Confluence - Rappahannock & Rapida

[namfos]

I'm contemplating a Fathers Day trip to the confluence of the Rappahannock and Rapidan for smallmouth.  Companion in this possible outing is a total fly rodding newbie. I've got a copy of Switchfishers book to review in the meantime.  Also under consideration is Harpers Ferry and Potomac below Damn #5  

Any and all contributions of advice/caution/warning ;-) are appreciated.

[HeaveToo]

I am familiar with the Rappahannock and Rapidan Rivers.  They hold good smallmouth and a lot of them.

Here are some flies that have worked for me:

Shanks white streamer,
Murray's Madtom
Yellow Poppers
Redheaded flasher
Hellgramite nymphs
Crawfish patterns

The fish in these areas are easy to pattern and a blast to catch. 

[Mark Sofman]

Thanks, HeaveToo, esp for the patterns.  How's the wading in the area where the Rapidan joins the Rappahannock?

Mark

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[Danny Barrett]

Its easy. I took my 10 year old brother down there. Hes like 5 foot 6 and 100 lbs. He was a lil scared because it was his first wading expierience. But it was effortless, some very deep spots but a wading stick made it an enjoyable 3 hr fish.

Danny

dannyt...@gmail.com
(540) 222-8064

[HeaveToo]

Be VERY careful.  The rocks are very slippery.

The Rappidan and Rappahannock Rivers are rubble style rivers.  There are areas of silt as well.  The smallmouth tend to hold to rocks.  They also like current.  If you find deep cuts with rocks and currents you have found a good area.

I have spent a lot of time wading this river system.  Be careful where you step.  Watch out for slick rocks.  A wading staff may help as well.

If you can find it and get access to it, an area on the River called Snake Castle is well known for big fish.  I have caught a few good ones there and lost the biggest smallie I have ever hooked in that area.  That fish made the 20" one that I caught look small!  Spit my fly after I had him on for a few minutes. 

When the water gets down a little you can, in the early morning but especially in the evenings, stalk fish that are feeding.  Nothing is better than seeing a fish and placing the perfect cast to it and watching it take the fly. 

If you find a little current, mid-pool, with deeper water, and a few downed trees in the area a crayfish pattern is good.  Deep water, current, and large rocks are good for Madtom patterns.  Edges of weed beds are good for poppers.  Later in the season grass hopper patterns are deadly!

On Friday, May 25, 2012 11:18:43 AM UTC-4, namfos wrote:

[Dallen Hall]

Mark - I hope your folding wading staff, from those we got a few years back, is still in good working condition.  I haven't used mine too much.  Don't forget to pack it for your trip! - Dallen

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