Rappahannock River - Fredericksburg - Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg - Water Flow Chart
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg - Weather report & radar
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams | |
| February | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams |
| Stones | Mid-Day | 12-16 | Prince Nymph | |
| March | Blue Quill | Afternoon | 16-18 | Blue Quill |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| April | Caddis | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| May | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| June | Caddis | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| July | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | 10-14 | Hopper Patterns |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| September | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams |
| Terrestrials | All Day | 10-14 | Hopper Patterns | |
| October | Caddis | Evening | 14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Zebra Midge | |
| November | Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams |
| Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat | |
| December | Midges | Mid-Day | 18-22 | Griffith’s Gnat |
| Blue Winged Olives | Afternoon | 16-20 | Parachute Adams |
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg Access Points
Fredericksburg offers excellent access points to fly fish on the scenic Rappahannock River. These points are:
- City Dock Park: Located in the heart of downtown Fredericksburg, allows you to cast your line right from the banks.
- Old Mills Park: Also provides good river bank fishing opportunities. It’s a great place to target shad and smallmouth bass.
- Motts Run Reservoir: A tranquil spot ideal for slower-paced fly fishing.
- Fall Hill Avenue Canoe Launch: A popular area located upstream of Fredericksburg.
- Rappahannock River Heritage Trail Canoe/Kayak Launch: A convenient spot located downstream near the city center.
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg Fishing Spots
The Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg provides a gem of opportunity for fly fishing enthusiasts. Here are the best recommendations:
Note: Seasonal changes may affect fish species availability.
- Motts Run Reservoir: A relaxing spot perfect for trout and smallmouth bass fishing. Has boat facilities too.
- Celebrate Virginia South: Rich in several species including the sought-after carp and snakehead.
- City Dock Park: An urban fishing place where you can catch Shad during spring. Offers a beautiful view of the city’s historic district.
- Old Mill Park: This spot is ideal for catching smallmouth bass and Panfish. Also features stunning nature trails and picnic spots.
- Alum Spring Park: Offers a peaceful environment with a small stream perfect for fly fishing.
Note: Seasonal changes may affect fish species availability.
Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg Local Fish Species
- Smallmouth Bass: Known for their strong fighting abilities, smallmouth bass are a popular target for many fly fishers on the Rappahannock River.
- Largemouth Bass: While not as commonly found as their smallmouth counterparts, those who can locate a largemouth bass are likely in for a challenging, exciting catch.
- Shad: Both American and hickory shad can be found in the Rappahannock, often attracting fly fishers with their leaps and fast runs when hooked.
- Striped Bass: Also known as “rockfish,” these are another top target for fly fishers on the Rappahannock, especially when they head upriver to spawn in the spring.
- Catfish: Particularly the large, powerful blue catfish are popular among local fly fishers for their sporting quality.
- Walleye: This hard-hitting, predatory fish is another local favourite, presenting a fun challenge for fly fishers.
- Sunfish: This group includes bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish, both of which are commonly targeted by fly fishers on the Rappahannock for their looks and fight.
- Crappie: This panfish is a popular target for its delicious taste and relatively easy catch, ideal for beginner fly fishers.
About the Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg
Delve into the fascinating history of the Rappahannock River – Fredericksburg, a captivating site brimming with stories from the past. Born from the mighty Blue Ridge Mountains, the river courses swiftly through pristine landscapes, stretching over 195 miles before generously feeding the Chesapeake Bay.
A treasure trove in the heart of Virginia, the river has been a witness to several significant historical events. The English settlement on its banks in the 17th century. Notably,
- The 1656 Act of Assembly that led to the creation of Rappahannock County.
- The Battle of Fredericksburg in 1862 was one of the largest and deadliest of the American Civil War, unfolding on the fringes of the river.
Today, the river continually offers a haven for nature lovers, and stands as a poignant reminder of the region’s vibrant past, telling tales of the nation’s journey through colonization, revolution, and civil war.
Community Contributions
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