Shenandoah National Forest Freestone Streams: A number of streams in the Shenandoah National Forest offer excellent winter, spring, and fall fishing. The summer months tend to dry up a number of the streams, however a hike further into the National Forest will usually produce good fishing in the summer months. Hip waders are recommended. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries maintains a habitat restoration and trout stocking program (visit the site for National Park information and Trout Stocking information).
Month | Fly | Size |
December-January | Sculpins Nymphs |
6-10 14-18 |
February | Woolly Buggers Sculpins Nymphs Midges |
8-10 8-10 14-18 18-22 |
March | Woolly Buggers Midges Quill Gordon Nymphs |
8-10 18-22 16-20 14-16 |
April | Woolly Buggers Light Cahill Quill Gordon Stoneflies Nymphs |
6-12 16-20 14-18 8-12 14-16 |
May | Brown Drake Light Cahill Sulphur Nymphs |
12-14 16-20 16-18 14-18 |
June | Sulphur Ants/Beetles Attractors Hoppers |
16-18 12-16 14-18 10-12 |
July | Caddis Nymphs Ants/Beetles Hoppers |
16-18 14-18 12-16 10-12 |
August | Caddis Nymphs Ants/Beetles Hoppers Attractors |
16-20 14-18 12-14 10-12 14-18 |
September | Caddis Nymphs Ants/Beetles Hoppers Attractors |
16-20 14-18 12-14 10-12 14-18 |
October | Nymphs Attractors Hoppers/Crickets |
16-18 14-18 8-12 |
November-December | Nymphs Attractors Woolly Buggers |
16-18 16-20 8-10 |