Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - April 15, 2026
The native brook trout streams are starting to get low. By coming into the streams from the lower boundaries in the Shenandoah National Park you will find better water levels. With the crystal clear water, the brookies are wary so use a stealthy approach and stay low. We are seeing Blue Quills, Caddisflies, and Little Yellow Stoneflies along the streams. Everyone is mostly dry fly fishing at this time but keep a few nymphs in your box just in case. Good reference book: Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park--covers hatches, reading the water, and stream access.
Recommended Flies:
- Blue Quill Mr. Rapidan Dry size 16
- Mr. Rapidan Delta Wing Caddis, size 16
- Mr. Rapidan Parachute Dry size 16
- Murray's Little Yellow Stonefly Dry size 16
- Murray's Yellow Stonefly Nymph size 16
- Murray's Caddis Pupa, Tan or Olive size 16
- Fish on a Murray's Mountain 6ft 5X Leader
4/13/26 Fire ban in effect
Date Posted: 4/13/2026 Due to high fire danger and dry conditions, Shenandoah National Park has issued a parkwide fire ban which prohibits all open-air fires. Only gas and or propane stoves are permitted at this time.
Perfect for These Small Streams
Precision-matched 2–4 weight rods & reels built for tight water and wary brookies.
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Stocked Trout Streams -
The local stocked trout streams are low and clear. Anglers are still landing a few trout. Again I cannot stress enough--use a stealthy approach. To see the latest streams recently stocked, visit the VA DWR website.
Recommended flies for stocked trout streams:
- Casual Dress Nymph size 8
- Murray's Crayfish, Olive size 10
- Mr. Rapidan Dry size 14
- Murray's Hellgrammite Black size 10
- Perdigon Nymph size 14