#TROUTWATER
Below are a list of fisheries that should satisfy your needs for cold water and trucha grande.
Typical trout waters range from an hour to three and a half hours in distance from the District. Listed are a description of the water, the species available, recommended gear and flies, and the best times of year to fish there.
While this is meant to be a reference for those looking to explore our area's fishing opportunities, I do not necessarily "guide" at all of these locations, all of the time.
Typical trout waters range from an hour to three and a half hours in distance from the District. Listed are a description of the water, the species available, recommended gear and flies, and the best times of year to fish there.
While this is meant to be a reference for those looking to explore our area's fishing opportunities, I do not necessarily "guide" at all of these locations, all of the time.
Legend:
S = Stocker
W = Wild
N = Native
/ = Combo
S = Stocker
W = Wild
N = Native
/ = Combo
Accotink Creek (Tail water DH - VA)
Place: Located roughly 45 minutes-1 hour from the District, in nearby Springfield, VA - Accotink acts as the "local" delayed harvest trout water for those wishing to stay inside the Beltway to get their trout fix.
Managed by the VDGIF, Accotink receives several stockings of rainbow and brown trout from the state each fall, winter, and spring (check the stocking schedule on the VDGIF website before heading out). Most fish are gone by the start of summer as this fishery transitions to bass and panfish, but there are rumors of holdover fish here and there.
Accotink fishes in a similar way to Rock Creek Park in the sense that it features 3 miles of fishable, somewhat urban water with a myriad of water types that can hold fish.
Standard attractor nymphs and olive or black woolybuggers will get the job done as far as flies go.
Bottom line -- Accotink will definitely scratch your itch if you're strapped for time.
Targets:
Rainbow Trout S
Brown Trout S
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Sunfish
Rod: 3-5wt, 7.5-9ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9ft 5x
Favorite Fly: Flashback Pheasant Tail (size 18) or Olive Woolybugger (size 8)
Prime Time: November-March or about two weeks after a fresh stocking
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp
Access: That portion of stream from King Arthur Road downstream 3.1 miles to Route 620 (Braddock Road). Primary access is via the FCPA Wakefield Park facility off Braddock Road.
Managed by the VDGIF, Accotink receives several stockings of rainbow and brown trout from the state each fall, winter, and spring (check the stocking schedule on the VDGIF website before heading out). Most fish are gone by the start of summer as this fishery transitions to bass and panfish, but there are rumors of holdover fish here and there.
Accotink fishes in a similar way to Rock Creek Park in the sense that it features 3 miles of fishable, somewhat urban water with a myriad of water types that can hold fish.
Standard attractor nymphs and olive or black woolybuggers will get the job done as far as flies go.
Bottom line -- Accotink will definitely scratch your itch if you're strapped for time.
Targets:
Rainbow Trout S
Brown Trout S
Smallmouth Bass
Largemouth Bass
Sunfish
Rod: 3-5wt, 7.5-9ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9ft 5x
Favorite Fly: Flashback Pheasant Tail (size 18) or Olive Woolybugger (size 8)
Prime Time: November-March or about two weeks after a fresh stocking
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp
Access: That portion of stream from King Arthur Road downstream 3.1 miles to Route 620 (Braddock Road). Primary access is via the FCPA Wakefield Park facility off Braddock Road.
Beaver Creek (Spring creek - md)
Place: Located an hour and fifteen minutes from NW DC, "The Beave" is an eastern limestone spring creek that runs through Boonsboro, MD near Hagerstown off of I-70.
Playing host to a healthy population of wild brown trout and a few stocked and wild rainbows in the mix, Beaver Creek is one of the more productive wild trout streams in the vicinity of the District.
While smaller fish (7-12") tend to be the norm, don't let your guard down. Beaver holds some true monsters -- with shots at fish over 20" each time on the water and some browns and rainbows pushing 25+".
Unlike the Gunpowder (which gets way more press/pressure), Beaver Creek receives little to no pressure on weekdays and relatively little pressure on the weekends, which makes it ideal for day trips or those crunched for time.
Tight casting space, clear flows, and wild brown trout make "The Beave" a challenging but rewarding technical fly fishery. I recommend it to anyone interested in need of practicing their technical, wild trout game.
Tip: Be careful not to wear bright colors or wade too much in the stream as fish spook easily and any sort of unnecessary recklessness could shut down the bite for not only yourself, but other anglers as well.
Targets:
Brown Trout W
Rainbow Trout W/S
Rod: 3-6 wt, 9'ft
Line: floating trout line
Leader/Tippet: 10+ft 6-7 x for dries or nymphs, 6ft 3x for streamers
Favorite Flies: Size 16 stimulator, Size 20 BWO, or Size 4 Hawg Hamster in Gold
Prime Time: Year round but famous for BWO hatches in the winter.
License: Maryland Freshwater + Trout Stamp
Fly Shops:
Beaver Creek Fly Shop
9720 Country Store Lane
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-393-9090
Access: There are 3 Public Access Points on Beaver Creek. The stretch behind the fly shop, the fly fishing only section by the church, and another section further down the road. In more depth from the Maryland DNR page (http://bit.ly/1ba40Su)
Playing host to a healthy population of wild brown trout and a few stocked and wild rainbows in the mix, Beaver Creek is one of the more productive wild trout streams in the vicinity of the District.
While smaller fish (7-12") tend to be the norm, don't let your guard down. Beaver holds some true monsters -- with shots at fish over 20" each time on the water and some browns and rainbows pushing 25+".
Unlike the Gunpowder (which gets way more press/pressure), Beaver Creek receives little to no pressure on weekdays and relatively little pressure on the weekends, which makes it ideal for day trips or those crunched for time.
Tight casting space, clear flows, and wild brown trout make "The Beave" a challenging but rewarding technical fly fishery. I recommend it to anyone interested in need of practicing their technical, wild trout game.
Tip: Be careful not to wear bright colors or wade too much in the stream as fish spook easily and any sort of unnecessary recklessness could shut down the bite for not only yourself, but other anglers as well.
Targets:
Brown Trout W
Rainbow Trout W/S
Rod: 3-6 wt, 9'ft
Line: floating trout line
Leader/Tippet: 10+ft 6-7 x for dries or nymphs, 6ft 3x for streamers
Favorite Flies: Size 16 stimulator, Size 20 BWO, or Size 4 Hawg Hamster in Gold
Prime Time: Year round but famous for BWO hatches in the winter.
License: Maryland Freshwater + Trout Stamp
Fly Shops:
Beaver Creek Fly Shop
9720 Country Store Lane
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-393-9090
Access: There are 3 Public Access Points on Beaver Creek. The stretch behind the fly shop, the fly fishing only section by the church, and another section further down the road. In more depth from the Maryland DNR page (http://bit.ly/1ba40Su)
Beaver creek (Spring creek - va)
Place: Located a little over two and half hours from the District, Beaver Creek VA is one of the premier spring creeks in the Shenandoah Valley. Limiting access to 4 rods a day (via a $10 stream permit...details below), Beaver boasts a healthy population of wild rainbows native brook trout, and some JUMBO stocker bows.
Although a slightly less technical fishery than the springer that shares its namesake in MD- Beaver VA is no push over. This top notch trout fishery provides anglers with excellent dry fly and sight fishing opportunities as the stream is known for its clarity and trico, BWO, and sulphur hatches in the summer months. But don't get me wrong -- this is a dynamite YEAR ROUND fishery with some exceptionally large rainbows mixed in (fish pushing 30" and 8lbs are not uncommon).
Targets:
Rainbow Trout W/S
Brook Trout W
Rod: 3-6 wt, 9' ft
Line: Floating trout line
Leader/Tippet: 5-6x, 9ft
Favorite Flies: Size 6 Golden Retriever/Star Fox, Size 18 Hare's Ear
Prime Time: Summer for dries
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp + Land Permit
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Access: From Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's website
"4 permits are available at 257 Grocery Store (name: 257 Grocery at 6939 Briery Branch Road, Dayton, VA) and are managed on a 1st come 1st serve basis daily. A donation of $10.00 to Trout Unlimited is required to obtain the permit. All proceeds from the permits go directly to the stocking and maintenance on Beaver Creek. These permits may NOT be reserved or booked for future dates....You may park ONLY at the Ottobine Country Store or at the Ottobine Elementary School located about 1.5 miles straight through the stop sign."
Although a slightly less technical fishery than the springer that shares its namesake in MD- Beaver VA is no push over. This top notch trout fishery provides anglers with excellent dry fly and sight fishing opportunities as the stream is known for its clarity and trico, BWO, and sulphur hatches in the summer months. But don't get me wrong -- this is a dynamite YEAR ROUND fishery with some exceptionally large rainbows mixed in (fish pushing 30" and 8lbs are not uncommon).
Targets:
Rainbow Trout W/S
Brook Trout W
Rod: 3-6 wt, 9' ft
Line: Floating trout line
Leader/Tippet: 5-6x, 9ft
Favorite Flies: Size 6 Golden Retriever/Star Fox, Size 18 Hare's Ear
Prime Time: Summer for dries
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp + Land Permit
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Access: From Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's website
"4 permits are available at 257 Grocery Store (name: 257 Grocery at 6939 Briery Branch Road, Dayton, VA) and are managed on a 1st come 1st serve basis daily. A donation of $10.00 to Trout Unlimited is required to obtain the permit. All proceeds from the permits go directly to the stocking and maintenance on Beaver Creek. These permits may NOT be reserved or booked for future dates....You may park ONLY at the Ottobine Country Store or at the Ottobine Elementary School located about 1.5 miles straight through the stop sign."
Mossy creek (Spring Creek - va)
Place: Famous for its terrestrial dry fly fishing in the summer and giant brown trout, Mossy Creek is located a little over two hours from the District near the town of Bridgewater, VA. This spring creek, famous in VA trout lore, is split into two public sections with a third, private section managed by Mossy Creek Fly Shop (well worth the guide fee).
While it is definitely one of the first streams that comes to mind when discussing Virginia trout water, Mossy is a technical fishery not for the faint of heart. A narrow creek channel, undercut ledges, and numerous overhanging branches/stumps/hard cover define the creek's main fish holding structures.
Successful anglers on this springer are trained in the way of swinging big streamers underneath the banks and root systems in the fall and winter. In the spring and summer, the game shifts to dries and terrestrials. Short, accurate casts and purposeful mends/drifts are the keys to maximizing your chances on this infamously tough but rewarding trout water.
Unless you want to get stuck in the quicksand like mud - don't wade.
Targets:
Brown Trout W/S
Rainbow Trout W/S
Brook Trout N
Rod: 5-6wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9-12 feet of 6-8 lb-test
Favorite Flies: Big N Ugly streamers, think fall fish or sculpins in size 2-6
Prime Time: Year round with renown hopper fishing starting around late June and early July.
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp + Land Permit
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Access: There are two public parking areas, one after the iron bridge and one by the old church. Check out Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Description for more directions and more info!
While it is definitely one of the first streams that comes to mind when discussing Virginia trout water, Mossy is a technical fishery not for the faint of heart. A narrow creek channel, undercut ledges, and numerous overhanging branches/stumps/hard cover define the creek's main fish holding structures.
Successful anglers on this springer are trained in the way of swinging big streamers underneath the banks and root systems in the fall and winter. In the spring and summer, the game shifts to dries and terrestrials. Short, accurate casts and purposeful mends/drifts are the keys to maximizing your chances on this infamously tough but rewarding trout water.
Unless you want to get stuck in the quicksand like mud - don't wade.
Targets:
Brown Trout W/S
Rainbow Trout W/S
Brook Trout N
Rod: 5-6wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9-12 feet of 6-8 lb-test
Favorite Flies: Big N Ugly streamers, think fall fish or sculpins in size 2-6
Prime Time: Year round with renown hopper fishing starting around late June and early July.
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp + Land Permit
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Access: There are two public parking areas, one after the iron bridge and one by the old church. Check out Mossy Creek Fly Fishing's Description for more directions and more info!
Passage creek (DH Freestone - va)
Place: Located an hour and fifteen from the District off of I-81 near Strasburg, VA, Passage Creek is essentially a much more scenic and "wild" version of the above-listed Accotink Creek. Winding its way through George Washington National Forest and some truly epic scenery, Passage can be a productive fishery at times (within a few days after a fresh stocking) but faces a rather large poaching issue. Because of this, most fish that survive the initial plundering can be found in deeper holes and the harder to reach pools. IMO working your way up from the C&R section by the Front Royal Hatchery is your best bet at consistently finding fish. This stream can be quite crowded on weekends with spin fishermen and power baiters.
One of Northern Virginia's more popular Delayed Harvest waters, Passage receives several stockings each fall, winter, and spring courtesy of VDGIF and Shenandoah Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Easy wading.
Targets:
Rainbow Trout S
Brown Trout S
Brook Trout N
Rod: 3-5wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 10' ft of 5-6x
Favorite Fly: Flashback Pheasant Tail (size 18), Y2K (size 12), Olive Woolybugger (size 8)
Prime Time: September-May
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Murray's Fly Shop
121 S. Main Street,
Edinburg, VA 22824
Access: That portion of stream from the Shenandoah/ Warren County line downstream approximately 1 mile through the Department's Front Royal Fish Hatchery. This section is immediately downstream of the area that has historically been stocked under the put-and-take program. Parking is available on Forest Service lands adjacent to Route 678 or on Department lands adjacent to Route 619 (aka look for parking on the side of the road).
One of Northern Virginia's more popular Delayed Harvest waters, Passage receives several stockings each fall, winter, and spring courtesy of VDGIF and Shenandoah Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Easy wading.
Targets:
Rainbow Trout S
Brown Trout S
Brook Trout N
Rod: 3-5wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 10' ft of 5-6x
Favorite Fly: Flashback Pheasant Tail (size 18), Y2K (size 12), Olive Woolybugger (size 8)
Prime Time: September-May
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Murray's Fly Shop
121 S. Main Street,
Edinburg, VA 22824
Access: That portion of stream from the Shenandoah/ Warren County line downstream approximately 1 mile through the Department's Front Royal Fish Hatchery. This section is immediately downstream of the area that has historically been stocked under the put-and-take program. Parking is available on Forest Service lands adjacent to Route 678 or on Department lands adjacent to Route 619 (aka look for parking on the side of the road).
Rose river farm (Freestone - VA)
Place: Rose River Farm is a private trout stream located about 2 hours from DC in Syria, VA. Renown for its outstanding annual involvement with Project Healing Waters that eventually led to the farm becoming the National Home Waters for PHW in 2011, the stream is limited to 5 rods a day and requires a $95 rod fee prior to hitting the water. To reserve a slot, click here.
For those willing to pay, the price of admission is well worth it. Stocked with jumbo, "western looking rainbow trout" and the occasional native brook trout that has migrated up from the non-stocked portion of the stream (outside the farm, the Rose River is one of the better native brook trout streams in the region) - Rose River Farm is a trout fisherman's playground.
Easy wading.
Targets:
Rainbow S
Brook Trout N
Rod: 3-6 wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9-10 ft of 5-6x
Favorite Flies: Y2K, Green Weenie, Hare's Ear, Size 14 Stimulator
Prime Time: Only open September-June
License: You will need a Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp to fish the sections above and below the farm.
Access: Park at Farm if you have a reservation. If not, hit up the pullouts on the side of the Rose River for some awesome native brook trout action.
For those willing to pay, the price of admission is well worth it. Stocked with jumbo, "western looking rainbow trout" and the occasional native brook trout that has migrated up from the non-stocked portion of the stream (outside the farm, the Rose River is one of the better native brook trout streams in the region) - Rose River Farm is a trout fisherman's playground.
Easy wading.
Targets:
Rainbow S
Brook Trout N
Rod: 3-6 wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9-10 ft of 5-6x
Favorite Flies: Y2K, Green Weenie, Hare's Ear, Size 14 Stimulator
Prime Time: Only open September-June
License: You will need a Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp to fish the sections above and below the farm.
Access: Park at Farm if you have a reservation. If not, hit up the pullouts on the side of the Rose River for some awesome native brook trout action.
Savage River (Tail water - Md, WV)
Place: One of Trout Unlimited's Top 100 Wild Trout Streams, Maryland's Savage River is located 3 hours from the District about 40 minutes from the cool ass town of Cumberland, MD. This tail water, which features a steep gradient and incredibly slippery rocks, boasts an outstanding wild trout fishery highlighted by its bruiser browns and gorgeous brook trout.
Because the fish are wild, this is a very technical fishery and not recommended for those just starting out.
For a more in depth breakdown of the Savage, check out Savage River Outfitter's detailed description of the Savage River system here
Targets:
Brown Trout W
Rainbow Trout S/W
Brook Trout N
Rod: 3-6wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: Lead fish with longer leaders when dry fly fishing (6x-7x), for nymphs, a custom rig (explained here) with 7x.
Favorite Fly: Small stimi or beetle off the bank in summer or drifting nymphs through pocket water with no indicator
Prime Time: Year round.
License: Maryland or West Virginia with corresponding trout stamp
Fly Shops:
Savage River Outfitters
2721 Savage River Road, Swanton, Md. 21561
703-517-1040
Access: Parking is available along most of Savage River Road, look for pull outs on the side of the road.
Because the fish are wild, this is a very technical fishery and not recommended for those just starting out.
For a more in depth breakdown of the Savage, check out Savage River Outfitter's detailed description of the Savage River system here
Targets:
Brown Trout W
Rainbow Trout S/W
Brook Trout N
Rod: 3-6wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: Lead fish with longer leaders when dry fly fishing (6x-7x), for nymphs, a custom rig (explained here) with 7x.
Favorite Fly: Small stimi or beetle off the bank in summer or drifting nymphs through pocket water with no indicator
Prime Time: Year round.
License: Maryland or West Virginia with corresponding trout stamp
Fly Shops:
Savage River Outfitters
2721 Savage River Road, Swanton, Md. 21561
703-517-1040
Access: Parking is available along most of Savage River Road, look for pull outs on the side of the road.
Shenandoah National Park (Freestone - VA)
Place: Where to begin........
Gorgeous NATIVE brook trout....
Over 70 wild brook trout streams.....
Dries....steamers....nymphs.....
Find a stream....find a trail....get after it....
Most people access via Skyline Drive or the Hoover Fish Camp in the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area.......
Yep, that covers it.
Targets:
Brook Trout N
Brown Trout * W
Rainbow Trout * W
Rod: 2-4wt, 7-9ft or TENKARA
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9-10ft of 5-7x
Favorite Fly: Bring your favorite dries, nymphs, and small streamers and have a blast!
Prime Time: April-October or until the Brookie Spawn
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp + National Park Stamp
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Murray's Fly Shop
121 S. Main Street,
Edinburg, VA 22824
Access: Best access points are along Skyline Drive and the Hoover Fish Camp.
Gorgeous NATIVE brook trout....
Over 70 wild brook trout streams.....
Dries....steamers....nymphs.....
Find a stream....find a trail....get after it....
Most people access via Skyline Drive or the Hoover Fish Camp in the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area.......
Yep, that covers it.
Targets:
Brook Trout N
Brown Trout * W
Rainbow Trout * W
Rod: 2-4wt, 7-9ft or TENKARA
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 9-10ft of 5-7x
Favorite Fly: Bring your favorite dries, nymphs, and small streamers and have a blast!
Prime Time: April-October or until the Brookie Spawn
License: Virginia Freshwater + Trout Stamp + National Park Stamp
Fly Shops:
Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
1790-92 East Market St.
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-434-2444
Murray's Fly Shop
121 S. Main Street,
Edinburg, VA 22824
Access: Best access points are along Skyline Drive and the Hoover Fish Camp.
Smoke Hole canyon @ Eagle Rock (Freestone - WV)
Place: Located 2 hours and 45 minutes from the NW DC, Smoke Hole Canyon and the C&R section of the South Fork River located near Upper Tract, WV is one of my favorite trout water in the region.
When it comes to fish per mile and average size, it's easy to see why this freestone is considered one of the better trout waters in the state. However, in comparison to the Savage, Elk, and North Branch - the South Fork gets little love. AND THAT'S COOL WITH ME.
With over 90 miles of fishable trout water, the South Fork features easy wading, a myriad of trout water (runs, riffles, pools, pocket water), and specie variety that is hard to beat as the state stocks this section of river frequently.
Targets:
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Cutbow Trout
Palomino Trout
Smallmouth Bass
Sunfish
Rod: 4-6wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 7-5x for dries and nymphs, 3-4x for streamers
Favorite Fly: Size 10 Stimulator, Size 6 Starfox, or Y2K
Prime Time: Year Round
License: West Virginia + Trout Stamp
Access: All along Smoke Hole Rd, find a pull-off and a pool you like and get after it.
When it comes to fish per mile and average size, it's easy to see why this freestone is considered one of the better trout waters in the state. However, in comparison to the Savage, Elk, and North Branch - the South Fork gets little love. AND THAT'S COOL WITH ME.
With over 90 miles of fishable trout water, the South Fork features easy wading, a myriad of trout water (runs, riffles, pools, pocket water), and specie variety that is hard to beat as the state stocks this section of river frequently.
Targets:
Rainbow Trout
Brook Trout
Brown Trout
Cutthroat Trout
Cutbow Trout
Palomino Trout
Smallmouth Bass
Sunfish
Rod: 4-6wt, 9'ft
Line: Floating
Leader/Tippet: 7-5x for dries and nymphs, 3-4x for streamers
Favorite Fly: Size 10 Stimulator, Size 6 Starfox, or Y2K
Prime Time: Year Round
License: West Virginia + Trout Stamp
Access: All along Smoke Hole Rd, find a pull-off and a pool you like and get after it.