The trout are feeding well on natural ants and they are taking the Mr. Rapidan Ant size 16 & 18 very well. I'm doing best when I use a slow cautious approach and do my utmost to get a natural drift with my flies. I catch at least twice as many trout when I use a slack line cast. I was also doing well with a Murray's Flying Beetle size 16 earlier in the week.
Boundary parking for Whiteoak Canyon will be closed for about 4 weeks beginning September 16 for bridge replacement. The bridge was damaged by flooding in 2018. There will be no boundary access during that time. For more information, visit our website:https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/news/newsreleases.htm
Stream Conditions: Some of these streams are getting low. If you need help on deciding which streams to fish, call or email me and I will be glad to help. Use a cautious approach so you are not spooking the fish. 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.
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 6X Leader on a 2 to 4 weight fly rod--preferably 8ft or shorter.