Virginia
Jackson River below Gathright Dam near Hot Springs
Current River Rating
Fair · 67
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
Sunday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Why
- Water temperature is within the preferred trout range.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
Timing Evidence
Window confidence: High
Current Readings
- Flow
- 237 CFS
- Gage Height
- 8.99 ft
- Water Temperature
- 59.4 °F
- Observation Time
- Sep 6, 2026, 8:30 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
68°F
Feels like
71°F
Wind
4 mph N
Wind gust
4 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Sep 6, 2026, 5:00 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.03 in
Last 48 hours
0.03 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Sun 6 AM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Sun 10 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 75°F
Chance 7%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Sun 2 PM
Mostly clear
Temp 80°F
Chance 21%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Sun 6 PM
Rain
Temp 74°F
Chance 23%
Precip 0.19 in
Wind 6 mph
Sun 10 PM
Partly cloudy
Temp 72°F
Chance 9%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Mon 2 AM
Overcast
Temp 70°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Sun, Sep 6
Rain
High 81°F / Low 67°F
Chance 23%
Precip 0.19 in
Max gust 14 mph
Mon, Sep 7
Overcast
High 79°F / Low 68°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 9 mph
Tue, Sep 8
Overcast
High 85°F / Low 57°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 8 mph
Wed, Sep 9
Overcast
High 90°F / Low 59°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 16 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
Jackson River tailwater below Gathright Dam / Lake Moomaw near Hot Springs, Virginia. Virginia DWR names this reach as a wild rainbow and brown trout destination. Coordinates are the USGS monitoring point. This repair does not change the accepted condition class.
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
Fishery overview
Virginia DWR names the Jackson tailwater below Lake Moomaw as a quality wild rainbow and brown trout destination.
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DWR Jackson tailwater wild trout target.
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DWR Jackson tailwater wild trout target.
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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