Big Run

Fishing Big Run should definitely be looked on as a rugged wilderness trek, not to be attempted with little thought, nor if you are in poor physical condition. The hike is well worth it, as the fishing is fantastic. Like many of the streams in this area, there is no legal access on the lower river, and you have to hike from Skyline Drive.

The easiest access, although the hike out is far from easy, is to park at Doyles River parking on the east side of the Skyline Drive just south of Milepost 81. From the Big Run Overlook, take the Big Run Loop Trail, which connects with the Big Run Portal Trail 2.2 miles down the mountain. The stream is quite small here so you will probably want to hike down this trail toward Rocky Mountain Run, and fish your way back upstream.

Mr. Rapidan Dry Fly
		RECIPE HOOK: Tiemco #100 #12-#16. THREAD: Tan 6/0 prewaxed nylon. TAIL: Moose body hair. BODY: #34 Fly Rite dubbing. HACKLE: Grizzly and brown. WING: Yellow calftail.

There is good fishing in Big Run throughout this area, and little Eppert Hollow Run, although it is not very long, is well worth fishing. Rocky Mountain Run offers good action, especially down close to where it joins Big Run.

The second Big Run access point is from Brown Mountain Overlook at Milepost 77. Take the Brown Mountain Trail down 0.7 miles to the Rocky Mountain run Trail, and follow this 2.7 miles down to Big Run. The upper section of this trail is very steep, making a long, tough pull back after fishing all day.

East Branch Naked Creek
The best access to this stream is from the Naked Creek Overlook just south of Milepost 53 on the western side of the Skyline Drive. There is no trail down to this stream! Locating the creek is not a serious problem, but finding your way back can be difficult. Take a topographic map and compass with you when you fish this stream.

The early season is Shenandoah National Park is often punctuated with snow and sleet. Be prepared for anything if you are fishing the backcountry.

From the overlook, hike down the left side of the grassy area past the tree line. Swinging left and down the mountain, you may be able to locate an old trail, but don't depend on it. You will find a hollow which leads down to the stream. This is one of the most beautiful, rugged parts of the Park.

You will arrive at Naked Creek in it upper reaches, but the best fishing is downstream. An old wagon road follows the stream, but it is very hard to see in some areas. Even where you can locate it, the going is tough.

Before following the wagon road, turn around and take your bearings, so you'll know where to leave the stream and exactly the course you'll need to get back up to your car. Things often look different when you are hiking back up the mountain. There is no legal access at the lower end of this stream.

Hughes River
The top of this stream can be reached from two different trails. The Corbin Cabin Cutoff Trail provides good access if you park at the Shaver Hollow parking area just north of Milepost 38. This trail meets the Nicholson Hollow Trail 1.4 miles down the mountain. The latter trail parallels the stream to the lower park boundary.

You can also park at Stony Man Overlook between Milepost 38 and 39. About one hundred yards north is the head of the Nicholson Hollow Trail. Follow this 1.8 miles down to the stream. This is the easiest trail back out.

There is also access at the lower Park boundary. Take Route 600 from Nethers past the bus parking lot for Old Rag Mountain. About a half mile on the right is a small parking area. Take the Nicholson Hollow Trail up into the Park.

Ivy Creek
Do not to try it to reach this creek without a map and a compass, especially on your first trip. Park Rangers recommend that only anglers "experienced in rugged backcountry conditions" fish this stream. The terrain is very steep, and in some areas there is no trail.

The backcountry streams of Shenandoah National Park are filled with eager native trout, and nearly devoid of anglers. Spend the first and last hour of your day hiking, and you're not likely to see another angler all day.

Now that you've been warned, I'll tell you the two ways to get to the stream. The easiest way to find the stream, or I should say find your way back out of the stream at the end of the day is to park at Loft Mountain Wayside, a short distance south of Milepost 79. Walk north about 100 yards to the road that leads to the Ivy Creek maintenance hut. Follow this trail down to the maintenance hut, and then over to the Appalachian Trail. Follow the Appalachian Trail north to where it crosses the stream, and follow the stream down the mountain. Hike down as far as you like; then fish your way back up.

An alternate access is at Pinefield Gap. Park at the gate just south of Milepost 75 and walk north about 100 yards to the Appalachian Trail. Take this trail east down to Pinefield Hut. From here, follow the drainage hollow until you reach the creek. No problem going down, but you could easily miss the hollow when you plan to head out since there is no good trail. There is no legal access at the lower end of this stream.

Staunton River
The Staunton River is accessible in its lower reaches by taking Route 662 off Route 230 at Wolftown. Follow Route 662 to the end of the road. Hike up the trail on the left about a half mile until you come to the Staunton River Trail. Follow this up the stream to the left. The best fishing begins about one mile upstream.

White Oak Canyon Run
This is one of the prettiest streams in the Park, with many beautiful waterfalls, inspiring scenery, and good trout fishing. It's definitely a place worth visiting.

The top access is by parking at Limberlost, just east of the Skyline Drive at Milepost 43. Hike 0.1 mile down Old Rag Fire Road to White Oak Canyon Trail. Follow this trail to the right, and it takes you down the stream, providing good stream access all the way to the bottom of the mountain.

Route 600 west of Syria provides good access to the lower part of the stream. Park in the area beside the stream and follow White Oak Canyon Trail up along the stream.

[The above six streams were carefully selected to provide a broad variety of angling experiences, but they represent only a fraction of the opportunities available in Shenandoah National Park. Some streams are fairly well known and have easy access, while others are little known and more remote. Streams damaged from recent floods or those receiving excessively heavy angling pressure where not included in this story. THE EDITORS.]

Recomended Reading
Trout Fishing in the Shenandoah National Park by Harry W. Murray is available from the Shenandoah Publishing Company, P. O. Box 156, Edinburg VA 22824, (540) 984-4212.