Javascript Disabled Detected

You currently have javascript disabled. Several functions may not work. Please re-enable javascript to access full functionality.

Sampling in Virginia

Started by exasperatus2002 , Feb 21 2022 12:40 AM

Reply to this topic

3 replies to this topic

#1 exasperatus2002

NANFA Guest

Posted 21 February 2022 - 12:40 AM

I'm from Pennsylvania but will be staying 3 days in October in Herndon VA. Is there anything I should watch for while sampling? Are the mountain red belly dace located any where close by?

#2 MtFallsTodd

NANFA Member

Mountain Falls, Virginia

Posted 21 February 2022 - 08:25 AM

Lions tale trail on Passage creek. Not exactly close but I have been there fly fishing lately and they are there. Make sure you are within the dates that it is not a designated trout water or you can't collect there. Really nice small body of water.

Deep in the hills of Great North Mountain

#3 El Todd

NANFA Member

Silver Spring Md

Posted 21 February 2022 - 09:56 AM

Since Passage creek is a designated trout area, as per Virginia DWR :

- Nongame fish may be harvested only by hook and line in designated stocked trout waters between October 1 and June 15.

If you're good at microfishing you may be able to catch them. If you go back in October you can use a seine, which is the best method I've tried, although I have gotten one in a minnow trap before.

Also keep in mind that you need the Washington and Jefferson Park license in addition to regalar freshwater VA license if you fish in that area - not a big deal, they're easy to get and are only $5.

Passage creek is really nice for such a small creek, I've been there many times and I have a great time whenever I go.

You can get longears in other areas that are not too far from Herndon - I can give you more details about those if youre interested in trying that.

#4 Warbadger

NANFA Member

Loudoun, VA

Posted 29 March 2022 - 06:39 PM

Sugarland Run Stream Valley Park is surprisingly healthy for being right in the middle of the suburbs. Rosyside Dace, Satinfin Shiners, Central Stonerollers, and a variety of darters to name a few. It's actually a reasonably healthy stream with easy access. Difficult Run Stream Valley Park is another stream with reasonably easy access, though I haven't been out to it.

Fairfax county actually has a serviceable page tracking their own sampling in the area near Herndon: https://www.fairfaxc...er/fish/minnows

For Redbelly Mountain Dace you're looking at a bit of a trip. The closest spot I've seen them caught is Happy Creek in Front Royal, but I'm not sure how common they are currently.