First let's discuss the mountain trout streams in the Shenandoah National Park and GW National Forest. The hatches are heavy on the streams and the native brook trout are feeding. One of my employees had an Epeorus pleuralis Mayfly (otherwise known as Quill Gordon) on her house window screen yesterday. So pay attention to what is going on and match the naturals. The Mr. Rapidan Dry size 14 with a Mr. Rapidan Emerger size 14 as a dropper below it is very effective. The Mr. Rapidan Dry has the Fly Rite quill gordon dubbing material as the body which matches the naturals but also includes yellow calf tail for us to easily see it on the water. Earlier this week, I was also doing well with the Murray's Flying Beetle in a size 14 on a 5X leader. The water temperature was around 46 degrees while I was fishing Monday.
All of the Shenandoah National Park streams and GW National Forest streams are in beautiful shape. If you need help on access to the Shenandoah National Park, consider getting my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park or stop by the fly shop for more information.
Special Note: We had a few cancellations so if you were trying to attend our Mountain Trout Schools this spring, then here is your chance. We have openings on Wednesday, April 12 meeting at the fly shop in Edinburg at 9a.m. For more information and to register>>>
Fly Shop Hours for Easter: We will be closed April 9-11. We will resume our normal hours on Wednesday April 12 and online order shipment will resume that day as well.
Now let's discuss the Stocked Trout Streams. There were many streams stocked last week for Heritage Day. To see the latest streams that were stocked, see the VA DWR website. All of the local stocked trout streams are clear and in beautiful shape. Just try to wade carefully so that you are not spooking the trout before you even have a chance. We have been seeing dark stoneflies along the streams. A Murray's Dark Stonefly Dry or Dark Stonefly Nymph will work well here. If you are looking to use streamers then use a Murray's Black Marauder size 12.