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The Smith River through Henry County emits from the base of Philpott Dam. Power generation through the turbines of the dam increase water flows and levels in the river creating what is known as a “tail-race” stream. The 44 miles of river from the dam to the confluence with the Dan River in North Carolina are affected by power generation flows.
The water passing through the turbines and entering the river comes from the bottom of the lake and averages around 45 degrees. As the water travels downstream, it increases in temperature most of the year but may decrease during freezing temps in the winter.
The Army Corp of Engineers is the authority in control of water releases and power generations from Philpott Dam. Generation is primarily a function of “peak power demand” and is scheduled one week in advance. This schedule is subject to change without notice during heavy rains or drought conditions.
A recorded message provides the schedule and can be obtained by calling: (276) 629-2432
Water level increase travel times: Water surge travel times are approximate and vary on conditions including units discharged and river obstructions between points. Water levels can be expected to rise quickly during generation and can travel between 3 and 5 miles per hour.
Philpott dam to Towne Creek 1 hr
Philpott dam to Bassett Canoe Access: 2 hrs 45 min
Philpott dam to The Great Road Canoe Access 4 hrs 45 min
Philpott dam to Fieldale Canoe Access 5 hrs 30 min
Philpott dam to Martinsville Dam 6 hrs
Martinsville dam also generates power and generally does so based on Philpott generation schedule. Most generation from Martinsville can be expected 5 to 6 hours after generation at Philpott begins. But times can vary depending on power demand and river and weather conditions. There is no recorded message number available for Martinsville hydro generation
River Miles Between River Key access points, bridges and dams
Philpott Dam to Towne Creek 3.3 m
Philpott Dam to Bassett Canoe Access 6.4 m
Bassett Canoe Access to the Great Rd Access 5.3 m
Fieldale Trail to Doe Run Access 5.1 m
South Martinsville to Sports Complex Access 4.6 m
Sports Complex Marrowbone Access 2.4 m
Marrowbone Access to Mitchell Bridge 3.2 m
Mitchell Bridge to Morgan Ford 7.4 m
Morgan Ford to NC state line 2.0 m
Morgan Ford to Hwy 14 3.0 m
Hwy 14 to Hwy 700 2.4 m
(Hwy 14 to Spray Dam) 1.6 m
Hwy 700 to Dan River confluence 1.8 m
The water passing through the turbines and entering the river comes from the bottom of the lake and averages around 45 degrees. As the water travels downstream, it increases in temperature most of the year but may decrease during freezing temps in the winter.
The Army Corp of Engineers is the authority in control of water releases and power generations from Philpott Dam. Generation is primarily a function of “peak power demand” and is scheduled one week in advance. This schedule is subject to change without notice during heavy rains or drought conditions.
A recorded message provides the schedule and can be obtained by calling: (276) 629-2432
Water level increase travel times: Water surge travel times are approximate and vary on conditions including units discharged and river obstructions between points. Water levels can be expected to rise quickly during generation and can travel between 3 and 5 miles per hour.
Philpott dam to Towne Creek 1 hr
Philpott dam to Bassett Canoe Access: 2 hrs 45 min
Philpott dam to The Great Road Canoe Access 4 hrs 45 min
Philpott dam to Fieldale Canoe Access 5 hrs 30 min
Philpott dam to Martinsville Dam 6 hrs
Martinsville dam also generates power and generally does so based on Philpott generation schedule. Most generation from Martinsville can be expected 5 to 6 hours after generation at Philpott begins. But times can vary depending on power demand and river and weather conditions. There is no recorded message number available for Martinsville hydro generation
River Miles Between River Key access points, bridges and dams
Philpott Dam to Towne Creek 3.3 m
Philpott Dam to Bassett Canoe Access 6.4 m
Bassett Canoe Access to the Great Rd Access 5.3 m
Fieldale Trail to Doe Run Access 5.1 m
South Martinsville to Sports Complex Access 4.6 m
Sports Complex Marrowbone Access 2.4 m
Marrowbone Access to Mitchell Bridge 3.2 m
Mitchell Bridge to Morgan Ford 7.4 m
Morgan Ford to NC state line 2.0 m
Morgan Ford to Hwy 14 3.0 m
Hwy 14 to Hwy 700 2.4 m
(Hwy 14 to Spray Dam) 1.6 m
Hwy 700 to Dan River confluence 1.8 m
Trout Fishing on the Smith River
The Smith River gets honors for one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. Portions of the river below the dam are stocked annually by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries from October through May with rainbow trout as “put and take” catch, but the rivers primary attraction is the abundant number of wild brown trout which are no longer stocked but do reproduce naturally.
Trout can be found from Philpott all the way to Mitchell Bridge but the majority of trout fishing takes place from the base of Philpott dam to the town of Fieldale, a 15 mile section of river.
There is a 7inch minimum on Rainbows and Brooks and a slot limit on Browns No Browns may be kept in the 10 - 24 inch slot. Smith River Outfitters practices catch and release on all trips.
See the VDGIF website for up to date info on Trout regulations and license
Three types of trout can be found in the Smith River, Browns, Rainbows and Brook Trout.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Brown trout are endemic to western Europe and introduced into the Smith after completion of the Phipott Dam. Brown trout reproduce naturally in the Smith River and these “wild browns” are sought after by anglers and are regarded as sometimes very difficult trout to catch. These fish may be identified by their yellowish-brown color, a squared-off caudal fin, an adipose fin and dark spots encircled by lighter colored halos.
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Rainbow trout do not reproduce in the Smith River. The VDGIF stock Rainbows below Philpott Dam from May to October. Characteristics of rainbow trout include a silvery color with an iridescent stripe on either side of the body. These fish also have an adipose fin and numerous black spots.
Brook Trout
(Salvelinus fontinalis) are Virginia's only native trout. These fish are actually part of the char family and are colorful fish characterized by light speckles bordered in blue and red spots on their flanks. Their backs are green with worm-like markings, and their lower fins are red, with a black stripe and a white leading edge.
Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex)
The Roanoke logperch is an endangered species whose original ancestors dispersed into the Roanoke drainage from the Ohio basin. The Roanoke logperch feeds primarily in the benthos upon immature insects. Adults may be anywhere from 3-6 inches in size.
Other fish found in the Smith River
Bluehead Chub (Nocomis leptocephalis)
Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)
Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus)
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomeiu)
Largemouth Bass (
Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum)
Mountain Redbelly (Dace Phoxinus oreas)
Cutlips Minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua)
Rosyside Dace (Clinostomus funduloides)
Crescent Shiner (Luxilus cerasinus)
Golden Shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
Spottail Shiner (Notropis hudsonius)
Whitetail Shiner (Cyprinella galactura)
Fantail Darter (Etheostoma flabellare)
Roanoke Darter (Percina roanoka)
Riverweed Darter (Etheostoma podostemone)
White Suckers (
Brown Trout: This is the fish that made the Smith River Famous. First stocked after the completion of the dam, the brown populations grew and within 10 years, browns between 12 and 15 lbs were being caught out of the river. Browns do breed in the Smith and the wild population is what makes up the bulk of trout fishing on the Smith. They are beautiful and wiley, but the average size breeding size today is 8 -10 inches. A nice brown on the Smith would be 14 – 16 inches. Smith River browns are approaching old at 12 -16 inches.
The famous “sulpher” hatches on the Smith river in spring and early summer are not to be missed. The sulpher is a type of mayfly and when a hatch is on, the browns can be caught easily. It can be difficult to entice them to hit anything larger than a size 16 dry fly and small tippets of 5x -6x are the normal for fly fishermen. A long leader is a must for Smith River fly fishing and no matter if you tie your own on or use a tapered, get it down to about 2.8 lb test by the time you get to the fly. The upper part of the river from the dam down to the regulation section, especially in really clear water, a 7 - 9 foot leader works best.
Spin casters prefer a variety of baits including rooster tails, Joe Flys, and grubs. Bait fishermen prefer worms, corn or other natural baits.
A nymph always does some good, and a #18 or 20 blue-olive in a dry works.
The rainbow trout are stocked by the VDGIF. Stocking days and times vary throughout the season but when stocking is done, most of the ‘bows are caught within the first few days after stocking due to the fishing pressure.
They are fairly easy to catch, and most can be found below the special regulation section and on through Bassett and Feildale..
Where to go to access the river for Trout fishing:
Philpott Dam: (GPS) Both the Henry County and the Franklin County sides affer easy access to the river for bank fishing or wading.
Many people preferring to bank fish will use the Franklin county side off riverbrook road as they can fish the back-water of “the wall” just below the dam.
Between Philpott Dam and Town Creek, Riverbrook Road runs along the northern bank of the river and is managed as a stocked and wild trout stream. Rainbow and brown trout are plentiful, and access is relatively easy. Standard state trout regulations (6 fish/day, 7-inch minimum size) are in effect in this area. Wade fishing is probably the most effective technique here. The water can be very clear and the trout finicky. Access spots along the roadside are small pull-offs. Be careful to watch for oncoming traffic in these areas as the road is narrowly sandwiched between the Cliffside and the river in many spots. A large bend in the river is an easily accessed and popular spot known as “Lemmons Hole” Named after a game warden who lived in a cabin at this location. The cabin is gone but a deep hole in the river holds many trout.
Philpott Bridge: You can pull off on the side of the road here and access the upper portion of the river by wading.
Bassett Mirror Plant: off Philpott Road
You can park here and walk in behind the plant, across the field and to the river. Go downstream to access more of the wadable sections of river. If you fish here, plan on a little walking/wading to get to the best spots. Stay off the rail road tracks. You can walk straight across the tracks to access the river but it is illegal to walk down the track or within 50 feet of the center line.
Bassett Canoe Access:
To access the old lower special regulations section, park at the Canoe Access ramp at Trent Hill Bridge next to the J.D. Bassett Plant and walk upstream under the bridge. This section may not be as ascetically pleasing as the upper part, but you can wade the whole thing, at no generation of course, and there are plenty of fish here.
Its a popular spot, so if there is anyone in front of you heading upstream, try going downstream around “The Horeshoe” Some also call this “the loop”. Its rocky through here with many riffles that hold fish. This is not part of the Special Regulation Section so it gets much fishing pressure from the bait fishermen but trout can still be had in the riffles and runs of this stretch. You can wade the entire section and walk out at the lower Trent Hill Bridge 1/8 of a mile downstream, then head back up the road to your vehicle. Conversely, you can park in the gravel lot next to the lower Trent Hill Bridge (Locals call this the Pappas Pizza Bridge) and walk upstream through the Horseshoe.
Basset Historical Center
Bridges from Bassett to Martinsville provide access ares to the river as long as a safe place to park can be found
Other areas along the road side in Stanleytown, Fieldale and Martinsville provide fishing access
Safety tips about fishing the Smith River:
***ALWAYS CALL FOR GENRATION SCHEDULE BEFORE ENTERING THE RIVER ***
Make this part of your fishing routine if you plan to wade or cross the river while fishing
The Smith River gets honors for one of the most productive trout fisheries in the state. Portions of the river below the dam are stocked annually by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries from October through May with rainbow trout as “put and take” catch, but the rivers primary attraction is the abundant number of wild brown trout which are no longer stocked but do reproduce naturally.
Trout can be found from Philpott all the way to Mitchell Bridge but the majority of trout fishing takes place from the base of Philpott dam to the town of Fieldale, a 15 mile section of river.
There is a 7inch minimum on Rainbows and Brooks and a slot limit on Browns No Browns may be kept in the 10 - 24 inch slot. Smith River Outfitters practices catch and release on all trips.
See the VDGIF website for up to date info on Trout regulations and license
Three types of trout can be found in the Smith River, Browns, Rainbows and Brook Trout.
Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)
Brown trout are endemic to western Europe and introduced into the Smith after completion of the Phipott Dam. Brown trout reproduce naturally in the Smith River and these “wild browns” are sought after by anglers and are regarded as sometimes very difficult trout to catch. These fish may be identified by their yellowish-brown color, a squared-off caudal fin, an adipose fin and dark spots encircled by lighter colored halos.
Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Rainbow trout do not reproduce in the Smith River. The VDGIF stock Rainbows below Philpott Dam from May to October. Characteristics of rainbow trout include a silvery color with an iridescent stripe on either side of the body. These fish also have an adipose fin and numerous black spots.
Brook Trout
(Salvelinus fontinalis) are Virginia's only native trout. These fish are actually part of the char family and are colorful fish characterized by light speckles bordered in blue and red spots on their flanks. Their backs are green with worm-like markings, and their lower fins are red, with a black stripe and a white leading edge.
Roanoke Logperch (Percina rex)
The Roanoke logperch is an endangered species whose original ancestors dispersed into the Roanoke drainage from the Ohio basin. The Roanoke logperch feeds primarily in the benthos upon immature insects. Adults may be anywhere from 3-6 inches in size.
Other fish found in the Smith River
Bluehead Chub (Nocomis leptocephalis)
Green Sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus)
Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus)
Redbreast Sunfish (Lepomis auritus)
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomeiu)
Largemouth Bass (
Central Stoneroller (Campostoma anomalum)
Mountain Redbelly (Dace Phoxinus oreas)
Cutlips Minnow (Exoglossum maxillingua)
Rosyside Dace (Clinostomus funduloides)
Crescent Shiner (Luxilus cerasinus)
Golden Shiner (Notemigonus crysoleucas)
Spottail Shiner (Notropis hudsonius)
Whitetail Shiner (Cyprinella galactura)
Fantail Darter (Etheostoma flabellare)
Roanoke Darter (Percina roanoka)
Riverweed Darter (Etheostoma podostemone)
White Suckers (
Brown Trout: This is the fish that made the Smith River Famous. First stocked after the completion of the dam, the brown populations grew and within 10 years, browns between 12 and 15 lbs were being caught out of the river. Browns do breed in the Smith and the wild population is what makes up the bulk of trout fishing on the Smith. They are beautiful and wiley, but the average size breeding size today is 8 -10 inches. A nice brown on the Smith would be 14 – 16 inches. Smith River browns are approaching old at 12 -16 inches.
The famous “sulpher” hatches on the Smith river in spring and early summer are not to be missed. The sulpher is a type of mayfly and when a hatch is on, the browns can be caught easily. It can be difficult to entice them to hit anything larger than a size 16 dry fly and small tippets of 5x -6x are the normal for fly fishermen. A long leader is a must for Smith River fly fishing and no matter if you tie your own on or use a tapered, get it down to about 2.8 lb test by the time you get to the fly. The upper part of the river from the dam down to the regulation section, especially in really clear water, a 7 - 9 foot leader works best.
Spin casters prefer a variety of baits including rooster tails, Joe Flys, and grubs. Bait fishermen prefer worms, corn or other natural baits.
A nymph always does some good, and a #18 or 20 blue-olive in a dry works.
The rainbow trout are stocked by the VDGIF. Stocking days and times vary throughout the season but when stocking is done, most of the ‘bows are caught within the first few days after stocking due to the fishing pressure.
They are fairly easy to catch, and most can be found below the special regulation section and on through Bassett and Feildale..
Where to go to access the river for Trout fishing:
Philpott Dam: (GPS) Both the Henry County and the Franklin County sides affer easy access to the river for bank fishing or wading.
Many people preferring to bank fish will use the Franklin county side off riverbrook road as they can fish the back-water of “the wall” just below the dam.
Between Philpott Dam and Town Creek, Riverbrook Road runs along the northern bank of the river and is managed as a stocked and wild trout stream. Rainbow and brown trout are plentiful, and access is relatively easy. Standard state trout regulations (6 fish/day, 7-inch minimum size) are in effect in this area. Wade fishing is probably the most effective technique here. The water can be very clear and the trout finicky. Access spots along the roadside are small pull-offs. Be careful to watch for oncoming traffic in these areas as the road is narrowly sandwiched between the Cliffside and the river in many spots. A large bend in the river is an easily accessed and popular spot known as “Lemmons Hole” Named after a game warden who lived in a cabin at this location. The cabin is gone but a deep hole in the river holds many trout.
Philpott Bridge: You can pull off on the side of the road here and access the upper portion of the river by wading.
Bassett Mirror Plant: off Philpott Road
You can park here and walk in behind the plant, across the field and to the river. Go downstream to access more of the wadable sections of river. If you fish here, plan on a little walking/wading to get to the best spots. Stay off the rail road tracks. You can walk straight across the tracks to access the river but it is illegal to walk down the track or within 50 feet of the center line.
Bassett Canoe Access:
To access the old lower special regulations section, park at the Canoe Access ramp at Trent Hill Bridge next to the J.D. Bassett Plant and walk upstream under the bridge. This section may not be as ascetically pleasing as the upper part, but you can wade the whole thing, at no generation of course, and there are plenty of fish here.
Its a popular spot, so if there is anyone in front of you heading upstream, try going downstream around “The Horeshoe” Some also call this “the loop”. Its rocky through here with many riffles that hold fish. This is not part of the Special Regulation Section so it gets much fishing pressure from the bait fishermen but trout can still be had in the riffles and runs of this stretch. You can wade the entire section and walk out at the lower Trent Hill Bridge 1/8 of a mile downstream, then head back up the road to your vehicle. Conversely, you can park in the gravel lot next to the lower Trent Hill Bridge (Locals call this the Pappas Pizza Bridge) and walk upstream through the Horseshoe.
Basset Historical Center
Bridges from Bassett to Martinsville provide access ares to the river as long as a safe place to park can be found
Other areas along the road side in Stanleytown, Fieldale and Martinsville provide fishing access
Safety tips about fishing the Smith River:
***ALWAYS CALL FOR GENRATION SCHEDULE BEFORE ENTERING THE RIVER ***
Make this part of your fishing routine if you plan to wade or cross the river while fishing
