Mountain Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - September 10, 2025
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The native brook trout streams in the Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest are getting low and the trout are very wary. Without much rain in the last few weeks, these streams have dropped fast. So you are not spooking the trout:
- get as low as you can, possibly crawling on hands and knees to hide approach
- stay behind large trees or boulders
- DO NOT cast a shadow onto the stream
Try not to fish behind someone, as what they didn't catch they have already spooked. I suggest coming into the streams from the lower boundaries of the Park for better water levels. Terrestrial flies such as Murray's Flying Beetle size 16, Mr. Rapidan Ant size 18 and Mr. Rapidan Midge size 18 are working well.
For more information on stream access, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.
The brook trout will start spawning in October so try to get on the streams within the next couple of weeks before they spawn. We have anglers asking for guided trips in the Fall. We do not conduct guided trips in the Fall on the native brook trout streams for several reasons. 1)The brook trout are spawning and I do not want to stress them nor take a chance of stepping on the spawning beds and destroying eggs. 2)The water levels are usually low in the Fall months and 3)the major hatches are over.
April and May are prime time to fish the native brook trout streams for water levels and hatches. Which is why we conduct our fly fishing schools during April and May. Spring 2026 Dates are open for registration! Click links below for more information.