Fly Fishing Adventure in Shenandoah National Park

Rose River Falls in Shenandoah National Park.

Brett Raeburn

Fly fishing in Shenandoah National Park is often a question of effort versus reward. Fishable water is miles from Skyline Drive and hiking seems to be the only way to get to it. It can be tough. You need good shoes to walk up and down the hills and ridges as well as supplies like water, food and foul weather gear. On top of any fishing gear one might need, all of this adds up to weight in your pack. But the effort is worth it. Why go on a fishing trip when you could go on a fishing adventure? And Shenandoah can be just that. It offers some of the best hiking in the Chesapeake region, with the Appalachian Trail running right through it. The scenery just from the overlooks on the road is stunning, particularly as the sun rises and sets. The streams plunge down the ridge into the valley over sublime falls that let you know just how far you have gone.

If you enjoy fishing, there are few places better than Shenandoah National Park to see brook trout in their natural habitat. Also, incredible wildlife roams freely throughout the park, which can lead to unplanned encounters with animals such as black bears.

If you should decide to experience your own fly fishing adventuring or backcountry hiking and camping, remember to practice Leave No Trace. 

This is an abridged article originally written by Brett Raeburn.