Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park 101 Class

Are you ready to learn more about fly fishing for native brook trout in Virginia? The Brook Trout Fishing in Shenandoah National Park 101 Class at Murray’s Fly Shop is a classroom workshop designed to introduce anglers to the unique techniques, flies, and tactics used to successfully fish the small mountain streams where Virginia's native brook trout live.

This approximately two-hour workshop draws on decades of proven tactics developed by Harry Murray, founder of Murray’s Fly Shop. Designed to build your confidence on the water, the session provides practical instruction on reading small mountain streams, selecting effective flies, understanding seasonal hatches, and choosing the proper tackle. The curriculum focuses specifically on targeting native brook trout throughout the Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest (Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Mountains).

What You'll Learn About Native Brook Trout Fishing

Using a detailed slideshow presentation, we will share proven techniques and information developed through more than 60 years of experience fishing the mountain trout streams of Virginia.

• Virginia native brook trout streams: Learn about some of the best mountain streams for native brook trout in Shenandoah National Park and the George Washington National Forest.
• Seasonal brook trout fishing: Understand how stream conditions, water levels, insect activity, and trout behavior change throughout the fishing season.
• Fly fishing techniques: Learn effective approaches for fishing small, mountain brook trout streams and presenting flies in tight quarters.
• Hatches and fly selection: Learn about important aquatic insects and terrestrial food sources, the major hatches to watch for, and the best flies to match them.
• Fly rod and reel selection: Get recommendations for fly rods, reels, fly lines, leaders, and other tackle specifically suited to small brook trout streams.
• Stream selection and access: Learn how to select productive streams and use maps and reference materials to plan your Virginia mountain trout fishing trips.

Brook Trout Fishing in Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is home to some of Virginia's most beautiful native brook trout streams. This class provides an introduction to the streams, flies, hatches, and fishing techniques that make Shenandoah National Park brook trout fishing such a rewarding experience.

We will also cover native brook trout waters in the George Washington National Forest, giving anglers information they can use to explore mountain trout streams throughout western Virginia.

Recommended Brook Trout Fishing Books and Maps

Murray’s Fly Shop offers books and maps that provide valuable information for planning trips to Virginia's mountain trout streams.

Harry Murray, founder of Murray’s Fly Shop, was asked by Shenandoah National Park to write a comprehensive book about trout fishing in the Park. His book remains an important reference for anglers exploring the Park's mountain streams.

Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park by Harry Murray is available from Murray’s Fly Shop both in-store and online.

When and Where

The Brook Trout Fishing in Shenandoah National Park 101 Class is held at Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg, Virginia, at 10:00 a.m. on scheduled dates.

This approximately two-hour workshop is held in person in a classroom setting. Please note that this is a classroom class and does not take place on the stream.

Take Your Brook Trout Fishing Skills to the Stream

Many beginners and experienced anglers follow this classroom workshop with one of our On the Stream Mountain Trout Schools. These hands-on fly fishing schools give you the opportunity to put the techniques covered in the class into practice on Virginia's native brook trout streams.

• Mountain Trout Fly Fishing School in Shenandoah National Park
• Mountain Trout Fly Fishing School in George Washington National Forest

These on-the-stream schools are held in the spring when water levels, stream conditions, and insect hatches are typically ideal for mountain trout fishing. Space is limited, so advance registration is recommended.

Can't Attend the Brook Trout Fishing Class in Person?

If you cannot attend the class at Murray’s Fly Shop but want to learn more about Harry Murray's favorite streams in Shenandoah National Park, you can also purchase our digital video, Trout Streams in the Shenandoah National Park.

In this approximately 44-minute video, Harry Murray discusses 17 of his favorite trout streams in Shenandoah National Park and shares information to help anglers better understand and fish these mountain waters. After completing your online order, you will receive a link to download the video and watch it at home or in your office.

Learn to Fly Fish for Virginia's Native Brook Trout

Whether you are new to fly fishing or want to improve your mountain trout fishing skills, the Brook Trout Fishing in Shenandoah National Park 101 Class is an excellent introduction to the techniques, flies, equipment, and streams needed to successfully pursue Virginia's native brook trout.

Looking to expand your knowledge before class? Check out our article on Fishing Riffles & Runs for Native Brook Trout on the blog!