Tinker Creek

Stream Category: A

Wild Trout: None

Stocked Trout: Rainbow Trout and Brook

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis, Midges

Nymphs: Midges, Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear, Prince, Stoneflies

Streamers: Wooly Bugger, Minnow Patterns, Kreelex, Mop Flies, Squirmy Wormies

Waders: No

Net: No

Casting: Roll, and Tuck

About:

What to say about poor old Tinker Creek, besides it is a mess. Realistically, even though the stream itself is a good trout stream (big holes, long runs, even multiple falls), Tinker Creek ranks as the nastiest stream in Roanoke County. Even if Trout Unlimited was to clean up this stream on a weekly basis, it would still be nasty. People that fish and use it hangout at, do not care about how nasty Tinker Creek gets. Hopefully if you are reading this you are not too discouraged, if you want to fish Tinker Creek do so, however please help the stream out by taking a trash bag and some gloves with you. Pickup what you can, maybe just maybe, one day Tinker Creek will get cleaned up.

Now when it comes to fishing Tinker Creek, it is just like Glade Creek, it gets fished out very quickly, and you will have to combat fish. Honestly the best way to fish Tinker Creek is with flashy streamers such as the Kreelex, Mop Flies, and Squirmy Wormies. These seem to work the best; I like to bring my 5wt switch rod for the really big holes (because there is little to know room to overhead cast) to get my flies out to where the fish like to hold up, and I bring my 5wt regular rods for the smaller runs.

Additional Notes: There is ample parking throughout the entire stream; some are just pull off spots, others are actual parking lots. I would recommend locking your doors to your vehicle and if you have a concealed to carry I would bring a hand gun; Tinker Creek is not in the best section of Roanoke City.

Directions:

Glade Creek

Stream Category: A

Wild Trout: None

Stocked Trout: Rainbow Trout and Brook

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis, Midges

Nymphs: Midges, Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear, Prince, Stoneflies

Streamers: Wooly Bugger, Minnow Patterns, Kreelex

Waders: No

Net: No

Casting: Roll, Over Head, and Tuck

About:

Glade Creek might be one of Roanoke Counties most beautiful streams, where it is located there is very little trash; however bank erosion is a big issue. Unfortunately this creek gets fished out very, very quickly; because it is one of the few put and take streams in this area, it gets heavily fished by spin fishermen that want to catch their limit and go home. So if you want to fish Glade Creek you better be watching the VDGIF stocking website daily, and be ready to combat fish.

Realistically if Glade Creek was to become a Delayed Harvest Stream, or a Catch and Release Stream, Glade Creek would be one of the top destinations in the Roanoke Valley to fish, just because of its location and how beautiful it truly is. All of the other Delayed Harvest Sections that are located in Roanoke County are in the City of Salem, so if Glade Creek was to become a Delayed Harvest Stream it would be more accessible for those living in the eastern sections of Roanoke County.

Additional Notes: There are ample parking spots at Glade Creek, because all of the access points are located at multiple sports fields. Just remember that Glade Creek needs to stay clean, always take out what you bring in.

Directions:

Roanoke River – City – Wasena

Stream Category: Category A – stocked 8 times between October 1 and May 31.

Type of Stream: Freestone River

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brook

Other Species of Note: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, and Carp

Gear:

• Dry Flies: Adams, Midges, Caddis, and Terrestrials
• Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymphs, Zebras, Caddis Pupae, Grub Worms, Squirmy Wormies, and Mop Flies
• Streamers: Kreelax, Leeches, Sculpins, Wooley Buggers, and Minnow Patterns
• Rod: 9-10’ 5-7 weight (depending on what species of fish you are targeting) Also Switch and Spey rods can be used on most sections.
• Waders: Chest or Convertible Chest ( During late Spring, Summer, and early fall you can wet wade in shorts and river sandals. During late Fall, Winter, and early Spring waders will be needed)
• Net: Big fish can be caught throughout the Roanoke River, it is highly recommended to bring a trout catch and release net wherever you are on the Roanoke. Additionally when fishing for Carp a larger fish net is recommended.
• Additional Gear: Wading Staff

Casting: Overhead, Side, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

***I apologize for not sugar coating this post, normally I try to keep my opinions to myself when it comes to Stream Posts for this site, however staying true to my intent of this site this must be said.***

Located in the City of Roanoke from Wasena Park to River’s Edge Sports Complex, adjacent to the Roanoke River Greenway, this section is a prime example of how detrimental over fishing and lazy “spot” stockings can be to a river.

This section is one of the easiest to access, a favorite of kayakers, tubers, bicyclists, walkers, and runners. Offering fast runs, deep pools, and several areas that are easily access by handicapped people. It’s a beautiful spot, it offers not only the outside lifestyle that most Roanokers love, also it offers several restaurants and bars that are within yards of the river. Sadly, when it comes to fishing, this area is a horrible and should be avoided.

So why is this section so bad that I would recommend avoiding it? Honestly it has nothing to do with kayakers and tubers, during the times that this section is stocked (October 1 – June 15) there are not that many kayakers and tubers out on the river to make a difference. The big problem is the lazy spot stockings that the state of Virginia executes each time this section is stocked. I understand that it might take extra work for the DGIF personnel and volunteers to stock different areas of this section instead of their yearly favorites (every low water bridge), nonetheless these yearly favorites give the stocked trout little chance to migrate through the river in order for this section to be a challenge to fishermen. Stocking in this section truly needs to be “spot” sporadic so that this section can be enjoyable for all fishermen.

The final problem, the one that plagues every easily accessed stocked trout stream here in Virginia is over fishing. I’ve seen some of old photos (not of the Roanoke) where fishermen are elbow to elbow casting into the same hole after a stocking, every sized fish being taken, well this section of the Roanoke is exactly like those photos. People are literally elbow to elbow on the banks and off of the low water bridges fishing exactly where the state has stocked. The day after stocking, sadly, the only thing to be found in the river are hooks and fishing line that have been left to rot, zero fish- the occasional fish can be found on the bank, dead, from swallowing some fishermen’s power baited bass hook. I apologize to those spin fishermen that follow this site, however spin fishermen need to rethink how they fish and understand the harm that they cause to a river/stream by using tackle to big for trout (and probably bass).

So what are some solutions that could help this section of the Roanoke River? Honestly if the state of Virginia made this section delayed harvest or catch and release, this section of the Roanoke River would be one of the top areas to fish in the state. Because of it’s beauty, ease, and local attractions fishermen throughout the state would seek out this section to fish, knowing (because of the restrictions) that big fish will be found in this section throughout the State’s Trout season. Until the state addresses these issues, I can not in good conscious say that this section is worth the time and effort to fish.

Directions:

Roanoke River – Salem – Delayed Harvest

Stream Category: Delayed Harvest

From October 1 through May 31, fishing on the following waters is permitted under the following regulations only:

1 Only artificial lures may be used.

2 No trout may be in possession (catch and release only) while fishing these waters.

3 No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters.

4 Trout license required October 1-June 15.

Note: During the period of June 1 through September 30 restrictions 1. through 3. above will not apply and these waters are like any other designated stocked trout.

Type of Stream: Freestone River

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brook

Wild Trout: Rainbow, Brook, and Brown ( Although there are holdovers from previous DGIF stockings, wild trout, especially brown trout, can be seen throughout the entire Roanoke River.)

Other Species of Note: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, and Carp

Gear:

• Dry Flies: Adams, Midges, Caddis, and Terrestrials
• Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymphs, Zebras, Caddis Pupae, Grub Worms, Squirmy Wormies, and Mop Flies
• Streamers: Kreelax, Leeches, Sculpins, Wooley Buggers, and Minnow Patterns
• Rod: 9-10’ 5-7 weight (depending on what species of fish you are targeting) Also Switch and Spey rods can be used on most sections.
• Waders: Chest or Convertible Chest ( During late Spring, Summer, and early fall you can wet wade in shorts and river sandals. During late Fall, Winter, and early Spring waders will be needed)
• Net: Big fish can be caught throughout the Roanoke River, it is highly recommended to bring a trout catch and release net wherever you are on the Roanoke. Additionally when fishing for Carp a larger fish net is recommended.
• Additional Gear: Wading Staff

Casting: Overhead, Side, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

Located in the City of Salem, from Colorado Street Bridge to the Salem Rotary Park, adjacent to the Roanoke River Greenway; this section is a prime example of why more delayed harvest streams are needed throughout the state of Virginia. The fishing in this area will run from extremely easy to extremely hard, depending on how much pressure the fish have seen over the course of a few days. Pay attention to the deep pools in this area, large amounts of trout seem to group together in the larger pools. Also take note to fish the long runs, smaller trout tend to love these sections and the bigger trout tend to stay at the bottom of the runs at the head of the pools.

The fish in this section grow extremely large and should be treated with respect, having such fish in this area need to be protected at all cost. If you see someone bait fishing in the delayed harvest section please talk to them and explain that it is against the law for them to be bait fishing in this section during regulated months.

When it comes to flies, this is one of the few areas that stocked trout rise regularly for dry flies, take the time to observe what flies are hatching around you. As far as nymphs; use pheasant tails, hares ear, princes, and zebras along with mop flies and squirmy wormies. Always start off with a mop fly or a squirmy in this area, if no fish are hitting these flies switch to small midges and progress upward to pheasant tails, hares ear, and princes. Finally use streamers to grab the attention of those monster brook trout that love the deep pools in this section, if the brookies are not liking a kreelax, switch to dark sculpin or woolly bugger pattern.

Remember when fishing this section to fish next to your feet first and progress outward- large trout love the banks of this area and they are spooked easily if you cast above them. Cover each section that you fish thoroughly using a grid like pattern.

Additional Notes:

Parking lots are available, along with roadside parking. Remember this is a delayed harvest section and the no bait regulations still apply during the regulated months even if you are not fishing for trout. Be extra careful when casting, this sections is adjacent to the Roanoke River Greenway and is heavily trafficked by bikers and by people walking.

Directions:

Roanoke River – Salem

Stream Category: Category A – stocked 8 times between October 1 and May 31.

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brook

Wild Trout: Rainbow, Brook, and Brown ( Although there are holdovers from previous DGIF stockings, wild trout, especially brown trout, can be seen throughout the entire Roanoke River.)

Other Species of Note: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, and Carp

Gear:

• Dry Flies: Adams, Midges, Caddis, and Terrestrials
• Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymphs, Zebras, Caddis Pupae, Grub Worms, Squirmy Wormies, and Mop Flies
• Streamers: Kreelax, Leeches, Sculpins, Wooley Buggers, and Minnow Patterns
• Rod: 9-10’ 5-7 weight (depending on what species of fish you are targeting) Also Switch and Spey rods can be used on most sections.
• Waders: Chest or Convertible Chest ( During late Spring, Summer, and early fall you can wet wade in shorts and river sandals. During late Fall, Winter, and early Spring waders will be needed)
• Net: Big fish can be caught throughout the Roanoke River, it is highly recommended to bring a trout catch and release net wherever you are on the Roanoke. Additionally when fishing for Carp a larger fish net is recommended.
• Additional Gear: Wading Staff

Casting: Overhead, Side, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

Located in the City of Salem from Woodbridge Trailhead of the Roanoke River Greenway to Colorado St Bridge, the Salem stocked section of the Roanoke River gives anglers the perfect opportunity to experience freestone river fishing without having to go to bigger rivers like the Jackson and Smith River. VA DGIF does an excellent job with the stocking in the section, several citation Rainbow and Brook have been caught on this section of the Roanoke River. On occasion you will also find large brown trout lurking under down trees and in deep pools. Also this section is excellent for smallmouth, bass, largemouth bass, and carp.

Depending on what species you are targeting will have an impact on what gear to bring. If fishing for trout use nymph and streamer patterns. The brook trout in this section love meaty streamers and mop flies, while the big rainbows love zebra midges, prince nymphs, and squirmy wormies. When it comes to dry fly fishing make sure you are using a dry/dropper rig if you are wanting to catch fish in this section. Very few stocked trout will rise to a dry fly.

Additional Notes:

Make sure you are keeping a close eye on the VDGIF stockings page when you want to fish this section for trout, this section gets fished out quickly. Make sure you are fishing areas where spin fishermen usually over look. Parking will be roadside pull offs and the occasional parking lot, please be respectful of property owners so that anglers can continue to use these areas.

 

Directions

Roanoke River – Green Hill Park

Stream Category: Delayed Harvest

From October 1 through May 31, fishing on the following waters is permitted under the following regulations only:

1 Only artificial lures may be used.

2 No trout may be in possession (catch and release only) while fishing these waters.

3 No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters.

4 Trout license required October 1-June 15.

Note: During the period of June 1 through September 30 restrictions 1. through 3. above will not apply and these waters are like any other designated stocked trout.

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brook

Wild Trout: Rainbow, Brook, and Brown ( Although there are holdovers from previous DGIF stockings, wild trout, especially brown trout, can be seen throughout the entire Roanoke River.)

Other Species of Note: Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Sunfish, and Carp

Gear:

• Dry Flies: Adams, Midges, Caddis, and Terrestrials
• Nymphs: Pheasant Tails, Hares Ear, Prince Nymphs, Zebras, Caddis Pupae, Grub Worms, Squirmy Wormies, and Mop Flies
• Streamers: Kreelax, Leeches, Sculpins, Wooley Buggers, and Minnow Patterns
• Rod: 9-10’ 5-7 weight (depending on what species of fish you are targeting) Also Switch and Spey rods can be used on most sections.
• Waders: Chest or Convertible Chest ( During late Spring, Summer, and early fall you can wet wade in shorts and river sandals. During late Fall, Winter, and early Spring waders will be needed)
• Net: Big fish can be caught throughout the Roanoke River, it is highly recommended to bring a trout catch and release net wherever you are on the Roanoke River. Additionally when fishing for Carp, a larger fish net is recommended.
• Additional Gear: Wading Staff

Casting: Overhead, Side, Tuck, and Roll.

 

About:

Located on the outskirts of the City of Salem, Green Hill Park is a family/pet friendly area that appeals to everyone that loves the outside. Because of several Non-profit groups diligent help in maintaining and upgrading Green Hill Park, the park appeals to anglers of all ages and to those anglers that are disabled. Green Hill Park is also the starting point for the Roanoke River Greenway in Salem, Virginia. The Roanoke River Greenway, which began as a small initiative in 1993, is a greenway that extends almost 30 miles from Salem to Roanoke, following its namesake the Roanoke River.

The Delayed Harvest Section of the Roanoke river in Green Hill Park stretches from the Route 760 Bridge (Diguids Lane) upstream 1 mile to a sign posted at the upper end of the park. Due to the park being a delayed harvest section the state of Virginia only stocks these waters 3 times per year, however Trout Unlimited does secret stockings throughout this section to keep it a prime location for trout fishermen.

The entire Roanoke River is a freestone stream that has a plethora of insect activity, fast runs that flow into elongated pools, and plenty of tree line for fish to hide under. Treating this river as you would any other mountain stream is good way to find where the fish are holding. Look for fast runs that are followed by long pools, any large rocks in flat areas, and cover that fish could use to hide in. When fishing the numerous runs and long pools make sure you are fishing the entire area from beginning to end.

When it comes to flies; gear towards weighted nymphs and streamers, the weight will make sure you are getting to the depth that you will need in order to catch fish in the Roanoke River. If you haven’t use squirmy wormies or mop flies look these flies up (mop and glo and squirmy wormies) they are deadly on the Roanoke river.

Dry fly fishing is tedious throughout the Roanoke River, not just the Green Hill Section, very few stocked trout will rise to eat topwater flies. However if you want to be successful at dry fly fishing on the Roanoke river take a few minutes to observe what flies are hatching along the bank and see what nymphs are under the rocks, from there use a dry-dropper rig that matches the flies you have seen. Your dropper nymph should be slightly weighted and you should use a long section of tippet between your dry and dropper nymph.

Additional Notes:

When fishing at Green Hill Park use the parking provided by the park. The handicapped section of river is located at the second to last parking area inside the park, it will be visible from the road. Be mindful that the Roanoke River is a river and not a stream, the river can be very deep in spots so wade carefully.  Check weather conditions for the Salem/Roanoke, VA area, heavy rains and snow melts can quickly flood the river.

When fishing for any other species besides trout remember that this is a delayed harvest section between October 1 – June 15 and even though you are fishing for other species the delayed harvest restrictions still apply.

Directions