I spent several days in the Shenandoah National Park earlier this week. During the day I was doing well on a Mr. Rapidan Ant size 14. Toward the evenings the natural moths which you often find on the trout streams are an excellent food source now that the heavy hatches of aquatic insects are over. The dancing action these natural moths produce often prompt the trout to come up and take them. The Murray's Moth and Spirit of Pittsford Mill size 14 & 16 are excellent here. Fish all of these on a Classic 7.5ft 7X leader.
The water levels are low and clear. We just have not had the rain to keep the streams up. I would recommend coming into the streams from the lower boundaries of the Park. If you can find a spring that is on the stream, this will enable two things: 1)some extra water & 2)cooler water temperatures. For access to the streams from the lower boundaries, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.
Since the streams are so low and clear be sure to hide your approach and sneak up on the trout.
Special Notice: Murray's Fly Shop will be closed September 4-7 for Labor Day. All online orders placed after September 2 will be shipped upon our return on September 8.
On The Stream Mountain Trout Schools for Spring 2023. See the dates and for more info...