Update for 4/28/23 We have received some much needed rain that is actually benefitting the trout streams. We have not received enough rain to cause high or muddy water on the trout streams. All are clear and fishable.
Posted 4/26/23 Mountain Trout Streams -- We have been doing well on the native brook trout streams since there are many hatches occurring. The water levels are low for this time of year so stay low and sneak, sneak, sneak. I cannot stress this enough. Stock up your fly box with March Brown Dry size 14, Murray's Sulphur Dry size 16, Mr. Rapidan Delta Wing Caddis Olive size 16, Murray's Little Yellow Stonefly Dry size 16, and for nymphs to use as a dropper the Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph in olive or brown size 16. Since the water is low I have switched to a 6X leader 6ft Mountain Leader. If you are looking for a new rod/reel outfit for these streams, I have several delicate 3-weight rods in different price ranges to meet your needs.
All of the streams in the Shenandoah National Park are fishable. You will get better water levels by coming into the streams from the lower boundaries. If you need help on access stop by the fly shop, or see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park, or download my video on the Park streams.
We are still conducting guided trips in the Shenandoah National Park. If you are interested in getting some one on one guidance on the native brook trout streams, then give us a call (540-984-4212.)
Stocked Trout Streams Passage Creek in Fort Valley was just recently stocked along with Cub Run in Page County. The water levels are very low making conditions tough. Again as I started in the above report, stay low and hide your approach. Wade carefully so that you are not spooking the trout. Use a streamer such as Murray's Marauder (black or olive) size 12, Betsy Streamer size 12 or switch it up by using a Murray's Crayfish Olive size 10. If you want to nymph fish then use a Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 12. For more information on the latest streams stocked, see the VA DWR website.