The South River Fly Shop says that the South River is finally coming into shape after all the rain. Water levels are still above normal, but water clarity is great, and some nice fish are being caught on larger streamers and heavy nymph rigs. Rubber Legs John-Stone size 10, Conehead 20 Incher, Mop Flies, Jig Leeches, Frenchies, Pheasant Tails, and Electric Caddis Larva are all great choices for nymphing. Mini-Truders, Homely Swinger Sculpins, Clawdads, and Crystal Buggers are working for swinging and stripping tactics.
There will be a Tie and Lie at South River Fly Shop on Wednesday January 16th from 6pm to 8pm, bring your tying gear to hang out with fellow local tiers and stock up your boxes.
Destination Downtown Waynesboro (host of the South River Fly Fishing Expo) will be presenting in February a check to Shenandoah Valley Trout Unlimited for $2,000. These funds are from the 2018 South River Fly Fishing Expo and will be used for habitat construction on the South River Fly Fishing Only Area in Lyndhurst this summer.
2019 South River Fly Fishing Expo dates are April 27th and 28th. Pat Cohen will be our featured guest and we have a limited number of spaces for a Deer Hair Fly tying class with Pat. Class will be 3-4 hours and will cover how to stack and pack deer hair bass bugs. Class fee is $75.
For more information, contact the South River Fly Shop, 323 W. Main St. in Waynesboro, at 540-942-5566 or go to
Saltwater
With the Virginia striper season closed in the bay and tributaries, there is little action. Cold and wind have combined to keep most boats in port though the ones going out are finding tautogs.
On the Other Banks, there were some dogfish caught at the Cape, but little else. Looks like slim pickings on the saltwater front for the next month or two. Speckled trout, however, may keep things interesting in areas like the Hot Ditch.
Freshwater
Too cold and windy for most. White perch were biting at the Chickahominy Lake and some stripers were active near the 208 Bridge at Lake Anna. Virginia’s stocked trout streams may be the best bet, but dress warm and fish slow.