Virginia
Whitetop Laurel Creek at Damascus
Location Snapshot
Whitetop Laurel Creek at Damascus is a high-gradient Appalachian stream draining the Mount Rogers region into the South Fork Holston system. Brown and rainbow trout define a compact coldwater fishery shaped by riffles, pocket water, and shaded mountain runs.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
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
Estimated Conditions
Estimated from available current readings, weather, seasonal patterns, destination characteristics, and historical conditions. Some important on-water measurements may be unavailable.
Should I Go?
Consider
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Recent observed weather suggests favorable river thermal context. This is inferred, not a measured water temperature.
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 60.5 CFS
- Gage Height
- 1.99 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 10:45 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 03471500 · 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
38°F
Feels like
32°F
Wind
4 mph NE
Wind gust
5 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 7:30 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
Tue 8 AM
Clear
Temp 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 12 PM
Clear
Temp 63°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 7 mph
Tue 4 PM
Clear
Temp 69°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 55°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 12 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 49°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Wed 4 AM
Clear
Temp 44°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 8 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Partly cloudy
High 69°F / Low 38°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 14 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Mostly clear
High 67°F / Low 42°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Clear
High 66°F / Low 43°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 8 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Clear
High 69°F / Low 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 8 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
Wild brook, brown, and rainbow trout are in the Whitetop Laurel Creek at Damascus.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Whitetop Laurel Creek.
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
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
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
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
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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