DWR’s stocked trout program is a privilege made possible by landowners allowing public fishing access. These landowners include private citizens, private companies, localities, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and the United States Forest Service. Access to stocked trout waters can be lost due to poor angler behavior. Angling pressure is increased for a short period of time when stocking is announced in advance. Trout anglers are asked to respect private property, pack out all trash, and park their vehicles in safe areas.
Stocking times may vary depending on the distance from the hatchery to the receiving water but most stocking will occur between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. There will be no temporary stream or lake closures associated with these stocking events. The DWR may postpone or change the date of any of these stocking events due to circumstances that compromise the resource or public safety.
| Water | Stocking Date |
|---|---|
| Lake Thompson (Fauquier Co.) | April 7 |
| South River – Ridgeview Park & Grottoes Park (Augusta/Rockingham Co.) | March 24 |
| Jackson River – Hidden Valley (Bath Co.) | April 16 |
| North River – Upper & Gorge (Augusta Co.) | March 26 |
| Mint Springs Lake (Albemarle Co.) | March 27 |
| Rural Retreat Pond (Wythe Co.) | April 17 |
| Barbour’s Creek (Craig Co.) | April 23 |
| Middle Fork Holston River (Smyth Co.) | May 29 |
| South Fork Powell River (Wise Co.) | May 1 |
| Roanoke River (Roanoke City) | April 9 |
| Pigg River (Franklin Co.) | March 19 |
| Liberty Lake (Bedford Co.) | April 16 |