Marcy Anderson

Anne Hunter

Colin Krause

Yi Shen

click on a name to learn more about each student's research project.

The Smith River tailwater originates below Philpott Dam in Henry County, Virginia. Philpott Dam is operated as a hydropeaking facility by the Army Corps of Engineers and the river fluctuates between 25 and 1,400 cfs almost daily. The fluctuating flows are challenging to aquatic biota in terms of fish growth, reproduction, and the production of aquatic macroinvertebrates. Additionally, the rapidly fluctuating flows present a safety hazard for anglers and other in the river.

Current issues with the fishery noted by state biologists and anglers are the lack of large brown trout and apparent slow growth of brown trout.

The Smith River project at Virginia Tech is designed to answer questions about:

• the best flow regimes for managing trout growth and persistence through stream temperature control
• determine baseline conditions for brown trout growth, distribution, and survival
• evaluate the nongame fish community, including one endangered species
• determine levels of aquatic invertebrate forage
• identify the roles that the tributaries play in defining the main channel community

Results from this Virginia Tech study will provide fisheries managers, local citizen, anglers, and the Army Corps of Engineers with information to assist with decisions on how to best manage the Smith River.