Mountain Trout Streams -- There are several hatches occurring on the native brook trout streams but the streams are low for this time of year. My advice: sneak and stay as low as you can so that you are not spooking the trout before you even have a chance of landing it. You will find better water levels by coming into the native brook trout streams from the lower boundaries of the Shenandoah National Park.
Recommended dry flies include: Mr. Rapidan Parachute, Klinkhammer (otherwise known as the clown fly in our trout schools) orange size 14, and Blue Quill Mr. Rapidan size 16. These flies are easy which makes it easier for our students plus they are productive for this time of year. If you prefer to fish nymphs then use a Mr. Rapidan Emerger size 14 or Bead Head Mr. Rapidan Nymph size 14. Fish these on a 5X leader. Many of you are asking about fly rod outfits for the native brook trout streams. I prefer to use 6.5ft to 7.5ft fly rod in a 3-weight. We have many different rod/reel combos at special prices listed on the website, if you are interested. I will gladly put the line and backing on the reel for you.
For more information on the Shenandoah National Park streams:
- read my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park
- download my video Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park
Now let's move onto the Stocked Trout Streams. Big Stoney Creek west of Edinburg and Mill Creek in Mount Jackson were just stocked this week. Keep in mind as I said on the native brook trout streams above--the water is low for this time of year. So be cautious and hide your approach. Productive flies include: Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph Olive size 12, Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 14, Hare's Ear Nymph size 10, San Juan Worm size 8, and Trout Egg, Pink.
Check the VA DWR website for the latest streams stocked.