Snow Creek / Rockingham Accesson Smith River (Martinsville / Philpott Lake)
What's working on Smith River
- 01Today's conditions on the Smith River are 59°F with fog and light winds, suggesting cool water temperatures.
- 02USGS flow data is currently unavailable, but typical fall conditions indicate low and clear water.
- 03Midge activity is consistent year-round in this tailwater, making midge imitations a go-to choice.
- 04Fall Blue-Winged Olive (BWO) hatches are expected in October, offering dry fly opportunities, especially on overcast days.
- 05Streamer fishing will be very rewarding for larger brown trout aggressively feeding before winter.
What to tie on at Snow Creek / Rockingham Access
Picked from recent reports for this stretch.
Hellgrammite Fly
Imitates the large, protein-rich dobsonfly larvae that are a key food source for smallmouth bass in the rocky areas of the Smith River year-round.
Woolly Bugger (Olive) (Bass)
A classic and highly versatile streamer that imitates leeches and baitfish, consistent food sources for both predatory trout and bass in the Smith River.
Clouser Minnow (Bass) (Chartreuse/White)
Effectively imitates baitfish, a primary food source for aggressive smallmouth and largemouth bass, particularly in the warmer sections of the Smith River.
Little Black Stonefly nymph
Winter stoneflies are one of the few large insects active in February in Virginia. This nymph serves as an excellent lead fly in a two-fly rig.
Zebra Midge
Midges are the most prolific and consistent food source in the Smith River tailwater during the winter months. Black or red in sizes 20-24 are staples.
Buy at AmazonBlack Woolly Bugger
A slow-stripped or dead-drifted black streamer imitates leeches and sculpins which are active even in near-freezing water, making it a high-searching pattern for larger trout.
Elk Hair Caddis
Caddisflies are becoming active in late spring, making this dry fly an excellent imitation for adult caddis during hatches.
Buy at AmazonZebra Midge
Midges are a primary active insect even in cold water, making this a staple year-round pattern in tailwaters, highly effective for enticing finicky trout.
Buy at AmazonDamsel Nymph (Olive)
Damsel nymphs become active in late spring as they migrate towards shore to hatch, making this pattern effective when stripped slowly along weed beds.
Virginia season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Fly shops nearby
Local flies, current advice and guided trips.