What special fishing regulations apply at Smith River?

Smith River carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Virginia's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). One of them reads: "Premier cold-water trout tailwater below Philpott Dam — 12 in min brown trout, 2 / day; rainbow trout 7 in min, 6 / day; year-round; trout licence required." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.

Do I need a fishing license to fish Smith River?

Yes. Smith River is in Virginia, so a valid Virginia fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (freshwater) + Virginia Marine Resources Commission (saltwater). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Smith River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Virginia rules.

Do Smith River's special rules replace Virginia's statewide limits?

Only where they conflict. Virginia's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Smith River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.

Which species have special rules on Smith River?

Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) has a water-body-specific rule on Smith River, each linking to its full Virginia regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Virginia limits.

2026 regulation year

Smith River 2026 — Virginia Fishing Regulations

Virginia statewide rules apply unless overridden below.

Last updated June 4, 2026

Smith River carries 2 special-regulation overlays on top of Virginia's 2026 fishing rules — covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). Verify the agency booklet before launching: in-season changes are not yet wired to this page.

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State-level special regulation

Premier cold-water trout tailwater below Philpott Dam — 12 in min brown trout, 2 / day; rainbow trout 7 in min, 6 / day; year-round; trout licence required
Source: Virginia special-water list

Per-species rules on Smith River

Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) regulations →
12 in min brown trout, 2 / day; 9 in min rainbow, 6 / day; trophy tailwater fishery

Official source

Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (freshwater) + Virginia Marine Resources Commission (saltwater) publishes the authoritative 2026 Virginia fishing regulations. Special-regulation lakes and rivers are listed in the agency booklet — always verify before fishing.

Visit official Virginia fishing regulations →

Emergency-order channel

In-season closures, slot-limit changes, and run-count-driven harvest pauses are posted to Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources's emergency-order feed — check it before any Virginia trip during the active season.

Other special-regulation waters in Virginia

Browse all water bodies →

Frequently asked questions

What special fishing regulations apply at Smith River?: Smith River carries 2 special-regulation overlays that override Virginia's statewide 2026 rules, covering Trout (rainbow + brown + brook). One of them reads: "Premier cold-water trout tailwater below Philpott Dam — 12 in min brown trout, 2 / day; rainbow trout 7 in min, 6 / day; year-round; trout licence required." Every overlay on this water body is listed in full above.
Do I need a fishing license to fish Smith River?: Yes. Smith River is in Virginia, so a valid Virginia fishing license is required just as it is anywhere else in the state, issued by Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (freshwater) + Virginia Marine Resources Commission (saltwater). The special regulations on this page change the bag, size, slot, or gear rules for Smith River; they do not waive the license requirement. Free-fishing days and youth exemptions follow the statewide Virginia rules.
Do Smith River's special rules replace Virginia's statewide limits?: Only where they conflict. Virginia's statewide 2026 regulations apply on Smith River by default; the overlays above replace the matching statewide rules for the species or gear they name, while everything not specifically overridden still follows the statewide rule. When a water-body rule and the statewide rule disagree, the water-body rule wins.
Which species have special rules on Smith River?: Trout (rainbow + brown + brook) has a water-body-specific rule on Smith River, each linking to its full Virginia regulations above. Species not listed here follow the statewide Virginia limits.

← Back to Virginia regulations overview