Jackson River
Virginia · Bath County
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Top 5 Fishing Locations on Jackson River
Gathright Dam Tailwater
The Jackson River below Gathright Dam is Virginia's premier trout fishery with exceptional brown and rainbow trout in cold tailwater. The nationally recognized quality fishing here attracts anglers from throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Fish averaging 16-20 inches are common in this fertile clear tailwater.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–500 CFS. The tailwater below Gathright Dam fishes best at consistent moderate releases — wild rainbow and brown trout throughout the 18 miles to Covington.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Bacova Section
The stretch near Bacova maintains excellent trout populations with a mix of wild and stocked fish. Brown trout up to 20 inches inhabit the deeper pools in this accessible section. Evening Isonychia and sulphur hatches from June through September are highlights.
💧 Ideal flow: 100–400 CFS. The upper section above Lake Moomaw fishes best at moderate stable flows — lake-run rainbows enter in winter and spring.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Warm Springs Pool
Natural thermal springs near Warm Springs influence a section of the Jackson creating unique habitat conditions. Large rainbow and brown trout use the temperature differential to their advantage year-round. This is one of Virginia's most unique trout fishing environments.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–500 CFS. Fishes best at stable consistent tailwater flows — check TroutBible gauge as dam releases directly control conditions.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Windy Run
Windy Run section of the Jackson provides quality fishing in an easily wadeable stretch. Brown trout averaging 12-16 inches are consistent throughout the season. The mix of riffle and pool habitat supports excellent insect production and reliable hatches.
💧 Ideal flow: 100–400 CFS. Special regulations apply — all rainbows 12-16 inches and browns under 20 inches must be released immediately.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
Clearwater Section
Clearwater Park provides public access to the lower Jackson River just above Covington, offering a quieter alternative to the heavily fished tailwater sections upstream. Brown and rainbow trout are present throughout with smallmouth bass in the deeper pools. Best fished in summer and fall when flows stabilize after spring runoff.
💧 Ideal flow: 150–500 CFS. The lower Jackson near Covington fishes best at moderate flows — smallmouth bass also present in this section.
📊 Get Location Flow Report
About Jackson River Fishing
The Jackson River offers Virginia fly fishers a unique combination of wild trout habitat above Lake Moomaw and a premier 18-mile tailwater below Gathright Dam with six public access points to Covington. This dual fishery is renowned for its excellent populations of wild rainbow and brown trout, along with abundant smallmouth bass, making it one of Virginia's most versatile and accessible fly fishing destinations.
Best Time to Fish Jackson River
Winter and spring bring large lake-run rainbow trout into the upper stretches above Lake Moomaw, while the tailwater fishes excellently year-round due to stable water temperatures from dam releases. The Jackson River's consistent flows and cool tailwater create ideal conditions for sustained hatches throughout the season, though spring and fall typically produce the most active feeding periods.
Species
Wild rainbows dominate the Jackson River system and aggressively take flies in both the upper river and tailwater, with special regulations requiring release of 12-16 inch fish to protect the fishery. Brown trout thrive in the tailwater's deeper pools and structure, growing to impressive sizes, though those under 20 inches must be released, rewarding anglers willing to target larger specimens.
Access & Regulations
Always check the current Virginia fishing regulations before heading out. Regulations on Jackson River may include special catch-and-release sections, artificial-only stretches, and seasonal closures. A valid Virginia fishing license is required.
Live River Data
Trout Bible pulls live flow and gauge data directly from the USGS National Water Information System. Current CFS (cubic feet per second) and gauge height readings are updated every 15–60 minutes, giving you the most accurate picture of conditions before you make the drive.