Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - April 8, 2026

Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - April 8, 2026

There are several hatches occurring on the native brook trout streams in the Shenandoah National Park-- Quill Gordon, Blue Quills and Caddisflies.  March Browns will be showing up soon. The stream levels are holding steady for now. Stay low and be stealthy on these small streams. The streams in the Northern and Central sections of the Park are doing well by either coming into the streams from the upper reaches off the Skyline Drive or the lower boundaries. A good reference book--Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.

Recommended flies:

  • Mr. Rapidan Parachute Dry size 14
  • Blue Quill Mr. Rapidan Dry size 16
  • Quill Gordon Dry size 14
  • Murray's Near Nuff Mayfly size 14
  • Mr. Rapidan Delta Wing Caddis, Tan or Olive size 14
  • Murray's Caddis Pupa, Tan size 16
  • Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph, Brown size 16

Most anglers are doing well by fishing a dry fly with a dropper on a Murray's Mountain 6ft 5X Leader.

Recommended Equipment:  6.5ft to 7.5ft fly rod in a 3-weight with a Murray's Mountain Leader 6ft 5X.  The Murray's Mountain Trout Fly Rod 6'10 #3 3pc. and St. Croix Imperial 7ft #3 4pc fly rod are good outfits that we promote in our Spring Fly Fishing Schools.

The road into Little Stoney is open and anglers are doing well by using the same flies listed above.  We have a few openings in our Fly Fishing Schools in the George Washington National Forest on April 13, 20 & 27.  Learn more about fishing on the small native brook trout streams.  Fly Rod & Reels are provided for the school.

Fly Fishing Techniques for the Blue Quill Mayfly Hatch Banner

Now let's move onto the Stocked Trout Streams. The VA DWR stocked many streams within the last week and anglers are taking advantage. The water levels are holding steady, are clear and fishable.  Big Stoney Creek west of Edinburg, Passage Creek in Fort Valley, and Hawksbill in Luray are some that I recommend.  To see the latest streams stocked, visit the DWR website. 

Recommended flies:

  • Murray's Marauder size 10 in black, brown or olive
  • Casual Dress Nymph size 10
  • Mr. Rapidan Dry size 14
  • Blue Wing Olive Dry size 16
  • Copper John, Green size 14
  • Mr. Rapidan Emerger size 12
  • Murray's Crayfish, Brown size 10
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