Trout – Lower Rapidan (VA – Graves Mill)

After fishing the Staunton River, I had a little extra time so I thought I would wander up the lower section of the Rapidan to see how it had changed since the last time I visited.

Even after the fairly dry summer, there was a decent amount of water still tumbling down the gentle slope that led into the Graves Mill parking lot. Since I was not obsessed with fishing and more interested in looking, I wandered up the path with the idea of only fishing the best looking spots.

Even though there was plenty of water, I was reminded of how it disperses, at times, in the multiple paths; fragmenting the ability to create good holding water. You can see that on the satellite view to the right.  Note the mulitple channels the river carved.

The few deep spots I found were not actually that deep – uniformly under of foot in-depth. Eventually, I came to the one deep spot I remembered. As I stood back in the tree line, I could see large fish gliding through the water. Perfect. What I could not tell is if they were trout or chubs – but I intended to find out. 

I sunk to my knees and moved as quietly as possible up to the edge of the deep pool pictured below. Despite many accurate, flawless casts (thanks to my Tenkara), these big guys demonstrated their intelligence by not rising to take my fly.. or streamer… or nymph. 

Eventually, I gave up and consigned myself to pouring a hot cup of coffee, enjoying the view and being thankful that I can get outside for one last trip before winter locked me down.

Bottom Line: Given a choice, I’ll fish the Staunton over the lower section.