Pity the Triangle trout fisherman. Come quitting time, his bass-fishing buddies can leave the office and catch several hours on their favorite lake.

For the trout angler, that's not so easy.

The best-known N.C. trout destinations, such as the Davidson River, are more than 200 miles away -- out of range for a day trip. However, anglers who can be on the road by early afternoon do have choices for single-day outings. This is especially true now that daylight-saving time has granted one more hour before the last cast.

One Triangle trout fisherman who has mapped out the nearest opportunities is Jan Hackett, a former guide and owner of N.C. Anglers and Outfitters in Durham, which he operated until it closed in 2002. Today, he teaches Duke University students the basics of trout fishing, fly-fishing, kayaking and mountain biking.

Some of the nearest spots are across the state line, in Southwestern Virginia, Hackett said.

SMITH RIVER

The nearest stop for experienced trout anglers is the Smith River, about 110 miles away near Bassett, Va., Hackett said. The Smith is a wide-open tailwater with a national reputation for big sulfur hatches and bulky brown trout.

"The Smith is a wonderful place to fish," Hackett said. "... I love fishing there."

However, it can be challenging, and even the best angler can be frustrated.

"The river gets a lot of fishing pressure, and the fish are very selective. You have to be a very good caster," he said. "It's a place where the fish may refuse your fly because of 'micro-drag.' You can't see it, but the fish can."

DRY-FLY TIPS: Hackett recommends long leaders and small tippets, starting at 6x, even going down to 7x or 8x if the fish seem skittish.

POWER HELPS: The tail waters of the Smith begin at Philpott Dam, maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Anglers should be aware that on any given day, the Corps may quickly raise water flow to generate power, and, when that begins, it's time to get out of the river. Call the powerhouse for the generation schedule (276-629-2432).

Once the water begins to go down, the Smith provides its best conditions for catching large trout, Hackett said.

"The bigger fish will begin to feed then," he said. "You can be very productive with big streamers, heavily weighted to reach the bottom."

RULES AND REGS: N.C. anglers are welcome to fish in Virginia, but they do need to be aware of license requirements and other regulations, said Scott Smith, fisheries biologist with Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

In general, N.C. anglers will need a Virginia non-resident state fishing license ($36 per year) and, for fishing stocked trout waters, a non-resident trout-fishing license (another $36 a year). Licenses can be purchased online at www.dgif.state.va.us/licenses. Anglers also should be aware of the regulations for the stream they intend to fish, he said. Part of the Smith falls under Trophy Trout Stream regulations, which means only single-hook, artificial lures may be used.

ROCK CASTLE CREEK

The next closest trout water is Rock Castle Creek, also in Virginia but very different from the Smith, Hackett said.

"It's a classic plunge-pool stream," he said of the primarily wild-trout stream that is much smaller than the Smith.

TECHNIQUES: Hackett suggests fishing upstream with a focus on the small pools that stair-step the creek.

"Start at the back of a pool, then work forward," he said. "Be sure to fish the cut banks, and the 'hydraulics' where the water flows in from above the pool."

CHOICES: When the trout are rising, Hackett fishes stimulators and terrestrial flies (ants and beetles) and caddis flies, usually in the size 14 to 16 range. For nymphs, he recommends size 12 or 14 Pheasant Tail or Prince nymphs.

RECIPROCITY: Rock Castle Creek has the added advantage in that parts of it can be fished with just an N.C. license. Upstream from the parking area off Route 8, the creek falls under Blue Ridge Parkway regulations, said Smith.

"It has a good population of wild rainbows and brook trout," Smith said. "If you're looking to fish a smaller, quiet headwater, it's a good choice."

DAN RIVER

Also within 150 miles of the Triangle is the Dan River near Meadows of Dan, Va. The Dan has three sections, demarcated by a powerhouse and two dams. Starting at Pinnacles Hydro-Electric Station, the section downstream is stocked. Upstream from the powerhouse to Townes Dam is wild brown trout, catch-and-release only. The third section is upstream from Townes Dam to Talbot Dam. Access is difficult and usually requires a canoe trip across Townes Reservoir.

PERMITS: Fishing this area of the Dan requires a permit from the city of Danville, available at the powerhouse. Call ahead at (276) 251-5141. Parking is nearby, and an angler can fish upstream for wild trout or downstream for stocked trout.

LEARN MORE

Virginia's 2007 Trout Guide www.dgif.state.va.us/fishing

Trout fishing doesn't really require a multi-day trip to the farthest reaches of North Carolina. This two-part series will show Triangle anglers where they can go for one-day fishing getaways.

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