Places to fly fish in Central Virginia

Albemarle Angler Central Virginia Rivers (most frequently fished)

Conway River/Devils Ditch (Greene County)
Special regulations apply to that portion of Conway River and its major tributary, Devils Ditch, within the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area and the Shenandoah National Park. The stream contains brook trout in the upper reaches with wild brown trout scattered through the lower portions. Adult brook trout range from 7-11 inches in length; brown trout occasionally exceed 20 inches. The stream lies north of Stanardsville and can be reached by Route 615 from Graves Mill.

Moormans River:Special Regs TJTU Section (Albemarle County)
The portion of the Moormans that is below the dam has been designated a special regs fly fishing only, catch-and-release fishery for trout. Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited stocks this section starting in October and ending in May. Action is usually very good and consistent through the season as long as poaching is controlled. 1/2 mile of water with runs and pools make for a great time and an easy trip from Charlottesville. You will need a yearly pass that costs $45 which can be purchased at our store.

North Fork Moormans River (Albemarle County)
That portion of the Moormans River lying within the Shenandoah National Park is designated as catch-and-release. This stream historically contained an excellent population of brook trout throughout with a small population of brown trout in the lower reaches. However, the 1995 flood significantly altered habitat along the lower section of river. Brook trout have been slow to recover in this section and brown trout seem to have been eliminated. The brook trout population remains strong in the upper section of stream and anglers are encouraged to hike upstream to fish. Access to the Moormans River is available over Rt. 614 past Sugar Hollow Reservoir.

Rapidan River (Madison County)
The Rapidan River is Virginia’s best known trout stream. Not only was it the state’s first special regulation stream, it was also the site of the Presidential Retreat established by President Hoover. Much of the original Camp Hoover is still intact and is occasionally used. The special regulation area of the Rapidan includes all the stream and its tributaries within the Shenandoah National Park and the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area. The stream contains an excellent native brook trout population with good numbers of 10-11 inch adults. Access to the Rapidan is available over Route 662 from Graves Mill and over Route 649 from Criglersville.

Shenandoah National Park (SNP)
The Park provides an entire region of special regulation trout streams, extending from Front Royal to Waynesboro. Most streams within the Park are open to fishing but only a portion of these allow anglers to creel trout and can change annually. Therefore, check with SNP for their annual fishing regulations. All fishing in the park is restricted to the use of single hook artificial lures. In streams allowing harvest the creel limit is six trout per day, all of which must be 9 inches or more in length. Most streams within the park contain good populations of native brook trout, while a few of the larger east slope streams also contain isolated populations of brown trout.

South River (August County)
The portion of the river running through the town of Waynesboro offers some good fishing when it is stocked. The DGIF has dropped the quality of their fish stocking in the last two years but since the section through the park is delayed harvest a lot of fish still hold for a period of time. Expect rainbows in the 10”-15” range. In spring, you will find browns in the South and we’ve even picked up a few brookies from time to time. Fish from the Dupont Factory downstream past the two briges. Sub-catchable browns were stocked last season so this season may very well turn out to be one of the best yet.

PRIRVATE WATERS

Rose River (Madison County)
The Rose is really the place to be for trout fishermen east of the blue ridge in terms of quality and quantity of fish. This is a very popular private fishery limited to 4 anglers per day. Rod fee is $85 which is a steal in terms of the quality of the fishery. Almost all fish are over 18” with many in the 20” range. A couple of 30” are there. You really need to book early to get on this water. We suggest 2 months in advance. 434.977.6882. Guided trips are also available through Albemarleangler.com
Meadow Lane Cottages, Jackson River (Bath County)
One of the most scenic and beautiful pieces of water I’ve fished with lots of great water types to challenge your skills. Limited to 8ppl per day. Stoneflies are prolific here and there are also great caddis and mayfly hatches. The owners have really upgraded their stocking program after realizing what kind of fishery they have. It’s a long drive but well worth your time especially if you wanted to do a weekend or overnight at the B & B. Contact albemarleangler.com for details or call 434.977.6882
Harrisonburg Spring Creeks
Two very good waters exist west of the blue ridge: Suzie Q Farm and Riverbend Farm. Mossy Creek Flyfishers is maintaining the stocking program and there are some VERY large fish in these creeks. These are private waters costing $65/day but the quality of the fisheries easily justifies the cost. Contact albemarleangler.com or mossycreekflyfishing.com for booking information.
Escatawba Farm
Another great fishery with lots of water, limited rods and great trout near Covington. Although it’s a ride, not too many places fish better than Escatawba. 20 fish + days are normal. The booking fee is $125 this year. Contact Albemarleangler.com for details.

SMALLMOUTH BASS

James River
The James is one of the premier smallmouth rivers in the state. 100 fish days are possible on good days. Fish over 18” are frequently landed. There are many sections of this long river that hold fish so you really need a good map to plan your float. The river is not easily wadable so we recommend floating with a raft or canoe. The run from Hardware River to Bremo Bluff is one of the best. For good maps and info on this River see Harry Murray’s book, VA Blue Ribbon Streams, or Bruce Ingram’s book, James River Guide.
To book a float or for current conditions see albemarleangler.com or call us 434.977.6882
This river fishes best from late march through October.
Shenandoah River
The South Fork of the Shenandoah is a legendary stream. Smaller and more personal than the James, the Shenandoah holds high quantities of smallmouth bass as well as other species. In spite of a fish kill a couple of years ago the population of bass has really bounced back with some big fish still there. Plan your floats carefully as some access points are very primitive. One of our favorite floats is from Island Ford to the town of Elkton. There are very good quantities of fish in this 7+ mile stretch and a lot of different water types to keep you interested.