Moormans River - Free Union - Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Moormans River – Free Union - Water Flow Chart
Moormans River – Free Union - Weather report & radar
Moormans River – Free Union - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
| Midges | Mid Day | #20-26 | Zebra Midge | |
| February | Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
| Midges | When Sunlight Hits Water | #20-26 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| March | Blue Quills & Quill Gordons | Afternoon | #14-16 | Parachute Adams |
| Little Black Stoneflies | Warm, Sunny Afternoons | #16-18 | Black Fly Larva | |
| April | Hendricksons & Blue-winged Olives | Afternoon | #14-18 | Light Hendrickson |
| Caddis Flies | All Day | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis | |
| May | Sulphurs | Afternoon & Evening | #14-16 | Sulphur Parachute |
| Light Cahills | Afternoon & Evening | #10-14 | Light Cahill | |
| June | Little Yellow Stoneflies | Evening | #14-18 | Yellow Sally |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon & Evening | #10-12 | Green Drake Cripple | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #12-18 | Beetle & Ant Patterns | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | #12-18 | Beetle & Ant Patterns |
| White Flies | Evening | #14-16 | White Miller | |
| September | Terrestrials | All Day | #12-18 | Hopper Patterns |
| Blue Winged Olives | Overcast/Rainy Days | #18-20 | BWO Sparkle Dun | |
| October | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast/Rainy Days | #18-20 | BWO Sparkle Dun |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #12-18 | Beetle & Ant Patterns | |
| October Caddis | Evening | #8-10 | October Caddis Pupa | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Overcast/Rainy Days | #18-20 | BWO Sparkle Dun |
| Midges | Mid Day | #20-26 | Zebra Midge | |
| December | Midges | Mid Day | #20-26 | Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Moormans River – Free Union Access Points
The Moormans River in Free Union is a well-known spot for avid fly fishermen. Here are some of the best access points to fly fish:
- Upper Moormans: Accessible via the parking lot at the head of Sugar Hollow Reservoir. This offers excellent opportunities for catch-and-release brook trout fishing.
- Sugar Hollow Dam: Reached from the dam up to the start of the upper section. Mainly stream-bred brown trout and rainbow trout are found in this section.
- Lower Moormans: Accessed from the reservoir downstream. Includes a put-and-take fishery and delayed harvest area.
- White Hall: A guide is recommended for this area to navigate private property and access points for the best potential catches.
Remember to always respect private property rights around the Moormans River and make sure you have your valid fishing licenses and permits.
Moormans River – Free Union Fishing Spots
The Moormans River near Free Union, Virginia, provides several excellent spots for fly fishing, promising a satisfying experience in serene surroundings.
Here are the suggestions:
- Big Branch Intersection: This spot offers diverse fish species from trout to smallmouth bass.
- Moormans River Overlook: Located near the Blue Ridge Parkway, it’s perfect for fly fishing while enjoying the picturesque view.
- Sugar Hollow Dam: This section is easily accessible and teems with brook trout.
The following tips will help you optimize this adventure:
- Time: An optimal time for fly fishing is early morning or late evening.
- Approach: Stealthy wading is recommended as trout easily get spooked.
- Equipment: Lighter rods (3-5wt) and small dry flies yield great results.
Moormans River – Free Union Local Fish Species
- Brook Trout: This local fish is a favorite amongst fly fishermen, it can be found in the cold and clean waters of the Moormans River.
- Brown Trout: Known for their elusive nature, these trout are a challenging and rewarding catch for any fly fisherman.
- Rainbow Trout: This multi-colored species is an excellent choice for fly fishermen because of their fight and striking appearance.
- Smallmouth Bass: With its aggressive behavior and willingness to hit a fly, the Smallmouth Bass is a fantastic target for the fly fisherman.
- Bluegill Sunfish: These little fighters are tons of fun on the fly rod and a key species of the Moormans River ecosystem.
- Largemouth Bass: Although not as common in the Moormans River, Largemouth Bass can still provide a serious challenge for the fly angler.
- Redeye Bass: Also known as the Coosa Bass, these small but aggressive fish are a favorite amongst local anglers in the Moormans River.
- Chain Pickerel: While not traditionally a target for fly fishing, the pickerel’s aggressive strikes and speedy runs make them an exciting quarry.
About the Moormans River – Free Union
Allow me to allure you to the history of the amazing Moormans River – Free Union, an impeccable gem of Virginia. Historically rich and naturally winsome, it rambles pleasantly through the Albemarle County, intertwined with idyllic landscapes.
Our journey begins in the early 18th century when it was named after an illustrious English immigrant family, the Moormans. The river soon became lifeblood for local industries, especially milling, and even sparked a minor gold rush in the mid 19th century.
One can’t overlook the characteristic landmarks dotted along its course, including:
- The Reservoirs: Providing an important water source to nearby towns.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains: Offering breathtaking views from the river’s locale.
- The Sugar Hollow Dam: A perfect backdrop for leisure activities.
Today’s Moormans River – Free Union is a prized destination for hiking, fly fishing and photography, preserving its historic charm for future generations to relish.
Community Contributions
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