The trout in the mountain streams are feeding very heavily on the natural oak worms that are falling onto the streams along the banks from the old down timber that lies close to the stream. Fish a Murray's Oak Worm size 14 or 16 upstream dead drift right along these banks to all of the trout you see rising and to just cover the water if you do not see riseforms.
The Murray's Flying Beetle that I discussed last week is still a good fly to use on these streams.
Stream Conditions: Update: July 6--Due to the heavy rains recently received you will get your best fishing by coming in off the Skyline Drive and hiking down the mountain trails and fishing back up toward the Skyline Drive. The lower sections of the streams are going to be to high to provide good fishing.
Update posted July 1: Due to a recent bear incident (a bear attempted to enter a tent to obtain a backpack), the 8 designated campsites surrounding Blackrock Shelter in the southern part of the park are closed. A.T. thru-hikers may use Dundo Campground (mile 83.4) during the closure. More info on our website: news releases. Report incidents: 800-732-0911
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.