Fishing for Fall Brown Trout in Virginia

Streamer enthusiasts wait all year to target brown trout during the pre-spawn time frame from late September into early November. For fly anglers this is something that we look forward to with anticipation and excitement, not unlike the enthusiasm that the fall rut brings to deer hunters. In this report, Alex McCrickard, DWR Aquatic Education Coordinator, explains some of the basics of brown trout biology and why pre-spawn is his favorite time of year to aggressively fish streamers for some of the biggest fish in the river. Alex covers tactics and techniques to successfully fish streamers in addition to highlighting some of the top brown trout waters across the state.
To learn more about access and regulations for the rivers mentioned in the video check out their waterbodies pages below:
Mossy Creek: dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/mo...
Smith River Tailwater: dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/sm...
Jackson River Tailwater: dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/ja...
South Fork Holston River: dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/ho...
South River: dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/so...
Daily Trout Stocking Webpage: dwr.virginia.gov/fishing/trou...

[@robwestbrook1128]

Really have enjoyed your last two videos. Keep up the great work!

[@scottsavage2141]

Great video. Thanks for tips on new locations to hit. Was just on the South River last week.

[@TakingIt2far]

I’m excited for this year it’s gonna be awesome. Fish on! 🎣

[@m.t.harris4526]

Excellent Video!!

[@SiTengoTiempo]

Great videos. Thanks DWR.

[@fortunatefishing]

They really do do a great job

[@gregorybyers6481]

Thanks for your report! Great information thanks again!!👍✝️🇺🇲

[@fortunatefishing]

Dude Alex is the man

[@TylerGoesFishing]

keep the content coming

[@mikehallfishingpro]

Nice video

[@moonshinerphd9523]

Hello there Sonny Jim, Smyth County is pronounced just like Smith. Outsiders!!!

[@robertlloyd1978]

I’ve been trying to get on with DWR forever my dream job is to become a game warden and I’m also in va but great video thanks for the lesson

[@hmj8469]

During your 'where to fish' chapter, the only place you mentioned within a two hour drive from northern Virginia/Wash DC (NoVA) is near Harrisonburg. Since making this video, have you identified, and can you share any other trout streams about the same distance from NoVA?

[@tobypry9833]

Already got a few Rainbows on the South

[@ericstewart4732]

Wry informative. TY.

[@arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435]

Great video learned a lot , New to the area ,Would you know any lakes or rivers I can fish for trout Near Amelia County Va

[@kurtailerson7266]

What weight rod do you recommend for the Holston ?

[@jamesnichols8893]

How is the fishing in the winter months (Jan, Feb and March ?

[@kurtailerson7266]

What size streamers are best for these rivers? Thanks

[@kirkshammett94]

I went to this river today. Had a very hard time figuring out where to access the river for wading. Anyone have any recommendations for me for when I go back?

[@CharleyBrown69]

What was in the water swinging around behind you while explaining how to cast? Also very informative video.

[@buzznatzke2996]

Pretty sure those were a couple of ducks, with their heads down/tails up, foraging for food.

[@joedarden2276]

That's Right

[@gustavomedrano3628]

😮😮

[@stepitup5409]

Virginia has to many regulations! No fun. This 15 feet of water has this rule, that 15 feet has a different one. No fun at all.