Mountain Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - February 17, 2022

Many of you are getting cabin fever and just want to get out of the house or work.  At this time of the year the mountain trout streams are still very cold and the native brook trout are not actively feeding.  The streams will start to warm in March and by April the mountain trout streams will be at their peak to fish.  For those that cannot wait, I would recommend that you use this time to explore and plan the streams that you want to fish once the streams warm up.  There are over 20 different streams in the Shenandoah National Park and I have listed all of them in my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park. This includes access, where to park, which trails to hike, along with hatch charts and recommended flies. 

As long as we do not have bad weather, the Skyline Drive remains open so you can explore these streams by either coming in from the Drive or coming in from the boundary accesses.  Right now the streams are running at very full levels from the recent snow melting and the rain showers so if you do plan to fish you will have better water levels by coming in from the Skyline Drive.  The mountains are always cooler even if the outside temperature is in the 60's like we had today so be prepared and wear warm clothing.  

Fish with nymphs such as a Casual Dress Nymph size 12, Mr. Rapidan Bead Head Nymph size 12, or Bead Head Copper Johns in size 14. Even if you don't catch a fish, take the time to enjoy the great outdoors. 

I will post more updates as the streams start to warm. We still have a few openings in our Spring 2022 Mountain Trout Fly Fishing Schools if you are interested in learning how to fly fish on the wild native brook trout streams.