Blue Ridge Parkway Journeys

Don’t ignore the many ponds on the Parkway! Many of these ponds (some without names) offer an abundance of bluegill and bass and yes some have trout. Of course you have Price Lake, Trout Lake, and Bass Lake but don’t ignore the smaller ponds such as Simms Pond and the many others you see as you drive along the Parkway. The fish in these smaller ponds are usually eager to eat because of the lack of angling pressure so have fun!

Check out Fishing Regulations for the Blue Ridge Parkway here.

When the water is low, clear and warmer than usual it is usually time to let the small headwater streams rest. The Blue Ridge Parkway waters offer an abundance of headwater brook trout streams due to the nature of its elevation. We all know, or should know, how fragile brook trout habitat is; they require the coldest, cleanest most oxygenated water and if that water warms too much it stresses the fish and can even kill them.

I am a believer in catch and release when it comes to wild brook trout streams but even releasing these fish in extreme heat can kill them. That is why it’s best to let the streams be when we have long periods without rain in the summer months.

Common Question:
My family is planning a camping trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains next summer. Is fishing allowed in the streams and lakes along the parkway? If so, is there a special license required? Are the streams “Catch and Release” only? Can we also launch our canoe in the lakes?

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