Updated October 15, 2026
    March – May

    Spring in Virginiathe fly fishing guide

    Your complete guide to fly fishing in Virginia during spring (March – May).
    March – MaySpringJune – AugustSummerSeptember – NovemberFallDecember – FebruaryWinter
    The full spring guide for Virginia is on its way. In the meantime, here are the flies and waters to start with.

    Top Spring flies for Virginia

    Ranked by how often they show up in this season's reports.

    All flies
    dryElk Hair CaddisCaddisflies are actively hatching in spring, making this classic dry fly an excellent imitation for adult caddis.nymphHellgrammite FlyHellgrammites are a substantial food source for Smallmouth Bass, Walleye, and Muskellunge on rocky rivers like the New River, and are effective year-round, especially when dragged slowly along the bottom in spring.streamerPerch PatternEarly spring is prime time for Walleye and Muskellunge to key in on perch fry, making this streamer a highly effective imitation in the New River.streamerClouser CrayfishCrayfish are a primary food source for Smallmouth Bass in rocky rivers, and this pattern, stripped along the bottom, effectively mimics a fleeing crayfish during spring.streamerWoolly Bugger (Black)A versatile streamer, highly effective for predatory fish like Walleye, Muskellunge, and Smallmouth Bass as they become more active in warming spring waters, imitating leeches and baitfish.streamerClouser MinnowA year-round baitfish imitation that is excellent for covering water and targeting predatory species like Walleye, Muskellunge, and Smallmouth Bass in the New River's spring flows.streamerClouser Crayfish (river)Crayfish are a primary food source for smallmouth bass in rocky rivers, making this an excellent imitation for enticing strikes.nymphPheasant Tail NymphThis versatile nymph mimics various small mayfly nymphs, which are active subsurface throughout spring and are a consistent food source for trout.

    Waters in Virginia 6 to fish

    All of Virginia

    Fly shops nearby

    Local flies, current advice and guided trips.

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    19MIAngler's LaneLynchburg30MIVirginia Trophy GuidesRoanoke32MIRoanoke AnglerRoanoke50MIMiddle River OutfittersStaunton51MISouth River Fly ShopWaynesboro58MIBlue Mountain Drift Fly FishingScottsville

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