Waterbody · Virginia
Lake Moomaw Fishing Regulations 2026
Lake Moomaw fishing regulations as of 2026-05-08: 431 current rules from DWR. Anglers target kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, trout.
Rules (431)
DWR regulates 431 rules across 10 species at this water.
Trout
Lake Moomaw
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
- Gear
- Bait Allowed
Lake Moomaw (Alleghany/Bath Counties)
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
AbelOpen
- Status
- Permitted
AccotinkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Accotink Creek (Fairfax County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Accotink Creek (Fairfax County): That Portion Of Stream From King Arthur Road Downstream 3.1 Miles To Route 620 (Braddock Road)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
All Virginia WatersOpen
- Status
- Permitted
No limit — Unlimited; Artificially raised trout only
AnnaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
ArrowheadOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Augusta County Rec PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Back Creek (Bath County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Back Creek (Bath County): That Portion Of Stream From The Rt. 600 Bridge Just Below The Virginia Power Back Creek Dam Downstream 1.5 Miles To The Rt. 600 Bridge At The Lower Boundary Of The Virginia Power Recreational AreaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Bealer’s Ferry PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Beaverdam Cr.Open
- Status
- Permitted
Big Moccasin Creek (Scott County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Big Moccasin Creek (Scott County): That Portion Of The Stream From The Vdot Foot Bridge At The Lower End Of Gate City Downstream To The Wadlow Gap Highway Bridge (Highway 58/421)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Big Wilson Creek
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Braley PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
BrieryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Cave Mountain Lake (Natural Bridge)
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
Chestnut Creek (Carroll County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Chestnut Creek (Carroll County): That Portion Of Stream From The U.s. Route 58 Bridge Downstream Approximately 4.2 Miles To The Downstream Boundary Of The New River Trail State Park Cliffview CampgroundOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
ClaytorOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Clearbrook Forest Service LakesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Clifton Forge ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Clinch Mountain Fee Fishing AreaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
A daily permit ($8.00) is required from the first Saturday in April through September 30. Daily permit required from the first Saturday in April through September 30
Coles Run ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
CookOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Crooked Creek Fee Fishing AreaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
A daily permit ($8.00) is required from the first Saturday in April through September 30. Daily permit required from the first Saturday in April through September 30
Dan RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
wild and stocked trout fishing opportunities, with two special regulation areas in mountainous Patrick Co.
Designated Stocked Trout WaterOpen
- Status
- Open
- Season opens
- Oct 1
- Season closes
- Jun 15
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
NO CLOSED SEASON Trout License Required October 1 through June 15
Designated Stocked Trout Waters
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
- Gear
- No Seines And Nets
except that a hand-landing net to land fish legally hooked may be used in all waters
Douthat Forest Service LakesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Douthat LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Douthat Lake stocked 4 times and Wilson Creek stocked 5 times outside of the fee fishing season.
Douthat State Park Fee Fishing AreaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
From June 16 through September 14, no trout will be stocked and no daily fee or trout license is required. Daily permit required from the first Saturday in April through June 15 and from September 15 through October 31
Dry RunOpen
- Status
- Permitted
ElkhornOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Fee Fishing AreasOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
After the fee fishing season, these areas revert to designated stocked trout waters and a trout license is required instead of the daily permit.
Franklin County Park Pond (Rocky Mount)
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
FrederickOpen
- Status
- Permitted
GatewoodOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Germantown LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Glen Alton Pond (Giles Co.)
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
Hardy Creek (Lee County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Hardy Creek (Lee County): That Portion Of Stream From The Vdot Swinging Bridge Just Upstream Of The Route 658 Ford Downstream To The Route 661 BridgeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
High Knob Lake
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 14"
Holliday Creek (Appomattox/ Buckingham Counties)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Holliday Creek (Appomattox/ Buckingham Counties): That Portion Of Stream From The Rt. 640 Crossing Downstream 2.8 Miles To A Sign At The Headwaters Of Holliday LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. A State Forest Use Permit is required by the VDOF for anyone 16 years and older who fishes in one of Virginia’s 19 State Forests. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Holmes Run (Fairfax County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Holmes Run (Fairfax County): That Portion Of Stream From The Lake Barcroft Dam Downstream 1.2 Miles To A Sign Posted At The Alexandria City LineOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Hone QuarryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Hunting Run ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Huntsman LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Indian Creek (Lee County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Indian Creek (Lee County): That Portion Of Stream Within The Boundaries Of Wilderness Road State ParkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Ivy Creek – Peaks View Park (Lynchburg)
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
Jackson River Tail Water
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Gear
- Bait Allowed
combined rainbow and brown
Jackson River Tailwater (Alleghany County)
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
Lake Anna State Park PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Lake MooneyOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LauraOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LaurelOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LexingtonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LincolnshireOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Little Wilson Creek
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Locust ShadeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Lovill’s CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Maury RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
excellent stocked trout fishery in the Goshen Pass section
Middle Fork Of Powell River (Wise County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Middle Fork Of Powell River (Wise County): That Portion Of Stream From The Trestle Bridge Just Downstream Of The Town Of Appalachia To The Trestle Bridge Just Upstream Of The Town Of Big Stone GapOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Mill Creek (Grayson County)
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
MoomawOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Mossy Creek
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
- Gear
- Fly Fishing Only
MottsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Mtn. Run Ni ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Newman LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
North Fork Of Pound And Pound Rivers (Wise County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
North Fork Of Pound And Pound Rivers (Wise County): That Portion Of The Streams From The Base Of North Fork Of Pound Dam Downstream To The Confluence With Indian CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
North Fork PoundOpen
- Status
- Permitted
North RiverCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31; Augusta County No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31; Augusta County
North River (Augusta County): That Portion Of Stream From The Base Of Elkhorn Dam Downstream 1.5 Miles To A Sign Posted At The Head Of Staunton City ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Northern Fauquier Community Park Pond
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters; Marshall
Norton ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Old Cossey PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Passage Creek (Warren County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Passage Creek (Warren County): That Portion Of Stream From The Shenandoah/ Warren County Line Downstream Approximately 1 Mile Through The Department’s Front Royal Fish HatcheryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Pedlar River (Amherst County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Pedlar River (Amherst County): That Portion Of Stream From The City Of Lynchburg/George Washington National Forest Boundary Line (Below Lynchburg Reservoir) Downstream 2.7 Miles To The Boundary Line Of The George Washington National Forest (Southeast Of Buena Vista)Open
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Pedlar River Delayed HarvestOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Pedlar River Delayed Harvest will not be stocked during the fall months due to low stream flows.
Piney River (Nelson/Amherst Counties)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; October 1 through May 31
Piney River (Nelson/Amherst Counties): That Portion Of Stream From The Piney River Trailhead Of The Virginia Blue Ridge Trail (Downstream From Route 151) Downstream To The Route 674 Crossing At Roses Mill RoadOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Pound River
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
Quebec Branch
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Roanoke River (Roanoke County And City Of Salem)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Gear
- No Live Bait
No trout may be in possession; Salem section; October 1 through May 31 No bait may be in possession; Salem section; October 1 through May 31
Roanoke River (Roanoke County And City Of Salem): Green Hill Park Section From The Route 760 Bridge (Diguids Lane) Upstream 1 Mile To A Sign Posted At The Upper End Of The ParkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Roanoke River (Roanoke County And City Of Salem): Salem Section Along Riverside Drive From The Colorado Street Bridge Downstream Approximately 2 Miles To The Route 419 BridgeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Trout license required October 1–June 15. No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters. October 1 through May 31
Roaring Run
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
ShenandoahOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Shenandoah National Park
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
On those streams open to harvest
SherandoOpen
- Status
- Permitted
SilverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
SkidmoreOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Slate LickOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Smith River
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Gear
- Artificial Only
all trout combined any combination of artificial lure is allowed
Smith River (Henry County)
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
South Fork Clinch River – Dunford Park (Tazewell)
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
South Fork Holston River
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
South HolstonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
South Holston ReservoirClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Daily bag
- 7 fish/day
- Gear
- Bait Allowed
The South Holston License is not valid for possession of trout.
South River
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
- Gear
- Fly Fishing Only
South River – Basic Park (Waynesboro)
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
South River (Augusta County/ City Of Waynesboro): That Portion Of Stream From The Second St. Bridge Upstream 2 Miles To The Wayne Ave. Bridge In The City Of WaynesboroOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A trout license is required.
Spring Run (Bath County): That Portion Of The Stream From Its Confluence With The Cowpasture River Upstream To A Cable And Posted Sign At The Discharge From Coursey Springs HatcheryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
A trout license is required October 1 through June 15.
Tams City ParkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Thompson Wma PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Thompson will be stocked as a Category A water, provided the pond water level is compatible with stocking needs.
TomahawkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Two Ponds (Smyth Co.) – Mount Rogers Nra Office
- Daily bag
- 3 trout
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
Urban Fishing WatersOpen
- Status
- Open
- Season opens
- Nov 1
- Season closes
- Apr 30
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
NO CLOSED SEASON Trout License Required November 1 through April 30
Urban Program Waters
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
Virginia Department Of Wildlife Resources LakesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Virginia Power Rec. PondsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Virginia's WatersOpen
- Status
- Permitted
No limit — Unlimited; Artificially raised trout only
Wilburn Branch
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
- Gear
- No Live Bait
Wildcat HollowOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
no longer catch and release and defaults to statewide bag and size limit on trout
WilkinsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Willis RobertsonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Wilson CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Douthat Lake stocked 4 times and Wilson Creek stocked 5 times outside of the fee fishing season.
WittenOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Woodrow Wilson PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Youth-Only Stocked Trout Waters
- Daily bag
- 3 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
Smallmouth Bass
Lake Moomaw
- Min size
- 12"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 12 inches
AbelOpen
- Status
- Permitted
AccotinkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
AnnaOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Appomattox RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
ArrowheadOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Augusta County Rec PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Bealer’s Ferry PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Beaverdam Cr.Open
- Status
- Permitted
Big Walker Creek From The Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge Downstream To The New River
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
Braley PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
BrieryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Briery Creek Lake
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 16"
- Slot max
- 24"
longer than 24 inches
Buggs Island Lake/Kerr Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Carvins CoveOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Min size
- 23"
stocked as fingerlings
ClaytorOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Claytor Lake
- Min size
- 23"
Clearbrook Forest Service LakesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Clifton Forge ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Clinch RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Clinch River–Within The Boundaries Of Scott, Wise, Russell Or Tazewell Counties
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
longer than 20 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 20 inches
Clinck And Powell Rivers Only
- Min size
- 23"
Coles Run ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
CookOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dan River And Tributaries Downstream From The Union Street Dam, Danville
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches, 5 per day in the aggregate (combined)
Douthat Forest Service LakesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dry RunOpen
- Status
- Permitted
ElkhornOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Flannagan Res.
- Min size
- 23"
Flannagan Reservoir
- Min size
- 15"
no smallmouth bass less than 15 inches
FrederickOpen
- Status
- Permitted
GatewoodOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Germantown LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Hone QuarryOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Hunting Run ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Huntsman LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
JamesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
stocked as fingerlings
James River (Upper)Open
- Status
- Permitted
mountain sections (upstream from Lynchburg) and piedmont sections (between Lynchburg and Richmond)
James River–Confluence Of The Jackson And Cowpasture Rivers (Botetourt Cty) Downstream To The 14th St. Bridge In Richmond
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
Lake Anna
- Min size
- 23"
Lake Anna State Park PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Lake Gaston
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Lake MooneyOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LauraOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LaurelOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Leesville Reservoir
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Levisa Fork River–Within The Boundaries Buchanan County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
longer than 20 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 20 inches
LexingtonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
LincolnshireOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Little River Downstream From Little River Dam In Montgomery County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
Locust ShadeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Lovill’s CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Maury RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
caught anywhere from the head waters to the mouth of the river where it enters the James
MoomawOpen
- Status
- Permitted
MottsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Mtn. Run Ni ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
New RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 8 lbs. 1 oz. on 3-12-2003
New River–Fields Dam (Grayson County) Downstream To The Va-Wv State Line
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
New River–Fields Dam (Grayson County) Downstream To The Va-Wv State Line And Its Tributaries Little River Downstream From Little River Dam In Montgomery County, Big Walker Creek From The Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge Downstream To The New River And Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New R
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
only 1 per day longer than 22 inches No largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
New River–Fields Dam (Grayson County) Downstream To The Va-Wv State Line And Its Tributaries Little River Downstream From Little River Dam In Montgomery County, Big Walker Creek From The Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge Downstream To The New River And Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New River In Giles County.
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
Newman LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
North Fork Holston RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
outstanding population, good numbers of smallmouth 14 to 18 inches, about one-third more than 14 inches, and more than 10% longer than 17 inches
North Fork Holston River–Rt. 91 Bridge Upstream Of Saltville, Va. Downstream To The Va-Tn State Line
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
longer than 20 inches no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 20 inches
North Fork PoundOpen
- Status
- Permitted
North Fork Shenandoah RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
throughout
North Fork, South Fork And Mainstem Shenandoah River
- Slot min
- 11"
- Slot max
- 14"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass 11 to 14 inches
Norton ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Nottoway RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
above Rt. 630 Bridge
Old Cossey PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
PhilpottOpen
- Status
- Permitted
stocked as fingerlings
Potomac River – Virginia Tidal Tributaries Above Rt. 301 Bridge
- Min size
- 15"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 15 inches from March 1 through June 15
Powell Rivers Only
- Min size
- 23"
ShenandoahOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Shenandoah River (Main Stem)Open
- Status
- Permitted
SherandoOpen
- Status
- Permitted
SilverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
SkidmoreOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Slate LickOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Smith Mt. Lake And Its Tributaries Below Niagara Dam
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
SouthOpen
- Status
- Permitted
stocked as fingerlings
South HolstonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
South Holston Reservoir
- Min size
- 15"
no smallmouth less than 15 inches
Staunton (Roanoke) River–And Its Tributaries Below Difficult Creek, Charlotte County
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
of 5 largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 14 inches
Staunton River–Leesville Dam (Campbell County) Downstream To The Mouth Of Difficult Creek, Charlotte County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
longer than 20 inches no smallmouth bass less than 20 inches
Tams City ParkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
TomahawkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Virginia Department Of Wildlife Resources LakesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Virginia Power Rec. PondsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
WilkinsOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Willis RobertsonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
WittenOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New River
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
Longer than 22 inches No largemouth or smallmouth bass 14 to 22 inches
Wolf Creek From The Narrows Dam Downstream To The New River In Giles County
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 14"
- Slot max
- 22"
longer than 22 inches
Woodrow Wilson PondOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Rainbow Trout
Big Tumbling CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Cripple CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Crooked CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Dan RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Elk CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Fox CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Impoundments (Ponds, Lakes, And Reservoirs)Open
- Status
- Permitted
Artificially raised rainbow trout may be sold as bait, except impoundments listed as designated stocked trout waters, Lake Moomaw, and Philpott Reservoir
Jackson RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Jackson River Tail WaterCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Min size
- 7"
- Slot min
- 12"
- Slot max
- 16"
No rainbow trout 12 to 16 inches The 7-inch statewide minimum size limit does not apply to rainbow trout in this section of river.
Jackson River Tail Water Trout Water (Alleghany County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Slot min
- 12"
- Slot max
- 16"
All rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches must be released immediately. No rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches may be in possession
Jackson River TailwaterCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
- Slot min
- 12"
- Slot max
- 16"
All rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches must be released immediately. combined rainbow and brown The 7-inch statewide minimum size limit does not apply to rainbow trout in this section of river.
Jackson River Tailwater (Alleghany County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Min size
- 7"
- Slot min
- 12"
- Slot max
- 16"
All rainbow trout between 12 and 16 inches must be released immediately. The 7-inch statewide minimum size limit does not apply to rainbow trout in this section of river.
James RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Artificially raised rainbow trout may be sold as bait
Little Reed Island CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
MoomawOpen
- Status
- Permitted
New RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Artificially raised rainbow trout may be sold as bait
Potts CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Roanoke RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Shenandoah National Park
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
On those streams open to harvest
Smith RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Min size
- 7"
Smith River (Henry County)
- Min size
- 7"
Smith River (Henry County): From Philpott Dam Downstream To The State Route 636 Bridge Crossing (Mitchell Bridge) Located Approximately 31 Miles Downstream Of Philpott Dam And Approximately 10.5 Miles Below Martinsville Dam
- Min size
- 7"
South Fork Holston RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Spring CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 14 lbs. 12 oz. on 6-9-2024
Whitetop LaurelOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Brown Trout
Back CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Jackson RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Jackson River Tail WaterCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
- Max size
- 20"
no brown trout less than 20 inches only 1 of 4 can be a brown trout over 20 inches
Jackson River Tail Water Trout Water (Alleghany County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
All brown trout less than 20 inches must be released immediately.
Jackson River Tailwater
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 20"
combined rainbow and brown, only 1 of 4 can be a brown trout over 20 inches no brown trout less than 20 inches; All brown trout less than 20 inches must be released immediately.
Jackson River Tailwater (Alleghany County)Catch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Min size
- 20"
all brown trout less than 20 inches must be released immediately. only 1 of 4 can be a brown trout over 20 inches
Little RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
MoomawOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Mossy CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Potts CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Shenandoah National ParkClosed
- Status
- Prohibited
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 7"
The release of any brown trout back into any Park stream is prohibited and brown trout less than 7 inches must be disposed of within the Park but away from Park streams, roads or trails. On those streams open to harvest
Smith RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 10"
- Slot max
- 24"
State Record: 18 lbs. 11 oz. on 6-22-1979 only 1 brown trout per day longer than 24 inches No brown trout 10 to 24 inches
Smith River (Henry County)
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Possession
- 1 fish
- Slot min
- 10"
- Slot max
- 24"
only 1 brown trout per day longer than 24 inches only one brown trout can be larger than 24 inches. No brown trout 10 to 24 inches
Smith River (Henry County): From Philpott Dam Downstream To The State Route 636 Bridge Crossing (Mitchell Bridge) Located Approximately 31 Miles Downstream Of Philpott Dam And Approximately 10.5 Miles Below Martinsville DamCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Daily bag
- 1 fish/day
- Slot min
- 10"
- Slot max
- 24"
No brown trout 10 to 24 inches only one brown trout can be larger than 24 inches
South Fork, HolstonOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 14 lbs. 12 oz. on 5-24-1990
Brook Trout
Coles Run ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Crooked CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Cub RunOpen
- Status
- Permitted
State Record: 5 lbs. 15 oz. on 3-12-2019
Dry RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Hughes RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Jeremy’s RunOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Laurel BedOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Laurel ForkOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Lexington City ReservoirOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Little Stoney CreekOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Rapidan RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Rose RiverOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Shenandoah National Park
- Daily bag
- 6 fish/day
- Min size
- 9"
On those streams open to harvest
Smith River
- Min size
- 7"
Smith River (Henry County)
- Min size
- 7"
Smith River (Henry County): From Philpott Dam Downstream To The State Route 636 Bridge Crossing (Mitchell Bridge) Located Approximately 31 Miles Downstream Of Philpott Dam And Approximately 10.5 Miles Below Martinsville Dam
- Min size
- 7"
Switzer LakeOpen
- Status
- Permitted
All Species
Lake MoomawOpen
- Status
- Permitted
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
- Gear
- Bait Allowed
National Forest Permit not required
Lake Moomaw (Alleghany/Bath Counties)
- Daily bag
- 2 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
- Gear
- Bait Allowed
Tiger Trout
Bullpasture River In Bath And Highland CountiesOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Jackson River In Bath CountyOpen
- Status
- Permitted
North Fork Shenandoah River In Rockingham CountyOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Passage Creek In Shenandoah CountyOpen
- Status
- Permitted
South River In Rockbridge CountyOpen
- Status
- Permitted
Yellow Perch
Lake Moomaw
- Daily bag
- 10 fish
Largemouth Bass
Lake Moomaw
- Min size
- 12"
no largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 12 inches
Smallmouth Bass Largemouth
Lake Moomaw
- Min size
- 12"
No largemouth or smallmouth bass less than 12 inches
FAQ
Who regulates fishing on Lake Moomaw?
DWR regulates fishing on Lake Moomaw.
What species can I target on Lake Moomaw?
Lake Moomaw is best known for kokanee salmon, smallmouth bass, trout. Other species are present and tracked in the rule tables below.
When was this last updated?
These rules were last verified against DWR on 2026-05-08. Always confirm with the official source before keeping a catch.
Reference only. Regulations change mid-season. Always verify with the official source before keeping a catch. Last verified .