Matthew Thomas Fly Fishing LLC

Recognized by many as a top southern trout fishery, The Lower Jackson, located near Covington, Virginia, 60 miles north of Roanoke, lies in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. This tailwater begins at the Gathright Dam at Lake Moomaw and flows south merging with the Cowpasture River to form the James River. Consistent water temperatures due to controlled water release allows for year-round angling with opportunities to catch wild Rainbow and Brown Trout. Drifting small nymphs with long leaders and light tippet and throwing large streamers are often used in this fishery. Limited access and Kings Grant areas make float fishing the best way to fish this river. This trip is great for seasoned anglers as well as those picking up a fly rod for the first time.

This private water is located 15 miles north of Warm Springs, Virginia. This section of the Upper Jackson River runs through the Tomahawk Farm and sits on the Bath and Highland County Line. This stretch is very unique to Virginia due to its lack of trees, which allows for open casting lanes. It is very similar to Western streams. Anglers have the opportunity to catch wild Brown and Brook Trout, along with wild and stocked Rainbow Trout. Limited pressure and vast food sources allow the trout to grow very large in this smaller river system. Nymphing and streamer fishing are often used, there are also many days with great dry fly fishing. This is a great place for all skill levels and allows for easy wading. This river section fishes great year-round. An additional $100 rod fee per person is due to the landowner the day of the trip.

Smallmouth Bass are a perfect fish for the fly rod. They tend to be opportunistic eaters. They can eat flies aggressively and are known to be very hard fighting fish. Mostly streamer fishing with certain months allowing for exciting top water bug fishing. The James River is possibly the best Smallmouth Bass Fishery in Virginia. The James River is the longest river in Virginia flowing 348 miles from the Appalachian Mountains to the Chesapeake Bay. The water we target is typically between Iron Gate and Eagle Rock. This is a great fishery for any skill level.