Mountain Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - July 19, 2023

I seldom spot the trout boldly holding on his feeding station. Rather, I'm looking for subtle physical features of the trout which alert me to his presence so I can tell where to present my fly. His subtle movement is an easy give away. His shadow is often easier to spot than he is. The difference in the color contrast between his body color and the stream bottom quickly reveals his location and the difference in his streamlined body shape and the round stream bottom rocks show you where to present your fly. 

The mountain trout streams are low.  The rain storms have been localized and some areas are getting more rain than others.  Here is Edinburg we have only received a few showers over the last week but it has not impacted the stream levels. I would suggest coming into the streams from the lower boundaries and fish the higher gradient areas as this makes it easier to hide your approach.  The trout are wary.  Dry flies are my preference for the summer and the Murray's Flying Beetle size 16, Mr. Rapidan Ant size 18, and Mr. Rapidan Dry size 18 are my favorites.  Fish these on a Classic 7.5ft 6X leader.

I have had some customers ask why I do not conduct fly fishing schools in the Fall on these streams.  1) The brook trout spawn in the Fall and I do not like to bother them. 2) Sometimes the water levels are very low in the Fall which makes it tough to fish.  3) There are no major hatches occurring in the Fall.  Therefore we conduct our "On The Stream" Schools in the Spring when the water levels and hatches are ideal. Our Spring 2024 dates are now posted on our website.