The Mountain Trout Streams are low so go in at the lower ends of the streams. I try to be cautious as I approach each pool and look for riseforms or trout on feeding stations. A slack line cast helps me get a natural presentation and fool many of these trout on a Murray's Housefly Dry size 16 and a Murray's Flying Beetle size 16.
Please note that the trout start spawning this month.
A Message from the Park
The Whiteoak Canyon Trail boundary parking lot reopens Friday, October 11. The newly installed bridge is closed to vehicle traffic until it passes a safety inspection, but it is open to pedestrian use. The emergency phone is still offline.
The bridge across Cedar Run was severely damaged during heavy rains in 2018. The new bridge was constructed as a collaborative effort between the Piedmont Environmental Council, Trout Unlimited and the landowner, Jimmy Graves of Graves Mountain Lodge. The new bridge will have the capability for fish to pass underneath which will improve the stream habitat and provide excellent visitor access to the Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run trails.
Stream Conditions: We received about an inch of rain this week which helped the grass but not the stream levels. These streams are still low and clear so sneak, sneak, sneak so you do not spook the fish. If you need help on deciding which streams to fish, call or email me and I will be glad to help. You will have better water levels by accessing the streams from the bottom and hiking up about 30 minutes. Use the stream gradient to hide from the fish and to hide your approach. 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.
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.