Mossy Fishing Forecast
Virginia mountain stream
Open year-round (check section regs)
Check specific regulations. Virginia trout waters generally year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 9:43 PM
71°F
--
1 AM - 3 AM
Chernobyl Ant
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Quick Facts
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout
freestone
46°F - 54°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Quill Gordon
Mayfly
First major hatch, late March to early April
BWO
Mayfly
Spring and fall on cloudy days
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 38-44°F | Nymphing, Midges, BWOs |
| February | 40-46°F | Nymphing, Midges, BWOs |
| March(Now) | 46-54°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, March Browns |
| April | 52-60°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, March Browns |
| May | 56-64°F | Dry Flies, Quill Gordons, March Browns |
| June | 60-68°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, Evening |
| July | 64-72°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, Evening |
| August | 66-74°F | Terrestrials, Early Morning, Evening |
| September | 60-68°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| October | 54-62°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| November | 46-54°F | BWOs, Streamers, Egg Patterns |
| December | 40-48°F | Nymphing, Midges, BWOs |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Mossy
TNC Preserve
The Nature Conservancy managed access.
Upper Section
Access to upper meadow water.
Lower Section
Below preserve access.
How to Fish Mossy: Tips & Tactics
Mossy Creek is Virginia's premier spring creek, offering technical sight fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. This Nature Conservancy preserve provides outstanding fishing.
Best Times of Day
Morning Trico hatches bring selective feeding. Sulphur hatches in spring are excellent. Evening terrestrial fishing is productive.
Recommended Techniques
Technical spring creek presentations required. Long, fine leaders and small flies. Sight fishing to specific trout. Approach fish on your knees.
Water Conditions
Spring-fed water creates stable temperatures. Crystal clear water demands stealth. Weed beds provide cover for trout.
Fly Selection
Trico and Sulphur patterns are essential. Terrestrials - ants and beetles - work well. Scuds and sowbugs for subsurface.
Local Knowledge
Mossy Creek requires reservations through The Nature Conservancy. Limited daily permits protect the fishery. This is technical fishing at its finest.
Local Tips
Reservations required through TNC. Harrisonburg provides services. This is Virginia's finest spring creek - fish with patience and skill.
When is the Best Time to Fish Mossy?
Spring
Sulphur hatches bring excellent dry fly fishing.
Summer
Trico hatches in morning. Terrestrials midday.
Fall
BWOs and terrestrials. Fewer anglers.
Winter
Spring-fed water stays fishable. Midge patterns.
Recommended Equipment for Mossy
Rod
7.5 to 8.5-foot, 3 or 4-weight for delicate presentations.
Line
Floating line with long, light leaders.
Leader & Tippet
12-15 foot leaders, 6X-7X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Light approach for spooky fish.
Essential Flies
Mossy Fishing Regulations
Season
Year-round with TNC permit.
Limits
Catch-and-release only.
Special Regulations
TNC permit required. Limited daily permits.
Bait Restrictions
Artificial flies only.
Notes
Reserve permits in advance through The Nature Conservancy.
Always verify current regulations with Virginia fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Mossy
Local Fly Shops
- Mossy Creek Fly Fishing - Harrisonburg
- South River Fly Shop
- Blue Ridge Angler
Guide Services
- Mossy Creek Fly Fishing Guides
- Shenandoah Valley Anglers
- Virginia Spring Creek Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
20 - 50 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
52° - 62°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Virginia Trout Rivers
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