Mountain Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report- June 7, 2023

The mountain trout fishing is tough but not impossible.  The streams are low and clear, therefore the native brook trout are very wary. Try to plan ahead.  Pick a stream that has several feeder streams entering so you have better water levels or plan to come into the streams from the lower Park boundaries.  Plan to approach the stream on your hand and knees or by staying as low as possible so that you are hiding your approach. Try to make sure you are not fishing behind someone. 

This weeks fly recommendations are going to be the same as last week--just because the hatches are still the same and the flies are still productive this week. Murray's Sulphur Dry size 16, Murray's Little Yellow Stonefly Dry size 16, Murray's Flying Beetle size 16, and Mr. Rapidan Ant size 16.  If you want to fish a dry and a dropper take the Murray's Flying Beetle with 18inch mono off the bend of the hook and attach a Mr. Rapidan Soft Hackle Nymph size 16. I am using a Mountain Leader 6ft 6X.

Watch for snakes!  I am getting many reports from customers about seeing snakes along the streams.  Snake rules:  do not step over a log or rock ledge that you cannot see what's on the other side, do not reach up or climb up rock ledges without seeing what's above, and I use my walking stick to poke around in thick grass before walking through in brushy areas.

For more information on the Shenandoah National Park streams, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.  The streams are listed in alphabetical order along with access on where to park and what trails to hike.