Fly Fishing the Shenandoah Valley

Virginia's beautiful Shenandoah Valley offers some of the best fly fishing opportunities on the east coast. Virginia boasts over 2300 miles of native trout waters (2nd in the East). The Blue Ridge mountains contain legendary trout streams. The Shenandoah River is one the premier Smallmouth Bass fisheries anywhere. Below is an early morning scene on the South Fork of the Shenandoah.

Current Fishing Conditions: - Spring Conditions - SNP Streams are Excellent

South Fork Shenandoah River Water Levels near normal - river clearing - good action on poppers. Star grass not yet formed. For next month expect excellent action especially for Shenandoah Sunfish which are a blast on a fly rod.
Shenandoah National Park - Excellent fishing with the onset of the warm weather and continues through late June. Expecting summer conditions when water levels lower some more - try an ant pattern near the head of a pool for good results.
There is an excellent population of 1st year fish from last year's spawn. This should make for excellent fishing in the Year 2000 when they reach maturity. But in the meanwhile be prepared to catch a lot of small ones.

Fly Fishing Guide - Fish with Steve Tenney an excellent guide and instructor for a day.

Fly Patterns for the Shenandoah Nation Park. A sampling of my favorite patterns. These patterns work all year long.

Links to Shenandoah Valley Web Sites

Check out Blue Span Shenandoah Cabin for a relaxing place to stay in the Shenandoah Valley and for expert fly fishing guide service.

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