Copyright 2011 James Marsh
Fly Fishing the Jackson River Tailwater
Virginia
The lower Jackson River, a tailwater below Gathright
dam, is one of the best trout streams in the state of
Virginia. It has a good population of wild rainbow and
brown trout. It was stocked prior to 1993 and since has
proven it can reproduce plenty of wild trout. The upper
section of the Jackson River is covered in another
section of the stream guides.
Most of this river is not available to the public for fishing.
We all know you should never trespass on private
property but this situation deserves special attention
regarding that. It has a history of some very serious
issues regarding trespassing so be certain you are
fishing at public access areas.. The main area available
to the public to fish is just below the Gathright dam.
There are five other areas open to the public that
provide access to some of the approximate total
eighteen mile length of the river. The Jackson River
tailwater can be waded in areas during periods of low
water but it is best fished from a drift boat.
The water from the dam stays cold year-round,
averaging in the high fifties to the low sixties. The river
holds a good population of aquatic insects and
crustaceans as well as plenty of baitfish and sculpin. The
stream has didymo present in the section below the dam,
so please be sure to take all precautions to control the
spread of it.
The area just below the dam is usually best fished with
small midge and nymph imitations. Long, light leaders
and tippets work best for this. During periods of low light
levels, streamers often produce. Fly Fishing the Jackson
River tailwater can be challenging at times, but fished
using the right methods and techniques, it often
produces some very large catches.
Season:
The tailwater is open to fishing year-round
Winter:
The tailwater fishes well during the Winter due to its
almost constant water temperature.
Spring:
Springtime is considered a good time for fly fishing the
Jackson River tailwater provided the releases of water
from the lake are reasonable.
Summer:
The water temperature remains cool below the dam even
in the hot summer.
Fall:
Fall is many anglers favorite time to fish the river,
especially for its large brown trout.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies
Fly fishing the Jackson River tailwater is one of the best
opportunities for an angler to catch large, wild trout in the
South. (Click Here to Continue)
Virginia
The lower Jackson River, a tailwater below Gathright
dam, is one of the best trout streams in the state of
Virginia. It has a good population of wild rainbow and
brown trout. It was stocked prior to 1993 and since has
proven it can reproduce plenty of wild trout. The upper
section of the Jackson River is covered in another
section of the stream guides.
Most of this river is not available to the public for fishing.
We all know you should never trespass on private
property but this situation deserves special attention
regarding that. It has a history of some very serious
issues regarding trespassing so be certain you are
fishing at public access areas.. The main area available
to the public to fish is just below the Gathright dam.
There are five other areas open to the public that
provide access to some of the approximate total
eighteen mile length of the river. The Jackson River
tailwater can be waded in areas during periods of low
water but it is best fished from a drift boat.
The water from the dam stays cold year-round,
averaging in the high fifties to the low sixties. The river
holds a good population of aquatic insects and
crustaceans as well as plenty of baitfish and sculpin. The
stream has didymo present in the section below the dam,
so please be sure to take all precautions to control the
spread of it.
The area just below the dam is usually best fished with
small midge and nymph imitations. Long, light leaders
and tippets work best for this. During periods of low light
levels, streamers often produce. Fly Fishing the Jackson
River tailwater can be challenging at times, but fished
using the right methods and techniques, it often
produces some very large catches.
Season:
The tailwater is open to fishing year-round
Winter:
The tailwater fishes well during the Winter due to its
almost constant water temperature.
Spring:
Springtime is considered a good time for fly fishing the
Jackson River tailwater provided the releases of water
from the lake are reasonable.
Summer:
The water temperature remains cool below the dam even
in the hot summer.
Fall:
Fall is many anglers favorite time to fish the river,
especially for its large brown trout.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies
Fly fishing the Jackson River tailwater is one of the best
opportunities for an angler to catch large, wild trout in the
South. (Click Here to Continue)
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Jackson River Tailwater Virginia
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| Type of Stream Tailwater Species Brown trout (wild) Rainbow trout (wild) Size Medium to Large Location Central Virginia Nearest Towns Roanoke Hot Springs Season Year - round Access: Very Limited Non-Resident License State of Virginia Weather National Weather Service Link Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies USGS Streamflow Data: |
Photo Courtesy of Stephen Lamb
| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |