Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - June 11, 2025

The local stocked trout streams such as Big Stoney west of Edinburg and Passage Creek in Fort Valley (near Elizabeth Furnace) are clear and fishable. The VA DWR will not be stocking these streams with rainbows and browns throughout the summer so fish them while you can. We are using Murray's Marauders in size 10, Perdigon Nymphs in size 12, Copper Johns in size 14, and Jigged Squirmy Wormies.  There are plenty of natural crayfish in these streams so try a Murray's Crayfish in size 10. If you need help on access, stop by the fly shop. 

Now let's talk about the native brook trout streams.  The quantity of fish is down but the quality of the fish we are landing is very nice, some 8 inches or more. The key to landing these is to stay low and hide your approach.  The brook trout are very wary. The water levels are holding up so you can come into the streams from the Skyline Drive or upper reaches or by the lower boundaries. There is only one closure left from the heavy rains a few weeks ago --The Appalachian Connector Trail near Hawksbill Gap parking area (mile 45.5).  Everything else has reopened including the road into Old Rag. Little Yellow Stoneflies are hatching and beetle and ant patterns are working.  Recommended flies include: Murray's Little Yellow Stonefly Dry size 16, Mr. Rapidan Dry size 16, Murray's Flying Beetle size 16, Mr. Rapidan Ant size 16.  If you prefer to use nymphs: Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail size 16, Little Yellow Stonefly Nymph, Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 16.  Fish all of these on a Murray's Mountain 6ft 6X leader. 

For more information on access to the streams in the Shenandoah National Park, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.

Little Stoney Creek west of Edinburg has been fishing well for native brook trout within the last week.  Plan to use the same flies as above--beetles, ants, and little yellow stoneflies. As long as we continue to get rain showers this stream will hold up for the next month,