Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - January 5, 2023

Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - January 5, 2023

Happy New Year!  As usual I am going to separate this report into two sections for the different types of trout streams.

Stocked Trout Streams - The VA DWR is still stocking streams throughout the state.  Bullpasture was just recently stocked.  This is a nice stream and is one that was included in my book Virginia Blue Ribbon Streams. To see which streams were recently stocked, visit the VA DWR website.  All of our local stocked trout streams such as Big Stoney Creek in Edinburg, Passage Creek in Fort Valley and Hawksbill Creek in Luray VA are clear and fishable.  The water levels are holding up from the recent rain.  In my January newsletter, I talked about the Murray's Tungsten Bead Marauder size 10 with the Perdigon Nymph size 12.  These two flies have a heavier bead to get your fly down and work well in fast moving water. If you find that you don't need this much weight on your fly, try switching to our regular Murray's Marauder in a size 10 that have a regular bead head but don't sink as fast. 

Mountain Trout Streams - With this beautiful weather that we are having for January, who wouldn't want to get out and try to catch a native brookie. Just be careful about not stepping on the dusted over spawning beds and be respectful of closures.  The Shenandoah National Park is still conducting clean ups from the last ice storm so many portions of the Park are closed.  Here is the latest message on closure : 

Skyline Drive is closed to ALL ACCESS (pedestrians, bicycles, horses, and vehicles) from mile 5 to mile 31 and from mile 43 to mile 105. This is a departure from our usual policy, but because of the dangerous nature of the work that needs to be done in the closed areas, the Superintendent has issued a complete closure of those portions of Skyline Drive. Message boards indicating this closure have been placed at barricades on the Drive.
You can access trails from the trailheads in the open areas (mile 0 to mile 5 and Thornton Gap to Skyland) and from the boundary. Take caution -- not all trail conditions have been assessed or treated. Hazards on the trails include: hanging or falling branches, muddy trails with some lingering icy spots, and several downed trees impeding the path. Please do not create social trails around them. We are prioritizing Skyline Drive before progress is made on the trails.
For clarification of messaging or questions, please send a direct message to  the Shenandoah National Park Facebook or Instagram accounts and they will answer you as soon as possible.
If you are in the need for new chest high waders and wading boots, then check out our Simms FREESTONE waders and FREESTONE boots that are currently only sale while supplies last.
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