Stocked Trout Streams & Delayed Harvest Areas -- The VA DWR is doing a great job of stocking trout streams throughout Virginia with rainbows, browns, and in some cases brook trout. A slow twitching fly action with a Murray's Dark Stonefly Dry size 16 often brings solid strikes from trout that pass up a dead drifting dry fly. The Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 12, Casual Dress Nymph size 12 and Cress Bug in size 14 are working well underwater. I often have customers tell me they see the trout swimming back and forth but they just won't bite. In most cases if you have seen them, then they have seen you and are spooked. So tried to hide your approach as best as you can. The next advice I give is try a smaller size fly than what you have been using. If you have been presenting a size 14, then go down to a size 16 or possibly even a size 18. I am amazed at how often this works for me. By the way, if you live close to the West Virginia line don't hesitate to explore their stocked trout streams. I have many customers that take advantage of both the VA and WV streams throughout the winter months.
All of the local stocked trout streams are clear and fishable. If we get the ice/sleet that they are calling for on December 15, be careful walking or hiking into the streams as the rocks can be very slippery. I always care my wading stick for added stability.
Mountain Trout Streams -- The Shenandoah National Park is planning on closing on December 14 at 4:30p.m. and remain closed through December 15 in anticipation of the winter weather storm. For the most up-to-date information about Skyline Drive status and conditions in the Park, opt in to our alert system. Text SHENALERTS to 888777 or call 540-999-3500, option 1, option 1.
These streams are getting cold and the trout are not feeding like they do in the Spring. If you are interested in learning more about the trout fishing in the Shenandoah National Park then,
- Read my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park
- Attend my classroom presentation discussion on the Park on January 7, 2023 at 10a.m at the fly shop in Edinburg, VA. (not on the stream)
- Register for our On The Stream Mountain Trout Schools in Spring 2023.
Need a last minute gift? Order online at www.murraysflyshop.com for exclusive fly assortments, leaders, fly rod and reel outfits, waders, fly tying materials and kits and gift certificates.