Later that afternoon the stream became slightly discolored from trail runoff, the fishing declined, and we called it a daya pleasant, soggy end to an exceptional Whitetop Laurel weekend. Little Brown Stoneflies (actually in the same family as the Little Blacks) hatch in March and until the middle of April. Quill Gordons, blue quills, little black caddis, BWOs, little Brown stoneflies and Hendricksons/red quills. Whitetop Laurel Creek flows from Mt. Within the special regulation sections, anglers have the opportunity to catch brook, brown, and . All the standard fly fishing tactics are applicable as insect hatches swing into action. We did a side trip at the north entrance to Whitetop. You will have to hike up or down the stream. The approximately 4 miles of Whitetop below Creek Junction is known as the Taylor's Valley section. Plus, two special regulation sections exist as well as three segments managed as stocked trout water. Midges hatch throughout the entire year but are most important during the winter. Another special-regulations section is the 2 miles below Boone Campsite to the Straight Branch trailhead, located only 3 miles from Damascus on U.S. Highway 58. The trails and overlooks that are found along the course of the stream are excellent vantage points to look for trout, which often come close to the surface from the deeper pools along the stream. The High Stickin method of nymphing works great in this stream. Fishing the wild waters in the higher elevations will be most rewarding. Directions: From I-81 Northbound: Take Exit 19 at Abingdon, Virginia and head East on Highway 58. The ride starts high and descends to Whitetop Laurel Creek, crossing numerous trestles along the way. How to Remove Wind Knots and Snarls from Leaders and Tippet, Temps for Trout: How to Catch Fish that Behave Hot n Cold, Managing Menhaden: The Most Important Fish in the Sea, Costa Films Presents Hooked On: Bonefish, Pharmaceutical Pollution Threatens Florida's Shallow-Water Fish. 06/04/22 The stream is down to a normal level in good shape. 03/04/23 The stream has been turning out some very good catches with of of new hatching of Quill Gordon, Blue Quills, Little black caddis, and little brown stoneflies. Current Weather. After Stovall and I finished plying Whitetop Laurel, we went to Green Cove Creek and caught rainbows, considerably lessening my misery about losing the large brown. Quill Gordons start about the same time and last about a month. The Story of the Whitetop Laurel Band of Cherokees Whitetop Mountain, located at tristate VA, NC, TN border. So you need a rod with a little give.. Learn to tie the Sparkle Caddis Pupa with master tier Charlie Craven. Coordinates: 36.63514, -81.79206 From I-81, take Exit #19 onto US 58 East. There are also plenty of Light Cahills that hatch in late May and June. The area along the road is stocked with trout by the state. Steve Owens, DWR fisheries biologist in the Marion office, says that both wild and hatchery trout can be caught in good numbers throughout the length of the stream. Phone: 540-783-4860. Slate Drakes start hatching in late June and continue on through September. Whitetop Laurel Creek has a decent hatch of Eastern Green Drakes that starts about the first of May and last around three weeks. From there you can hike up and down the stream as there are no trails in this area. They start about the first of March and can last until the middle of April. It should drop down verysoon.01/17/21 Conditions are good. Laurel Creek flows right through town and the people are all laid back type folks that cater to hikers and anglers. They arecatching nice trout in both the stockedand wild trout sections.11/20/20 The stream levels are a littlehigh. For anglers, the place to begin on Whitetop is the 6 miles of stream below Konnarock beginning at Creek Junction, near the confluence of Whitetop and Green Cove Creek. Bull#$%. Current fly fishing conditions are good! We hiked starting at the Beartree lake fishing parking lot and took the purple blazed trail across the damn to the bear tree gap trail to the AT then to the Virginia creeper trail (at bridge 34 i think) then followed the Virginia creeper trail into Damascus. The Blue Oak Ranch Reserve, a unit of the University of California Natural Reserve System, is an ecological reserve and biological field station in Santa Clara County, California.It is located on 3,260 acres (13.2 km 2) in the Diablo Range, northwest of Mount Hamilton, at 1,500 ft (460 m) elevation.. We are getting good reports from the wild trout sections. Type of StreamFreestoneSpeciesBrook TroutBrown TroutRainbow Trout(Wild and Stocked)SizeSmall to MediumLocationSouthwestern VirginiaNearest TownsDamascus, VirginiaSeasonYear roundAccess:GoodSpecial RegulationsArtificial Only SectionNon-Resident LicenseState of VirginaWeatherNational Weather Service Link. Wind SE 2 mph. DGIF Marion office (276-783-4860). Whitetop Laurel Creek is one of the best Virginia trout fishing streams - perfect for Virginia trout adventures whether . Six browns and one rainbow fell for a #16 Steroid Beetle in the first long pool I fished. These large mayflies are very important to imitate. Midges, winterstoneflies and little BWO are the mainfood items.02/20/21 Stream levels are high butstocked trout are being caught alongthe old railroad track in good numbers.03/07/21 Conditions are good a goodnumbers of trout are being caught. Rising in the confines of the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Whitetop Laurel Creek begins as two tiny feeder streams: Little Laurel and Big Laurel. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. Walk the trail along the creek checking the creekside brush for Louisiana waterthrush, which can often be seen flying along the creek. 05/03/21 Still receiving good reports from customers from both the section along the old railroad track and the wild trout sections. Upon arrival, our smallmouth river was jammed and we turned to Beaverdam Creek for relief. Stream levels are a little high butshould fall down fast.Send us an emailfor a recommended fly list.sales@perfectflystore.com12/21/20 Stream levels are still high.Stocked trout are still being caught alongthe railroad track.01/03/21 Conditions are the same as inthe last report. The Whitetop Laurel is one of the better freestone stream in the State of Virginia. From the leafy banks of Whitetop Laurel Creek to the cloud-nestled high country of Mount Rogers to the ridgelines above Burkes Garden, Southwest Virginia is home to some of the most memorable portions of the legendary 2,190 mile footpath. Go through Damascus and continue on Highway 58 for approximately 9 miles to a sharp right turn off Highway 58 that leads down to the Creek Junction Accessible Parking Area on the Virginia Creeper Trail. We are getting good reports from customers fishing the stocked and wild trout sections. Good fall hatches are taking place and we are getting good reports from customers fishing both the stocked and wild trout sections. Lots of insects are hatching.04/26/20 Stream levels are still a little highbut trout are being caught from the bankin the stocked section.05/09/20 The stream levels are still alittle above normal but there are somegood hatches taking place. It should be good the coming week. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. By the way, the fishing is also good downstream at the end of the #725 paved road. Approximately seven miles are stocked trout waters located on both private and public lands with an additional five miles of special regulation waters flowing through the Mount Rogers National Recreational Area. 10/03/21 The stream is a little above normal level in good shape. He adds that most wild rainbow trout range from 9 to 11 inches while brown trout can reach substantially larger sizes. Was beautiful trail! Whitetop Laurel Creek Hatches and Trout Flies:Our information on aquatic insects is based on our stream samples of larvae and nymphs, not guess work. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. I spent a morning on Whitetop and a major tributary, Green Cove Creek, with Zac Stovall of FeeldTrips Outdoors in Damascus. 4 Star Fatty Day! Eastern Pale Evening Duns start hatching around the first of May and last through June. A few burly sets of Perfect Rubber legs, a bit of soft hackle, a pinch or two of dubbing and you have a bug that brings a smile to your face. Looking higher into the trees, black-throated blue and black-and-white warblers and warbling vireos can be found. Plus, two special regulation sections exist (12-inch minimum size limit, six fish-per-day creel limit, single hook artificial lure only) as well as three segments managed as stocked trout water. A small levee and control structure exists on the east end of the flooding. You want to fish Whitetop Laurel Creek in an upstream direction using a lot of short upstream and up and across cast. 10/13/22 Sorry for the missed reports. Most stocked trout range from 10 to 14 inches. Green Sedges are fairly plentiful in the creek. This stocked stream flows northward from Tennessee, offering good last-minute roadside fishing. 1:32 PM. He adds that most wild rainbow trout range from 9 to 11 inches while brown trout can reach substantially larger sizes. Keeping a low profile and making long, quiet help prevent spooking the trout, which often readily take imitations of terrestrial insects if no other hatch is occurring. However, access is limited, and visitors must obtain landowner permission if they have to cross private property to reach the water. Downstream, the gradient increases and plunge pools alternate with riffles, and the canopy over the stream opens to allow easier casting. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. At times the trail parallels Whitetop Laurel Creek through a deep narrow gorge where there are both spectacular whitewater rapids and the occasional quiet swimming hole. My wife M. J. and I wanted to avoid crowds on a recent Labor Day weekend and planned a first course of some big Virginia smallmouth bass, followed by Whitetop Laurel Creek trout fishing for dessert. 08/23/21 The stream is still in good shape with good hatches taking place. Write review . Whitetop Laurel Creek is a creek in Jefferson National Forest, Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, Appalachian Mountains, Blue Ridge, VA. View a map of this area and more on Natural Atlas. Size 14 prince beadhead nymphs will work all year. In the late afternoons, especially during cloudy weather and in the faster moving waters, try the spinners in the seams and the pocket waters. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday in the wild trout section. The best fishing, as with all winter fishing, occurs during the midday hours. There are very good hatches taking place and we have been getting good reports from customers fishing. Good hatches of Blue Quills, BWOs, Quill Gordons, Hendricksons, Little Black Caddis and Little Brown stoneflies. Stream levels are okay and the good winter time hatches of midges, winter stoneflies and BWOs. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The special regulation sections are fully accessible recreation facilities with wildlife viewing platforms and streamside wheelchair accessibility making Whitetop Laurel available to all anglers. But I have to say that Whitetop Laurel Creek in Southwest Virginia is one of the best places to fly fish for trout in the US. The browns are the major attraction at Whitetop Laurel. 02/25/22 The stream is flowing at a high level. It is a special regulations waterway with both brown and rainbow trout plying its shoals and holes. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. The creek begins as two tiny feeder streams (Little Laurel and Big Laurel) near Whitetop Mountain. Learn to tie the Woolly Bugger fly with master tier Charlie Craven. The creek runs through dense rhododendron thickets with old white pine towering over the creek banks. By the way a good place to stay is the Apple Tree Bed and Breakfast operated by Debbie and Les Smith in Damascus and while you are in the area, stop by the Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA. Fly and Gear ordering and delivery:We can get flies to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. Their elusive behavior, expert camouflage and skittish personalities make bonefish the quintessential poster child for shallow water sight-fishing. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. As a fly fisherman, I'm going to tell you something that I shouldn't. I hate to publish this. Epeorus is the dominant mayfly in the South, and imitations ranging from the Mr. Rapidan to a spent Quill Gordon pattern to a #12 Parachute Adams provide great fishing. At the Whitetop Laurel Fishing and Viewing Area, the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail converge, providing easy access to the surrounding forests. Emailus at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. Good winter stonefly and midge hatches continue. Whitetop Laurel flows along 58 east, where it can be accessed easily. Wind Gusts 5 mph. Whitetop Laurel just might be the most unique trout stream in the Old Dominion. Whitetop Laurel Creek This stream is up there with some of the best wild trout rivers in the entire Southeast. More than 6 miles of the creek are designated as wild-trout waters. Anglers can fish for both stocked and wild stream-bred trout on this stream. 02/01/22 We received a good report yesterday from a customer. There are good hatches taking place. After Stovall and I finished plying Whitetop Laurel, we went to Green Cove Creek and caught rainbows, considerably lessening my misery about losing the large brown. From October through March, I use acinnamon colored caddis for a dry fly and am successful in the mornings until about noon. 38 F. RealFeel 41. Virginia's Whitetop Laurel Creek ranks as one of the finest natural wild trout streams in the Southeastern U.S. Paralleled for long sections by both the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail, the creek offers backcountry adventures within a 15-minute drive of Interstate 81 in southwestern Virginia one of the major Fall is both an excellent time and a beautiful time to fish the Whitetop Laurel Creek. Located in Washington County in far Southwest Virginia near Damascus and Abingdon, Whitetop features mountainous scenery and classic trout habitat with plunge pools, runs, and pocket water. Large streamers such as muddler minnows, wooly buggers, and woolhead sculpins are the best choices for the fly angler seeking a big brown. Even with the 12-inch keeper rule, you'll see many larger trout in the Taylor's Valley section, with the Virginia Creeper Trail providing good spotter's access. 06/12/22 The stream is near a normal level and mostly clear. 05/08/22 Stream levels are up but falling back down fast. United States. A freshwater fishing license and National Forest Permit is needed to fish the two special regulation sections. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. Harry Murray's springtime Virginia Wulff flythe Mr. Rapidanis the best-known example. Little Black Winter Stoneflies start the first hatches of the year in late January. 05/28/22 The stream level is up due to recent rain but should fall back down soon. Awesome scenery! Brown, rainbow and brook trout. 03/11/23 The stream is still turning out some good fish. Whitetop Laurel in Washington County, Virginia is one of state's largest and most beautiful wild trout streams. A little history of the Virginia Creeper Trail is interesting since it is such a well known and well traveled bike trail. This stretch has excellent pocketwater fishing. Levels are a little below normal but okay. With over 1 million print readers per month and the industrys most expansive distribution network, we have emerged as one of the largest outdoor publications in the United States and abroad, thus solidifying our place as a preferred resource. . Those big browns dont have much room to roam when you hook them. This hatch is never concentrated but well worth imitating. In the late 1830's, Sizemores are said to have taken in Cherokees who escaped the Trail of Tears. (Virginia has chosen this management plan due to the private property in Taylor's Valley.). 04/30/22 The stream is turning out some very good numbers of trout in all sections, especially along the old track. Learn to tie the versatile Hare's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven. 02/18/23 Stream levels are high but will fall out fast. An official website of the United States government. Located in Washington County in far Southwest Virginia near Damascus and Abingdon, Whitetop features mountainous scenery and classic trout habitat with plunge pools, runs, and pocket water. The best time to fish the stream would be during the months of March, April and May when there are a lot of hatches It can last for six weeks. Winter fishing is usually a matter of dead-drifting small generic nymphs like Princes, Pheasant Tails, and Lightning Bugs, as well as smaller #10-12 Woolly Buggers. 1st half road. Whitetop Laurel just might be the most unique trout stream in the Old Dominion. Virginia Creeper Trail (276-783-5196). The spinner fishing with these mayfly imitations is especially effective in the late afternoon. The fishing is great. We always recommend Perfect Flies. There are even wheelchair accessible pools where anglers can roll their chairs along wooden rails to prime pools. Good hatches continue to take place. Browns are the main attraction, but there are some nice size rainbows, too, and a few native brook trout, Stovall says. Use caution to stay hidden from the trout. Because of the prolific nature of the winter stonefly hatches, pay close attention to the possibility of good mid-winter dry-fly fishing during periods of low water and warmer weather. 06/12/21 The stream levels are up high but should fall back down fast. 02/09/22 The stream is down to a good level and we received three good reports from customers fishing the past week. The stream in near a normal level and we are getting good reports from customers. But as pristine as the setting is, the Virginia Creeper Trail runs along much of the stream, making it one of the most accessible wild trout fisheries in the state. Whitetop Laurel is at its best during spring, as trout rise to almost any edible-looking dry. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. Prince beadhead nymphs work year-round there. Its fairly easy to fish from the banks or by wading in most areas, although some of the pools get rather deep. 03/21/22 The stream is flowing near a normal level in good shape with hatches of Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, Little Black Caddis, Blue-winged olives, and Little Brown stoneflies. 12/29/22 Stream levels are still above normal but falling. We received four good reports from customers this past week. The best part of the Whitetop Laurel Creek is the special regulation waters in Taylor Valley. There are a few Grannon Caddisflies that hatch in March. The Straight Branch area receives more fishing pressure than Taylor's Valley due to its proximity to Damascus. Start with the Quill Gordons, the Little Yellow Stonefly, the Light Cahill, and the March Browns in April. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. 12/06/20 Lots of trout are being caughtalong the railroad track in the stockedsection. Turn left and follow the Creeper through Taylors Valley and up to Whitetop Laurel Creek gorge to junction with AT at Creek Junction. Water data back to 1961 are available online. The Silver Shadow. Within the special regulation sections of Whitetop Laurel the stream is managed as catch and release, in addition to a single hook artificial lure-only regulation. Some spots you would be right next to the river. Midges and winter stoneflies are hatching. Both the section along the old railroad bed and the wild trout section are turning out good numbers of trout. The creek is located in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, so there are lots of other activities nearby if you want to make a day of it. The Whitetop Laurel is hatchery supported both above and below these portions as well as the portion directly in Taylors Valley. The Whitetop Laurel Creek ranks as one of the best natural freestone wild trout streams in the Eastern US. The upper special regulation section also has handicap fishing platforms. Elevation: 2685 ft. They are not only the most realistic imitations you can purchase, they are the most effective flies you can buy. Want to report conditions for this trail? Good hatches including American March Browns, continue to take place with good stream levels. For anglers, the place to begin on Whitetop is the 6 miles of stream that flows below Konnarock, Virginia, beginning at Creek Junction, near the confluence of Whitetop and Green Cove Creek. There are several species that hatch months of the year. Trout are being caught in good numbers in both the stocked and wild trout sections. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. Zac Stovall selecting a fly for Whitetop Laurel. Phone: 540-475-3831, 2014 Whitetop Laurel Angler Survey Report, 2012 Whitetop Laurel Special Regulation Trout Section Biologist Report, 2010 Whitetop Laurel Special Regulation Trout Section Biologist Report, 2023 Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. There are no facilities offered on the stocked portions of Whitetop Laurel and limited roadside parking available on route 58. The creek runs through dense rhododendron thickets with old white pine towering over the creek banks. Steve Owens, DGIF fisheries biologist in the Marion office, says that both wild and hatchery trout can be caught in good numbers throughout the length of the stream. The stocking schedule for Washington county including the Whitetop Laurel can be found at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. We have been getting lots of good reports from customers fishing the stocked and the wild trout sections. This dam was established by a private source in 1937, thus creating Grass Lake flooding. 1-800-594-4726.Whitetop Laurel has a huge, very diverse population of aquatic insects that hatch throughout most of the year. Tied on a stout jig hook and using black bead chain eyes for weight instead of the usual slotted bead, the pattern rides hook point up on the bottom without fear of snagging and those big eyes square off the head shape nicely, furthering the accurate silhouette. The land, part of the 19th century Mexican land grant of Rancho Caada de Pala, was donated . It doesnt have any of the rails or cross ties remaining. Spicebush and eastern tiger swallowtails are easily visible as they cruise the paths, while smaller butterflies, like eastern-tailed hairstreak, require a more careful look. Air Quality Excellent. Guided trips: FeeldTrips Outdoors (276-728-8866); Lodging and dining: Damascus Old Mill Inn (276-475-3745). The best hatches start in February and last through June. Other patterns such as ants, beetles, Parachute Adams, and #12-14 Stimulators work equally well or better on Whitetop Laurel, depending on the season and water level. Summer:We suggest you fish the higher elevationsin the summer months.Fall:Fall is an excellent and a beautiful time tofish the Whitetop Laurel Creek.Winter:The trout can be caught throughout thewinter months on warm days.
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