Mountain Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - September 17, 2025
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Despite the rain showers we had over the last 24 hours, the native brook trout streams are low and clear. To get the best water levels, access the streams from the lower boundaries of the Shenandoah National Park. Stay low and sneak, sneak, sneak as the trout are very wary. Try to fish the larger streams that typically hold up well during the summer. Hughes is one of them. For more information on access to the streams and other useful information, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.
My go to flies:
- Murray's Flying Beetle size 16
- Mr. Rapidan Ant size 16
- Mr. Rapidan Midge Dry size 18
- Mr. Rapidan Dry size 18
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.
- Mountain Trout Schools conducted in the Shenandoah National Park --meeting at Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria, VA
- Mountain Trout Schools conducted in the George Washington National Forest--meeting at Murray's Fly Shop in Edinburg, VA
NEW FLY TYING CLASSES
This winter we will be conducting "Life Cycle" fly tying classes for caddis, mayfly and stonefly. CLICK TO LEARN MORE