexandria in Fairfax County, Holmes Run trickles through suburbia as a stocked trout lifeline. Off Route 7, park at Holmes Run Park for this easy-access flow. Fly anglers, use a 4-weight to drop a size 18 Midge—stockers snap it up. Spin casters, zip a tiny silver spinner through pools; bites come fast. Spring stocking kicks it off; October keeps it alive. Wading’s soft on a sandy bottom—sneakers do fine. A 15-minute ride from Alexandria, it’s a simple, urban trout stop for locals needing a quick fishing break.

27. Accotink Creek

Cutting through Fairfax County near Annandale, Accotink Creek brings stocked trout to northern Virginia’s doorstep. Off Route 236, park at Wakefield Park for this urban-edged flow. Fly anglers, use a 4-weight to drift a size 16 Egg pattern—stockers grab it. Spin fishers, whip a small gold Kastmaster through open water; they’ll chase. Stocking starts in spring; late fall keeps rods busy. Wading’s soft and muddy—wear old boots. Just 20 minutes from Alexandria, it’s a no-frills, close-to-home trout shot for city dwellers craving a quick line wet.

26. Beaver Creek

Flowing near Harrisonburg in Rockingham County, Beaver Creek offers stocked trout in a spring-fed ribbon. Off Route 42, park near Bridgewater for this clear, tricky stream. Fly anglers, pick a 4-weight and ease a size 18 BWO dry over wary fish—they’re picky. Spin casters, lob a tiny silver spinner into shallow runs; patience pays. March fills it with fresh trout; September cools for round two. Wading’s slick on mossy rocks—grippy soles rule. A 15-minute hop from Harrisonburg, it’s a technical challenge with subtle rewards for the focused.

25. Ivy Creek

Snaking through Lynchburg’s Peaks View Park, Ivy Creek serves stocked trout in an urban twist. Off Route 221, it’s a stroll to this gentle, grassy-banked stream open to all after June 15. Fly anglers, use a 4-weight to skim a size 16 Pheasant Tail—stockers slurp it. Spin fishers, cast a small gold Rooster Tail across slow pools; hits come steady. Spring stocking fuels the rush; fall keeps it kicking. Wading’s a cinch on firm gravel—sneakers suffice. Right in Lynchburg’s backyard, it’s a laid-back city escape for quick trout fixes.

24. North Creek

Winding through Botetourt County near Buchanan, North Creek carves a wild trout path below the Blue Ridge. Off Route 43, a forest road dips to this freestone gem teeming with brookies and rainbows. Fly anglers, grab a 4-weight and dance a size 14 Stimulator over riffles—fish charge. Spin casters, sling a small copper spinner into deep cuts; they’ll strike. May hatches rile them up; cooler months boost the action. Wading’s rugged with uneven stones—wear tough boots. Just 40 minutes from Roanoke, it’s a backwoods haunt for untamed trout and peace.

23. Guys Run

Tucked near Goshen Pass in Rockbridge County, Guys Run trickles as a stocked tributary with wild brook trout upstream. Access it off Route 39—a short walk from the Maury River junction. Fly anglers, wield a 3-weight and drop a size 16 Blue Dun into pools—fish snatch it. Spin casters, try a micro silver spinner near logs; bites come fast. Stocking hits in spring; autumn perks up the natives. Wading’s simple, but rocks can trip you—step firm. A 30-minute jaunt from Lexington, it’s a quiet, dual-nature trout nook.

22. Smith Creek

Feeding the Jackson River near Alleghany County’s Clifton Forge, Smith Creek blends stocked trout with rainbow trout. Off Route 606, a quick pull-off opens this narrow, tree-lined flow. Fly anglers, rig a 4-weight and skim a size 14 Parachute Adams over riffles—stockers jump. Spin fishers, zip a tiny gold Kastmaster past rocky bends; brook trout pounce. April brings fresh plants and bites; October cools it for a late surge. Wading’s tight but doable—mind the slick stones. Just 25 minutes from Covington, it’s a low-key mix of easy access and wild charm.

21. Piney River

Tucked near the Blue Ridge in Nelson County, the Piney River flows as a stocked trout haven off Route 151. Rainbows and browns fill its gentle, pine-framed waters, reachable from a roadside pull-off near Roseland. Fly anglers, use a 4-weight to drift a size 16 Caddis dry—fish rise eagerly. Spin casters, toss a small silver spinner into lazy pools; they’ll bite. March stocking sparks the season; late fall keeps it lively. Wading’s easy on a gravel bed—just watch for soft spots. A 40-minute drive from Lynchburg, it’s a scenic, no-fuss trout stop.

20. Pedlar River

Rolling near Lynchburg in Amherst County, the Pedlar River dishes out stocked trout with a wild twist upstream. From Route 60’s bridge near Buena Vista, it’s an easy hop to fishable water cradled by hardwood hills. Rainbows and browns dominate the put-and-take zone, while brookies sneak into higher reaches.

Fly anglers, use a 4-weight to skip a size 16 Pheasant Tail through riffles—stockers gobble it. Spin fishers, chuck a small gold Kastmaster across wider bends; they’ll chase. March stocking kicks off the frenzy; September cools it for a second wind. Wading’s smooth, but muddy banks can snag you—wear boots with bite. A 30-minute jaunt from Lynchburg, it’s a handy pick for quick trips with a shot at variety.

19. Tye River

Spilling from the Blue Ridge near Crabtree Falls in Nelson County, the Tye River churns out rainbows and browns—some stretching past 18 inches. Find it off Route 56 near Massies Mill; a pull-off leads to this freestone beauty hugged by cliffs.

Fly anglers, rig a 5-weight and sling a size 12 Stonefly nymph through tumbling runs—big fish lurk there. Spin casters, whip a small silver spoon into deep eddies; trout hammer it. May’s caddis flurry fires them up; late autumn turns them ravenous. Wading’s dicey with swift currents and polished rocks—bring waders that grip. Just 45 minutes from Lynchburg, the Tye blends wild vibes with trophy potential, a sleeper hit for those chasing size and scenery in one haul.

18. Big Run

Deep in Shenandoah National Park’s southern wilds near Elkton, Big Run unfurls as a brook trout sanctuary for the determined. Park at Doyles River overlook on Skyline Drive, then descend a winding trail into a steep, forested drainage where the stream hums alive. These wild brookies—small but fierce—thrive in fast, rocky ribbons.

Fly anglers, arm a 3-weight with a size 14 Black Ant and skim it over pocket water; they’ll leap for it. Spin casters, send a tiny gold spinner slicing past boulders—quick strikes follow. June bugs get them jumping; colder days sharpen their hunger. The hike’s a workout, and slick stones test your nerve—pack steady boots. An hour from Waynesboro, it’s a raw, untamed shot at native trout glory.

17. Paine Run

Nestled in Shenandoah National Park near Grottoes, Paine Run offers a hushed retreat where wild brook trout reign. Start at the Blackrock Gap pull-off on Skyline Drive, then wander down the trail to this slender, rock-lined stream. Its chilly waters cradle scrappy natives eager for a fight.

Fly anglers, grab a 3-weight and tease the surface with a size 16 Griffith’s Gnat—those brookies pounce on subtle drifts. Spin fishers, keep it lean: a small copper spinner zipped through quiet pools stirs action. April wakes the bugs; October turns the leaves and the fish bold. The path’s gentle, but wet rocks demand careful steps—bring tough soles. Just 40 minutes from Harrisonburg, Paine Run delivers a low-key escape for anglers craving wild trout without the fanfare.

16. Jeremy’s Run

Tucked into Shenandoah National Park’s western flank near Luray, Jeremy’s Run whispers promises of wild brook trout to those willing to earn it. No roadside pull-off here—stash your car at Elkwallow Wayside on Skyline Drive and trek a mile down to the stream’s gurgling heart. These native brookies, small but spirited, dart through rocky shallows.

Anglers with fly rods, try a light 3-weight and drop a size 14 Royal Coachman into the current’s seams—fish can’t resist. Spin casters, go minimal: a tiny silver blade spinner zipped past woody cover does the trick. Hatches peak in May; cooler months sharpen the bite. The trail’s a calf-burner, and slick stones test your boots—step lively. An hour from Front Royal, it’s a rugged reward for the persistent.

15. Conway River

Etched into Shenandoah National Park’s eastern slope near Stanardsville, the Conway River harbors wild brook trout and sneaky browns in its tumbling waters. Hit the trail off Route 667 near Bootens Gap—park and descend to fishable runs. Its freestone flow dances over rocks, hiding feisty natives.

Fly anglers use 3-weight rods, tossing size 16 Elk Hair Caddis or small pheasant tails into pocket water. Spinner fishers cast tiny gold Rooster Tails, probing deeper pools where browns lurk. Spring sparks with mayflies; fall lights up with color and hungry fish. Wading’s tricky on uneven stones—sturdy boots are a must. Just 40 minutes from Harrisonburg, it’s a less-crowded SNP gem, blending wild trout action with a remote feel for those chasing variety in tight quarters.

14. Hughes River

Tucked into Shenandoah National Park’s northeastern corner, the Hughes River flows quietly near Sperryville, brimming with wild brook trout. Launch from the trailhead off Route 231—hike past Nicholson Hollow to reach its clear, cool waters. Small natives thrive amid boulders and fallen timber.

Fly fishers sling 3-weight rods, dropping size 14 Parachute Adams or stoneflies into tight seams. Spinners choose ultralight silver Panther Martins, teasing fish from undercuts. Spring awakens with caddis; fall stokes aggressive strikes amid golden leaves. Steep banks and slick stones challenge waders—bring trekking poles for balance. Less trafficked than SNP’s big names, it’s an hour from Culpeper and perfect for anglers seeking solitude and the thrill of untouched brookies in a rugged, forested escape.

13. Rose River

Coursing through Shenandoah National Park’s Madison County flank, the Rose River enchants with wild brook trout and occasional browns. Starting near Skyline Drive’s Fishers Gap, it’s a short stroll from the parking pull-off to fishable water. Crystal pools and gentle riffles teem with natives.

Fly fishers opt for 3- or 4-weight rods, drifting size 16 Sulphurs or caddis dries through open stretches. Spinners cast tiny black Mepps spinners, aiming for shaded pockets where trout sip bugs. Spring hatches pop; fall brings bold colors and bold bites. Wading’s forgiving, but watch for mossy rocks—felt soles grip best. Only 90 minutes from Richmond, it’s a park favorite blending easy access with wild charm, ideal for a day of tight lines and mountain air.

12. North Fork Moormans River

Flowing through Shenandoah National Park near Charlottesville, the North Fork Moormans River is a brook trout hideaway in a steep, wooded gorge. Reach it via the trailhead off Garth Road near White Hall—a short huff opens up pristine water. Small but scrappy native brookies rule these rocky runs.

Those into Fly fishing wield 3-weight rods, drifting size 14 Royal Wulffs or tiny nymphs into plunge pools. Spinners use ultralight gear, dropping micro gold spinners near structure where fish lurk. Spring blooms with mayflies; fall paints the banks and perks up bites. Slick stones and tight casting lanes demand finesse—pack light and tread carefully. Just 25 minutes from Charlottesville, it’s a quick plunge into wild trout country for those craving nature over numbers.

11. Dry River

Snaking through George Washington National Forest near Harrisonburg, Dry River earns its name from summer trickles but delivers brook trout bounty year-round. Upper reaches above Rawley Springs harbor dense wild populations in cool, shaded waters. Access comes via Route 33 west of town—park and hike to quieter pools.

Fly fishing favors 3-weight rods, casting size 16 Blue Duns or terrestrials like ants into tight lies. Spinners toss ultralight silver Rooster Tails, working riffles where brookies pounce. Spring hatches ignite action; fall keeps fish feisty as flows stabilize. Narrow channels and rocky beds test wading skills—stick to sturdy shoes. Less than 30 minutes from Harrisonburg, it’s a wild trout retreat with a rugged edge, perfect for those dodging crowds and chasing natives in a forest embrace.

10. Buffalo Creek

Near Lexington in Rockbridge County, Buffalo Creek blends wild brook trout with stocked rainbows and browns. Flowing through Goshen Pass, this special regulation stream—catch-and-release, artificial lures only—requires a free DWR permit. Access it off Route 39 at the Maury River confluence; parking’s tight but worth it.

Fly fishers use 4-weight rods, dropping size 14 Stimulators or nymphs like Copper Johns into riffles. Spinners, restricted here, can try small inline spinners like Panther Martins elsewhere on public stretches. Clear water and wary fish demand sneaky approaches—stay low. Spring brings caddis flurries; fall offers crisp days and eager trout. Wading’s easy, but rocks can slick up—bring grippy boots. Just 20 minutes from Lexington, it’s a scenic, challenging spot for dedicated anglers chasing variety.

9. St. Mary’s River

Tucked in Shenandoah National Park’s southern reaches, St. Mary’s River flows wild and free near Steeles Tavern. This brook trout sanctuary thrives with native fish in its upper, boulder-strewn course. Reach it via the St. Mary’s Wilderness trailhead off Route 56—a moderate hike drops you into pristine water.

Fly fishers sling 3-weight rods with size 16 Parachute Hoppers or caddis dries, teasing brookies from pocket water. Spinners flick tiny gold Mepps into shallow runs—keep it light to match the small fish. Spring ignites with early hatches; summer warms it up, so hit it before June. Rocky terrain demands sure footing. An hour from Staunton, it’s a backcountry jewel for purists seeking solitude and wild natives.

8. South Fork Holston River

Winding through Smyth County’s rolling terrain, the South Fork Holston River boasts big brown trout—think state-record contenders—alongside stocked rainbows. Near Sugar Grove, this southwest Virginia waterway offers remote vibes with access off Route 16 at Teas or Riverside. Wide pools and steady currents favor fly fishers using 5-weight rods; try size 14 Sulphurs in spring or meaty streamers like Sculpins for lunkers.

Spinners cast silver Kastmasters or Blue Fox spinners into deeper runs, where trophies lurk. Spring hatches energize the fish; fall sees aggressive pre-winter feeding. Wading’s manageable, but a canoe opens more water—watch for private land. Just 40 minutes from Marion, it’s a sleeper pick with serious size potential and postcard-worthy scenery.

7. Big Wilson Creek

Hidden in Grayson County’s Mount Rogers highlands, Big Wilson Creek offers a pristine escape for trout seekers. This southwest Virginia stream cradles wild brookies and rainbows in its deep, shaded pools, fed by cold mountain springs. Access it via Route 603 near Volney—park and trek to untouched water.

Fly fishing enthusiasts love 3-weight rods here, drifting size 16 Quill Gordons or small stoneflies through riffles. Spinners score with micro spinners like Rooster Tails in red, targeting undercut banks where fish ambush. Its high elevation keeps flows cool; spring hatches spark action, while fall brings solitude and stunning views. Wading is tricky amid slick rocks—felt soles help. Less than an hour from Marion, it’s a wild gem for those craving quiet and native trout.

6. Rapidan River

High in Shenandoah National Park, the Rapidan River dances through hardwood forests, a brook trout stronghold with wild browns downstream. Born near Skyline Drive’s Milam Gap, it’s reachable via the Rapidan Fire Road off Route 670—hike in for solitude. Small but fierce native brookies dominate upper pools, while browns lurk in lower, broader stretches.

Fly fishers pack light with 3-weight rods, dropping size 14 Parachute Adams or beetles into tight pockets. Spinners wield ultralight gear, flicking tiny silver Panther Martins past boulders where fish dart. Spring awakens with mayflies; fall ignites with color and aggressive bites. Steep banks and rocky terrain test balance—bring sturdy boots. Just 90 minutes from Charlottesville, it’s a historic, wild retreat with Camp Hoover’s legacy nearby.

5. South River

Just outside Waynesboro, the South River blends urban edge with trout tenacity. Revived by conservation, its special regulation zone—below the old DuPont dam—teems with stocked rainbows and browns, plus wild fish in upper reaches. Park at South River Preserve or Ridgeview Park for easy entry; wading’s a breeze in this gentle flow. Fly fishers lean on 4-weight rods, tossing size 16 Blue Wing Olives or caddis dries during spring hatches; egg patterns work post-stocking.

Spin fishers hook up with small gold Vibrax spinners, probing deeper runs near downtown. Clear water means stealth is key—approach low and slow. Spring and early summer peak, though stocked fish keep rods bending into fall. A stone’s throw from I-64, it’s a quick trout fix with surprising size potential.

4. Whitetop Laurel Creek

Coursing through southwest Virginia’s Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Whitetop Laurel Creek dazzles with wild rainbows, browns, and native brookies. Near Damascus, this freestone stream gets a boost from stocked trout in lower reaches, blending rugged charm with accessibility. Hit it at Taylors Valley or Creek Junction off Route 58—parking’s easy, and trails lead to prime water. Fly fishers wield 3- or 4-weight rods, tempting fish with size 14 Elk Hair Caddis or small nymphs like Hare’s Ears in plunge pools.

Lures find success with tiny Mepps in black or yellow, flicking into undercuts where trout hide. Fast currents and laurel-lined banks demand nimble footwork. Spring explodes with hatches; fall stuns with color and hungry fish. It’s a high-gradient escape, 20 minutes from Abingdon, perfect for a wild trout chase.

3. Smith River

Below Philpott Dam in Virginia’s Patrick County, the Smith River carves a trout-rich tailwater through rugged hills. Its cold, consistent flows—thanks to deep dam releases—breed trophy brown trout and feisty rainbows, some exceeding 20 inches. Access is straightforward at Bassett’s dam pull-off or downstream bridges, though wading slick bedrock calls for caution.

Fly fishing favor 5- or 6-weight setups, drifting size 16-18 midges or scuds near the bottom, where trout gorge year-round; streamers like Zonkers tempt the lunkers. Spinners excel with small silver spoons or Rooster Tails, casting into deep pools below riffles. The river’s clarity and steady 50°F temps make it a four-season fishery, peaking in spring with sulphurs and fall for aggressive browns. Scenic bluffs frame this gem, just 45 minutes from Martinsville—bring a net for those bragging-rights catches.

2. Jackson River

Flowing from Gathright Dam in western Virginia’s Alleghany County, the Jackson River delivers a trout paradise below its tailwater. Cold releases sustain wild browns and rainbows—some topping 5 pounds—while upstream sections near Hidden Valley get stocked for extra action. Access shines at Johnson Springs or the dam’s base, with wading and boat options aplenty. Fly fishers thrive with 5-weight rods, nymphs (Pheasant Tails, size 14-16), or streamers like Woolly Buggers in olive—perfect for swinging through deep runs.

Spinners score with small Kastmasters or Panther Martins in gold, targeting riffles where trout ambush prey. The river’s mix of boulder-strewn pools and swift currents demands waders with good grip. Spring brings caddis hatches; fall tempts bigger fish. Public land abounds, but respect private stretches—check DWR maps. It’s a year-round fishery with trophy potential, just 30 minutes from Covington.

1. Mossy Creek

Tucked into the rolling Shenandoah Valley near Bridgewater, Mossy Creek reigns as Virginia’s limestone spring creek crown jewel. Fed by cool, mineral-rich waters, it nurtures a population of hefty wild brown trout—some pushing 20 inches—that test even seasoned anglers. This isn’t a place for novices; it’s fly-fishing only, with a special regulation stretch requiring single-hook artificial lures and a free permit from Virginia DWR. The creek winds through private farmland, but public access is granted via a parking area off Route 747—just don’t expect much elbow room on weekends. Crystal-clear flows and thick weed beds demand stealth and precision.

Fly fishers should pack 4- or 5-weight rods, long leaders (9-12 feet), and tiny dries like size 18 BWOs or terrestrials (ants, beetles) for summer hatches; a well-placed cast is everything here. Spinners, you’re out of luck—artificial flies rule—but if you’re tempted to bend rules elsewhere, small inline spinners in gold or silver mimic baitfish well. Bring polarized glasses to spot those wary browns lurking near undercut banks. Spring and fall offer prime action before aquatic vegetation chokes the channel in summer heat.

About Trout Fishing in Virginia

Virginia’s trout fishing is open all year, with a daily limit of 6 fish, none under 7 inches. Some spots—like wild trout streams, stocked waters, or special areas—have different rules, so check the details for when and how many you can catch. These rules help you snag more and bigger trout. Spring, fall, and mild winters are prime times for both wild and stocked fish. Summer gets tough with low water and heat, but skilled anglers can still score year-round.

Good news: Free Fishing Days mean no trout license for stocked waters, though permits are needed at Clinch Mountain, Crooked Creek, and Douthat State Park. Nonresidents now pay just $23 for a trout license, same as locals. Stocking schedules for city waters are online or on the DWR phone line the week before. Most stocked waters need a license from October 1 to June 15, with fishing from 5 a.m. to an hour past sunset. Stick to one rod, one line, and one hook—no nets or baiting allowed. Once you keep a trout, it counts toward your limit—no tossing it back. Enjoy the season!