Virginia game officials confirm sizeable trout reduction due to Helene’s flooding

Summer stream samples confirm lower populations of trout in Southwest Virginia locations, according to testing by the Department of Wildlife Resources.

An agency report said Hurricane Helene and its destructive flooding changed the complex habitat of trout after large debris flows and riparian loss from the disaster left channels shallow and wide.

Other checks conducted after Helene showed encouraging reproduction over the winter but VDWR says fishermen should plan on deficits in their catch. All regional destination spots for trout including Whitetop Laurel were all hit hard by flooding.

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