North River Virginia Fly Fishing Report & Options for Selecting Flies: Email us at (sales@perfectflystore.com) with the dates you will be fishing and we will send you a list of our fly recommendations. We can get flies and gear to you within two to three business days from the time you place your order via Priority Mail. If you provide a budget for flies, we will select them to match the budget and get them to you on time for your trip. Your can also call us at 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide what flies and gear to use. All orders are shipped free in the U.S. If under a $100 order requiring Priority mail is a charge of only $8.10. Orders over a $100 are shipped free via Priority Mail.
We have custom Perfect Fly selections in 3 different price ranges for this stream that come with or without fly boxes that make excellent gifts. Click Here To Order or Call us at 800 594 4726 or email us at sales@perfectflystore.com.
Type of Stream
Freestone
Species
Brook Trout (wild)
Rainbow Trout (stocked)
Brown Trout (stocked)
Size
Small to Medium
Location
Western Virginia
Nearest Towns
Stokesville
Bridgewater
Season
Year-round
Access:
Fair but hiking required
Non-Resident License
State of Virginia
Weather
National Weather Service Link
Season:
The season runs year-round
Winter:
Trout can be caught on nice, warm winter days.
Spring:
Springtime is the best time for fly fishing the North River
because of the aquatic insect hatches and good water
levels.
Summer:
Summertime is okay in the headwaters but the water
can get low during the late summer.
Fall:
Fall is a great time for fly fishing the North River.
Copyright 2013 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The North River Virginia
The North River has three basic sections – the headwaters from its beginning to Elkhorn Lake; the “delayed harvest” section below Elkhorn Dam to the head of Staunton City Reservoir; and a few miles of “put and take” waters where trout are stocked for consumption. The “delayed harvest” section is the most popular section during the fall, winter and spring months.
The wild brook trout water above Elkhorn Lake requires hiking to reach. You can park at Elkhorn Lake and follow a trail that goes along the lake to reach the remote sections of the brook trout water. Thanks to the efforts of Trout Unlimited, there has been much work done on this stream to restore it from major storm damage it received. It is rough, remote country. Fly fishing the North River is well worth the effort for those that go to the trouble to do a little hiking.
That portion of stream from the base of Elkhorn Dam downstream for 1.5 miles to a sign posted at the head of Staunton City Reservoir, is the delayed harvest section of the North River.
Below Staunton Dam, the North River provides miles of stocked waters as well as a few wild trout. It is also stocked near Natural Chimney’s. While we prefer the wild trout water and the delayed harvest sections, the extensive amount of stocked “put and take” water is worth noting to those that are interested. It also helps keep the “put and take” guys away from the delayed harvest section and the wild trout waters.
The delayed harvest section is also fairly remote but very popular during the most of the year. It can be fished successfully except during the summer months.
The different types of water in the reservoirs along with the fairly good water chemistry of the freestone section produces a very good population of aquatic insects. There are numerous species of mayflies, caddisflies and some stoneflies. Most of the water is pocket water that’s fairly easy and fun to fish.
Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Trout Flies for North River Virginia
We recommend either a 4, 5 and/or 6 weight fly line for fly fishing the North River in Virginia. You only need floating fly lines most of the season but sinking tip lines could come in handy during cold weather for some of its deep pools.
Fly Rod:
We recommend either a 4 or 5 weight fly rod for the line sizes you use on the North River. The 4 and 5 weight fly rods should in a medium fast to fast action and a 8 to 9 foot length. The 6 weight fly rod should be a medium-fast to fast action for large nymphs and streamers. It should be at least 9 foot in length.
Fly Reel:
The fly reel used should be for each of the 4, 5 and/or 6 weight lines you use and each have a very good drag. We prefer disc drags but there are other types that will work as well. They should be smooth.
Leaders:
Leaders should size 2X to 6X and be from 7 1/2 to 12 feet long.
Tippet:
You should have spare tippet in 2X and 6X. Some anglers prefer fluorocarbon but mono is fine.
Waders:
Waders are necessary for most of the water you are fly fishing the North River but wet wading can be done during the hot weather of Summer.
Wading Boots:
Wading boots will be needed. We prefer felt soles but the new rubber soles may work fine.
Trout Flies:
Perfect Flies are recommend because they are the best trout flies you can purchase. We have specific imitations of every food that exist on the North River. You will find our simi-realistic imitations will greatly improve your catch. If you haven’t already tried Perfect Flies, we certainly hope you will. You want be disappointed.