Smith River
Below Philpott Dam · Martinsville
SW Virginia, USA
Open live forecast →Target species: Brown and Rainbow.
Stream gauge: 02075500. Flow and water temperature update on every refresh.
Weekly AI Outlook as of 06/05/26
At 607 cfs, the Smith is in prime tailwater form with cold dam releases keeping trout active while Virginia heats up around us. Lucky Strips reports synchronized hatches creating one of the season's best windows, with aggressive feeding in all the sweet spots. Focus on the peak Sulphur emergence (#16-18 Comparaduns and CDC patterns) during evening hours, plus morning Trico spinners as we move deeper into June. With 90°F air temps forecast but cold water staying consistent, this is textbook summer tailwater fishing.
- Flow: 607 cfs — ideal tailwater level with Philpott Dam maintaining steady cold releases while piedmont region heats up
- Hatches: Peak Sulphur emergence #16-18 evening. Trico spinners starting morning routine. Caddis continuing into summer
- Water Temp: Cold dam release ~50°F creating thermal refuge as air temps hit 90°F — perfect summer tailwater conditions
- Best Window: Evening Sulphur time 6-8pm, early morning Trico spinners. Midday nymphing in thermal refuge zones
Generated weekly from live USGS gauge readings, weather forecasts, and recent fly shop reports. Updates Friday mornings.
About this Water
- Tailwater
- Best months: Year-round; best Apr–June and Sept–Nov. Peak: May (Sulphur hatch)
The Smith River below Philpott Dam in Henry County is Virginia's premier tailwater trout fishery — a cold, clear stretch of the Piedmont Appalachians that holds exceptional populations of large wild brown trout in the designated special regulation section from the dam to Bassett. The river's clear water and selective fish demand precise presentations. Unlike many tailwaters, the Smith has a significant wild fish component in its special reg section, with large brown trout producing naturally and growing to trophy size in the fertile dam releases.
The Smith River below Philpott Dam produces brown trout averaging larger than almost any other Virginia stream — VDGIF surveys have documented brown trout over 24 inches in the special regulation section, fish that grow fat on the cold tailwater's abundant food supply.
January Outlook
January on the Smith River tailwater below Philpott Dam in southern Virginia — one of the Mid-Atlantic's least-known year-round trout fisheries. The Philpott Reservoir release maintains consistent 44–50°F water. Midge and scud nymphing on a quiet Virginia piedmont tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
The Smith River is Virginia's overlooked year-round tailwater. In January it's nearly deserted — a stark contrast to summer. The section from Philpott Dam downstream to Bassett holds exceptional wild rainbow and brown trout in tailwater that stays open all winter. Fish the deeper pools with midge nymphs on 5X–6X tippet.
Water Notes
Regulated 100–800 cfs. Water 44–50°F year-round from Philpott Reservoir. Virginia's overlooked year-round tailwater.
February Outlook
February on the Smith River tailwater. The Philpott Dam release continues providing consistent cold-water conditions. Scud and midge fishing in a beautiful piedmont Virginia setting — far less pressure than the Jackson River to the north.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge #20-22
- Scud (tan, olive)
- Soft Hackle Wet
- RS2
Tips
February on the Smith River rewards those who make the trip to this underappreciated tailwater. The consistent tailwater temperatures keep fish active and catchable all winter. Fish the slow pools and seams. 5X–6X tippet in the clear piedmont tailwater. Guide access is limited — self-guided fishing here is excellent.
Water Notes
100–700 cfs. Water 44–50°F. Stable tailwater conditions. Less pressure than comparable Virginia tailwaters.
March Outlook
March on the Smith River as Virginia spring begins. Early Quill Gordon and BWO hatches appear on warm afternoons. The tailwater's cold Philpott Reservoir release produces hatches earlier than nearby freestone streams. An excellent early-season opportunity in southern Virginia.
Productive Patterns
- Quill Gordon #14-16
- Blue Winged Olive
- Midge Dry
- Soft Hackle
Tips
March marks the beginning of the Smith River's hatch season. Quill Gordon hatches typically start in mid-March on afternoons above 50°F. The tailwater section from the dam to Bassett is the prime March water. Fish are active and willing after the winter dormancy — even the selective wild browns respond to early hatches.
Water Notes
150–800 cfs. Water 46–52°F. Early spring conditions. Tailwater character produces early hatches.
April Outlook
The Smith River below Philpott Dam in southern Virginia is one of the Mid-Atlantic's finest tailwater fisheries. Excellent Hendrickson and Sulphur hatches for wild rainbow and brown trout.
Productive Patterns
- Hendrickson
- Blue Winged Olive
- Sulphur Sparkle Dun
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Smith River's tailwater effect from Philpott Reservoir produces exceptional wild trout fishing. The section from the dam to Bassett holds quality fish throughout. 5X–6X tippet for the selective wild browns.
Water Notes
Regulated 150–1,200 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Stable tailwater conditions from the dam.
May Outlook
Prime season on the Smith River. Sulphur and Caddis hatches build through May on this beautiful piedmont tailwater.
Productive Patterns
- Sulphur Dry
- Elk Hair Caddis
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Hendrickson
Tips
May is the Smith River's finest month. The evening Sulphur hatch is excellent. The river is less famous than Virginia's Jackson River but comparable in quality — and far less crowded.
Water Notes
200–1,000 cfs. Water 50–58°F. Excellent spring tailwater conditions.
June Outlook
Early summer on the Smith River tailwater. The Philpott Dam release maintains cold water as Virginia's piedmont region heats up. Trico and Caddis fishing continue through June. The Smith is one of the few Mid-Atlantic tailwaters where summer fishing stays productive.
Productive Patterns
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Trico Spinner (morning)
- PMD Sparkle Dun
- Scud
Tips
June is excellent on the Smith River. The cold dam release maintains optimal temperatures as the surrounding piedmont warms. Morning Trico spinner falls begin in June. Evening Caddis hatches continue. The river is less crowded than the Jackson River — an advantage for anglers who prefer solitude.
Water Notes
150–900 cfs. Water 48–56°F. Cold tailwater thermal refuge begins in piedmont Virginia summer.
July Outlook
July on the Smith River tailwater. The Philpott Reservoir release continues providing cold water during Virginia's hottest month. The Smith is one of the very few Mid-Atlantic tailwaters fishable in summer. Trico spinner falls at dawn, scud and midge nymphing all day.
Productive Patterns
- Trico Spinner (dawn)
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Soft Hackle
Tips
The Smith River provides summer fishing when most Virginia streams are closed by thermal stress. Fish the dawn Trico spinner fall, then nymph with scuds through midday. The section from Philpott Dam to the Bassett Bridge holds the coldest, most productive summer water. Avoid lower sections where tailwater influence diminishes.
Water Notes
100–800 cfs. Water 46–54°F from Philpott Reservoir. Air temps 88–96°F. Year-round tailwater thermal refuge in southern Virginia.
August Outlook
August on the Smith River tailwater. The dam continues delivering cold water to one of the Mid-Atlantic's few summer trout fisheries. Scud and midge nymphing produces consistent results in the section closest to Philpott Dam.
Productive Patterns
- Scud
- Zebra Midge
- Trico Spinner (dawn)
- RS2
Tips
August on the Smith River requires early morning dedication. Fish the Trico spinner fall at first light, then nymph through midday when TVA-style conditions allow. The section within two miles of the dam is the most temperature-stable. A valuable summer resource for Southern Virginia fly anglers.
Water Notes
100–700 cfs. Water 46–54°F. Year-round tailwater. August fishing excellent near the dam.
September Outlook
Fall BWO fishing on the Smith River. Brown trout become aggressive before spawning — good fish available throughout the tailwater section.
Productive Patterns
- Blue Winged Olive
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Streamer
- Mahogany Dun
Tips
Fall on the Smith River is excellent. BWO hatches are reliable on overcast afternoons. Large brown trout become more active as water temperatures cool. The Smith is Virginia's overlooked tailwater gem.
Water Notes
150–800 cfs. Cooling 50–58°F. Good fall tailwater conditions.
October Outlook
October on the Smith River. Pre-spawn brown trout are aggressive and the BWO/Mahogany Dun hatch is reliable. The beautiful Virginia piedmont setting in fall — rolling hills and hardwood forest — makes this one of the region's most scenic October tailwater destinations.
Productive Patterns
- Mahogany Dun #14-16
- Blue Winged Olive
- Streamer (olive)
- Copper John
Tips
October is excellent on the Smith River with low pressure and reliable hatches. Pre-spawn wild brown trout are aggressive. Fish streamers in the morning for the largest fish. BWO hatches on overcast afternoons can produce excellent dry fly action. The Smith is Virginia's most underrated tailwater — a gem for those who discover it.
Water Notes
150–900 cfs. Cooling 48–56°F. Excellent fall conditions. Pre-spawn brown trout peak aggression.
November Outlook
November on the Smith River tailwater. Post-spawn fish feeding aggressively and consistent scud and midge fishing continues. The Smith remains productive long after surrounding Virginia streams finish their seasons.
Productive Patterns
- Midge Nymph
- Scud
- BWO (early month)
- Soft Hackle
Tips
November on the Smith River is excellent. The tailwater's consistent temperatures extend the season well into late fall. Spawning brown trout in the upper sections — fish egg patterns below redds. The river is near-empty of anglers in November. One of Virginia's best November tailwater experiences.
Water Notes
100–700 cfs. Cooling 46–54°F. Late season tailwater. Brown trout spawning season. Year-round fishery.
December Outlook
December on the Smith River tailwater completes the year-round cycle on Virginia's overlooked piedmont gem. The Philpott Reservoir release maintains consistent 44–50°F water and midge and scud fishing continues through winter. A quiet, year-round tailwater that rewards the dedicated angler.
Productive Patterns
- Zebra Midge
- Scud
- RS2
- Soft Hackle Midge
Tips
December on the Smith River is excellent for those who appreciate year-round tailwater fishing in solitude. The river is completely deserted in December — you may have miles of productive tailwater to yourself. Fish midday on mild days. The consistent Philpott Dam release maintains fishable conditions all winter.
Water Notes
100–700 cfs. Water 44–50°F year-round. Year-round tailwater. December solitude on a world-class Virginia river.
Hatch Calendar
| Insect | Peak | Active | Size | Productive Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Winged Olive Baetis spp. |
Apr, Oct | Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov | #18–22 |
|
| Sulphur Ephemerella dorothea |
May, Jun | May, Jun | #16–18 |
|
| Midge Chironomidae |
Jan, Feb, Dec | Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec | #20–26 |
|
Access & Approach
Martinsville, VA area (Bassett is the closest town). Check Army Corps releases for Philpott Dam. Virginia fishing license required. The special regulation section has catch-and-release requirements for brown trout — check current VDGIF regulations.
Nearby Fly Shops
- Lucky Strips Fly Co.
- New River Fly Fish
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 →
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About Current
Smith 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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