Most Roanoke anglers know that we have two of the very few Delayed Harvest sections in Virginia. With the help of Roanoke Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the VDGIF stocks these streams throughout trout season, some of these stocked trout being trophy sized. The reason why these streams are protected by the Delayed Harvest Restriction is it gives anglers, throughout trout season, an excellent chance of catching trout without having to leave the Roanoke Valley. Furthermore, there are areas in these sections that are handicapped accessible so that every angler, even those that are disabled, has an opportunity to fish.
However there is a slight problem… poaching! Unfortunately it not only happens, it happens on a much larger scale than most know. Because of several greedy and reckless people, those who uphold the law are left to suffer with below average fishing, thus defeating the whole point of the Delayed Harvest restrictions.
Well this is about to change. The Roanoke Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has had enough, starting now our chapter will be collecting donations to buy trail cameras and dummy trail cameras to be installed and monitored by the Virginia Conservation Officers in these areas to help stop the poaching. Correspondingly members of chapter will be handing out VDGIF literature do all anglers we see in these sections, so that every angler that fishes these sections will be educated about the restrictions of Delayed Harvest streams. Finally we ask; if you are out fishing in these areas and see poaching happening that you report these people to your local Virginia Conservation Officer (800-237-5712).
It is our chapter’s firm belief; with the correct amount of public support and pressure from Virginia Conservation Officers, poaching in the Delayed Harvest sections in the Roanoke Valley area will be curbed or almost neutralized. If you would like to learn more on how to donate to chapter for our trail camera initiative please contact us using the contact page and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We will also be collecting donations for these at our Open Fly Tying Nights at Ballast Point, see one of members at these events for further information on how to donate.
Delayed Harvest Waters
From October 1 through May 31, fishing on the following waters is permitted under the following regulations only:
1Only artificial lures may be used.
2No trout may be in possession (catch and release only) while fishing these waters.
3No bait may be in possession while fishing these waters.
4Trout license required October 1-June 15.
Note: During the period of June 1 through September 30 restrictions 1. through 3. above will not apply and these waters are like any other designated stocked trout water.
*** Update: January 21, 2018***
I just wanted to say thank you to Christian Erickson. He is donating one of his trail cameras to the chapter to give to the Virginia Conservation Police to help stop the poaching on the Delayed Harvest Sections. This is a huge help, and a great start, to our Chapter’s goal of getting trail cameras up.
Again a HUGE Thank You to Christian.
Roanoke Valley Chapter Trout Unlimited #308 