Stocked Trout Streams-- If you haven't gotten out and explored the stocked trout streams, then I encourage you to do so. The VA DWR is continuing to stock trout streams throughout the state each day. Some of them are areas you can take the fish out and other areas (delayed harvest) are for anglers that put the fish back for the next angler. Be sure to check their website for the latest streams stocked.
I find that nymphs such as a Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 12 or Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle (olive) nymph size 14 work well below very fast deep riffles. If you like to use streamers, then the Murray's Tungsten Bead Marauder size 10 is very fasting sinking and effective here. Sometimes using a sink tip III fly line will help you get your flies down.
Mountain Trout Streams--The native brook trout are spawning, therefore I have not been exploring these streams. For every spawning bed not stepped on in the fall, means there will be more native brookies in the spring. These streams are still very low since we haven't had much rain. If you are interested in learning more about the Shenandoah National Park streams, then you have several options:
- attend my 2-hour classroom setting where I will be discussing the different streams, flies, and tackle for the Shenandoah National Park on November 19 at the fly shop in Edinburg at 10a.m.
- attend one of our On The Stream Fly Fishing Schools next spring (various dates in April and May)
- purchase my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park and do some heavy reading