Yesterday evening I saw the greatest number of adult caddis over the stream I've ever seen. There were tan, black and olive adult caddis everywhere and the fish were feeding on the adults and the pupa. A great tactic is to fish the Mr. Rapidan Delta Wing Caddis (tan, olive, or black) size 16 on a 7 1/2 ft Classic 6X Leadere with a Murray's Caddis Pupa (either tan or olive) size 14 on a 24 inch 6X mono dropper below it. Fish these upstream dead drift to the rising trout and to cover the water.
Stream Conditions: The recent rains have kept these streams at great water levels. You can either park at the top of the streams off the Skyline Drive and hike down or access from the bottom of the streams and hike up. Just wade carefully so you do not spook the fish and do not get behind someone. What they didn't catch they have already spooked.
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 5X Leader on a 2 to 4 weight fly rod--preferably 8ft or shorter.