Hello, welcome to the August edition of our newsletter!
The New River Valley received some much needed rain recently, raising water levels closer to normal summer flows on most of our streams and rivers, with more rain expected next week.
August is one of my favorite months for smallmouth bass fishing on the New. Cicadas are buzzing up and down the river, and the smallies are searching out that late summer delicacy. “Big bug” season has officially arrived and sight fishing is in play for the rest of the year. Over on the Smith River, wading can reward anglers with wild brown and stocked rainbow trout. Finally, our private trout water remains closed for the summer but will be reopening on September 15th.
SPECIAL OFFER: Now is the time to book your fall float trip! Newsletter subscribers get 10% off New River float trips run between September 1 and October 31 (new bookings only). To take advantage of our Fall Special, use discount code FALL10 when you book online. Check out our website for more information.
Fishing Reports
Upper New River (above Claytor Lake)
The New is currently running around 1400 cfs above the lake at Allisonia. It’s time to break out those cicada patterns! Chartreuse or black Boogle Bugs and Double Barrel Bass Poppers can be productive when dead-drifted along the shoreline.
Lower New River (below Claytor Lake)
The New is currently running at around 1600 cfs at Radford. The popper fishing has been excellent while floating below the dam as well as wading around Bissett Park. In fact, the entire lower river is producing good numbers of fish all the way to the WV state line.
Smith River
The Smith continues to run low. Outflows are currently around 160 cfs, still under the levels for productive floating. Wading has continued to be the best option with good sulphur activity on the milder temperature days. Subtle imitations like cdc comparaduns have been working well in sizes #16-18. Our private wading section has been very productive. There are still plenty of stocked fish available to catch in the town of Bassett even though it hasn’t been stocked since May.
Private Trout Water
We will open up our trophy trout water next month so be sure to book your dates now!
Hosted Trip
Our next group trip to Swain’s Cay Lodge located near the middle bight of South Andros Island, Bahamas in November is full with 10 anglers!
Mike Smith | New River Fly Fishing
P.S. If you would like to book your next trip or just want to find out more about us, you can do so by visiting our website here.
