Wildlife experts find gill lice in rainbow trout in Cripple Creek Watershed in SW Virginia

A parasite that threatens the trout numbers in Southwest Virginia has been discovered in a portion of the Cripple Creek watershed that runs through Smyth and Wythe counties.

State wildlife experts have identified rainbow trout carrying what is called gill lice- a form of plankton that attaches to the fish’s mouth and fins that can eventually cause breathing problems and extend damage to other trout based on infection rates.

The agency is asking anglers to keep an eye out while trout fishing and report any cases to wildlife resource officials. Trout season in Virginia is open year-round.

(IMAGE: Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources)