Fall Trout Fishing on the Smith River: What to Expect in October and November
We are officially into the fall season here in Southwest Virginia, with a week of cooler temperatures and some much-needed rain in the forecast. As we move into October, we can begin to anticipate some shifts in the fishing on the Smith River in Bassett, Virginia.
Fall can be one of the most anticipated seasons to get out and fish a tailwater, and the Smith River is a unique fishery because Philpott Dam provides cold-water releases that support trout fishing year-round. The river’s special-regulation section extends approximately 31 miles downstream from Philpott Dam. (Virginia Wildlife Resources).
With the consistent flow of cold water from Philpott Dam, we are receiving fairly consistent temperatures out of the dam at around 44–45 degrees Fahrenheit, while farther downstream into town we see a little more variation throughout the day, generally from the upper 40s into the 50s.
As we move farther into fall, I expect those temperature variations to tighten up as the air temperatures become more consistent.
This article will cover some of the things I pay attention to when fishing the Smith River in the fall, including what changes from September into October and November, what trout are feeding on, and some of the fly-fishing approaches that can be productive during the transition.
Why Fly Fish the Smith River in the Fall?
After playing through the summer season and sweating it out with the fish during the dog days of summer and high summer sun, it is often a welcomed transition when late September and early October arrive. We begin to see cooler mornings become more prevalent and the temperatures start to swing in a more consistent direction. That is a nice transition for us as anglers, but the trout in the Smith River are responding to those changes as well.
Cooler temperatures can influence trout behavior and feeding activity as insect availability begins to change.
At the same time, the scenery around the river starts to change as the leaves turn and begin to fall. Soon enough, we will be dodging leaves with our casts and mending around clumps of fallen tree matter — the infamous fall leaf hatch. That combination of cooler temperatures, changing insect activity, and beautiful scenery is enough by itself to make fall one of my favorite times to fish the Smith River.
What Happens on October 1?
October is particularly important on the Smith River because the designated stocked sections enter their stocking season.
Virginia DWR identifies two stocked areas within the Smith River’s special-regulation section. The upper stocked area begins at Philpott Dam and extends approximately 3.3 miles downstream to Town Creek. The lower stocked area begins in North Bassett and extends approximately 9.5 miles downstream to below Fieldale.
DWR's fisheries report states that these areas are stocked from October 1 through June 15. (Virginia Wildlife Resources).
That means October can bring an interesting mix of fishing opportunities depending on where you choose to spend your day.
From our past years fishing the Smith during the stocking season, we have primarily seen stocked rainbow trout, with minimal, if any, other stockings of brook trout or tiger trout like we had seen in years prior.
Of course, this year's stocking will look different than previous years, and I am not here to open that can of worms beyond the attention it has already received. Nonetheless, we appreciate the efforts of the people and organizations involved in managing and maintaining a healthy fishery here on the Smith River.
Fall Trout Fishing on the Smith River: Wild Brown Trout
For many experienced fly anglers, brown trout are the fish that make fall special.
The heightened colors and behaviors they exhibit during this time of year are something I always look forward to, but more importantly, our population of wild brown trout is part of what makes the Smith River such a special resource compared with other trout waters in Virginia and the surrounding region.
As water temperatures fall, brown trout become increasingly active during their fall reproductive period, and their behavior can change. That can create opportunities for anglers willing to pursue larger fish with streamers.
Virginia DWR specifically highlights the late-September through early-November period as an important time for pursuing brown trout with streamers.
The Smith River's wild brown trout population is one of the reasons the river has such a strong reputation among Virginia trout anglers.
October Smith River Fishing
October is one of those transition months in our fishing calendar where we see lasting trends from the previous season try to hang on as new trends become more and more prevalent each day. Those changes show up in both the bug life and the fish's holding patterns.
As we are concluding September, we have been seeing some interesting overlap with several remaining Sulphurs, a high concentration of Caddis of varying sizes, and the ever-present midge population in our system.
We have been seeing plenty of opportunities with rising fish, but figuring out exactly what they are keyed in on can be a puzzle because of the variation in bug availability.
Depending on water temperature, flows, cloud cover, and insect activity, the best fly selection can change throughout the month.
Some good categories to have available include:
Nymphs
BWO's, small mayflies, Caddis, and Midges are all good options.
Dry Flies
Similar to the nymph selections, small mayflies and BWO patterns can be useful when trout are feeding on the surface. Fall Caddis can also become an important part of the mix.
Streamers
Always a great play.
Mix it up and have fun. There isn't necessarily one streamer that is better than another. It becomes a game of matching presentation and profile to the conditions.
A small, dark streamer can be a great option when looking to match our abundant crayfish population and can even be mistaken for a larger nymph.
Terrestrial Patterns
Terrestrials remain viable as fall progresses, Ants and Beetles can still be a great option when the more traditional patterns aren't producing.
Small Attractors
Stimulators can be a great option for imitating a variety of larger fly profiles somewhere between terrestrials and large Caddis.
They can also work well as part of a dry-dropper rig, especially when water flows are lower.
Baitfish Imitations
Change the color, speed of retrieve, and depth you are fishing.
During the fall, baitfish can be an important source of protein as some insect activity begins to fade. Baitfish are always present within the system and offer trout another viable food source.
The important thing is not getting locked into one method.
One of the most valuable skills on the Smith River is recognizing what the fish are telling you.
If trout aren't responding to one presentation, change something.
Change depth. Change fly size. Change profile. Change speed.
Sometimes the adjustment that turns a slow day around isn't changing the color at all.
November Smith River Fishing
November typically fortifies the transition mentioned earlier and begins to settle into a cooler fall environment.
Air temperatures continue falling, and trout can become increasingly focused on lower-energy feeding opportunities.
Our wild brown trout are also moving into their fall reproductive period around this time, depending on environmental conditions and the consistency of water temperatures.
Nymphing can become increasingly important, while streamers can still provide opportunities for anglers targeting larger trout.
The cold-water nature of the Smith River gives anglers an advantage compared with many freestone streams. The tailwater remains a viable trout fishery through the colder months and provides year-round trout fishing opportunities, as I discussed in my previous article on year-round fly fishing on the Smith River.
What Flies Should You Bring for Fall Smith River Fishing?
Rather than carrying one "magic fly," build a box around several categories.
Just like mentioned above;
Nymphs
Carry a selection of weighted nymphs capable of reaching different depths while also covering several different profiles to match the potential bug life present in the system throughout the season.
Streamers
Bring crayfish and various baitfish patterns in multiple sizes and profiles.
Streamers can be particularly appealing when you're specifically looking for larger brown trout.
Dry Flies
Carry a few smaller mayfly and Caddis patterns for situations when trout begin feeding on the surface.
Attractors
Don't underestimate simple attractor patterns.
Trout don't always behave exactly like the hatch chart says they should.
How Important Are Water Levels on the Smith River?
The Smith River is a tailwater, which means water released from Philpott Dam can significantly influence river conditions.
DWR specifically cautions anglers that water levels and flows can rise when water is released from Philpott Dam. (Virginia Wildlife Resources).
That is why checking current conditions before a trip is so important.
We are still under a management project at the dam and are not receiving our variable high flows yet, but they are looming in the near future and are something anglers should begin to be more mindful of.
These changing flows are another reason having someone who spends significant time on the river can make your day more productive.
Is Fall Smith River Fishing Good for Beginners?
Long story short: yes.
With the transitionary period of trout becoming more concentrated in certain advantageous feeding lines, the Smith River is an excellent place to learn trout fishing because you can experience a variety of water types and techniques throughout the year.
But there is a difference between knowing what a riffle, seam, pool, or current break is and knowing exactly how to fish it.
That's where guided instruction can become valuable.
At Lucky Strips Fly Co., a guided trip isn't simply about handing you a rod and telling you where to cast. The goal is to help you understand why the fish were there and how to recognize similar water yourself.
That knowledge can be just as valuable as the fish you catch during the day.
What Should You Bring for a Fall Smith River Fishing Trip?
For a fall Smith River trip, it's time to start thinking about layers.
Morning temperatures can be quite different from afternoon temperatures, so it is always best to plan accordingly and err on the side of caution.
Bring:
Long pants
Weather-appropriate layers
Rain jacket
Sunglasses
Hat
Sunscreen
Waterproof footwear or shoes you don't mind getting wet
Virginia fishing license
Stocked trout license if fishing the designated stocked sections during the applicable season
Always verify current Virginia regulations before fishing.
The Smith River's special-regulation section has specific brown trout protections. Brown trout between 10 and 24 inches must be released, and only one brown trout longer than 24 inches may be harvested per day under the current regulation. (Virginia Wildlife Resources).
Fly Fishing the Smith River With Lucky Strips Fly Co.
At Lucky Strips Fly Co., our goal isn't simply to put you in a boat and hope you catch fish.
We want you to understand the river.
Our guided Smith River fishing trips are built around the individual angler, whether you're brand new to fly fishing or have years of experience.
We provide fly-fishing equipment, flies, lunch and beverages on full-day trips, and local knowledge of the Smith River fishery.
For anglers who prefer conventional tackle, we can also accommodate trout trips with spinning equipment.
If you're looking for a guided Smith River fishing trip in Bassett, Virginia this fall, you can learn more about our Smith River guided trips here.
Smith River or New River This Fall?
If you're visiting Southwest Virginia and trying to decide which river to fish, the answer really depends on what you want.
Fall presents a variety of excellent fishing opportunities.
Want trout? Fish the Smith.
Want smallmouth bass? Fish the New.
Want a trout-focused fly-fishing experience? The Smith is the natural choice.
Want a float targeting aggressive bass with fly or spinning tackle? Consider the New River.
Not sure which trip fits you?
Reach out and we can discuss what you are looking for in a day on the water and how we can best help you.
We've put together a complete guide comparing the two:
Ready to Fish the Smith River This Fall?
October and November will be here before you know it.
If you've been thinking about experiencing the Smith River, fall is a great time to make it happen. Whether you're looking to learn fly fishing, improve your trout game, chase brown trout, or simply spend a beautiful day on the water, Lucky Strips Fly Co. would love to have you along.
Check available fall dates and book your Smith River fishing trip.
The Smith River is a special resource here in Southwest Virginia, and fall is one of my favorite times to be out there.
If you're ready to get on the water, check out the available Smith River guided trips.
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