Jackson River Wild Browns & ’Bows
Downstream of Hidden Valley there is some river access just above Lake Moomaw. Large lake-dwelling rainbow, brook, and brown trout migrate upstream in the spring and fall, although March and April is the best time to hook one of these monsters.
Alewives are the main forage in the lake, so white-and-gray and white-and-black Clousers and Double Bunnies work best. Use 6-weight and larger rods, and also try #6-12 nymphs like Girdle Bugs, ***** Creeks, and Rubber-legged Copper Johns for the lake-run fish. The public access on the river runs from the lake upstream about a half mile, with long cables stretching across the river to mark the boundaries.
How to Get There
Hidden Valley. Heading north on Route 220, go west on Highway 621 and then north on Hidden Valley Road. To find the upper access area, turn west off Route 220 onto Poor Farm Road (CR 623) and follow the road to the parking area.
Lake Moomaw. The portion of river above Lake Moomaw is located off of Jackson River Road (CR 687). Turn west onto Richardson Gorge Road (CR 603), then follow the road to the parking areas located along the river.
Gathright Dam. From Route 220 north of Covington, turn northwest onto Jackson River Road (CR 687), west onto Natural Well Road (CR 638), north onto East Morris Hill Road (CR 666), and follow Mountain Road (CR 605) to the parking area.
Johnson Springs. Drive south from Gathright Dam on CR 605 for 3 miles and turn left on CR 666. Go .4 mile and turn left on CR 638/Natural Well Road. Turn left after .4 mile to the Johnson Springs parking area.
Smith Bridge. From Johnson Springs, go east on CR 638 for 0.3 mile and turn right on CR 687 (Jackson River Road). Go south 3.8 miles to North Smith Bridge Road, turn left and go .6 mile to the river.
Indian Draft. From Smith Bridge, return west on North Smith Bridge Road to CR 687. Turn left and follow CR 687 south for 1.2 miles to Indian Draft.
Petticoat Junction. From Indian Draft, go south on CR 687 for 2.4 miles to Mays Lane. Turn right and go .2 mile to the river.
Chadwick Crawford is from Lexington, Virginia, but in recent years has spent his summers guiding in Alaska and his winters guiding in South America. This is his first submission to Fly Fisherman.
Copyright © 2012 Intermedia Outdoors
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