Trout Streams Fly Fishing Report - Update October 12, 2024

The VA DWR continues to stock trout streams in VA this month. You can pick up some nice rainbows and browns in these streams with large flies such as our Bass Caddis Nymph size 6 or Bass Stonefly Nymph size 4.  Fish these across stream with a slow line hand stripping action. With the fuller water levels we currently have our Murray's Tungsten Bead Marauder size 10 helps get your streamer down to where it needs to be.  All of our local stocked trout streams are at perfect levels and clear for fishing. If you need help on access, stop by the fly shop. Update for October 12:  Passage Creek in Fort Valley was stocked this week.
A message from VA DWR about streams in southern VA.

Trout Stocking Changes in Southwest Virginia Resulting from Hurricane Helene

Due to the recent devastation resulting from Hurricane Helene the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) will suspend trout stocking in most streams in Grayson and Washington counties until further notice. These two counties were the most heavily impacted in the region and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The decision to suspend trout stocking was made with public safety in mind and to allow recovery efforts to continue unimpeded.

Additionally, due to the closures within the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, DWR will not be stocking trout in any streams located on USDA Forest Service land in Grayson, Scott, Smyth, Washington, Wise, and Wythe counties.

The brook trout start spawning this month, therefore I do not like to fish these streams during October and November. We do not conduct guide trips on these streams in the Fall because of the spawning beds.  We are already registering anglers for our On The Stream Mountain Trout Fly Fishing Schools for Spring 2025 when the water levels and hatches are ideal.  If you want to learn more about these streams, register for a school or read my book Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park.