Damage from Hurricane Helene still affecting fishing in Virginia and surrounding states

GRAYSON COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) — Hurricane Helene is still having an impact on streams and fish populations in Virginia and surrounding states, even after more than a year.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) reports adult trout numbers are down in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. That area is home to some of the most fragile stream environments in Virginia. They have historically also held good numbers of native brook trout, as well as established populations of brown and rainbow trout. Whitetop Laurel was especially hard hit.

High water from Helene scoured and destroyed habitat in many streams. Other streams, like Cabin Creek in Grayson Highlands State Park, were relatively unscathed. A trip there earlier in the year revealed there are still good numbers of native brook trout with plenty of suitable habitat.

The DWR reports that though habitat was lost, there was good natural reproduction of all species in late 2024 and the spring of 2025. DWR fisheries biologists say the stock will rebound, though it could take a number of years.