Title of Regulation: 4VAC15-330. Fish: Trout Fishing (amending 4VAC15-330-150).

Statutory Authority: §§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, and 29.1-502 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Hearing Information:

July 8, 2014 - 9 a.m. - Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4000 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230

Public Comment Deadline: June 20, 2014.

Agency Contact: Phil Smith, Regulatory Coordinator, Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, 4010 West Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23230, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email phil.smith@dgif.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendments add certain sections of streams to the list of catch and release trout stream waters in which it is lawful to fish for trout using only artificial lures with single hooks year-round.

4VAC15-330-150. Special provision applicable to Stewarts Creek Trout Management Area; certain portions of the Dan, Rapidan, South Fork Holston and Staunton rivers, the Brumley Creek, East Fork of Chestnut Creek, Little Stony Creek, Little Tumbling Creek, North Creek, Roaring Fork, North Creek, Spring Run, Stony Creek, Venrick Run, Brumley Creek, and their tributaries.

It shall be lawful year around to fish for trout using only artificial lures with single hooks within the:

1. The Stewarts Creek Trout Management Area in Carroll County, in the.

2. The Rapidan and Staunton rivers and their tributaries upstream from a sign at the Lower Shenandoah National Park boundary in Madison County, in the.

3. The Dan River and its tributaries between the Townes Dam and the Pinnacles Hydroelectric Project powerhouse in Patrick County, in the.

4. The East Fork of Chestnut Creek (Farmer's Creek) and its tributaries upstream from the Blue Ridge Parkway in Grayson and Carroll Counties, in.

5. Roaring Fork and its tributaries upstream from the southwest boundary of Beartown Wilderness Area in Tazewell County and in that.

6. That section of the South Fork Holston River and its tributaries from the concrete dam at Buller Fish Culture Station downstream to the lower boundary of the Buller Fish Culture Station in Smyth County, and in.

7. North Creek and its tributaries upstream from a sign at the George Washington National Forest North Creek Campground in Botetourt County, in.

8. Spring Run from it confluence with Cowpasture River upstream to a posted sign at the discharge for Coursey Springs Hatchery in Bath County, in.

9. Venrick Run and its tributaries within the Big Survey Wildlife Management Area and Town of Wytheville property in Wythe County, and in.

10. Brumley Creek and its tributaries from the Hidden Valley Wildlife Management Area boundary upstream to the Hidden Valley Lake Dam in Washington County.

11. Stony Creek (Mountain Fork) and its tributaries within the Jefferson National Forest in Wise and Scott Counties from the outlet of High Knob Lake downstream to the confluence of Chimney Rock Fork and Stony Creek.

12. Little Stony Creek and its tributaries within the Jefferson National Forest in Scott County from the Falls of Little Stony Creek downstream to a posted sign at the Hanging Rock Recreation Area.

13. Little Tumbling Creek and its tributaries within the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Smyth and Tazewell Counties downstream to the concrete bridge.

All trout caught in these waters must be immediately returned to the water. No trout or bait may be in possession at any time in these areas.