Jackson River
Below Gathright Dam
W Virginia, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 02011400. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
Jackson below Gathright is running 70 cfs at 64°F — excellent early summer tailwater conditions with the cold dam release keeping things productive while other Mid-Atlantic streams warm. Sulphurs are peaking this month with evening emergence likely around 7-8pm as air temps hit the mid-80s. Murray's recommends Little Yellow Stonefly patterns and caddis imitations. Focus evening sessions on the catch-and-release water where wild browns and rainbows are holding in the thermal refuge.
- Flow: 70 cfs — ideal summer level with cold dam release keeping water temps optimal while surrounding streams heat up
- Hatches: Peak Sulphur season with evening emergence expected. Little Yellow Stonefly and caddis active per Murray's intel
- Water Temp: 64°F — warmer than typical tailwater range but still excellent for June fishing in this heat
- Best Window: Evening sessions 6-8pm for Sulphur emergence as air temps cool from mid-80s
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Apr–Oct, peak May–Oct
The Jackson River below Lake Moomaw in western Virginia is the state's premier tailwater trout fishery — cold releases from the dam support large brown and rainbow trout in classic Appalachian valley country. The fishery has had a complicated history with public access litigation, but the river remains productive in the public sections. Float trips dominate the productive water below the dam.
The Jackson has been at the center of one of America's most contentious river-access legal battles — a decades-long debate over whether the public has the right to wade rivers running through private property in Virginia.
January Outlook
January on the Jackson River tailwater below Gathright Dam — one of Virginia's finest tailwater trout fisheries. The dam-released water stays at 44–50°F year-round and midge nymphing produces consistent action through winter. An underappreciated January tailwater in the Mid-Atlantic.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Sowbug
- RS2
Tips
The Jackson tailwater fishes year-round thanks to Gathright Reservoir releases. January midge nymphing in the deep pools produces reliable results. The section from the dam to the Route 687 bridge is the best winter water. Fish the slow seams on size 20–22 midge patterns.
Water Notes
Regulated 100–600 cfs. Water 44–50°F year-round from Gathright Reservoir. One of Virginia's few year-round tailwater options.
February Outlook
February on the Jackson tailwater. The reservoir-regulated water maintains consistent temperatures while Allegheny Mountain winter rages above. Scud and midge nymphing produce fish in the deep pools. Some of the largest brown trout in the tailwater are catchable in February.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge #20-22
- Scud (olive, tan)
- Soft Hackle Wet
- RS2
Tips
February tailwater fishing on the Jackson rewards methodical midge nymphing. Fish deep and slow in the pools directly below the dam. Large brown trout hold in the deepest sections through winter. 5X–6X tippet in the clear water. Best fishing 11am–3pm on mild days.
Water Notes
100–500 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Stable tailwater conditions. Allegheny winter above but the river stays open.
March Outlook
March on the Jackson tailwater. Early Quill Gordon and BWO hatches begin to emerge on warming afternoons. The tailwater character means hatches start earlier here than on surrounding freestone streams. Wild rainbow and brown trout begin responding to surface activity.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon #14-16
- Blue Winged Olive
- Midge Dry #22
- Soft Hackle Wet
Tips
March is when the Jackson tailwater begins to come alive with surface activity. Look for afternoon Quill Gordon hatches when water temps reach 48°F. The section between the dam and Route 687 is the most productive. Fish evenings for the first BWO activity — a welcome sign of spring on this Allegheny tailwater.
Water Notes
150–600 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Early spring conditions. Tailwater character produces hatches ahead of surrounding freestone streams.
April Outlook
The Jackson River below Gathright Dam is one of Virginia's finest tailwater trout fisheries. Hendrickson and Sulphur hatches on cold tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson
- BWO
- Sulphur
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Jackson below the dam has excellent cold, clear water from Gathright Reservoir. Large brown and rainbow trout respond well to Hendrickson patterns in April.
Water Notes
Regulated 200–600 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Tailwater character — consistent flows and temps.
May Outlook
Excellent spring fishing on the Jackson with Sulphur and Caddis hatches joining the BWO program.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Jackson is Virginia's finest tailwater. Evening Sulphur hatches from 6–9pm are exceptional. The cold, clear water holds large fish throughout.
Water Notes
250–700 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Outstanding spring tailwater conditions.
June Outlook
Summer tailwater fishing on the Jackson. The cold Gathright Reservoir release keeps the river productive even in Allegheny summer heat. Caddis and evening Sulphur activity continues through June. The Jackson is one of the few Mid-Atlantic streams fishable in midsummer.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Sulphur (evening)
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Trico Spinner
Tips
June on the Jackson tailwater is excellent. The cold dam release keeps water in the optimal 52–58°F range while surrounding streams warm. Fish evenings for Sulphur and Caddis activity. The catch-and-release sections hold large wild fish in summer conditions that drive anglers off other Virginia streams.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Cold tailwater is a thermal refuge in early summer. Evening Sulphur hatches continue.
July Outlook
The Jackson tailwater provides thermal refuge in the Virginia summer. While surrounding Allegheny streams push dangerous temperatures, the Gathright Reservoir release keeps the river at 52–58°F. Midge and scud nymphing produces consistent action in the heat of summer.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Trico Spinner (morning)
- Elk Hair Caddis (evening)
Tips
The Jackson is one of very few Mid-Atlantic streams that fishes well in July. Early morning Trico spinner falls are excellent. Evening Caddis and Sulphur activity continues. Fish the dam section where water is coldest. Avoid the lower sections where tailwater influence diminishes and temperatures rise.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 52–58°F from Gathright Reservoir. A genuine thermal refuge in Virginia's summer heat.
August Outlook
August on the Jackson tailwater. The reservoir continues delivering cold water and the midge/scud fishery remains productive. One of the Mid-Atlantic's few genuine summer trout options when other rivers are too warm.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- Trico Spinner
- Small Soft Hackle
Tips
August is challenging elsewhere but the Jackson tailwater holds cold water all summer. Fish the first two miles below Gathright Dam for the most temperature-stable water. Trico spinner falls at dawn are excellent on the Jackson in August. Check the section from dam to Route 687 — concentrated fish in the coldest water.
Water Notes
150–500 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Tailwater thermal refuge in peak summer heat. One of Virginia's few August trout options.
September Outlook
Excellent fall BWO fishing on the Jackson tailwater. Large brown trout become aggressive before spawning.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Mahogany Dun
- Streamer
- Copper John
Tips
The Jackson in September and October is exceptional — reliable BWO hatches and large fish. The tailwater nature keeps conditions consistent.
Water Notes
200–600 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Good fall tailwater conditions.
October Outlook
October is the Jackson tailwater's finest month. Pre-spawn brown trout are at peak aggression. BWO and Mahogany Dun hatches are reliable. The Allegheny Mountain setting displays spectacular fall foliage.
Productive Patterns
- Mahogany Dun #14-16
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer (olive)
- Copper John
Tips
October on the Jackson combines exceptional fishing with beautiful Allegheny fall colors. Large brown trout are aggressive before spawning — fish streamers in the morning and dry flies during the afternoon hatch window. The wild fish in the upper catch-and-release sections are in prime condition.
Water Notes
200–700 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Ideal fall tailwater conditions. Brown trout spawning aggression peaks in October.
November Outlook
November late-season on the Jackson tailwater. Brown trout spawning and reliable midge and scud activity continue through late fall. The tailwater's consistent temperatures extend the season well into winter.
Productive Patterns
- Midge Nymph
- Scud
- Egg Pattern (small)
- BWO (early month)
Tips
November on the Jackson tailwater is excellent. Spawning brown trout in the upper sections. Fish below redds — not on them. The midge and scud fishery continues year-round. The tailwater section below the dam is open and fishable all winter.
Water Notes
150–600 cfs. Cooling 46–52°F. Late season tailwater. Brown trout spawning. Midge nymphing year-round.
December Outlook
December on the Jackson tailwater — back to winter conditions and year-round midge and scud fishing. The Gathright Reservoir release maintains 44–50°F water through the coldest months. One of Virginia's finest year-round tailwater experiences.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
December marks the return to winter tailwater fishing on the Jackson. Midge and scud nymphing in the deep pools below the dam. Fish midday when temperatures are at their peak. The Jackson's year-round tailwater character makes it a reliable destination even in the dead of Allegheny winter.
Water Notes
100–500 cfs. Water 44–50°F year-round from Gathright Reservoir. Open and fishable all winter. Virginia's year-round tailwater gem.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #22–26 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun | #16–18 |
|
Access & Approach
Covington, VA is the primary base. Public access at state-managed sites; some sections have access disputes — research current status before fishing. Virginia fishing license required.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Blue Ridge Fishing Adventures
- Murray's Fly Shop
Regulations & License
Fishing in Virginia requires a current license. Always verify season dates, bag limits, and any special-regulation waters before you fish.
Virginia fishing regulations & license →
Nearby Waters
Closest Waters
About Current
Jackson River conditions on Current combine real-time flow data (USGS, WSC, CDEC, CEHQ), weather, tide predictions, hatch probabilities calibrated to this specific water, and recent fly shop reports from the area.
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