Brook Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - August 20, 2025
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Some of the native brook trout streams are starting to get low so try to fish the streams that generally carry more water or those that have several feeder streams. Early morning and late evening are the best times to go for cooler water temperatures. I recommend coming into the streams from the lower boundaries of the Shenandoah National Park for better water levels. For more information on access to the streams, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.
FLY SHOP VACATION NOTICE: Murray's Fly Shop will be closed August 30 through September 8 for vacation so please plan accordingly.
The midge hatches in the mountain streams are still occurring. A very effective technique is to fish a Mr. Rapidan Midge size 20 on 7X mono with a size 18 Pheasant Tail Nymph on a 12 inch dropper below it. Even if you do not see rising trout, just cover the water and you will catch your trout. Other flies that I had success with this week include:
- Mr. Rapidan Dry size 18
- Murray's Flying Beetle size 16
- Parachute Black Ant size 18
- Mr. Rapidan Ant size 18
- Griffith Gnat size 18
Take advantage of these streams while you can. I have customers asking why we do not conduct guided trips on these streams in the Fall months. One reason is we never know what the water levels are going to be in the Fall (usually they are low), but most importantly the brook trout spawn during October, November and sometimes into December. I do not like to fish while they are spawning as I want to preserve the spawning beds so we have more babies next spring. April and May are prime time to fish the native brook trout streams for water levels and hatches. Which is why we conduct our fly fishing schools during April and May. Spring 2026 Dates are open for registration! Click links below for more information.