Fly Lines– Terminology
We are very fortunate to have a broad selection of sinking fly lines by many manufacturers. These lines are all excellent, well-made lines
[...]
Fly Fishing in December
Fly Fishing for Bass A good friend routinely goes bass fly fishing in December. He catches large bass in the sections of the
[...]
Where to Fish
Late one August evening I waded across the South Fork of the Shenandoah River just downstream from Luray. I was headed toward one
[...]
Popular Trout Fly
Two of the older gentlemen in my advanced college fly tying classes came to me with a request. A dry fly that floats
[...]
Three Casts
For trout fishing on small/medium size streams, I use three casts to reach my goal of accuracy, delicacy, and natural drifts. In order
[...]
Close Friends
I worked in Jake Sheetz’s custom furniture shop in Edinburg, Virginia from the time I was 10 years old until I was 15.
[...]
Fly Fishing in November
Bass Fishing in November The cooling rivers prompt the smallmouth bass to head for the deeper sections of the rivers. They still need
[...]
The Three Charlies
The master anglers with whom one fishes often opens doors to angling experiences far beyond the basic rewards we may find on our
[...]
Large Bass
Many of the serious smallmouth fishermen back when I was growing up saved their vacation time for October. They would fish all day,
[...]
Stream Levels
Watching the stream levels and planning ahead can help you when fishing the mountain trout streams. Often at this time of the year
[...]
Fall Trout Fishing
During October, November, and December, Virginia and many surrounding states stock designated streams providing excellent fall trout fishing. These cool streams provide good
[...]
Fly Fishing in October
Bass Fly Fishing in October Fly fishing in October for smallmouth fishing can be great. It is a transitional month for smallmouth fishing.
[...]
Dry Fly Necks
How many top grade dry fly hackle necks does one need? When I started tying dry flies for trout I could afford only
[...]
Away From Crowds
One of my guides fishes a great amount on his own and catches many fish. When asked how he does it…”I get away
[...]
How Far To Cast
I am often asked in my fly fishing lessons, “How far do I cast?” Basically, I like to cast only far enough to
[...]
Floating Minnow
Many years ago I hit on one of my most productive smallmouth tactics by accident. I was fishing the tail of a pool
[...]
Fly Fishing in September
Bass Fly Fishing in September At dusk when the sun gets off the river many bass move onto the tails of the pools.
[...]
Hellgrammite
When I was a youngster the natural hellgrammite was my favorite live bait for smallmouth bass. A hellgrammite is the larva of the
[...]
Fly Fishing at Night
You can catch many large bass by fly fishing at night. Bass feed heavily at night on flies. I find I have my
[...]
Fine Tuning Casts
There are times when regular casts on small mountain trout streams fail to give use the accuracy and delicacy needed. Even worse, the
[...]
Nymphing for Smallmouth Bass
Some days smallmouth bass don’t seem to be interested in feeding on minnows and you can’t catch them on streamers. Other days they
[...]
Fly Fishing in August
Harry Murray’s Podcast on what to expect when fly fishing in August for smallmouth bass and trout. Bass Fly Fishing The aquatic grassbeds
[...]
The Challenge
The Challenge in Trout Fishing The trout rising to sip in natural insects on his feeding station a few feet upstream of me
[...]
Change of Pace Flies
During the summer, many of our catch and release streams hold many trout. However, the angling pressure they have received all season means
[...]
Murray’s Strymph
What is a Strymph? –A cross between a streamer and a nymph! Many years ago I was in the habit of fishing for
[...]
Spotting Trout
Tips for Spotting Trout on Trout Streams When the hatches are sparse, many trout locate on feeding stations that easily let them capture
[...]
Fly Fishing in July
Trout Fly Fishing in July on Mountain Trout Streams Our mountain trout streams are in excellent shape for this time of the year.
[...]
Light Pattern
A large trout comes up and examines your Mr. Rapidan Dry Fly size 12 very carefully but at the last minute he refuses
[...]
Escape Move
Did you every watch a small fish or minnow in an aquarium when a large fish made an aggressive move? They looked to
[...]
Dry Fly Fishing
The dry fly fishing was very good as long as I stayed with small size 18 or smaller flies. Unfortunately I was not
[...]
Bass Fly Action
Some days all of the normal actions you impart to your bass fly will catch only small bass. Recently, reflecting back on my
[...]
Learn to Fly Fish
Recently a very nice gentleman came into my fly shop. He stated that he wanted to learn to fly fish for smallmouth bass.
[...]
Fly Fishing in June
The June podcast includes Harry discussing the mountain trout fishing and techniques to use for smallmouth bass. Trout Fishing The mountain trout fishing
[...]
Wishing all a safe and happy Memorial Day
Freedom isn’t Free.Thank you to everyone who has served this great country.God bless all those who made the supreme sacrifice. Remember them today
[...]
Bass Surface Bugs
My Three Favorite Bass Surface Bugs There are many times that bass prefer one type action of hard head surface bug over another.
[...]
Stream Log
The Advantages of Keeping a Stream Log According to my stream log throughout 2018, the mountain trout streams in Virginia held very good
[...]
Sulphur Mayfly
The sulphur mayfly (Ephemerella dorothea) is one of the most fascinating hatches I fish. There are times when it changes the rules just
[...]
Fly Fishing Podcast –May 2019
Fly Fishing Report for Trout and Smallmouth Bass Trout Fishing Fly fishing in May can be wonderful because we have many hatches occurring
[...]
Bass Fly Line
My 3 Favorite Bass Fly Lines I live right beside the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. I find it very challenging to
[...]
Trout Streamers
My 4 Favorite Large Stream Trout Streamers There is excellent action with large rainbows and browns now in the large streams by fishing
[...]
One Cast
If I Had Only One Cast.. I’m standing below a beautiful pool in a mountain trout stream and there is no hatch and
[...]
Back Eddies
Fishing for Bass in Back Eddies The smallmouth bass are starting to feed actively now that the rivers are slowly starting to warm.
[...]
Mayfly Hatches in April
The mayfly hatches are excellent in the mountain trout streams in the mid Atlantic area. The stream levels are ideal, the water temperatures
[...]
Back Country
Back Country Camping and Fishing This is a wonderful time to hike into the back country of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Appalachian
[...]
Slack Line Cast
Your dry fly drifts over a trout’s feeding station and he rises to take. At the very last instant he turns away and
[...]
Early Season Bass Streamers
Early Season Bass Streamers–My 5 Favorite Streamers Early in the season the bass feed very well on minnows. We can catch them on
[...]
Feeding Station
The largest trout in each pool selects the feeding station which will enable him to capture the greatest amount of food. All of
[...]