Trout Fishing on the Russell Fork
Rainbows or browns, the Russell Fork will test your angling skills . . .
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A fly angler's paradise
The Russell Fork River is home to a large population of rainbow and brown trout thanks to stocking efforts from the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Rainbow and brown trout in excess of 20 inches are caught frequently on the Russell Fork. Nymphs and streamers perform extremely well, with various hatches throughout the year to test your dry fly fishing skills.
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Accessing the river safely
One thing is for sure if you want to fish the Russell Fork within the Breaks Canyon, you’ll work for it every step of the way. The Breaks Canyon floor is an inhospitable place full of house sized boulders and cliff walls. The river is particularly hard to wade, due to its extremely slippery rocks and sudden drop offs. Felt or steel studded wading boots and a wading staff are a must.
Anglers can access the river from the Garden Hole Access, The Ratliff Hole Access, The Grassy Creek Trail, or the Camp Branch Trail within the park.
Below you will find a link to USGS Russell Fork Flow gauge, do not attempt to wade if the river is running over 300cfs on the Haysi or Bartlick gauge.
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Never attempt to float the canyon
The Russell Fork within park boundaries is not floatable unless you have extreme whitewater paddling skills. Wading and bank fishing (or boulder hopping) is the best method to fish within the Breaks Canyon. There are flat sections of river at the Garden Hole and Ratliff Hole sections suitable for fishing kayaks and canoes, but be warned, extreme rapids lay at the end of these quiet pools. Please stay in the flatwater sections, many anglers and kayakers have drowned on the river.
Fly and spin anglers will have plentiful opportunities to do battle with trout, especially those who are able to get their flies and lures to the bottom in strong currents. You’d better bring plenty of split shot and heavier flies and lures to reach the biggest trout lies.
Recommended Gear/Lures/Flies
Rods:
Ultra-light t0 Medium-light spinning rods with 4-6lb line
4 - 6 weight fly rods with 4 - 6 weight floating and sink-tip lines, 5x - 3x tippet
Euro-nymphing rods and techniques perform especially well on the Russell Fork.
Lures :
Inline Spinners, minnow plugs, small jigs, eggs
Flies:
A variety of mayfly, caddis, midge, and stonefly nymphs, the trout here aren’t picky. Common caddis and mayfly dries work well during hatches. Attractor patterns such as Stimulators perform good as well. Terrestrials perform well in the summer and fall period. Big, meaty streamers usually turn the biggest trout, especially browns. Be sure to bring some sculpin patterns.
DUE TO THERE BEING NO RECIPROCITY IN THE BREAKS CANYON BETWEEN KENTUCKY AND VIRGINIA WILDLIFE AGENCIES, ANGLERS ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A VIRGINIA FISHING LICENSE FOR THE VIRGINIA SIDE OF THE PARK AND A KENTUCKY LICENSE FOR THE KENTUCKY SIDE OF THE PARK. IN ADDITION TO A REGULAR FISHING LICENSE, ANGLERS WILL NEED TO HAVE A TROUT PERMIT FOR THE STATE THEY WISH TO FISH IN. THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO LAUREL LAKE AND BEAVER POND INSIDE THE MAIN PARK.
