About
Jackson River, Virginia — 1964 Gathright Dam Lake Moomaw 2,530 ac, 1750 Land Grant, Alleghany Highlands, Borden. Below Gathright Dam, the Jackson River runs as a Virginia Blue-Ribbon tailwater through Highland and Bath counties, supporting trophy trout in cold releases that maintain productive temperatures year-round. The upper tailwater section offers Class I-II water at 480 CFS average, with optimal flows between 200-1000 CFS on gauge 02012500. From Falling Spring down to Clifton Forge, the river continues through mountain valley terrain with similar Class I-II character before widening into Class I water in its lower reaches toward the James River confluence. Highland Adventures operates as the primary outfitter on the system. The 95-mile river flows through sections of George Washington National Forest, and by 2024 the Gathright Dam tailwater had established itself as a trophy trout destination. The dam's cold-water releases create conditions that differ markedly from typical Virginia freestone streams, supporting the trout fishery that earned the Blue-Ribbon designation.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.