The great numbers of natural oakworms and beetles along the mountain trout streams are bringing many trout to the surface. Sometimes a slow twitching retrieve of the Murray's Oakworm size 14 and 16 will bring many strikes. However, I find that presenting my Oakworm with a splash on the stream surface often brings up the largest trout. Just snap the rod tip on the presentation cast and the Oakworm splashes to the surface. A Murray's Flying Beetle seldom lets me down on these mountain streams at this time of the year.
Stream Conditions: You will get your best fishing and water levels by coming in from the Skyline Drive or headwaters of these mountain streams, hiking down a half hour to 45 minutes and then fishing back up. The lower sections/streams are still carrying extra water from the recent rains.
Skyline Drive is now open in all sections. This can change frequently if we have storms. 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.
Recommended Gear: I am using a 6ft or 7 1/2ft 5X Leader on a 2 to 4 weight fly rod--preferably 8ft or shorter.