At this time of year, the stocked trout streams are really the only thing that would be worth while to fish. The smallmouth bass streams are so cold that the bass just are not feeding, although you might catch a few fall fish. The native brook trout streams are too cold plus the brook trout are still spawning. The local stocked trout streams such as Big Stoney Creek west of Edinburg, Passage Creek in Fort Valley, and Mill Creek in Mount Jackson are all clear and fishable.
Frequently the large trout in the larger streams such as Penns Creek and the Jackson move into the deep pools as the streams get cold. Holding in this protected water, our best chance to prompt them to strike is to present them with nymphs that give a big mouthful. Fishing nymphs such as a Skunk Road Kill Nymph size 6, Casual Dress Nymph size 6, or a Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph, brown size 8 on a sink tip III line with a 6ft sinking leader will prompt a strike.