Virginia
Smith River at Bassett
Current River Rating
Fair · 54
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, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Why
- Air temperature is comfortable for a river trout trip.
- 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: Medium
Current Readings
- Flow
- 279 CFS
- Gage Height
- 2.08 ft
- Water Temperature
- 46.2 °F
- Observation Time
- Sep 5, 2026, 7:40 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 02072500 · 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
71°F
Feels like
77°F
Wind
2 mph SW
Wind gust
2 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Sep 5, 2026, 3:45 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
Sat 4 AM
Clear
Temp 71°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Sat 8 AM
Clear
Temp 73°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Sat 12 PM
Overcast
Temp 95°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Sat 4 PM
Overcast
Temp 97°F
Chance 16%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Sat 8 PM
Overcast
Temp 84°F
Chance 11%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 2 mph
Sun 12 AM
Overcast
Temp 77°F
Chance 14%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Sat, Sep 5
Overcast
High 97°F / Low 69°F
Chance 20%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Sun, Sep 6
Drizzle
High 84°F / Low 69°F
Chance 55%
Precip 0.02 in
Max gust 19 mph
Mon, Sep 7
Overcast
High 84°F / Low 64°F
Chance 18%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 19 mph
Tue, Sep 8
Overcast
High 86°F / Low 59°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 6 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
Smith River tailwater at Bassett below Philpott Dam, Virginia. Virginia DWR names this tailwater as an outstanding wild brown trout fishery. Coordinates are the USGS monitoring point. This repair does not change the accepted condition class.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Smith 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 Smith tailwater below Philpott as an outstanding wild brown trout fishery.
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
DWR Smith tailwater wild brown trout fishery.
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
Target Species
Brown Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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