Size 14 prince beadhead nymphs will work all year. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. 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. The Whitetop Laurel is one of the better freestone stream in the State of Virginia. Slate Drakes start hatching in late June and continue on through September. Tennessee Tech found overwintering brown trout per surface area in numbers equaling or surpassing Utah's Green River and the White River in Arkansas. The easiest access to the Whitetop Laurel Creek is by taking highway 58 east from Damascus, VA. Highway 58 follows Whitetop Laurel for about 4 miles up to the confluence with Straight Branch where there is parking, rest rooms and picnic areas. There are even wheelchair accessible pools where anglers can roll their chairs along wooden rails to prime pools. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Recently, I spent a morning on Whitetop and a major tributary, Green Cove Creek, with Zac Stovall of FeeldTrips Outdoors in Damascus. Both streams will make you understand why the long drive to this area of the state is well worth it. I've also often heard small-stream fishing characterized as "easy," almost always by anglers who seldom do it. The 6 miles of Whitetop Laurel Creek below Konnarock beginning at Creek Junctionthe confluence of Whitetop with Green Cove Creekare designated artificials only, and all trout smaller than 12 inches must be released. Lots oftrout are being caught along the oldrailroad track. 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. Up north appearance with large shaded sites. Beautiful scenery whitetop station down to Damascus. 06/20/22 The stream is still in good shape and we continue to get good reports. The Whitetop Laurel is hatchery supported both above and below these portions as well as the portion directly in Taylors Valley. As a fly fisherman, I'm going to tell you something that I shouldn't. I hate to publish this. We did a side trip at the north entrance to Whitetop. The browns are the major attraction at Whitetop Laurel. 02/17/22 The stream is flowing a little below normal level in good shape. I've had more springtime success with a #12 Early Brown Stonefly and a #12 Quill Gordon Spinner than most other drys. Turn right on US 58 West, continue for 0.7 miles to Rt. A lock ( Quill Gordons, blue quills, little black caddis, BWOs, little Brown stoneflies and Hendricksons/red quills. Whitetop Laurel Creek has a decent hatch of Eastern Green Drakes that starts about the first of May and last around three weeks. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Whitetop Laurel has an excellent forage base, and patterns including everything from tiny caddis larvae to giant black stonefly nymphs are effective. These are the most important caddisflies. 12/23/21 The stream is still low but we are still getting good reports, especially from the stocked section along the road and old track. Downstream of Konnarock, Whitetop Laurel, by now a medium-size stream, enters a narrow gorge where access is via foot or bicycle trail only. During the winter cold-water period, the best flies imitate the nymphs which dominate the trouts diet as this time of year. 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. During late winter, as spring approaches, a few warm, sunny days in succession may prompt blue-wing olive mayfly hatches, offering anglers occasional spurts of dry-fly action. Laurel Creek flows right through town and the people are all laid back type folks that cater to hikers and anglers. Large streamers such as muddler minnows, wooly buggers, and woolhead sculpins are the best choices for the fly angler seeking a big brown. The best times to visit this trail are April through September. We also market what we call the Whitetop Box, a custom fly box with patterns for throughout the year.. 04/30/22 The stream is turning out some very good numbers of trout in all sections, especially along the old track. Phone: 540-783-4860. 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. The stream is flowing a little below a normal level with clear water. Route #58, east of Damascus, parallels much of the Whitetop Laurel Creek for a long way. The creek runs through dense rhododendron thickets with old white pine towering over the creek banks. 01/23/2020 Sorry for the missed reports.Currently, stream levels are down to goodlevels and lots of trout are being caught bythe few fishing.02/16/2020 Stream levels are a littleabove normal but falling. Rogers down into the Holston River. It fishes well from the bank and near the railroad track. There is a 12-inch minimum size limit using artificial lures only, with a number limit of 6 per day. 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. Seasonal beaver ponds in this stretch provide exceptional "micro-stillwater" fishing. 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. The Dirty Sally represents a number of small yellow/tan stonefly and caddisfly species, and doubles as a Sulphur imitation in a pinch. A size slot limit helps protect the fishery from the tailwater angling hordes. 728 for 1.0 mile to parking area at end of road. I like to hit them during the summer with small hopper and beetle patterns, which the trout slurp with amazing regularity. Fishing from the banks is usually easy and the stream can be waded easily, but be careful as some pools are rather deep. While Beaverdam is smaller than Whitetop Laurel, its fishing rivals that of its larger neighbor, especially for wild browns. Fish are coming from both the stocked and wild trout sections. Experience this 11.6-mile out-and-back trail near Damascus, Virginia. Share. Good winter stonefly and midge hatches continue. Good hatches, Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, LIttle Brown stoneflies and Little Black Caddis are hatching. The wild trout section is still the best section to fish. Virginia Creeper Trail (276-783-5196). Current fly fishing conditions are good! There is more angler content on Social Media! The colorful leaves along the Virginia Creeper are worth the trip, but the fishing is great as well. A National Forest Permit is required on some sections of the stocked portion of stream. You want to fish Whitetop Laurel Creek in an upstream direction using a lot of short upstream and up and across cast. one outlet known as Grass Creek. At the Whitetop Laurel Fishing and Viewing Area, the Appalachian Trail and the Virginia Creeper Trail converge, providing easy access to the surrounding forests. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. For information about the Town of Damascus, please contact: The Town of Damascus I spent a morning on Whitetop and a major tributary, Green Cove Creek, with Zac Stovall of FeeldTrips Outdoors in Damascus. At our first stop, I promptly lost one of those substantially larger size browns that Owens referred to. Beetle, grasshopper and ant patterns are favorites in the summer months. 05/20/22 Steam levels are just a little above normal level and lightly stained. Throughout, good water levels, trout-hospitable year-round temperatures, and nutrients and terrestrial life from local pastures and other grasslands help enrich the stream. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Those big browns dont have much room to roam when you hook them. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 54 min to complete. This is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and mountain biking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Slickrock Creek in Joyce Kilmer-Slickrock Wilderness. Use the Blue Winged Olive, Giant Black Stonefly, and theterrestrial patterns later in the summer. Highlights: Downhill bike ride, waterfalls on Whitetop Laurel Creek Get a shuttle to the top at 3,400 feet then enjoy this almost all downhill run on the Virginia Creeper Trail. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com. 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. 12/31/21 The stream is up and stained due to recent rain. Locked padlock Whitetop Laurel Creek is one of the best Virginia trout fishing streams - perfect for Virginia trout adventures whether . Other factors that enhance fishing include special regulations and little fishing pressure. We also market what we call the Whitetop Box, a custom fly box with patterns for throughout the year.. 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. If you want to fish better, more realistic trout flies, have a much higher degree of success, give us a call. Terrestrial season begins as early as May on Whitetop and its tributaries. Caddis come in May, and the famous green drake hatch arrives usually in early June. | Midges and winter stoneflies are hatching. We received two good reports from customers fishing yesterday in the wild trout section. 05/26/21 The stream levels are still low but we continue to get good reports from customers. Catching just one gator trout heavier than 5 pounds is a different story. He adds that most wild rainbow trout range from 9 to 11 inches while brown trout can reach substantially larger sizes. (Virginia has chosen this management plan due to the private property in Taylor's Valley.). Caddis come in May, and the famous green drake hatch arrives usually in early June. From October through March, I use acinnamon colored caddis for a dry fly and am successful in the mornings until about noon. Both the section along the old railroad bed and the wild trout section are turning out good numbers of trout. However, access is limited, and visitors must obtain landowner permission if they have to cross private property to reach the water. Learn to tie Barr's Damsel with master tier Charlie Craven. The wild trout section has really been doing well this past week but good numbers of trout are still being caught in the stocked section along the road and old track. 01/16/22 The stream is down to near normal level but has been high. (wild & hatchery supported), Fly Fishing the Great Smoky Mountains National Park DVD, Fly Fishing Yellowstone National Park DVD, Discovery - The Underwater World of Trout Volume 1 DVD, Fly Fishing with the Quill Gordon Spinner. The creek begins as two tiny feeder streams (Little Laurel and Big Laurel) near Whitetop Mountain. The stocking schedule for Washington county including the Whitetop Laurel can be found at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Whitetop Laurel has one important wild-trout tributary, Beaverdam Creek, which flows northward out of Tennessee to join Whitetop in Damascus. Box 56 Doable by almost anyone who can ride a bike, even kids. From there you can hike up and down the stream as there are no trails in this area. Marion, VA 23454 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. About two miles East of Damascus is an old railroad bed called the Virginia Creeper Trail. Learn to tie the versatile Hare's Ear with master tier Charlie Craven. The area along the road is stocked with trout by the state. The Straight Branch area receives more fishing pressure than Taylor's Valley due to its proximity to Damascus. In addition to above, American March Browns and Slate Drakes have started hatching. From Skulls Gap Overlook, return to Rt. Whitetop Laurel Creek is often called Virginia's finest trout stream. 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. We received two good reports from customers fishing this past week. The South Holston tailwater near Johnson City, Tennessee, is considered by many to be one of the best wild brown trout fisheries in the country. 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. Whitetop Laurel is the primary fishing stream of the recreation area's west end. These rivulets flow in and out of private property through a mountain basin located near the hamlet of Konnarock. 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. 04/10/23 We are still getting some very good reports from both the stocked and wild trout sections. 05/08/22 Stream levels are up but falling back down fast. 11/20/21 The stream is flowing just a little above normal level. Most stocked trout range from 10 to 14 inches. Stovall agrees with the biologist about the length and girth of Whitetops browns. Stovall says he prefers a 3-weight fly rod with a 7-foot, 6-x leader for Whitetop and Green Cove Creek. Light Cahills, March Browns and Slate drakes are hatching. This is the point at which many may have literally become Cherokee. Whitetop Laurel Creek flows from Mt. A freshwater fishing license and National Forest Permit is needed to fish the two special regulation sections. All Fly Fisherman subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Reviews (30) Photos (324) Activities (27) Completed (41) 5: 4: 3: 2: 1: 4.8. Whitetop Laurel is at its best during spring, as trout rise to almost any edible-looking dry. Catching trout is no problem there. 01/24/22 Levels are still near normal and the water mostly clear. Within the special regulation sections, anglers have the opportunity to catch brook, brown, and rainbow trout while enjoying the scenic mountain atmosphere. The pocket water areas have a lot of conflicting currents and the more fly line you can keep out of the water, the better off you are. My wife and I stayed and dined at the inn, which lies on the banks of Whitetop Laurel. It doesnt have any of the rails or cross ties remaining. 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. We hope you give them a try if you havent already done so. The special regulation sections are fully accessible recreation facilities with wildlife viewing platforms and streamside wheelchair accessibility making Whitetop Laurel available to all anglers. This information is typically posted on a site's own website. Basically, you can fish plunge-pool type water all day, year-round here. Beetle, grasshopper and ant patterns are favorites in the summer months. Within the stocked portions of the stream, there is a seven-inch size limit, a six-fish-per-day creel and a trout license required from October 1, through June 15 in addition to the statewide freshwater fishing license. The hatch last about a month from the lower to the higher elevations. Ultra-light gear in conjunction with small jigs and single-hook spinners can catch trout in all seasons and water conditions. Lots of BWOs, Midges creams and sculpin streamers are working good. 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. 4 Star Fatty Day! 06/12/21 The stream levels are up high but should fall back down fast. On Whitetop Laurel, where sparse hatches are the rule rather than the exception, hatch matching isn't as important as hatch approximation, where the sporadic hatches require attractor flies. Subscriber Services. Its a beautiful, medium size stream with the typical run, riffle, pool type water that flows down the mountain. They normally hatch from about the first of May through June. Coastal Angler Magazine and our interior (freshwater) publication, The Angler Magazine, are monthly editions dedicated to fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts. Whitetop Laurel flows along 58 east, where it can be accessed easily. A #12-14 Letort Hopper followed by a #14 Epoxy TransparANT dropper is highly effective. The Wilderness Society has designated the area as a "Mountain Treasure". Seasons:Fly fishing Whitetop Laural Creek isyear-round business for the locals. Levels are a little below normal but okay. If you want to catch gator trout consistently, youve got to target them. Bull#$%. A perfect imitation of the ubiquitous dragonfly built with a compelling yet simple approach. Listen for calls from all directionsthe sounds of Carolina chickadees ring through the forest. The trails in this area are relatively open and flanked by numerous wildflowers including bee-balm. Fish the Whitetop Laurel in an upstream direction using the up and across casts avoiding the unnatural drifts. 03/11/23 The stream is still turning out some good fish. The latest Costa Film "Hooked On: Bonefish" explores the pursuit of this prized gamefish, which requires expert marksmanship and delicate execution to be successful. Elevation: 2685 ft. Getting there takes a few turns out of Damascus. Very good hatches are coming off. 04/14/22 Conditions remain good. 11/02/21 The stream is a little high but okay. We have been getting good reports from customers. Rogers down into the Holston River. Water data back to 1961 are available online. An injury and what seemed like the end of a career paved the way for a new passion. Good hatches are underway. This creek offers 7 miles of stocked water in addition to 5 miles of special regulation water in Mount Rogers National Recreational Area. He adds that most wild rainbow trout range from 9 to 11 inches while brown trout can reach substantially larger sizes. These birds are often joined by Carolina wren, which also frequent streamside brush. Above the Straight Branch tributary, Whitetop Laurel is a native trout stream. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Signs to the parking areas and the Virginia Creeper Trail are along 58 east. Use caution to stay hidden from the trout. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. Even on the rare day when the trout refuse to cooperate, the experience of being on one of Virginias most beautiful streams makes any trip worthwhile. There are several species that hatch months of the year. 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. Head out on this 18.7-km out-and-back trail near Damascus, Virginia. 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 Good hatches are still taking place and trout are being caught in good numbers. There is more rain coming the next two days and it will likely be high. The long days of summer bring low, clear flows, and anglers must adjust accordingly to be successful. Size 14 prince beadhead nymphs will work all year. Trout are being caught mostly in the wild trout section but some along the old railroad track. 02/09/22 The stream is down to a good level and we received three good reports from customers fishing the past week. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Wind SE 2 mph. 01/08/22 The stream is near a normal level in good shape. Our midges and winterstoneflies are working good.02/01/21 The stocked section is turningout a lot of trout. While small-stream fishing is the name of the game in the Whitetop Laurel area, two of the East's premier tailwater fisheries, the Watauga and South Holston, are located less than an hour away. There are outfitters like the Virginia Creeper Bike Shop who will rent out bikes and provide shuttle service to the trailhead for a very reasonable fee. 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 little town of Damascus in also a neat place to stay. Rogers National Recreational Area located in southwest Virginia and it flows down to Damascus, Virginia where it meets the Tennessee Laurel. Whitetop Laurel Creek: An Epic Fly Fishing Trip. Start with the Blue Quills, and the Little Black Caddis flies as well as the Midges in hook size of 18,. Numerous wild rainbow trout are found in Whitetop, a rarity in the Southeast; and also a surprise in a stream where whirling disease has been detected but mostly held in check. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail. Fish this combination with confidence, and a long 12-foot spring creek-style leader, well into the low water of fall. The spinner fishing with these mayfly imitations is especially effective in the late afternoon. Explore this 8.6-mile out-and-back trail near Troutdale, Virginia. Green Sedges are fairly plentiful in the creek. We received one good report from last week. Its fairly easy to fish from the banks or by wading in most areas, although some of the pools get rather deep. Basically, you can fish plunge-pool type water all day, year-round here. 04/24/21 The stream levels are in good shape and we are getting good reports from the section along the road and the wild trout section. Lock Nice trail and almost always in shade from the trees. Turn left and follow the Creeper through Taylors Valley and up to Whitetop Laurel Creek gorge to junction with AT at Creek Junction. Was beautiful trail! Emailusat (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. It is a special regulations waterway with both brown and rainbow trout plying its shoals and holes. Mayflies Caddisflies Midges Stoneflies Streamers Terrestrials Miscellaneous Collections Pre-Rigged Dropper Selections. Whitetop Laurel Creek, Virginia Fishing Report. occurring. Current Weather. Both parking areas are can be accessed from route 58. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 19 min to complete. Whitetop Laurel Creek is a stream located just 1.3 miles from Damascus, in Washington County, in the state of Virginia, United States, near Laureldale, VA. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including brown trout and rainbow trout here. At Taylor's Valley, a road-accessed section of hatchery-supported water divides the two special-regulations areas. Whitetop Laurel Creek at Konnarock, VA - USGS Water Data for the Nation Important Inventory Page Hydrograph Alert No IV or field vist data is available Monitoring camera There are no cameras currently available at this monitoring location. Directions Location: Adjacent to Damascus Town Park, located at 301 South Beaver Dam Ave., Damascus, VA 24236. Fall is both an excellent time and a beautiful time to fish the Whitetop Laurel Creek. Little Brown Stoneflies (actually in the same family as the Little Blacks) hatch in March and until the middle of April. 04/20/23 Conditions remain very good. The levels are on the wise due to current rain but it should fall out soon. 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. 06/24/21 Stream levels are down in good shape and we received two good reports yesterday from the wild trout section. Summertime is terrestrial time and imitations of grasshopper, ants and beetles. The stream in near a normal level and we are getting good reports from customers. 30 reviews. + Legend Monitoring Location Active Monitoring Locations 5 km 3 mi This dam was established by a private source in 1937, thus creating Grass Lake flooding. November 19, 2019 by Gary Alan. I love Virginia trout fishing in the spring and do an annual trip for fly fishing Whitetop Laurel Creek. 2023 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Good hatches are taking place. 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. Recommended Tackle & GearFly Line:4,5or 6weightLeaders:Dry fly: 9to 12ft., 5or6XNymphing:71/2ft.,3or 4X, Streamers 0-2XTippets:Dry fly: 5or 6X,Nymphing: 3 or 4X,Streamer0-2XBest Fly Rods:Perfect FlySupreme Four,SuperbFiveorUltimate SixFly Reels:For4/5/6 fly lineFly Floatants and Misc Items:Floatants, KISS Strike IndicatorsTools & Accessories:Nippers, forceps, retractors, etc. Quill Gordons start about the same time and last about a month. Phantom of the flats. The Whitetop Laurel is a medium size stream with the typical runs, riffles, and pools of water that flows gently down the mountain. 19/15/21 Stream levels are in okay shape again with clear water. Learn to tie the Woolly Bugger fly with master tier Charlie Craven. Brook trout are rumored to be in its headwaters and feeder streams. Highway 58 continues up to a gravel road leading to Creek Junction where there is access for fishing as well. Today it is owned by the Grass Lake Association. It's 2021 and I am back at Whitetop. The fishing is great. Of course the Whitetop Laurel Creek can be accessed fropm the Virginia Creeper bike trail. Or, if you prefer digital, our magazines are also available as a, 1275 South Patrick Dr. Suite A-9 | Satellite Beach, FL 32937 | 321.777.2773 |, The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is asking the public, in particular anglers, to report any sightings of any hellbender (water dogs) to the agency. We recommendthe upper wild trout section.08/30/20 We continue to get some verygood reports. Downstream, the gradient increases and plunge pools alternate with riffles, and the canopy over the stream opens to allow easier casting.
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