Patrick's Fly Fishing Adventures in Virginia IV

I continue to explore the fantastic rivers of Virginia. In September, I took a trip to Mossy Creek (public stretch) - which was incredibly hard work but rewarding. I then explored the upper reaches of the Alma access on the South Fork Shenandoah to catch the end of season for Smallies. With trout season upon us in Western Virginia, I headed out for some 'urban' fishing on the South River (Waynesboro) - and some wild Brook trout fishing on the Rapidan in the Shenandoah National Park. Hopefully the pictures/vid does justice to the wonderful rivers of Virginia.Get out and fish there's plenty to look at!

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Virginia;
• VDGIF;
• River
• fishing;
• Mossy
• Creek;
• Fly-fishing;
• South
• Fork
• Shenandoah;
• Shenadoah
• National
• Park;
• Rapidan
• River;
• Trout;
• Small
• mouth
• bass;
• Blue
• gill;
• Sun
• fish;
• Fall
• Brook
• trout;
• Brookies;
• Waynesboro;
• Graves
• Mill;
• Underwater
• fish
• pictures

[zachthefisherman]

Great video. Its cool how many species are in that one river. What kind of fish were the carp looking things

[drpaddyt123]

@zachthefisherman - Sorry for the slow reply. The Carp/Chubb looking fish are called Fall Fish - pretty prevalent in most of the rivers I fished in Virginia. The 'Perchy' looking fish are either Blue-gill or Sunfish - which are also pretty much everywhere and good fun - they tend to save you from a blank day when there aren't many trout and smallies knocking about - albeit they tend to fight hard initially then give up!

[go5hole18]

Great video--looking forward to getting back to Mossy (and actually landing a fish) this year myself! I also enjoyed your underwater shots. What kind of camera were you using?

[drpaddyt123]

I miss Mossy. I am back in the UK but follow the Trow brother's site to see what is happening. I think the public stretch is good and there are definitely some good fish. I liked it when it got to Apr/May - river in full bloom. You can get some good cameras now that are capable of underwater pics. I don't, so used a Dick's sporting goods pouch where you pop the camera in (Canon AS2000 IS, 10Mb) and it's water sealed. Takes a bit of messing around but you can get a decent pic. Tight lines!

[curtisscc]

Cool video...must be secure in your ummmmm...flyfishermanhood to have "non-gamers" in....high time suckers, fallfish,sunfish and the like got their due

[drpaddyt123]

Lol. Put it this way, for most of Virginia trout season closes out around June due to temps/water levels. I was not going to stay in Newport News (where I am based)and do nothing - so any fly fishing is a bonus. There are some gorgeous rivers that are not trout rivers - SF Shenandoah and Rapphannock for example. Besides, those Smallies fight hard - and those Blue Gill/Sun fish are good fun. I saw some great places and enjoyed some fantastic rivers - it's all good!

[drpaddyt123]

Mossy Creek is aweome. It is hard work, I won't deny that. I was on the public stretch so can't comment on the private/guided stretches. Don't be put off by it's reputation. I fished Mossy in May and then in Sept/Aug. I would say early season is easier but if you fish it late on in the season, fish early morning or towards twilight. The Trow brothers who own the shop in Harrisonburg are really helpful - I've emailed them a few times for fishing advice and they have been great. Cheers, Patrick

[Dusboy7]

Was the fishing tough at Mossy Creek?Heard it can be pretty challenging.