Day Trips
Guided half & full-day fly fishing trips in the Shenandoah Valley
Private Waters
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is a world-class, spring-fed stream near Harrisonburg, VA. If you are looking for trophy rainbow trout, this is your stream. We operate on a mile-long, private, leased section, where the fish see no pressure except from our clients. Beaver Creek’s cool waters can be fished year-round, and it features riffles, long, deep runs, and pocket water, along with a steady supply of aquatic and terrestrial life for the trout to feed on. Whether you are just starting off or are an experienced fly fisherman, Beaver Creek is the place for you!
* Beaver Creek can also be fished as an overnight trip (see Multi-Day Trips)
Beaver Creek requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license (click here to purchase)
Spring Creek
Our private, leased section of Spring Creek is - as its name suggests - spring-fed, and features cold water and abundant insect life that allows fishing year-round. We also have access to the spring head, which has created a small pond. This stream is easily accessible for everyone, and serves as a great location for casting lessons.
Spring Creek requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license (click here to purchase)
South River
Our private, leased section of the South River near Waynesboro, VA, is a beautiful stretch of stream filled with both rainbow and brown trout. We also have a fishing camp established next to the water and offer overnight camping trips at this location.
South River requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license (click here to purchase)
Public Waters
Mossy Creek
Mossy Creek is a legendary Virginia stream, known for hiding big brown trout in its spring-fed waters. A four-mile stretch of the creek is open to public access, and is managed by landowners, Trout Unlimited, and the State of Virginia. Mossy Creek is best fished by experienced fly fishermen, due to the difficulty of the casting required.
Mossy Creek requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license, state trout license (only required from October 1 - June 15), and a landowner permit - all of which can be obtained through VDGIF (click here to purchase)
Dry River & Skidmore Fork
Dry River and Skidmore Fork are widely considered the best brook trout stream in the state of Virginia. They are freestone streams that flow along Route 33, west of Harrisonburg, and have approximately 15 miles of public access. These waters features constant hatches and offers scenic hikes to unpressured runs, riffles, and the occasional deep pool.
Dry River & Skidmore Fork require a Virginia freshwater fishing license, state trout license (only required from October 1 - June 15), and a national forest stamp (click here to purchase)
North River (Delayed Harvest)
The North River’s Delayed Harvest section begins below the Elkhorn Dam and runs 1.5 miles through a remote section of scenic mountaintop until it reaches the Staunton city reservoir. This is a hike-in section of water that offers large, stocked rainbow trout, as well as native brookies.
North River requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license, state trout license (only required from October 1 - June 15), and a national forest stamp (click here to purchase)
Ramsey’s Draft
Ramsey’s Draft is a stream that offers the adventurous angler a chance to catch native brook trout in a scenic, remote setting. Located west of Staunton, this tributary of the Calfpasture River is located within the Ramsey’s Draft Wilderness Area, a 6,500-acre zone that is part of the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest.
Ramsey’s Draft requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license, and a National Forest permit (click here to purchase)
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park offers a lifetime of fishing options, with miles of wild trout streams throughout the Park, including the headwaters of the Piney, Thornton, Hazel, Robinson, Rose, Rapidan, and Conway Rivers. Native brook trout in higher elevations are easily accessed through Skyline Drive when the water is too low or warm on the valley floor. There are always fish to be caught in the Park!
The National Park requires a Virginia freshwater fishing license (click here to purchase)
Custom Trips
Want to fish another stream? Want to get off the beaten path to hidden waters on public lands? Want to tailor a unique fishing trip for friends or family? Cool Water Outfitters will work with you to craft a custom itinerary with regards to location, party size, sleeping accommodations, dietary restrictions, accessibility, and budget.