Virginia
Jackson River below Gathright Dam near Hot Springs
Location Snapshot
Jackson River below Gathright Dam is a cold Virginia tailwater flowing from Lake Moomaw through the Alleghany Highlands, with fast riffles alternating with long pools and runs. Brown and rainbow trout define the fishery, giving this reach a focused coldwater identity within the upper James River drainage.
Current River Rating
Fair · 61
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Consider
Recommended Window
Wednesday, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 197 CFS
- Gage Height
- 8.87 ft
- Water Temperature
- 55.2 °F
- Observation Time
- Oct 21, 2026, 9:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 02011800 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
44°F
Feels like
36°F
Wind
5 mph NE
Wind gust
5 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 21, 2026, 6:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Wed 7 AM
Clear
Temp 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 11 AM
Clear
Temp 58°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Wed 3 PM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Wed 7 PM
Clear
Temp 58°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 11 PM
Clear
Temp 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Thu 3 AM
Clear
Temp 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Wed, Oct 21
Clear
High 68°F / Low 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 68°F / Low 43°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 66°F / Low 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Sat, Oct 24
Overcast
High 64°F / Low 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 3 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
The Jackson River below Gathright Dam, near Hot Springs, holds wild rainbow trout and wild brown trout.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Jackson River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Wild
- Flow regime
- Tailwater
Best seasons
- Spring
- Fall
Common techniques
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Virginia
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
Regulation Summary
Virginia inland trout regulations apply. Confirm current DWR seasons, limits, and tailwater notices.
Target Species
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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