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. A Mr. Rapidan Delta Wing Caddis size 16 with a Murray's Tan Caddis Pupa size 16 on a 18 inch 6X dropper would be productive.
A Message from the Park
Shenandoah National Park has reopened the boundary parking area at Whiteoak Canyon Trail off Route 600 in Madison County. 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 allow fish to pass underneath which will improve the stream habitat.This will restore the 90 parking spaces that were available at the boundary prior to the closing of the bridge. However, visitors should expect the lot to fill on busy weekends and be prepared with alternate plans
Stream Conditions: We received some rain this week improving the conditions of the streams slightly. The leaves are starting to change so there are many trails and sights to explore. You will get your best fishing by coming in the from the bottom of the streams. Be sure to 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.