Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - March 16, 2023

Stocked Trout Streams - All of our local stocked trout streams are clear and fishable.  The water levels are good.  Passage Creek in Fort Valley was just stocked this week in the delayed harvest section and in the put and take section. For a complete list of the streams that have recently been stocked, visit the VA DWR website. Most anglers have been doing well with nymphs on the stocked trout streams. (see the list below on the mountain trout streams). If you prefer to use streamers, then switch to a Murray's Marauder, Black or Olive in a size 12. If you need help on stream access, stop by the fly shop and I'll be happy to help you find areas.

Mountain Trout Streams - This last week has been up and down with the native brook trout fishing.  The colder weather put a hold on things for a few days.  I expect the next few days the action will pick up again. 

The large extended wing of the emerging Epeorus pleuralis mayfly presents a good target for the brook trout. Imparting a lifting fly action to the Mr. Rapidan Emerger size 14 often prompts a fast strike by the trout.  Other nymphs that we are using this week:  Quill Gordon Nymph size 14, Hare's Ear Nymph size 14, Bead Head Prince size 14 and Copper John, Green size 14.  Fish these on a Mountain Leader 6ft 5X.  If you prefer to fish a dry with a dropper then use a Mr. Rapidan Dry size 14 with one of these nymphs below it.  I just spoke with a Shenandoah National Park official yesterday and was informed that they are going to start recommending to anyone fishing in the Park to mash the barbs down on the hooks. I have personally been doing this for years so I am glad to hear that the Park is starting to recommend it.  

All of the water levels are good so you can do well by either coming in off the Skyline Drive or from the lower boundaries of the streams.  If you need help on stream access and hatch charts, see my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.  

If you are looking for a good overall fly assortment for the mountain trout streams, check out our Mountain Trout Fly Assortment.  This includes 16 of our favorite flies that we use and recommend in our On The Stream Trout Schools.  Speaking of our schools,  I only have a few openings left in our On The Stream Trout Schools in the George Washington National Forest for Spring 2023.  If you cannot make a fly fishing school, then consider a guided trip.