Mossy Creek is Virginia’s most famous fly fishing destination. Flowing through rolling farmland, it is a classic limestone creek that features tough-to-catch brown trout, undulating masses of aquatic vegetation, swift runs, and steep drop-offs. It is especially challenging to beginning fly anglers, and can even frustrate experienced fishermen. Since no wading is allowed, fish must be approached cautiously from steep banks. Those with patience and technique can have the chance at hooking into a large brown trout here.
Mossy Creek was first opened to public fishing in 1978. DWR, Trout Unlimited, and landowners along the stream partnered to create this world-class fishery. It was sealed with a simple agreement that all anglers must carry a signed permit card along with a valid Virginia fishing license. Since that time, fishermen have honed their fly fishing skills and hundreds of browns have been caught and released from its spring-fed waters. Thousands of young brown trout have been stocked into its waters since the 1970’s, allowing the food-rich waters and stable flow of Mossy Creek to “grow out” the fingerlings. The result is a popular destination that is sure to resonate with fly casters of all ages.
Maps & Directions
Google Map Directions for Mossy Creek
Fishing
Brown trout are the reason why anglers love to fish Mossy Creek. They grow rapidly from fingerling to adult stage, attaining stunning colors of yellow, brown, and crimson.
Occasionally, the brown trout spawn is successful, but the fishery is sustained by annual stocking of fingerling or advanced fingerling fish. Mossy’s spring fed waters keep the water temperature cold on the hottest summer days and virtually unfrozen throughout the winter months. Fly anglers look for blue winged olive, trico, and sulphur hatches at different times of the year, and often switch to terrestrial patterns by mid-summer. Once in a while, brook and rainbow trout are caught, but basically, it’s the home of large brown trout. Rock bass, eels, suckers, sculpins, and pearl dace are found in abundance.
Biologist Reports
Regulations
Trout (brown, brook, rainbow):
- One trout per day
- 20 inches or longer
Fly Fishing Only
Anglers must have a free, signed landowner permission card in addition to their fishing license. Landowner permits can be obtained online. Permits can also be obtained by visiting the Verona Regional Office, between 8:30 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday.
- No trout license is required to fish Mossy Creek
- No wading, camping, fires, picnicking, loitering, or dogs allowed
- Leave livestock, fences, and electric fence controls alone
News
Changes To Angler Access – Mossy Creek Special Regulation Area (Augusta County)
At the request of the landowner, anglers will no longer have fishing access on approximately 1,100 ft. of Mossy Creek within the Mossy Creek Special Regulation Area.
This property has been “posted” and is located immediately upstream and downstream of where Mossy Creek passes under Iron Works Road (SR 809) adjacent to Route 42 near Bridgewater. Please refer to the Maps posted on the DWR website.
In addition, the designated angler parking area located at the intersection of Mossy Creek Road (SR 747) & Iron Works Road (SR 809) has been closed by the landowner. Anglers are instructed to park at the existing parking area upstream on Kyles Mill Road (SR 613) adjacent to Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church. DWR plans to work with adjacent landowners and Trout Unlimited to secure a new parking area downstream.
Anglers are required to obtain a free Mossy Creek Landowner Permit to fish the 4.0 mile Mossy Creek Special Regulation Area. Anglers are reminded that the entire Mossy Creek SRA runs through private property. Please be courteous and respectful to these landowners.
Updated: July 10, 2026
Facilities, Amenities, and Nearby Attractions
Mossy Creek runs through private property, so courtesy to landowners and their property is expected. Parking is currently only allowed at a small lot on Rt. 613 adjacent to Mossy Creek Presbyterian Church. No restrooms or port-a-johns are available. No handicap access is available. New fence crossings were installed by DWR, Trout Unlimited, Boy Scouts, and Dominion Resources personnel in 2006.
Photos
Mossy Creek is an excellent winter fly fishing destination due to stable flows and warmer water temperatures from limestone springs.
Alex McCrickard, DWR Aquatic Education Coordinator, with an 18" brown trout caught on the public section of Mossy Creek.
Mossy Creek is a special regulation limestone spring creek with 4 miles of water open to the public.
Fishing the summer Trico hatch on Mossy Creek can be technical.
Mossy Creek in the Shenandoah Valley.
More Information
For additional information contact:
Verona Regional Office
517 Lee Highway
Verona, VA 24482
Phone: (540) 248-9360