Fishing Report

Some of the larger streams are slightly higher than normal from the recent rains. I often improve my action by using a sinking tip III fly line with streamers such as the Shenandoah Sunrise Streamer size 10, Shenandoah Silver Streamer size 10 and Shenandoah Skunk Streamer size 10. Using this line with a 6ft 3X Fluorocarbon Sinking Leader enables me to swim these streamers right along the stream bottom in the deep pools where the large trout are feeding. All of the local stocked trout streams such as Big Stoney Creek (Edinburg), Passage Creek (Fort Valley), and Mill Creek (Mount...

Frequently I find a bounce retrieve with a two fly rig including a Murray's Caddis Larva size 14 and Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 14 is more effective than a dead drift. To achieve this I cast upstream to the head of the pool and as my nymphs drift back down through the pool I lift and drop the rod tip 6 inches every 5 seconds. I have had several customers that on the unseasonably warm days for February, were seeing some early hatches and catching a few trout on the mountain trout streams by experimenting with different flies. For...

The recent rains have flushed a variety of minnows from the riffles and the trout are feeding on all of them. The slightly elevated levels have allowed the trout to spread out over the streams. The Shenandoah Silver Ghost Streamer, Shenandoah Skunk Streamer, and Shenandoah Sunrise Streamer all in size 10 are very effective, so just experiment by fishing across stream in the upper parts of the pools. Last week before the rains started lower Passage Creek off Rt. 678 in Fort Valley was stocked.  This week upper Passage Creek off Rt. 675 was stocked and Cub Run in Page...

The rains this week have elevated the mountain streams so the higher up the stream the better water level you will have. On the flip side the rains have also caused the trails and stream banks to be extremely soppy and muddy so use caution when hiking and wading. Be prepared and pack extra clothes in case you fall and get wet. These streams are still cold so the fish are not feeding as they would in April or May. Some of the trout are feeding below the riffles and in the deep parts of the pools on stonefly nymphs...

Updated Stream Report on February 7--The overnight rains have caused the local stocked trout streams to be higher than normal with a lot of discoloration. I expect them to clear up and drop to normal levels by Sunday February 9.    Original Post on February 6--Stream Conditions: As I am posting this stream report, I am watching the rains affect the stream levels on Big Stoney Creek.  With rain continuing throughout the day and into tonight the local stocked trout streams will continue to rise and have discoloration. Big Stoney has risen about 4 inches since early this morning. We...