Earlier this week the water temperature in the Shenandoah National Park was 36 degrees. I suspect with the nice weather we had on Tuesday and Wednesday that might have changed a little. Now we have cold weather again. The mountains are normally 10 degrees cooler than what we experience in the valley. Over the next few weeks the trouts' metabolism will tell them to start feeding. Several mayflies and one stonefly always put on a early growth spurt. I match these with the Mr. Rapidan Bead Head Nymph size 12 & 14, Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 12 & 14, Casual Dress Nymph size 12, and Mr. Rapidan Olive Soft Hackle size 12 & 14. At normal water levels fish these upstream dead drift right up to the riffles. If the streams get a little high fish these nymphs upstream dead drift through the deepest part of the pool.
The Skyline Drive is closed today because of the freezing conditions. Be sure to check out their social media accounts for updates.
Our Mountain Trout Schools are filling up fast, so if you are thinking about getting in this Spring--don't delay. We also offer guided fly fishing trips in the Shenandoah National Park. Check out our website for more information.