It is Virginia’s finest trout stream. Period. Not only is the stream heavily and frequently stocked, but it also has a large population of native and holdover fish including some alligator sized browns.
So, it’s probably difficult to access with all those trout? Not in the least. In fact, it is one of the most easy-to-fish streams in the Commonwealth with miles and miles of fishable water along the Virginia Creeper Trail. There are even several wheelchair accessible pools suitable for handicapped anglers.
The pristine stream features breathtaking mountainous scenery and classic trout habitat with plunging pools, runs, and deep pocket water.
I had the pleasure to fish there years ago with a local angler. We started at the headwaters and caught native brookies before moving down river and tangling with trophy sized browns and rainbows. There were insect hatches throughout the day.
In early June, there is a Green Drake hatch followed by a heavy Isonychia Bi-Color hatch that extends well into summer, making for terrific dry fly action much of the year.
The only problem with White Top Laurel is that it’s far removed from much of Virginia’s population. It’s not a day trip from Central Virginia, but there are inns and motels available in Damascus.
If you love to trout fish, make this the year to visit White Top Laurel in Washington County. It’s Virginia’s finest.