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In the delayed harvest streams and the large stocked streams, there are some large rainbows feeding on the natural midges. The Bridge Pool on Back Creek (see page 65 of my Virginia Blue Ribbon Stream book) and the flat above the bridge on Passage Creek are both great spots.  If you see a delicate dimple riseform, the trout is taking an adult midge from the surface and will often take a Mr. Rapidan Midge Dry size 18.  If you see a splashy riseform or a swirl at the surface, he is taking an emerging midge headed for the surface. The...

We are catching some large bass right below the riffles where they drop into deep pools using the Murray's Tungsten Cone Head Marauder in either pearl or olive in size 4.  On the North Fork of the Shenandoah access point #1 right below the old Farmers Mill Dam off the upper parking spot on Route 661 is excellent. The river is clear and is in great shape to wade...bring your chest high waders and warm gloves.    Stream Flows for the North ForkMt. Jackson  3.27ft  CFS 342Strasburg 2.73ft.  CFS 609 On the South Fork of the Shenandoah access point #10...

The brook trout normally spawn in October, November, and December so I do not like to fish these streams during that time period.

Many of the Delayed Harvest and large stocked trout streams hold many large rainbows that feed heavily on sculpin minnows. Big Stoney Creek west of Edinburg and the delayed harvest section of Passage Creek are providing good action now.  By using a Shenk's Sculpin size 8 and Murray's Black Madtom Sculpin size 8, one can catch rainbows that feed heavily on sculpin minnows.

The river levels are dropping nicely. The North Fork is clear, full and fishable. Still use caution while wading.  We are catching some nice bass on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River where there are small feeder streams entering the main rivers. The mouths of these streams hold great numbers of hogsuckers and crayfish and the bass feed heavily on them. The mouth of Big Stoney Creek and Narrow Passage Creek are excellent areas.  My favorite flies for these areas are the Murray's Magnum HogSucker size 4 and Murray's Crayfish size 6. North Fork at Mount Jackson 3.63 ft ...