Stocked Trout Streams-- Two days ago there were many adult little black stoneflies on and around the trout streams. Watch for trout rising to feed on these in the slow back eddies and above any log jams in the stream that slows the current. Fish these with a Murray's Dark Stonefly Dry size 16 on a Classic 9ft 7X leader, going one on one with rising trout. If you prefer to use nymphs, then put on a Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 14. All of the local stocked trout streams are clear and fishable. Big Stoney Creek west of our fly shop was just stocked on January 11. If you need help on where to access, stop by the fly shop or give us a call at 540-984-4212.
Mountain Trout Streams-- There is not much action occurring on the native brook trout streams as the water temperature is not high enough to prompt the trout to feed. Some of our customers are picking up a few on the warmer days and just enjoying the time spent outdoors while exploring new streams. You will more than likely see the black stoneflies along these streams as I mentioned in the stocked trout section above. Parts of the Skyline Drive are still not open and in fact have some snow covering the road today. There is plenty of access to the streams from the lower boundaries. If you need help on stream access, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park or stop by the fly shop.
The Forest Service has closed some of the gates into the streams in the George Washington National Forest has they do every year from January to March. Therefore if you are planning on fishing Little Stoney Creek, a native brook trout stream west of Edinburg, then you will need to access it from the bottom off of Millertown Road instead of coming in from Forest Service Road 92 which is closed. Again there is not much going on in this stream as prime time to fish for the native brook trout is April, May and early June.
If you are interested in learning more about fishing in the George Washington National Forest for native brook trout"
- See my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams
- Sign up for one of our Spring 2023 Mountain Trout Schools in the National Forest
- Or book a guide trip with us. We conduct these in the Shenandoah National Park or in the George Washington National Forest. We are currently booking for April & May.