Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Passage Creek - Front Royal - Virginia

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

Hatch Chart

Month Hatch Time of Day Recommended Fly Sizes Popular Fly Patterns
January Midges Afternoon 18-24 Zebra Midge
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 Pheasant Tail Nymph
February Midges Afternoon 18-24 Griffith's Gnat
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 BWO Cripple
March Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 BWO Cripple
Caddis Afternoon 14-16 X Caddis
April Caddis All Day 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis
Hendrickson Mid-Day 12-14 Hendrickson Dry
May Sulphurs Evening 14-16 Sulphur Parachute
Caddis All Day 14-16 Elk Hair Caddis
June Light Cahill Evening 14-16 Light Cahill Dry
Terrestrials All Day 10-14 Adam's Hopper
July Terrestrials All Day 10-14 Beetle Pattern
Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner
August Tricos Morning 20-24 Trico Spinner
Terrestrials All Day 10-14 Ant Patterns
September Terrestrials All Day 10-14 Grasshopper Patterns
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 BWO Cripple
October Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 BWO Cripple
Midges Afternoon 18-24 Griffith's Gnat
November Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 Pheasant Tail Nymph
Midges Afternoon 18-24 Zebra Midge
December Midges Afternoon 18-24 Griffith's Gnat
Blue Winged Olives Afternoon 16-18 BWO Cripple

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best Fishing Spots

The Passage Creek in Front Royal in Virginia is famed for its abundance of trout, making it a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. Among the best spots to fish here are:
  • Elizabeth Furnace: It offers a perfect combination of scenic beauty and ample fish. Being a catch and release area, it assures a good stock of brook and rainbow trout.
  • Blue Hole: Not just known for its clear, blue waters but also for the teeming trout population, this continues to be a favorite among anglers.
  • Passage Creek Campground: Situated at the heart of the George Washington National Forest, the campground’s creek is abundantly stocked with brook and rainbow trout.
  • The Veach Gap Trail: For those seeking tranquility while casting their line, the less crowded waters of the Veach Gap Trail are recommended. Its deeper pools are known to house larger fish.

Best Access Points

For all the fishing enthusiasts out there, the Passage Creek in Front Royal offers some of the best spots for fly fishing. Here are some of the top access points:

  • The Elizabeth Furnace area provides excellent fishing opportunities, with a mix of stocked and wild trout swimming in its waters.
  • Choose Front Royal’s Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park for an accessible fly fishing spot that also boasts beautiful scenery.
  • The stretch of Passage Creek in the George Washington National Forest offers remote, tranquil fishing away from the crowds.
  • Cowpasture River, neighbouring the Passage Creek, is known for its abundant wild brook and rainbow trout.
  • The Three Cocks access point is ideal for fly fishers who are looking forward to a challenge, with waters housing large, elusive fish.

Local Fish

  • Brook Trout: Native to Eastern United States, Brook Trout is a prime target in Passage Creek. They thrive in the cold, clear water of this creek.
  • Brown Trout: Large and tricky, Brown Trout are a rewarding catch for any angler. They are stocked regularly in the creek.
  • Rainbow Trout: Simply known for its sheer fighting power and stunning beauty, Rainbow Trout also live in Passage Creek.
  • Smallmouth Bass: While the creek is known for trout, it also supports a healthy population of Smallmouth Bass, offering a great fight and challenging fishing experience.
  • Bluegill: Bluegill commonly inhabit the warmer parts of the creek where water is somewhat sluggish or still.
  • Redeye Bass: Known for its fighting ability and willingness to eat flies, Redeye Bass are a desirable target for many fly fishers.
  • Chain Pickerel: Notoriously aggressive, Chain Pickerel are an exciting target providing fast action and topwater strikes.
  • Northern Pike: A larger predator known for ambushes and fierce strikes, fly fishing for Northern Pike is always an adventure.

About The River

Weaving through the charming town of Front Royal, the Passage Creek has a rich history as colourful as its waters. Nestled within Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, this waterway has been a significant landmark for centuries.

Native American tribes originally used the river for travel and sustenance. Later, Passage Creek played a pivotal role in the American Civil War, serving as a strategic location for encampments and engagements.

Front Royal, originally founded as LeHewtown in 1788, gained prominence as a hub for mills and tanneries, benefitting greatly from the creek’s hydropower. Residents also turned to fishing and swimmimg in the creek for leisure, making it a focal point of community life.

In its modern days, Passage Creek continues to be beloved for its:

  • Pristine beauty
  • Top-notch fishing
  • Whitewater rafting opportunities

The Front Royal and Passage Creek intertwining history deems it an interesting visit, offering idyllic views, recreational activities, and insightful peeks into America’s past.

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