A Virginia Jewel: The Smith River

Fisheries biologists conduct a fish sampling survey on the scenic Smith River using electrofishing equipment that momentarily stuns the fish. The fish are quickly weighed, measured and released back to the water. The Philpott Dam, constructed in the 1950s, changed many characteristics of the river. The large trophy brown trout that once thrived in the cool tail waters below the dam are fewer today, and biologists like Scott Smith are working to best manage this river both for its native species and as a recreational trout fishing destination. This sampling effort is part of a multi-year study monitoring the numbers, sizes, and growth rates of fish in the river as they relate to environmental conditions and operation of the dam.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• virginia
• virginiagovernment
• vdgif
• smithriver
• fisheries
• biology
• science
• fishing

[sonofa76]

i grew up on the smith river on the carolina side in eden north carolina

[UnstoppableJae]

WHERE IS THIS RIVER?

[drpaddyt123]

Hats off to VDGIF - you do an awesome job. I'm from the UK and have fished your rivers, and you have some great places. Keep the good work up!!!

[afe1974]

my kinda job