The tropical depression that just crept up the Atlantic Coast has brought us some much needed precipitation. Funny how a little rain can change things.
This weekend we conducted our school on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River close to Edinburg. The fishing was ok on Saturday before the rain with clear skies and a few distant thunderstorms. Sunday the fishing was great with overcast skies, rain and the river level had come up three to four inches overnight, from locally heavy rainfall upstream.
This coming week we planned on fishing the South Fork on guided float trips because the North Fork was getting too low to float the sections we usually float. Now that has changed and we once again have the option of picking either river for guide trips.
The mountain trout streams along the Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway were starting to get low and spooky (normal for early June) but this rain has changed that. Hike down from the top if you wish to fish, you will be pleased with your results!
We will have to wait to see what the final outcome of what Tropical Storm Barry’s rain will be on the rivers but I am optimistic about good water levels and not so crystal clear water conditions.
Streamers, Poppers and Nymphs…….. Take your pick they all worked at various times over the past three days for smallmouth. As for the trout….. Little Yellow Stoneflies and Caddis Flies all the way!