Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - December 6, 2023

Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - December 6, 2023

The stocked trout are feeding heavily on the cress bugs and shrimp patterns right in the springs and in the main streams below where the springs enter them. Productive nymphs include Cress Bug size 14, Murray's Shrimp size 16, Bead Head Prince Nymph size 14, Copper John Nymph size 14, and Bead Head Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail Nymph size 14. We had a little snow skiff this morning making the morning drive to work very scenic. Tip for today: be sure to have wading shoes or hippers with a good grip on the snow covered rocks throughout the winter. 

All of the local stocked trout streams are clear and fishable.  Big Stoney Creek west of Edinburg was just stocked yesterday.  The delayed harvest area of Passage Creek has been doing well. According to some of my customers, the Bullpasture has been productive as well.  If you need help on access to any of the local stocked streams, stop by the fly shop.

Update December 6, 2023 at 2:15pm. Shenandoah National Park streams are open to fishing.  Notice from the Park: 

Effective immediately, Shenandoah National Park officials have lifted a parkwide fishing closure. Extremely dry conditions and low stream flows prompted the ban on August 31.
Recent rainfall has improved conditions resulting in lifting the fishing ban. However, Evan Childress, fish biologist, added, “Be gentle with the fish and the fragile environment they inhabit. The dry conditions likely reduced spawning success. Brook trout eggs spend the winter incubating in gravel in the streams, so it’s important to avoid walking through those areas to prevent trampling of eggs.”
Anglers are also encouraged to minimize handling and time out of the water to reduce stress on the fish.

Little Stoney Creek west of Edinburg is open for native brook trout fishing.  The water level is a little low but you can still land a few brookies if you use a cautious approach.  The Forest Service usually closes the access to FS92 after the first of the year so take advantage of it while you can. We still have openings in our Mountain Trout Fly Fishing Schools in the George Washington National Forest for Spring 2024. These are great for anyone wanting to learn more about the native brook trout fishing in small streams.  

 

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