South Fork Rivanna River - Charlottesville - Virginia
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville - Water Flow Chart
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville - Weather report & radar
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon | #16-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| March | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry | |
| April | Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| Caddis | Afternoon to early evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns | |
| Hendricksons | Afternoon | #12-14 | Hendrickson Emerger, Dry | |
| May | Caddis | Afternoon to early evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns |
| March Browns | Afternoon | #10-12 | March Brown Dry, Nymph | |
| Sulphurs | Late afternoon to dusk | #14-18 | Sulphur Dun, Emerger | |
| Green Drakes | Afternoon to dusk | #8-10 | Green Drake Dun, Nymph | |
| June | Caddis | Afternoon to early evening | #14-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Pupa patterns |
| Sulphurs | Late afternoon to dusk | #14-18 | Sulphur Dun, Emerger | |
| Light Cahills | Afternoon to dusk | #12-14 | Light Cahill Dry, Nymph | |
| July | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Tricos | Early morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, Dun | |
| August | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Tricos | Early morning | #20-24 | Trico Spinner, Dun | |
| September | Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers |
| Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry | |
| October | Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| Terrestrials | All day | #10-16 | Ants, Beetles, Hoppers | |
| November | Blue-Winged Olives | Cloudy days, afternoon | #16-20 | BWO Emerger, BWO Dry |
| December | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | #20-24 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville Access Points
The South Fork Rivanna River in Charlottesville, Virginia is renowned for its excellent fly fishing opportunities. Here are the essential access points:
- Milton Road Bridge: Accessible year-round, it offers good shore and wade fishing.
- Rivanna Reservoir: A boat ramp at this reservoir provides access to some deeper pools, inhabited primarily by bass and panfish.
- Rivanna Trail System: This series of interconnected trails gives anglers foot access to large sections of the river bank.
- Penn Park: With large parking space and direct river access, this site is popular among anglers.
The river is home to rock bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, carp and bluegill among others. Early spring and late fall are considered the best periods for fishing. Remember to follow catch and release regulations and respect the natural environment.
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville Fishing Spots
Charlottesville’s South Fork Rivanna River is a paradise for fly fishing enthusiasts. This scenic river boasts several spots teeming with a diverse array of fish species. A few of these are:
- Reservoir’s Tailwater: Ideal for catching brown and rainbow trout, especially in spring or fall.
- Laurel Park: Access to the shallow waters here makes it perfect for those seeking panfish or young smallmouth bass.
- Penn Park: Much deeper areas can create a thrilling challenge for catching larger smallmouth bass.
It is important to note these sections of the river are regulated by special rules to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Access can be found via various public parks, perfect for a picnic alongside your angling adventure. Always remember to obtain required fishing licenses ahead of your trip and respect the local environment.
South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville Local Fish Species
- Smallmouth Bass: Popular among anglers due to their aggressive eating patterns and acrobatic fights.
- Largemouth Bass: Larger and slower moving than Smallmouth Bass, they provide a different, but equally fun challenge for fly fishers.
- Bluegill: Often an easy catch for beginners, Bluegill are still enjoyable targets for experienced fly fishers.
- Rainbow Trout: Fast swimming and fast biting, Rainbow Trout require quick reactions and smart decision making from anglers.
- Walleye: Known for their watermelon shaped bodies and razor sharp teeth, Walleyes are a rare but rewarding catch.
- Muskellunge: Musky, as they are commonly known, are the biggest predators in the river and provide a real test of skill, equipment, and patience.
- Carp: An often overlooked species in Fly Fishing, Carps are fun to catch due to their size and often tricky to hook.
- Northern Pike: With their aggressive behavior and lightning-fast attacks, Northern Pike make every trip to the water an adrenaline-filled adventure.
About the South Fork Rivanna River – Charlottesville
The South Fork Rivanna River in Charlottesville, Virginia, has a rich and captivating history. Named after England’s Queen Anne, it has long been a lifeline for the local community. Among its key historical significance over the centuries, the river has been:
- A Venue for Trade: It was a crucial trade route for Native American tribes who bartered goods from as far away as the Great Lakes.
- An Agricultural Hub: In the 18th and 19th centuries, it provided fertile soil for tobacco and wheat farming, that bolstered the region’s economy.
- A Source of Power: The river powered grist mills, sawmills and later, a hydroelectric plant.
- A Recreation Spot: Today, the river is a popular location for boating, fishing, and scenic nature hikes, reliably serving as a recreational sanctuary.
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