Fly Fishing the Smith River in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains

We guide on the Smith River year round. Starting at Philpott Dam, trout are prevalent downstream for approximately 30 miles. The river is divided into upper, middle, and lower sections. Wild brown trout are abundant throughout the river. Rainbow trout are also stocked in the upper and middle sections providing angler opportunities as well. The upper section boasts catchable brown trout numbers of 2500-3000 per river mile. 

Typically, 4/5 wt. rods with floating lines and a 10′-12′ leader (5x) are used for fishing dries or nymphs and 6/7 wt. rods with sinking lines and a 4′ leader (2x) for streamers.