Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - May 20, 2026

The native brook trout streams are low, clear and fishable. We are getting some great dry fly action despite the low water levels.  Plan to come into the streams from the lower boundaries for better water levels. Also plan ahead--some of the streams in the Shenandoah National Park hold up better than others during low water levels.  We have been receiving a few rain showers which has helped and over the next few days we are expected to receive more.  I cannot stress enough--stay low and hide your approach! The trout are very wary.

Best flies this week:

• Mr. Rapidan Dry size 16
• Murray's Flying Beetle size 14
• Shenk's Sulphur Dry size 16
• Klinkhammer, orange size 16
• Stubby Chubby size 16
• for droppers use a Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph, Olive size 16 or Perdigon Nymph size 16
• fish these on a Murray's Classic 7.5ft 6X Leader or Mountain 6ft 6X Leader

Reference book:  Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park

 To help in releasing the brook trout, use barbless hooks or mash the barbs down. 

Stocked Trout Streams

All of our local stocked trout streams are low and clear.  They probably will not be stocked again until October as the DWR does not stock these streams in the summer.  The DWR is still stocking a few streams throughout Virginia--visit their website for the latest stocking schedule.

Recommended flies for rainbows & browns:

• Murray's Flying Beetle size 14
• Mr. Rapidan Dry size 16
• Murray's Crayfish, Olive size 10
• Murray's Hellgrammite (regular weighted) black size 10
• Rubber Leg Nymph, Brown size 8