Fishing the Mr. Rapidan Parachute Dry size 14 on a 7 1/2ft 5X Classic Knotted Leader with a Mr. Rapidan Emerger size 14 on a 24 inch dropper below it will almost assure you of catching trout in every pool. Also watch the slow eddies and the runs beside the riffles for trout feeding on blue quill duns and go one on one with these trout with a Blue Quill Dry size 16. This is a great time to camp and fish the head of the streams and the small feeders.
Stream Conditions: This is a great time to park on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, and National Forest roads on top of the mountains and hike down the trails to fish the upper sections of the streams. You will get better fishing and water levels by hiking in from the upper reaches. The northern and central section from milepost 0 to 65.5 is open. To check the status of the Skyline Drive please call 540-999-3500, option 1, option 1 for the latest update before heading to these streams. Special note: They have ignited a controlled burn at Big Meadows area around 10:30a.m. on 4/11 so expect some smoky conditions while this is occurring.
Recommended Gear: I am using a 7 1/2ft 5X Classic Leader on a 2 to 4 weight fly rod--preferably 8ft or shorter.