The Jackson is an excellent smallmouth bass, rock bass, rainbow trout, and brown trout fishery above Lake Moomaw. Below Gathright Dam, six public areas provide access to 18 miles of legally navigable water to Covington. Riverfront land owners have brought successful civil trespass claims against anglers fishing in the two portions of the river highlighted on the map (see the Maps section). In light of these court actions, anglers may find it advisable to seek the permission of the riverfront property owners.
Wild rainbow trout, wild brown trout, smallmouth bass, rock bass (redeye), and redbreast sunfish populate the tailwater below the dam. All rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches and all brown trout less than 20 inches must be released immediately. Four trout (combined rainbow and brown) limit per angler daily, only one of four can be a brown trout. Also, there are no fishing gear restrictions between Gathright Dam and the water treatment plant in Covington.
Large, lake-run rainbow trout can be caught in the Jackson River above Lake Moomaw during the winter and spring. Much of this stretch is privately owned, so be sure you are fishing on National Forest property or have landowner permission. The Jackson River, through Hidden Valley, provides ample trout fishing opportunities, especially a three-mile reach of special regulation water above the Muddy Run swinging bridge.
Jackson River, downstream of in Covington, affords good angling for smallmouth bass, redbreast sunfish, and rock bass. Watercraft launch facilities are being planned at several locations along the lower Jackson River.
Maps & Directions
Note: Pursuant to Va. Code � 28.2-1200, the riverbeds in the Commonwealth that have not been conveyed by special grant are the property of the Commonwealth, and may be used for fishing by all the people of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is presumed to own the bottom of rivers unless someone can prove ownership obtained by a valid grant. The courts have not addressed fee simple ownership of the Jackson River bed, but have addressed the rights of riverfront property owners against members of the general public and have found in favor of the riverfront property owners. Riverfront land owners have brought successful civil trespass claims against anglers fishing in the two portions of the river highlighted on the map (locations are approximate). In light of these court actions, anglers may find it advisable to seek the permission of the riverfront property owners.
2013 Jackson River Tailwater Map (PDF)
Jackson River Trout Sections Above Lake Moomaw
Jackson River Route 623:
Jackson River Hidden Valley:
Jackson River Special Regulation:
Jackson River Access Sites below Gathright Dam:
Gathright DamMap
Johnson SpringsMap
Smith BridgeMap
Indian DraftMap
Petticoat JunctionMap
Water PlantMap
City ParkMap
Island FordMap
Low MoorMap
Dabney LancasterMap
Lick RunMap
Fishing
Smallmouth Bass River Fishing Forecast
Biologist Reports
News
Photos
The Jackson River tailwater is considered by many to be the premier wild trout tailwater in Virginia.
Alex McCrickard, DWR Aquatic Education Coordinator, with a 21" brown trout caught streamer fishing in the fall on the Jackson River tailwater.
Deep riffles and rock bluffs are a common sight on the Jackson River tailwater.
Wild rainbow trout are plentiful in the tailwater downstream of Gathright Dam on the Jackson River.
More Information
For Information regarding this river, contact:
Department of Wildlife Resources
Verona Office
517 Lee Highway
P. O. Box 996
Verona, VA 24482
Phone: (540) 248-9360
Ask for Fisheries