Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

South Fork Rivanna River - Charlottesville - 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 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

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

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.

Best 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.

Local Fish

  • 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 River

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.
With its scenic beauty and timeless history, the South Fork Rivanna River remains an indispensable part of Charlottesville.
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