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:

August 18, 2022 - 9 a.m. - Department of Wildlife Resources, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228

Public Comment Deadline: June 23, 2022.

Agency Contact: Aaron Proctor, Regulations Coordinator, Department of Wildlife Resources, 7870 Villa Park Drive, Suite 400, Henrico, VA 23228, telephone (804) 367-8341, or email aaron.proctor@dwr.virginia.gov.

Summary:

The proposed amendment adds a designated section of the North Fork Moormans River and its tributaries to the list of areas where trout fishing using artificial lures with a single hook is lawful year-round.

4VAC15-330-150. Special provision applicable to trout fishing using artificial lures with single hook.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

14. Big Tumbling Creek and its tributaries within the Clinch Mountain Wildlife Management Area in Smyth County from a sign starting at the foot of the mountain and extending upstream seasonally from October 1 until five days prior to the first Saturday in April.

15. South River in the City of Waynesboro from the Wayne Avenue Bridge downstream 2.2 miles to the Second Street Bridge.

16. Wolf Creek and its tributaries within the Abingdon Muster Grounds in the Town of Abingdon from Colonial Road downstream to Stone Mill Road.

17. Beaver Creek and its tributaries within the boundaries of Sugar Hollow Park in the City of Bristol.

18. Green Cove Creek in Washington County from Route 859 downstream to its mouth.

19. Whitetop Laurel Creek in Washington County upstream from the mouth of Straight Branch to a sign posted at the Forest Service boundary just downstream of Taylor Valley, and in Whitetop Laurel Creek in Washington County upstream from the first railroad trestle above Taylor Valley to the mouth of Green Cove Creek at Creek Junction.

20. Smith Creek in Alleghany County from the Clifton Forge Dam downstream to a sign at the Forest Service boundary above the C & O Dam.

21. Snake Creek in Carroll County below Hall Ford and that portion of Little Snake Creek below the junction of Routes 922 and 674, downstream to Route 58.

22. The North Fork Moormans River and its tributaries from the head of Sugar Hollow Reservoir upstream 0.3 miles to the Shenandoah National Park boundary.

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.