Fishing

Designated Stocked Trout Waters - Smith River

Starting at Philpott Dam, downstream approximately 3.3 miles to the confluence with Town Creek, is designated stocked trout waters. This section, of the Smith River is classified as “Category B Stocked Trout Water”, is stocked with rainbow trout 5 times from October 1st through June 15th. Another section, classified as “Category A Stocked Trout Waters”, starting in the North Bassett area downstream approximately 9.5 miles to below Fieldale is stocked with rainbow trout 8 times from October 1st through June 15th. Both stocked trout areas require a stocked trout license in addition to a state freshwater fishing license. 

Special Regulation Brown Trout Waters - Smith River

From Philpott Dam downstream approximately 31 miles is designated “Special Regulation Brown Trout Water”. Brown trout between 10 and 24 inches must be released if caught in this section. There is an abundance of brown trout 6 to 12 inches in length in the upper portions of the Smith River beginning near the Philpott Dam. Traveling downstream from the Philpott Dam brown trout abundance decreases, but trout size increases. The Smith River below Martinsville Dam offers the best chance to catch larger brown trout. Brown trout 12 to 18 inches are common in this section and hooking into a brown over 20 inches is possible. Downstream from the Marrowbone access point the brown trout begin to fade and smallmouth bass become more prevalent.