The native brook trout have started spawning so we usually do not fish these streams in October, November, and December. If you go, look for redds in the small gravel in protected areas of the pool such as eddy lines and near the tails of the pools.
At dusk watch for trout rising to the natural moths in the back eddies and in the slow currents along the stream banks. The Murray's Moth size 16 upstream dead drift in these areas or with a slow fluttering action. Even if you don't see rising trout fish these areas thoroughly with the Moth and you'll catch many trout.
Stream Conditions: We received some nice rain showers yesterday which has improved the water levels in the Park. Along with the rain came heavy winds so be careful about watching for downed trees and limbs along the trails and roads. For access to the streams check out my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park for stream reference, hatch charts, and all around good information for the park fishing.
I will be conducting a 2-hour workshop on the Shenandoah National Park Streams in my fly shop in Edinburg VA from 10a.m. to noon on Saturday December 7. For more information and to register...
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.