Upcoming Upper Rapidan Trip

[William Hankins]

Hey Folks,
First, y'all are such a great group!  Coming from a small town where this all took place over coffee, this forum is invaluable for one who has little time to socialize anymore.  For this, I thank all of you! 

Second, I am about to take the family over to the Rapidan WMA area for some camping, fishing, and hiking, and hoped for some input.  I am going to escape for some time on the river, and wonder where y'all would advise I head on the Rapidan?  If not another stream...  Also, any particular patterns that work best?  I usually have luck with Royal Coachman, Adams, etc, though would appreciate insight from someone who has been there. 

Thanks to everyone,
-Bill

[Yambag Nelson]

Its a brook trout stream, not that complicated.  If you have fished for brook trout before in a mountain stream then you should know what to expect.  The flies you listed will work, as will many others. 

Search through old posts on this forum as there is plenty of information out there on the rapidan and the Shenandoah streams in general.

[Forrest Allen]

Stimulators and tiny midges seem to work pretty well, too. They are somewhat spooky fish, but you've got miles of stream to work with so just move on when one hole isnt producing. You'll mainly find fish in the 6-10 inch range - if you catch one bigger, we'll want to hear a report! The streambed was incredibly slippery last time I was there, so watch out for that too. 

There are plenty of places you'll find to camp, but get there earlier in the day for your choice. Also, Conservation Police Officers (game wardens) like to raise revenue for Madison county in that area. Be aware of the access permits/license requirement and dont be seen with alcohol, even just sitting around the campfire. 

Enjoy it.

Forrest

On Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7:46:41 AM UTC-4, William Hankins wrote:

[Parker]

If you plan on driving in, the dirt road is pretty rough but completely manageable in a car with a little clearance. I almost exclusively throw dry flies because enough trout eat them and I think it is way fun. I stick flies that will float well: Royal Wulff/Coachman, beetles, small humpys.

On Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7:46:41 AM UTC-4, William Hankins wrote:

[Charlie Church]

I honestly have caught fish there year round (even in January) on a beatle pattern. I'm with parker on only fishing dries there. It's pretty fun and allows you to cover water fast to find those aggressive feeding fish. 

Everything mentioned above is spot on too. Good luck. 

[William Hankins]

So, in planning our upcoming trips, I realized I neglected to post photos of our trip last summer upon our return.  The following are few shots from the Rapidan and the Conway rivers last June.  It was a great trip with the family, and some fun fishing!  Thanks to all who replied with advice and recommendations.  

-Bill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7:46:41 AM UTC-4, William Hankins wrote:

[James Fletcher]

Great looking brookie! 

Didn't realize they could get so large - gonna try my hand on the Rapidan in two weeks. Can't wait!

best, 

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