Murray’s Fly Shop Podcast with special guest Jackson Dierberg from Virginia DWR
Each year we are asked many questions in our fly shop in Edinburg, VA about Virginia’s regulations. In this podcast we have Jackson
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Fly Fishing with Bass Nymphs Part 3: Fishing the Olive Dragonfly Nymph for Smallmouth Bass
Continuing our series on fly fishing with bass nymphs, this post is focusing on the Dragonfly Nymph. Olive Dragonfly Nymph Virginia’s smallmouth rivers
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Fly Fishing with Bass Nymphs Part 2: Fishing the Damsel Olive Nymph for Smallmouth Bass
Continuing our Fly Fishing with Bass Nymphs series, this installment focuses on one of the most overlooked yet productive flies for smallmouth bass fly fishing—the Damsel Olive
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August 2026 Virginia Fly Fishing Report Podcast: Smallmouth Bass & Native Brook Trout Update
Summer fishing is far from over, and our August 2026 Fly Fishing Report Podcast is packed with timely information to help you make the most
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Fly Fishing with Bass Nymphs for Shenandoah River Smallmouth Bass (Part 1)
Fly fishing with bass nymphs is one of the most effective ways to catch smallmouth bass on the Shenandoah River, especially during the heat of summer
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The Hook Size Lie: Why Your Size 14 Doesn’t Match Mine
This is one of the most frustrating ‘welcome to fly fishing‘ realities that every angler and tier eventually faces. The theory versus reality:
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The July Gameplan: Low-Water Bass Tactics and Beat-the-Heat Trout Logic
Welcome back. In our July Fly Fishing Podcast for the Shenandoah Vally of Virginia, we’re diving headfirst into the mid-summer grind. July water
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Fly Fishing Nymphs: A Weight Comparison of Several Popular Nymphs
Nymph Weight Comparison Chart – Sink Rate & Pattern Performance and Why That Matters This comparison chart highlights the relative weights of popular
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June in the Shenandoah Valley means choices: crisp mountain water or valley bass rivers.
In this episode of the Murray’s Fly Shop Podcast, we dive into the premier fly fishing opportunities surrounding Edinburg and the broader valley
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How to Fish Riffles and Runs for Brook Trout
Mountain trout streams provide some of the best fly fishing opportunities for native brook trout in the Appalachian Mountains. Mountain trout streams are
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Smallmouth Bass Fly Fishing in May: Virginia & Mid-Atlantic Rivers
May to early June is one of the most productive months for smallmouth bass fly fishing across the Mid-Atlantic. As water temperatures rise
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The Sulphur Mayfly Hatch in Virginia’s Mountain Streams
Each spring, fly anglers across Virginia’s Allegheny and Appalachian Mountains eagerly anticipate one of the most consistent and rewarding dry fly events of
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The Light Cahill: A Classic Mayfly for Appalachian Brook Trout
Few hatches signal the transition into prime spring fly fishing in the Mid-Atlantic quite like the Light Cahill. Across the Allegheny and Appalachian
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May Fly Fishing Podcast -2026
May provides us with some excellent fly fishing on the native brook trout streams and smallmouth bass rivers. In this podcast we cover
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Fly Fishing Tip: Are you casting too much?
Line Flash in Fly Fishing: How Overcasting Spooks Trout (and How to Stop It) Line Flash in Fly Fishing: How Overcasting Spooks Trout
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Little Yellow Stoneflies on Appalachian & Allegheny Brook Trout Streams
A practical guide to timing, tactics, and flies that consistently produce–more about Little Yellow Stoneflies. Why the “Yellow Sally” Matters Across the cool,
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March Brown Mayfly Hatch: Brook Trout Fishing in the Appalachian & Allegheny Mountains
The March Brown mayfly hatch is one of the most anticipated events of early spring fly fishing in the Appalachian Mountains and Allegheny Mountains. For anglers targeting native
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What Is the Purpose of Fly Fishing Leaders? (Complete Beginner’s Guide)
Fly Fishing Leaders for Beginners: What They Do, Why They Matter, and How to Choose the Right One If you’re new to fly
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Murray’s Fly Shop Leader Building Kits – Knotted Compound Tapered Leaders
We’ve expanded our Murray’s Fly Shop Leader Building Kits to give anglers more control over their fly fishing leader setup. Our lineup now includes Fluorocarbon Leader Kits,
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Best Caddis Patterns for Trout
When trout key in on an emerging hatch, fishing the right caddis emerger pattern can dramatically increase your catch rate. During a caddisfly hatch, trout
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The “Up and Down” Rollercoaster of Spring Temperatures: Trout & Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips
How Spring Temperature Changes Affect Trout and Smallmouth Bass Fishing Spring is one of the most exciting—and unpredictable—seasons for anglers. The “up and down”
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Blue Quill Mayfly Hatch Fly Fishing | Native Brook Trout in Appalachian Streams
Chasing Native Brook Trout During the Blue Quill Hatch in the Mid-Atlantic Few moments in fly fishing compare to chasing native brook trout
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April 2026 Fly Fishing Podcast
April Fly Fishing: Smallmouth Bass and Trout Come Alive April is when fly fishing truly comes alive across the Mid-Atlantic. As water temperatures
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Fly Fishing the Quill Gordon Hatch for Native Brook Trout in the Mid-Atlantic
Each spring in the Appalachian Mountains, we eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Quill Gordon (Epeorus pleuralis hatch. This major hatch signals the
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How to Fish Caddis Emerger Patterns
Stop missing trout that “refuse” your dry flies. During a caddis emergence, trout often ignore surface adults to hunt vulnerable pupa rising through the water column.
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Fishing the Spring Shad Run: Best Tactics, Flies, and Timing for American & Hickory Shad Success
When the weather starts to warm and winter feels like it is the rear view mirror, our fishing thoughts should shift to the
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Is Your Gear Ready for warm weather? A Spring Prep Checklist
Look closely at the dark lines on the fly line. These are cracks filled with dirt. After roughly 150 days of use, this fly line does not float anymore.
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March Fly Fishing: Appalachian Brook Trout, Smallmouth & Spring Hatches
Spring is here, creating great fly fishing opportunities! Well, almost. The forecast calls for a warm up over the next 10 days. Discover
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Euro, Czech and High-Stick Nymphing? Nymph Fishing Without a Floating Indicator
Modern trout fishing has evolved into a multitude of specialized techniques, and nowhere is that more evident than in nymph fishing. While many
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Murray’s Hellgrammite Fly Pattern: How to Fish This Deadly Smallmouth Bass Fly
By Harry Murray | Murray’s Fly Shop in Edinburg, Virginia Many anglers know the Murray’s Hellgrammite and the Heavy Eyed Murray’s Hellgrammite as a staple
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Best Fly Fishing Floatants Compared: Gink, Loon, High N Dry, SA & More
When it comes to dry fly fishing, the right floatant can make all the difference. Whether you’re targeting rising trout on a mountain stream
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Winter Nymph Fishing Strategies – Part Two: Direct Contact Nymphing
Fine-Tuned Depth Control with High Sticking and Euro Nymphing In Part One of our Winter Nymph Fishing Strategies, I focused on indicator rigs, weight
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Winter Trout Feeding Behavior: Biology, Metabolism, and Angling Strategy
How Trout Feed in Winter: Understanding Cold Water Metabolism and Behavior Winter fly fishing can be some of the most rewarding—and challenging—trout fishing
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Understanding Sinking Fly Fishing Lines: Sink Rates, Styles, and When to Use Them – Part Two of Two
Fly Lines–Intermediate vs Sink III vs Sink VI Fly Fishing Lines Intermediate Fly Lines (Sink ~1.25–1.5 IPS) Intermediate Sink Tip fly lines sink slowly
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Hen Hackle vs. Rooster Hackle: What’s the Difference?
While both hen and rooster hackle come from chickens, they behave very differently in the water. Understanding those differences helps you choose the
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Understanding Sinking Fly Fishing Lines: Sink Rates, Styles, and When to Use Them – Part One of Two
The fly fishing world is full of nuances, and nowhere is this more evident than in fly fishing lines. Today’s fly line technology gives manufacturers
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Saddle Hackle vs. Capes: What the difference in Fly Tying?
Understanding Saddle Hackle and Capes: A Fly Tyer’s Guide If you’re new to fly tying—or even if you’ve been at the vise for
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The Aquatic Insects: How many calories are they worth?
Calories in Common Aquatic Insects (Trout Food Sources) Midge Larva / Pupa (Chironomidae) Mayfly Nymph Caddisfly Larva Stonefly Nymph Scuds / Sowbugs Why
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General Bead Size for Hooks – Size Chart
Bead Size (mm & in) Hook Size Common Fly Patterns 1.5mm | 1/16″ 20-24 Small Emergers, Midges 2.0mm | 5/64″ 18-22 Small Perdigons, Small
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Fly Fishing Podcast–January 2026
This fly fishing podcast will cover the predictions for the stocked trout streams, native brook trout streams and smallmouth rivers this month. Back
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How Trout Feed During Winter: Biology, Metabolism, and What It Means for Anglers – Part Two of Two
By understanding trout metabolism and feeding behavior in winter, anglers like you can adjust your tactics, choose the right gear, and enjoy productive
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How Trout Feed During Winter: Biology, Metabolism, and What It Means for Anglers – Part One of Two
Winter dramatically changes how trout feed, where they hold, and how anglers should approach the river. Cold water, limited insect activity, and shorter
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The Complete Guide to Premium Indian Hackle Capes: A Classic, Affordable Hackle for Every Fly Tyer
When it comes to fly tying, selecting the right hackle is one of the most important decisions an angler makes. Hackle determines not
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Fly Fishing in December Podcast
Fly fishing in December in the cold might deter you but the stocked trout are feeding. The DWR continues to stock streams throughout
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Nymphs for Stocked Trout Streams
There are several nymphs that are very effective in the winter on the stocked trout streams. So let’s discuss those. If the streams
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Fly Fishing in November Report
Fly fishing in November for smallmouth bass can be tricky but not impossible. As the water temperatures are cooling the bass are moving
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Trophy Smallmouth
One of my favorite times of the year is upon us. There’s no doubt that if you want to target trophy smallmouth on
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Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park 101 Class at Murray’s
Have you ever dreamed of casting a line into crystal-clear mountain streams, surrounded by the quiet beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains? Whether
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Basic Fly Tying 101 Class at Murray’s Fly Shop
Learn the Art of Fly Tying. If you’ve ever looked at a fly and wondered “Could I make that?”, the answer is a
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Autumn Fly Fishing for Stocked Trout
Many anglers enjoy fly fishing on the stocked trout streams in Autumn not only for the fishing but also for the views. The
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