Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - November 8, 2023

Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - November 8, 2023

Let's start with the stocked trout streams.  The VA DWR continues to stock rainbows and some browns throughout the state.  Our local stocked trout streams were stocked several weeks ago.  The water levels are still very low but some anglers are managing to land several nice rainbows. If you look closely on overcast days and at dusk in the tails of the pools and in the back eddies, you will see many trout feeding on natural midges and small black stoneflies. This is very challenging and exceptionally rewarding trout fishing. The Murray's Little Black Stonefly Dry size 16 and Mr. Rapidan Midge Dry size 22 fished on a Murray's Classic 9ft 7X leader works well here. If you prefer to fish nymphs, use a Murray's Dark Stonefly Nymph size 14, Copper John, Zebra size 14, or Perdigon Nymph, French size 12.

If you need help on access to our local stocked trout streams such as Big Stoney or Passage Creek, stop by or call the fly shop. To see a list of the streams recently stocked, visit the DWR website.

Now let's move onto the native brook trout streams. The native brook trout streams in the Shenandoah National Park are still closed to fishing because of the extremely low water levels.  If you haven't seen it on the local news or social media, there is a forest fire causing problems within the Park limits near Syria to Big Meadows.  It has burned 2,500 acres and crews are working to get in under control.  Over the weekend the smoke from this fire was very heavy even at our fly shop in Edinburg depending on which way the wind was blowing. Prime time to fish the native brook trout streams is April and May, which is why we conduct our On The Stream Mountain Trout Schools and this time.  We are already registering for Spring 2024.  We also have booked several guide trips for Spring 2024.  These fill up fast so if you are interested don't wait to register.

Up Coming Events:

Back to blog