Cowpasture River - Clifton Forge - Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge - Water Flow Chart
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge - Weather report & radar
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Midday | #20-22 | Zebra Midges |
| February | Stoneflies | Midday | #14-16 | BH Rubber Leg Stonefly |
| March | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymphs |
| Quill Gordon | Afternoon | #12-14 | Quill Gordon Dry Fly | |
| April | Caddis | All Day | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Sulphurs | Afternoon | #16-18 | Pheasant Tail Nymphs | |
| May | Sulphurs | Afternoon | #16-18 | Comparadun Sulphur |
| Gray Fox | Midday | #14-16 | Gray Fox Dry | |
| Caddis | All Day | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| June | Sulphurs | Afternoon to Dusk | #16-18 | Comparadun Sulphur |
| July | Tiny Blue-Winged Olives | Dusk | #20-24 | Blue Winged Olive |
| August | Tiny Blue-Winged Olives | Dusk | #20-24 | Blue Winged Olive |
| September | October Caddis | Dusk | #8-10 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Tiny Blue-Winged Olives | Dusk | #20-24 | Blue Winged Olive | |
| October | October Caddis | Dusk | #8-10 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Blue Winged Olive | Afternoon | #18-20 | BWO Sparkle Dun | |
| November | Blue Winged Olive | Midday | #20-22 | BWO Sparkle Dun |
| Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midges | |
| December | Midges | Midday | #22-24 | Zebra Midges |
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge Access Points
The Cowpasture River in Clifton Forge offers various access points excellent for fly fishing. Here, are the most recommended:
- Sharon Boat Landing: Owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, it offers ample parking and easy river access.
- Brushy Fork: Located on Route 600, this Forest Service owned land provides an ideal spot for fishing.
- Walton Tract: With over a half-mile of river frontage, this area provides several fishing spots. Access the river from the River Road.
- Muddy Run: This spot offers multiple fishing points along with convenient parking spots.
- Route 42 Bridge: The access point is directly under the bridge, on river’s right side. However, be cautious as the current can be strong in this area.
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge Fishing Spots
Fly fishing on the Cowpasture River, Clifton Forge, offers not just an adventurous pastime but a chance to reel in some of the richest variety of fish. Here are some of the best fishing spots:
- Buckhorn: Known for its tranquil atmosphere and bass population, this spot works great for beginners. Expect to find Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Trout.
- Buckingham: A popular spot with breathtaking scenery. It’s home to Large Red Horse, White Sucker and Smallmouth Bass.
- Goshen Pass: A fantastic fishing spot year-round boasting Smallmouth Bass, Trout, and Chain Pickerel.
- Bath County: This site is sought-after for its waterfalls and pristine spring waters. It’s great for Smallmouth Bass, Trout, and Walleye.
- Botetourt County: This is a fantastic fishing spot with a magnificent variety of fish species including Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Rock bass.
Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge Local Fish Species
- Smallmouth Bass: This robust and powerful fish is an all time favorite for fly fishing enthusiasts on the Cowpasture River.
- Brook Trout: Known for their distinctive marbled pattern, Brook Trout are highly prized by anglers for their fight and their beauty.
- Rainbow Trout: Widely stocked across many water bodies, Rainbow Trout are known for putting up a good fight, making them an excellent target for fly fishing.
- Brown Trout: The elusive nature of the Brown Trout makes it a challenging and rewarding fish to catch on the fly.
- Bluegill: These small but feisty fish can offer plenty of action on light tackle, making them great for beginners and experts alike.
- Rock Bass: With their big mouth and sturdy body, Rock Bass are fun to target and offer plenty of action on the Cowpasture River.
- Black Crappie: Known for their paper-thin mouths, Black Crappie require careful handling but can provide great fly fishing experience.
- White Perch: These fish are highly adaptable and can provide a fun and challenging catch for fly fishermen.
About the Cowpasture River – Clifton Forge
The Cowpasture River is a hidden gem nestled near Clifton Forge, Virginia. Its name, rich with bucolic charm, is believed to have been coined in the 17th century when cows wandered away from settlers’ farms and ended up grazing along this lush pasture.
However, it’s more than just a place for wayward cattle. This river spans almost 84 miles, providing a nourishing haven for diverse wildlife and serenely flowing through Virginia’s stunning landscape.
Over the centuries, the Cowpasture River has seen many transformations. It played a pivotal role in the area’s development. The river’s fertile lands housed the American Indian Monacan tribe before Colonial settlers arrived. Notably, it also became an important source of energy during the Industrial Revolution.
- Today, it’s a popular spot for outdoor activities including fishing, canoeing, and camping, giving visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and history.
- It also contributes to Virginia’s water supply, converging with the Jackson River to form the James River.
Reflecting Virginia’s rich past and vibrant present, the Cowpasture River continues to be an essential, beautiful feature of the Clifton Forge area.
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