Fish Northern Virginia: Trout Streams, Wild Rivers, and Premier Fly Fishing in Virginia

Northern Virginia is home to some of the most rewarding fly fishing opportunities in the eastern U.S. From quiet small streams winding through pastoral fishing areas in Loudoun County and Frederick County to wild native brook trout waters high in Shenandoah National Park, this region offers diverse fishing experiences for both beginners and expert fly fishermen. Whether you're casting dry flies into a tumbling stream, exploring stocked trout fishing waters, or floating for smallies on the Shenandoah or Potomac River, there’s no shortage of places to fly fish in Northern VA.

This part of the state of Virginia boasts miles of trout streams, an active stocking program by the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, and a growing fly-fishing community eager to share knowledge on everything from fly selection to reading trout habitat. For anyone looking to fly fish in Virginia, especially for trout, Northern Virginia is an outstanding destination.

Why Northern VA is a Top Destination for Fly Fishing in Virginia

Northern Virginia's varied landscape—rolling hills, dense woodlands, and spring-fed streams—offers a dynamic environment for trout fishing in Virginia. The region includes both stocked trout waters and wild trout streams, with viable populations of rainbow trout, and native brook trout. These species of fish thrive in cool, clean waters thanks to careful management and conservation efforts by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, formerly known as Game and Inland Fisheries.

Whether you're aiming to catch trout in remote headwaters or prefer easily accessed warmwater fishing locations close to town, Northern VA has something for everyone. The area supports both a catchable trout stocking program and two large river systems worth exploring for panfish and bass.

OUR LOCATIONS

Goose Creek & Loudoun County: Private Fly Fishing in Your Backyard

Goose Creek in Loudoun County is a favorite local fishing spot for many fly anglers. Flowing gently through a mix of farmland and forest, this stream is ideal for those who want to fly fish in Virginia without venturing too far from home. We offer a private section of the creek, where anglers can find stocked rainbow trout in the 12-20" range. Warmer months provide easy wading and a great place for lessons for beginners catching sunfish, bass, and even the occasional native fallfish.

Our location is 55 miles from the D.C. Mall and its peaceful settings make it one of the most convenient places to fly fish in the region. Plus, local fly shops like District Angling offer essential fly fishing gear and regional advice for those wanting to maximize their success.

Cast and Blast

We offer a cast and blast package- a half day fly fishing on Goose Creek and a half day upland game hunting in Berryville. Click HERE for more details.

Shenandoah National Park: A Backcountry Haven for Native Brook Trout

For the more adventurous, Shenandoah National Park holds some of the best fly fishing in Virginia, especially if you’re chasing reproducing populations of brook trout. These ancient waters, including streams like the Rapidan and Rose Rivers, are rich in trout habitat and home to some of the oldest native fish strains in the eastern United States.

The park is one of the few places in the state where you can reliably catch fish from self-sustaining wild trout streams. This is a dry fly angler’s paradise, where matching the hatch truly matters. Seasonal hatches of caddisflies, mayflies, and stoneflies provide fantastic opportunities to match the hatch and test your skills.

Make sure your fly selection includes small dries like Adams, Blue-Winged Olives, and local attractor patterns tied at regional fly tying events or recommended by a fly fishing consultant or fly shop in the area. A lightweight fly rod (2–4 weight) is ideal for navigating the narrow, brushy waters here.

We offer guided trips throughout the park and also provide services through Graves Mountain Lodge for private water, lessons, and a variety of lodging options for extended stays. 

BLOG ON SNP

Trophy Trout at Double Spur

Looking for your next PB? We offer guided trips on Cedar Creek outside of Strasburg, VA. A drive west on 66 will get you to the bottom of Shenandoah Valley where you'll find streams flowing off of the West Virginia/Virginia border. Double Spur boasts a large stretch of Cedar Creek regularly stocked with quality large rainbow trout. A day on the water here is sure not to disappoint. Fish average 14-16" with some absolute pigs that sip size 20 midges. Cool spring water keeps this stretch fishable well into the summer and campsites and cabins are available for those looking to extend their stays and explore the surrounding streams and rivers.

The Potomac and Shenandoah: Home of the Smallies

Despite the name smallmouth bass have a huge appetite. These fish inhabit the larger rivers in the area and are always up to chase a streamer or popper. Summertime floats are very popular and a great way to beat the heat and humidity. Our floats will target the most productive stretches of river and we also offer wade trips for those new to fly fishing or are uncomfortable fishing from a raft all day. 

Local Expertise, Gear, and Events: Virginia Fly Fishing Culture

Fly anglers in Northern Virginia are supported by a strong network of fly shops, online communities like the fly fishing forum, and seasonal events including one of the largest fly fishing festivals on the East Coast. The annual fly fishing festival brings together guides, gear experts, and conservation organizations to celebrate all things Virginia fly fishing.

Looking to expand your skills? Book guided trips with our local pros who know where to go and what flies to use. These trips often take you to hidden fishing locations where the pressure is low and the fish are plentiful.

Fly fishing gear is readily available across Northern Virginia, and many local shops offer fly tying classes, rod demos, and seasonal sales. If you're unsure what gear to buy or which streams in Virginia are fishing well, ask a local guide or fly shop employee for advice—they’ll help you find the right fly rod, fishing gear, and fly selection for any stream or lake in Virginia.

Final Cast: Explore the Waters of Northern Virginia

From the scenic streams and rivers of Shenandoah National Park to the suburban access points along Goose Creek, the Shenandoah, and the Potomac, fly fishing in Northern Virginia offers a full range of trout pursuits. You’ll find popular fish like brook trout, rainbow trout, and even northern snakehead in select waters, each adding to the region’s diverse fish species list.

Whether you’re tying flies in your basement, planning your first guided trip, or searching for the next hidden fishing spot, the Northern region of the Virginia state map is a must-fish area. With over a thousand miles of stocked trout waters, protected wild trout streams, and helpful local resources, Northern Virginia is a jewel in the crown of Virginia fishing.

Get your Virginia fishing license, grab your favorite fly rod, and explore the fishing in Virginia that locals cherish and visitors return to year after year. Whether you're after the solitude of a small stream or the challenge of matching the hatch on a wild brook trout river, this is the place where your next great fly-fishing story begins.

Contact Us