“While these results are sobering, we are already pursuing many opportunities for conservation of remaining high-quality habitat as well as restoration of impaired streams,” Mohn said. “Our collective challenge is to protect our remaining brook trout habitat and restore populations wherever possible.”

“Brook trout are the canary in the coal mine when it comes to water quality,” Gary Berti added. “The presence of brook trout in a watershed indicates that water quality is excellent. Declining brook trout populations can provide an early warning that the health of an entire stream, lake or river is at risk.”

Nevertheless, some success stories do exist, according to the report.

“Brookies are quick to respond to habitat improvements,” said John Ross, the chair of Trout Unlimited’s Virginia Council. “We have already seen the results of our work with state and federal partners on the St. Mary’s (River). By scaling up these programs throughout the state and region, we will see wild brook trout returning to our streams. And that’s great news for all of us who love to fish locally with our families and friends.”

For more information, contact Trout Unlimited at TU.org. or Kathleen Campbell at (571) 274-0597, KCampbell@tu.org.

LAKE MOOMAW
In early March, I traveled to Lake Moomaw, which lies near Clifton Forge and Covington and in Alleghany and Bath counties. The VDGIF stocks sub-catchable brown trout and the McConaughy strain of rainbows in the 2,530-acre impoundment. The creel limit is two per day with a minimum size of 16 inches.

During my outing, I repeatedly saw trout disturbing the surface as they fed on baitfish. Interestingly, however, the only trout I caught was a rainbow that went for a jigging spoon. Anglers employ a number of tactics here; jump-fishing is my favorite.

This gambit involves using surface minnow plugs. Anglers hurl these imitations into pods of surface rampaging trout with the hope that one of them will latch onto the bogus minnow. Still-fishing with baitfish and trolling crankbaits and minnow plugs are two other effective strategies. For information on facilities, contact the U.S. Corps of Engineers in Covington at (540) 962-1138.

POUND RIVER
Immediately below Flannagan Reservoir in Dickinson County lies a tailrace fishery, the Pound River. Beginning at a sign 0.4 miles below Flannagan Dam and extending downstream 1.2 miles almost to the confluence with the Russell Fork River, a 16-inch minimum size limit and two-trout-per-day restriction is in effect. Only single-hook artificial lures are allowed. (Note: The Pound River immediately below the dam remains in the standard catchable trout program.)

The VDGIF stocks brown trout fingerlings to complement the existing wild brown fishery. VDGIF biologist Tom Hampton told me that both of these fisheries are very popular with local western Virginia anglers. I passed by the tailrace last July, well past prime fishing time, while on a visit to Flannagan Reservoir. And I found even then that a number of anglers were seeking trout. The Pound fishery is well worth an outing, especially for those sportsmen living in the Bristol, Abington and Marion areas, and especially in the spring.