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Rapidan advice

Started by elise, October 10, 2006, 11:38:04 AM

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elise

Hello!
A friend and I are headed to the Rapidan this weekend. The fishing will be much different from what I am used to--- small mountain stream compared to the wide Jackson River!  It looks like it will be the first cold weekend too.  Any advice on flies would be greatly appreciated!  Does anyone have advice on how to avoid getting your line constantly entangled in the trees.
Thanks!
Elise

Woolly Bugger

Perhaps an October Caddis would work. PT nymphs are usually a good choice too.

As far as keeping your fly out of the tree, try casting side arm and or always take a look back over your shoulder to see where the trees are...

When I started I would loose about 10 flies for every fish caught, fortunatly the trend reversed and now can catch many dozens of fish on the same fly :)

ex - I'm not going to live with you through one more fishing season!
me -There's a season?

Pastor explains icons to my son: you know like the fish symbol on the back of cars.
My son: My dad has two fish on his car and they're both trout!

natureboy


Trout Chaser

Take a look at this thread http://www.brfff.com/forum/index.php?topic=2073.0  scroll down to the pictures Discomidge posted.  The first one is a picture of the Rapidan last Saturday.  The levels should be about perfect this weekend.  Big and bushy was the game last week.  We used Mr Rapidan's and Humpy's last weekend with success. Good luck and let us know how you did.

TC

phg

I wondered when one of the VA boys would jump in. ;D

As for keeping your fly out of trees, that just takes practice.  Wooly suggested looking behind you, and I would add to look overhead as well.  Even with a 7' flyrod, your line is going to need 10' to 12' of overhead clearance.  Make sure you have room for your backcast before trying to cast.  It it is really tight, try flipping the fly downstream (on the water) to straighten out your line, and then flick it upstream.  You can learn to cast in pretty tight cover, but it won't happen on one trip.

I've never fished the Rapidan, so I can't give any specific suggestions.

FT

The Rapidan should be excellent this weekend.  Bushy drys.  Work the deeper pools with a weighted nymph.  If you find the secret of keeping fly out of trees, please share it with me. 
Charter Member Shenandoah Valley Irregulars

Dixie Trout

With the leaves starting to fall, you may have more on top of the water to contend with than what is along the bank.  Not to sound too simple, but if you are not comfortable casting where you are, get to a spot where you are comfortable.  Casting in tight places takes time & practice; concede losing a few flies now and you will not be dissapointed.  Chances are you will have to get creative to get the fly where you want, but you'll be surprised on how many openings there are on the river.  Have a great time and good luck.

elise

Hello!
Thanks to all your replies/advice for my Rapidan trip.  We had an excellent day even if we did catch a thing! The casting was a challenge but by the end of the day my side casting and even roll casting were greatly improved.  I like the "climbing challenge" of small stream fishing.  I think a midweek trip is in order as their were alot of families up where we were splashing around.  We talked to one other fishing guy who had caught 4 brookies with a Mr Rapidan.
Thanks again!
Elise

Woolly Bugger

yup, being there is 1/2 the fun  ;D
ex - I'm not going to live with you through one more fishing season!
me -There's a season?

Pastor explains icons to my son: you know like the fish symbol on the back of cars.
My son: My dad has two fish on his car and they're both trout!