Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - December 7, 2022

Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - December 7, 2022

Stocked Trout Streams and Delayed Harvest Areas--  What's those little black things the trout are feeding on?  Often at this time of year the trout are feeding on the natural little black stoneflies. They are usually in the back eddies and above any dammed up areas on the sides of the pools. A Murray's Little Black Stonefly Dry in size 16 will work well here.  If you prefer nymph fishing then use a Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 14. To see the latest streams stocked, visit the VA DWR website.   

 

I want to clarify something that I am often asked about the stocked trout streams and the Shenandoah National Park Streams.  If you look on the VA DWR website you will sometimes see streams that are also mentioned in my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park. Example: Hughes River--  If the stream is in the Shenandoah National Park limits, it is not stocked.  They are all wild native brook trout streams.  These streams flow down the mountain into areas in the valley that are outside the Park limits and that is where you will find the stocked areas with rainbows and browns. Confusing, I know.

Mountain Trout Streams -- These streams are getting cold so I don't expect the fishing to be worth while too much longer. I have still seen a few spawning beds along the streams so try to be careful that you are not stepping on these beds while fishing.  Earlier this week, I took a ride to check the stream levels and all the streams I checked were at good levels. The Murray's Flying Beetle size 16, Mr. Rapidan Dry size 16, and the Murray's Dark Stonefly Dry Fly listed above will help you catch a trout. 

If you want to learn more about the native brook trout fishing in the Shenandoah National Park:

  1. Read my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park
  2. Attend my 2 hour classroom setting discussion on the streams in the Shenandoah National Park on January 7, 2023 starting at 10a.m. at my fly shop in Edinburg, VA
  3. Or sign up for an On The Stream Mountain Trout School in Spring 2023. 
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