I know of no skill one can master on mountain trout streams that will help him grow into an accomplished angler to the elevated level he will achieve by learning to spot the trout on their feeding stations and then catching them. This requires a stealthy approach, an accurate delicate slack line presentation, a gentle strike, or possible my pop strike, and a gentle trout release.
For more information on my pop strike..listen to my August Podcast.
I have been doing well with a Mr. Rapidan Ant size 16, Murray's Flying Beetle size 16, Yellow Jacket Dry size 16 and Murray's Inchworm size 14 all on a Classic 9ft 6X Leader. The water temperature has been running around 62 to 64 degrees in the mountain streams in the Shenandoah National Park.
Stream Conditions: The rains have kept some of the streams from getting too low while others are getting low and spooky. So you will need to have a stealthy approach and sneak, sneak, sneak so you do not spook the fish. I have been able to get some great fishing by coming in off the Skyline Drive and accessing the streams in the lower reaches. For more information on the Shenandoah National Park Streams, refer to my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park or stop by the fly shop and take a look at our marked maps for the Park.
Skyline Drive is now open in all sections. This can change frequently if we have storms. To check the status of the Skyline Drive please call 540-999-3500, option 1, option 1 for the latest update before heading to these streams.
Recommended Gear: I am using a 6ft or 7 1/2ft 6X Leader on a 2 to 4 weight fly rod--preferably 8ft or shorter.