Fishing Season: all year, March - December best

Lower Jackson River - VA

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

39

Angler's Lane's Tip of the Week

As of second week of February the Jackson tailwater is low, and still cold (below 40F) and with hope on the horizon. Good time to prepare for upcoming trip as spring is around the corner. We expect the thaw to occur late February. When it does the fishing should be strong, as it usually is after such low-feeding periods. To book spring trips or get a read on best flies, call us at 434-385-0200. Also see https://www.anglerslane.com/stonesthrow-on-jackson.htm We have some Orvis rods and reels on sale and other great deals on gear. Anglers Lane has been guiding the river since 2005. We guide the river year-round weather permitting (many others lay off the river in mid-summer and winter when water temps >40F).

Directions open in app

Map of Lower Jackson River

Water Flow Data

Tidal Conditions

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

The Homestead

5-Day Outlook as of 2/12/26

Check water temps (below) for improvement >40F. Keep eye on outflows at https://www.nao-wc.usace.army.mil/nao/projected_Q.html More info on flows and tailwater at https://www.anglerslane.com/stonesthrow-on-jackson.htm Guided trips available at 434-385-0200

Techniques & Tips as of 2/12/26

Fish BWO's on top, Adams, Purple haze. Subsurface should be better-- Green monsters, perdigons, caddis nymphs. In deeper lies try streamers imitating sculpin or alewives. Have seen BWO's hatching. Anglers Lane can provide details, as this format is great for everything but flies, leaving room for only 4 flies not in typical Orvis lineup! Ask for "Jackson River nymph selection of the week" when you call us.

Local Species Available all year, March - December best

  • Fish Icon

    Rainbow

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    Brown trout

Angler's Lane's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Tunghead Stonefly N/A 10-16
Tunghead Hot Spot Pheasant Tail Jig N/A 14, 16
Hopper N/A 6, 8,10
Vernille San Juan Worm N/A 20
Green Monster (Anglers Ln exclusive) Green or Gold 12, 14, 16
Perdigon Copper 12-14
Sulphur Parachute N/A 6 8
Indicator Parachute - Trico N/A 16-18
Pats and/or TJ Hooker Black/Brown 12, 14
goldie (streamer) N/A 16, 18

Tunghead Stonefly

If you fish stonefly nymphs, you'll want to have several sizes of these bottom bumpers.

2.99

Item #139J

Buy Now

Angler's Lane's Recommended Gear

Description: About Lower Jackson River

Often described as one of the top southern trout fisheries, the lower Jackson below Gathright Dam offers both wild rainbow and brown trout angling opportunities to the fly angler. Whether drifting tiny midges with light tippet or seducing some of the larger fish with streamers, the lower Jackson has many attractions for the fly fishing enthusiast. Operators of the dam last summer 2021 did a great job of maintaining a relatively steady flow of cold clean water. Its waters hold a multitude of diverse aquatic invertebrates and forage fish for these trout to feed upon. Access is limited and trespassing is a serious deal here. The state discontinued stocking trout on the lower Jackson in 1993. However, the river has proven itself time after time in yielding strong numbers of wild trout. Just below Gathright Dam is the tailwater section that is open to public fishing. Small tippet, small flies, and long leaders work best in this section. Summer time water temps average in the 50’s and low 60’s which make for great southern summer trout fishing. There are other public water access points, but float fishing is by far the best way to fish this section of river. The area immediately below the dam has some didymo, which improves after Johnson Springs put-in/landing. Traffic in 2023 has been slower than in 2022, which is probably good for the river, as counts were off. Less traffic will give the browns and especially the rainbows a chance to recover and reproduce, in time boosting counts--so we hope. For most experienced float operation check out https://www.anglerslane.com/stonesthrow-on-jackson.htm

Nearest Airport:

Roanoke

Hatches:

BWO's, PMDS, stoneflies and midges sporadically. Stick with Mostly nymphs.

Best Time to Fish:

from late February on afternoon will likely be best

Best Stretch:

Any of the public access points downstream from the dam. For private access of our properties when our lodge clients are not using them, call Angler's Lane at 434-385-0200. Day pass entitles you to variety of access points, and runs $140. Also see https://www.anglerslane.com/stonesthrow-on-jackson.htm

Best Access:

Public: Below Gathright Dam, Johnson Springs, Indian Draft, Petticoat Junction, Filtration plant. Be careful of landowners especially when walk & wading and anchoring; respect landowners who are fishing or preparing to fish (they probably have less flexibility than a floating fisherman).