Jackson River
🎣 Blue-Ribbon Trout
Highland / Bath Co. · 95 mi · Class I–II
259CFS/ 1.98 ft
Optimal→Stable
Optimal: 200–1000 CFS · USGS #02016000
Length
Difficulty
Optimal
Avg Flow
Hist. Median
USGS Gauge
Virginia Blue-Ribbon Trout Stream · Gathright Dam Tailwater · George Washington National Forest
Virginia"s premier Blue-Ribbon trout tailwater — the Jackson River below Gathright Dam delivers cold, clear water through the Allegheny Highlands, supporting trophy brown and rainbow trout. The 95-mile river flows through some of the most remote mountain terrain in Virginia, with the dam-release section offering year-round fishing and gentle Class I–II paddling.
Trip sections
Below Gathright Dam — trophy trout tailwater, Class I–II
Falling Spring to Clifton Forge — Class I–II, mountain valley
Lower Jackson to James River — Class I, wide valley
Outfitters
Highland Adventures
Jackson River guided float fishing and paddling
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPSLoading forecast...
10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.