Smallmouth Hexagenia

From the middle of September to the middle of October the huge Hexagenia mayflies hatch on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Exactly when and where they emerge varies but here are some guidelines that will help you get ready for this great fishing.
1. Plan to stay on the river the last two hours of daylight.
2. Select those sections of the river that have silty bottoms or at least silty areas along the banks.
3. When you first start seeing natural emergers fish them with a Mr. Rapidan Brown Soft Hackle 8 or a Mr. Rapidan Emerger 10 using a slow fly lifting action.
4. Once the duns are on the water and when the spinners fall use the Mr. Rapidan Skater 8 to go one on one with rising bass and to cover the water with a slow skating action.