Readers of my blog know that I love fishing for trout in my own backyard – the more adventurous the better. Fishing the SNP definitely ticks the adventure box, and while the park is a bit beyond my “backyard”, there are trout waters within it that I can reach inside of 90 minutes from my home.
One of the beauties of the SNP is the 'native' or brook trout. There is nothing better than a day exploring pools along SNP trout streams for native brookies. It delights me every time because these fish are stunningly patterned and generally frisky. My introduction to fly-fishing for brook trout began in August of 2018 on an excursion sponsored by my local Trout Unlimited (TU) Chapter. It was a trip to the Rose River Loop to fish the Hogcamp Branch stretch that leads into the Rose River within the confines of SNP. On that trip I witnessed deer, wild turkey, a black bear and caught a ton of brook trout. I instantly became a convert.
That first exposure to brook trout fishing in the SNP has led to endless exploration of the various streams that hold brookies in search of my favorite waters. I have since further invested in my knowledge by taking a mountain stream course offered by Murray’s Fly Shop; and ‘doubled down’ by taking over the “Fish With a Member Program” for the Northern Virginia Chapter of TU. So, I feel I have a substantial foundation from which to suggest some favorite waters in the SNP to fish for the ‘native’ treasure that is the brook trout.
Fly-fishing for brook trout on Hogcamp Branch
The Hogcamp Branch stretch that follows the Rose River Loop from the fire road to the falls is, in my opinion, among the best brook trout waters in the SNP. You park at Fisher’s Gap (mile 49.4 on Skyline Drive) and hike about a mile down to the Rose River Loop trail head. The trail down to the first bridge is the most accessible portion for fishing and represents about 1 mile of fishy-looking plunge pools and riffles. I normally hike all the way to the first bridge, which is about 900 feet of elevation drop, and make my way back up to the fire road, fishing upstream to all the aforementioned fishy-looking spots.
Fly-fishing for brook trout on the Robinson River
It took me a some time to identify my next favorite brook trout water in the SNP, while organizing a trip for my TU Chapter. That would be the Robinson River along the White Oak Canyon Trail also accessed from Skyline Drive – either at the trail head parking following Skyland at mile 42.6 or from Limberlost Trail further along at mile 43. The descent is similarly steep to that of the Rose River Loop, but access to the water is more intermittent by comparison. I also tend to hike down the approximate 1,000 feet of elevation drop to the White Oak Canyon Falls, and make my way back fishing up stream. There are some fabulous plunge pools near the falls, but I have found bigger brookies to lurk in those at the upper most pools where the trail begins to parallel the stream.
Fly-fishing for brook trout on the Rapidan River
Another favorite is represented by the Rapidan, which is the water I believe I have fished the most within the SNP. To be clear, parts of the Rapidan flow through both the SNP and the Rapidan Wildlife Management Area. My preferred sections are overlapped by both, but I am not going to be constrained by details here – follow Quaker Run Road from the Blue Ridge Turnpike between Syria and Criglersville until reaching the Rapidan fire road that will take you to the stretch that I refer to as “between the bridges” and you will find brook trout nirvana. But do not try this without a high-clearance, four-wheel drive vehicle – also expect the occasional fallen tree crossing the fire road.
Gearing up for brook trout fishing in Shenandoah National Park
When I fish these waters, I will use a six- to seven-foot, 2- or 3-weight rod with a short leader of no more than 7 ½ feet. While it would seem sensible to fish 6x diameter tippet and leader, feisty brookies are not necessarily leader shy, so 5x is more likely to withstand tugs to remove your flies from overhanging obstacles. I prefer a dry dropper pattern to increase my chances – often comprising a never sink caddis trailing a green weenie. But if your preference is a single dry, which can be very effective, then I suggest a parachute pattern such as the Mr. Rapidan or Mr. Humpy.
Tight lines!