The Epeorus pleuralis mayfly nymphs are becoming very active in the riffles and a few are hatching into drys. Up until noon we've been catching most of the trout on the Mr. Rapidan Bead Head Nymph size 14 and Mr. Rapidan Emerger size 14. From noon until dusk these two patterns, as well as the Mr. Rapidan Parachute Dry size 14 and Murray's Olive Drake Dry size 14, are very effective.
This is a great time to explore the upper reaches of the streams off the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive. Since we have had some heavy wind storms there are some downed trees that crews are working on cleaning up. As of earlier today the only section of the Skyline Drive open is the central section from Rt. 211 to Rt 33. I expect the northern and southern sections will be open later as the hard working personnel of the Park make their way through the downed trees.