James River:
Fishing is good with numbers of fish showing depending on the section you are floating. reminder: the bridge at Hardware River is still out making the Scottsville to Bremo run unavailable unless you have LOTS of time to float both runs together. Hooked 5 fish 18-19″ monday so some nice size is showing. All on big poppers up against the banks in wood and cover. As always, we’re fishing Boogle Bug poppers and Walt’s Poppers on top. Also try the Tommy’s Wiggle Minnow in Fire Tiger if you haven’t already. I’m sure that will take its share of fish this year. In the Middle, I’m fishing Clousers and CK Baitfish and also Kreelex with the brass eyes. We have recently contracted with a custom tyer to supply us with brass eyed Kreelex, some in brand new colors. Finally, we always go with a selection of Clawdads in a variety of colors, black/blue and tan being my personal favorites. Water flow is around 1800 cfs and levels look normal. Click here to see all USGS river data for James River.
Shenandoah River:
Fishing is great but water flows are below the 25th percentile making getting down some sections difficult. Flow is just under 400 cfs (normal is over 600 cfs) and declining. See all USGS info here. Tan Clawdads and poppers are taking almost all fish. In the last week in 3 days of fishing we’ve had 150, 200, and 75 fish days respectively. Green poppers are taking most fish since there are green and orange damsels out right now. We really need some rain in the valley to bring things back up. I am very impressed with both the numbers and quality of the fish I’m seeing here: We hooked at least 6 fish over 18″ on one trip. Lots of largemouth in this section as well.
Blue Rige Mountain Streams: Moorman’s, Conway, Rapidan Rivers
The mountain streams are still great. As long as these mild temps stay around trout fishing should continue to be good. Any attractor dry in 12-16 will get lots of fish. On the NF, make sure to hike in 3/4 mile. Water levels are still great.
Jackson River:
Flows are normal below the dam running at 270 cfs. USGS dats is here. Water temps are holding so fishing should be good for awhile yet even in the Hidden Valley area. Coffee Stone, Pat’s Stone, and Mercer’s Poxy back stone are all top producers. I also like prince nymph when nothing is showing. Never forget to take the old BH English PT in 16-18.
Many fish were taken on a couple of recent floats in the tailwater section. Wild Rainbows and browns to 18″. Many of these fish are coming on streamers. Be aware that the landowner of the middle float (Davis Bridge to Indian Draft) is now posting his land and saying you can’t anchor or wade. Not sure of the legality of this since this section WAS NOT under the King’s Grant Ruling (but may be King’s Grant land). For now the 6 miles above and below this offer better fishing and less hassle.
Rivanna River:
Clear and good flow. Should be fishing great. All the usuall suspects will produce here. Try the float from Woolen Mills to Shadwell or the lower river around Palmyra. Be aware of a mud flat at Woolen Mills which makes launching a chore.
Rose River Farm:
Closed until sept. or Oct. Booking for fall season now. 434.977.6882
