Pads Creek

Stream Category: Put and Take Class -B

Wild Trout: None

Stocked Trout: Brook Trout

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis, 

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes

Casting: Tuck, and Roll.

About:

Pads Creek might be one of the most hidden jewels in all of Bath County. Yes this stream is a Put and Take Stream, and we all know how much I do not like Put and Take Streams, but if you are going here you better have a good 4 wheel drive vehicle that you are willing to take through a stream. That at least puts a damper on some of those that like to follow the stocking trucks, well that and Pads Creek is literally in the middle of a no where gorge. If you go here make sure you carry (you can never be too cautious), take lots of food, water, and something to sleep in. Realistically I am not trying to be a pessimist, but stuff does happen, it is always a good idea to be prepared for anything. 

Now for what all of you have come here for: the fishing. Pads creek is a sandstone/limestone/shale creek that is gorgeous to fish. Ok well let me first say, the road that leads to Pads Creek is very flat and very straight dirt road that is fun as hell to drive, honestly I would go there to just fly down that road over and over again. But I digress, fishing here very simple, keep it simple. Find a good drop off pool, throw above it, watch it come down, and expect to get a fish every time. Yes they might not be citation size, but this creek is very easy and fun to fish. You can streamer fish, you can nymph fish, and you can dry fly fish. This is one of those streams that I would take some to teach them how to fish on, because it has almost every scenario that one encounters in stream fishing here in Virginia.   

Additional Notes: 

Park where ever you like, just make sure you are off the road, especially if I come through flying.

Directions:

Pigg River

Stream Category: Put and Take Class – A

Wild Trout: None

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brook Trout

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis, 

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes

Casting: Overhead, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

I guess the Pigg River is the one way for Franklin County and VDGIF to apologize to it citizens over Runnett’s Bag Run. These two creeks are polar opposities; while the other is literally the worse stream I have laid my eyes on, the Pigg might be the most well maintained streams I have ever seen. 

The stocked section of the Pigg River runs through Waid Recreation Park, near Rocky Mount. Other than it being a Put and Take area, I cannot in good conscious say anything bad about this stream. 

The Pigg is a freestone/sand river that is a Euro Nympher’s dream come true. Usually where I find trout in the Pigg is located in deep, fast moving holes, or through the riffles. It is the perfect spot for a long nymph rod, controlling the nymphs height and how fast it runs through the holes is crucial. 

But for those that like to streamer fish or dry fly I am almost certain the Pigg will accommodate you as well. I have observed several fish rising to flies, and lets be honest if a spin caster does well so will a streamer fisherman. 

Additional Notes: 

Please be mindful of how beautiful this area is, keep it clean. There is more than ample parking. Also be mindful of others using the park; there are several lacrosse and soccer fields here, not to mention runners that use the fishing trails. 

Directions:

Runnett Bag Creek

Stream Category: Put and Take Class – B

Wild Trout: None

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brown Trout

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis, 

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: No

Net: No

Casting: Tuck, and Roll.

About:

If there wasn’t already a stream called “Shit Creek” in my area I would call this stream Bag’s Run “Shit Creek.” Unfortunately I don’t want to dishonor “Shit Creek” (Elkhorn Creek, WV), by calling this shitty creek “Shit Creek,” but it is very shitty. 

Where to begin, other than this creek might be the shittiest creek I have ever been to, well it is a freestone rock/sand creek. It really depends on what part of the creek you are on. There are some decent holes, but they get fished out quickly. If there was one place I would recommend a chapter of Trout Unlimited to clean up it would be this one, trash is everywhere (I think you can see the role of toilet paper in the upcoming picture), it is definitely not accessible (a lot of the stream flows through private property, which makes no sense to have it as a stocked stream), and you should definitely carry while at this creek. 

I would skip this creek and go to Pigg Creek, which is thirty minutes away. 

Additional Notes: 

Parking is located on pull off spots on the sides of the road and at a church parking area. If you do go here please carry while you are here, and don’t be stupid and go by yourself.

Directions:

Little River

Stream Category: Put and Take – A

Wild Trout: 

Stocked Trout: 

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes

Kayak: Yes

Rod: Switch

Casting: Overhead, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

Everything about where the stock this section is of the Little River drives me nuts, honestly whomever decided to stock this section needs to be beat with fishing rod, a heavy salt water fishing rod… backwards with a reel on it. The Little River, depending on where you are at can be sandy or freestone, but in this area it is very sandy. 

Unless you can over head or roll cast very far, or have a switch/spey rod, or a kayak it is pointless to fish in this area as one fly fisherman to another. From one side of the river to the other, it is at least 30 to 40 yards, and the water here is just too deep to wade. Realistically the state should put a kayak/raft ramp in right where they stock and one every two or three miles down the river. Then it should change this section to be a catch and release only or delayed harvest area, that can only be fished by raft or kayak. 

No I do not recommend this stream to any fly fishermen unless you meet the criteria above

Additional Notes: 

Hardly any parking, just pull off the best you can and hope for the best.

Directions:

Burks Fork

Stream Category: Put and Take -A

Wild Trout: Brook and Brown

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brown

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies, Grey Scuds

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes

Casting: Overhead, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

Burks Fork reminds me a lot like Laurel Fork, not to mention they are really not that far from each other. Just like Laurel Fork Brush Fork is a mountain spring fed, sandy bottom stream that goes right through farm land. The only difference I seen is that Brush Fork is a bit wider than Laurel Fork in some spots and a hell of lot narrow in others. Like Laurel Fork, the land owners are letting the public fish this area, so please take care of it. 

Like Laurel Fork, be prepared to euro nymph a lot, this is not a fly fishing stream until you get below the last bridge where there is a small ungated parking lot. Also be prepared for a lot of debris from fallen trees and there limbs. 

Additional Notes: 

Not many pull spots at the low water bridge but at the other end where the state stops stocking, there is an ungated pull in area, just don’t be a jackass and tear these farmers land up. Also take out what you put in.

Directions:

Little Indian Creek

Stream Category: Put and Take – B

Wild Trout: 

Stocked Trout: Rainbow and Brook

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies, Grey Scuds

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes

Casting: Overhead, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

This might be the most hidden jewel of Floyd counties fisheries, at least when it comes to trout fishing. Even though I wish every stream could be catch and release/wild trout, I am willing to let this one be open for everyone. The pure size of fishable water of Little Indian Creek is amazing. It is definitely a freestone stream with a lot of boulders, large holes, big drop offs, long runs, fast runs. Etc. you name it Little Indian Creek has it. 

What I also like is its location, it is not far from Floyd or Christiansburg, is almost dead in the middle. The only problem that I see with the stream is the amount of trash located around it, to have such a beautiful stream is such a great thing; but to have to climb over tires, watch out for hidden glass, and metal chaps my ass. But don’t let these things hinder you from coming here to fish. You will not be disappointed (well as long as you don’t step on glass or rip your waders). 

It is sort of funny, when I first started this website I really didn’t mind the trash that much, or push for its removal. However now that I am apart of Trout Unlimited seeing streams like this infuriates me, whatever chapter is in charge of Floyd County should see to cleaning it up, with a handful of volunteers with trash bags this stream could be sparkling clean. Yes you might have to do it at least twice a year, but I feel that it would be worth it. By the way this is a big hint to the chapter that is over Floyd County, or to chapters that are close by that would love to have a nice area to fish.

Additional Notes: 

There are several pull off spots along Little Indian Creek, just make sure you are off of the road completely, people tend to fly on this road.

Directions:

Laurel Fork

Stream Category: Put and Take B

Wild Trout: 

Stocked Trout: Brown and Brook

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies, 

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes

Casting: Overhead, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

Ok so I might be a tad bit biased when it comes to this stream; mainly because I grew up five minutes away from this stream, and it is fed by the pond at Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Not to mention the fact that the stream is on private property and the owners let people fish it, my hat goes off to you people. 

For the majority of the stream you can walk it in an open field, just be aware that there are live stock in these fields, and that you should always close a gate that you have to open. As for the stream, it is a traditional mountain spring fed, sandy bottom stream that meanders slowly through farm land. When there is not a lot of rain, the stream runs slow, however after a good rain this stream runs fast. 

The fishing can be tough because of the bushes located all along of the stream bead, but if you are using a euro nymph set up you should be fine. On other parts of the stream, it opens up and you can use just about any cast. 

Apparently this stream was once a wild brook and brown trout streams, sadly though that is not the case. However this stream, along with Mabry Mill Pond, would be an excellent project for Trout Unlimited to look into restoring as a wild trout area, as long as the Federal Government/VDGIF/and the land owners would allow it. Honestly it is my firm belief that it could be a top destination to those that like to fish along the Blue Ridge Parkway and it would go with both the Parkway’s and the State of Virginia’s wish for tourism in this area. 

Additional Notes: 

There are not a lot of parking places, please be mindful of where you park (making sure you are not on in the road, and not on posted property). Also take out what you bring in, let us keep these landowners happy so that we can continue to enjoy this stream.

Directions:

Spring Run

 

Stream Category: Special Regulations – Catch and Release

Wild Trout: Rainbow, Brown, Brook

Stocked Trout: 

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Adams, Caddis

Nymphs: Stone Flies, Pheasant Tail, Prince, Hares, Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies, Grey Scuds

Streamers: Kreelex, Minnow Patterns 

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes

Casting: Overhead, Tuck, and Roll.

About:

Spring Run has always been a miss for me, I really have never experienced such a skunking in my life in regards to one stream. What infuriates me is to watch a fish rise right where they are supposed to rise, and then them not hitting anything. What is even more infuriating is that everyone swears by this stream, how awesome it is, that it is where the monsters come to play, yet I have yet to even get a bite. 

Ok with that being said; this spring stream is simply beautiful. The area around it is well maintained, and there is hardly anyone there when I have been there. It has some very long deep runs that you see in spring fed streams, some very deep holes, and a lot of vegetation to contend with. Other than that fish it like you would any other spring creek and hope for the best. 

Honestly I would not have anything bad to say about this stream, and I still recommend it, but just be prepared for a skunking. Hopefully one day I will catch one of the monsters there that I have personally seen. 

***Side Note: I have only been here when it was very skinny water***

Additional Notes: 

There is a parking lot located at the stream. 

Directions:

South Fork of the Holston River

Stream Category: Special Regulation – Catch and Release Only

Wild Trout: Rainbow, Brown, and Brook

Other Species of Note: None

Gear:

Dry Flies: Unknown

Nymphs: Midges, Mop Flies, and Squirmmy Wormies

Streamers: Kreelex

Waders: Yes

Net: Yes (Big Net Preferred) 

Casting: Roll, Overhead, and Tuck

About:

What can I say about the South Fork of the Holston River; well besides (in my opinion) it is the best fishery that Southwestern Virginia has to offer. It is a prime example why every county that is able to support wild trout should have a catch and release stream available. Honestly, if every county had a stream like the South Fork of the Holston River, there would be a lot less bickering between the catch and release community and the put and take community. 

The only downside to this stream, unless you live close to Marion, Va, is that it is a haul to get there. From the Roanoke Valley, it takes a little under two and a half hours to get there. However those two and a half hours wasted driving are well worth it when you are able to catch citation size fish throughout the entire stream, not only are they citation sized but they are wild… yes wild. 

Now let us get down to basics of the stream, it is roughly a mile stretch of freestone creek. In certain places the stream might only be five feet wide, while others it could be ten to fifteen feet wide. For the most part you will not need anything but hip waders. Be prepared to do some very tight roll casting and have fun when your able to rip a good overhead cast, however mainly you will be doing a lot of tuck casting. This stream is a Euro-nympher’s dream come true here in Virginia.

As for the how to fish this creek: stock up on midges, these fish seem to love them – the smaller the better. In one section midges are almost all they will even consider eating, everything else spooks the bejesus out of them. But as you progress on downstream squirmy wormmies and mop flies produce quite often. You would think that other nymphs should work, but I am guessing after years of fishing pressure, these fish have become quite adept in telling the difference between a real nymph and a fake nymph. When it comes to streamers, the only streamer I have had consistent success with is the Kreelex, even then it only produces thirty percent of the time. Again these fish are intelligent. However if you hook into one of these fish be prepared for the battle of your life, I highly recommend using 5x tippet, anything smaller these fish will snap in a heartbeat. Also I recommend having a very large net with you, the smallest fish I have caught out of this stream has been eighteen inches long, well besides a few fingerlings. I know I have caught at least two citation rainbow trout in this area, and I have cussed myself for not having a measuring tape with me ever since. Also I know personally that this stream has held a state record brown trout in it, and as long as the stream is not abused this stream will definitely have a state record rainbow and brook trout one day in it. Luckily it is on state land and the VDGIF constantly patrols the area. 

Additional Notes: 

Parking is right front of the VDGIF Hatchery office. 

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: