The summer drought is starting to dwindle and recent rains are helping to replenish water in our springs, creeks, and rivers. The vegetation is dying back and the trees are no longer sucking up all of our much needed moisture. Every little bit of rain this time of year will help us catch up on the lack of rain we received this year.
The brook trout are currently spawning and the males are guarding the redds in most of the mountain streams. We recommend holding off fishing for the brookies until late January. The larger streams like Back Creek, The Jackson, Bullpasture, Maury, South River, North River, Tye, Pedlar, Passage, and Hawksbill have been stocked and finally have a bit of water flow. Fishing will continue to get better as VDGIF continues to stock this winter and as long as water levels continue to improve.
Mossy Creek, Beaver Creek, and Smith Creek are starting to look great and recent rains will help boost water levels. We have been getting good reports from Mossy Creek and the Blue Winged Olives are starting to hatch in significant numbers on overcast days. The streamers fishing is still strong and good numbers of fish are being reported. Beaver Creek was low for a long period of time and is now in much better shape.
This report filed by Mossy Creek Outfitters and Fly fishing.