Fishing
Windfall sits right between Grayson County VA and Ashe County NC which are renowned for the fishing streams and rivers stretching through these mountains. Big Horse Creek flows across the north portion of Windfall, offering direct access to one of the premier trout streams in the region. Helton Creek, the South Fork of the Holston and Whitetop Laurel are just down the mountain offering access to all 3 of Virginia’s cold-water trout species. The New River is just south of the farm where one can pursue muskellunge, smallmouth, largemouth, striped and rock bass bass as well walleye and bluegill.
About
Fly fishing is one of the most popular pursuits in in the mountains surrounding Windfall due to the abundance of exceptional rivers and streams within in both NC and VA. On the northern boundary of the farm flows Big Horse Creek, a premier trout fishing stream in the area and a Mountain Heritage Trout Water downstream near Lansing. There are outfitters in Lansing and Abingdon that can accommodate your fishing needs.
Explore fishing locations and planning resources at the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission and Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
Explore fishing locations and planning resources at Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Fly Fishing Tours
Whitewater offers fishing experiences for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Whether you are looking for a half-day introduction to fly fishing for trout or a full-day float trip on the New River, there are tailored pursuits available throughout the area with guides we recommend.
Map of North Carolina Fishing Locations (zoom in on Northwest portion of NC and focus on Ashe County area)
Map of Virginia Fishing Locations (zoom in on Southwest portion of VA and focus on Grayson, Smyth and Washington County area)
Whitetop Laurel Creek
This creek is widely considered one of the best wild trout rivers in the entire Southeast. We recommend the 6 miles of stream below Konnarock beginning at Creek Junction, near the confluence of Whitetop and Green Cove Creek. This is the beginning of a 6-mile artificial only stretch where all trout smaller than 12 inches must be released. The best months on Whitetop are during the spring months, when feeding trout are more active.
Access: Walk/wade
New River
One of the oldest rivers on the planet, the New is home to everything from trophy smallmouth bass and musky to walleye, black crappie and redbreast sunfish. This warm water river is a go to for trophy smallmouth and offers spectacular views and easy access.
Access: Walk/Wade, float
South Fork Holston River
The South Fork Holston River is home to the Virginia state brown trout record. While the stream itself is fairly small, the fish it holds are not, and the remote nature of the area makes for smaller crowds than many of the other great trout streams in South West Virginia. This river has a lot of spring fed influence which makes it a super trout fishery. On one section of the South Fork one might fish for Rainbows in a fast riffle or go upriver and find Browns in calmer waters just upstream. This will be the coolest flowing water in the summer and warmest flowing water in the winter, offering year round options.
Access: Walk/Wade, Float
