Luray, VA – Effective immediately, Shenandoah National Park officials have lifted a parkwide fishing closure. Extremely dry conditions and low stream flows prompted the ban on August 31.
Recent rainfall has improved conditions resulting in lifting the fishing ban. However, Evan Childress, fish biologist, added, “Be gentle with the fish and the fragile environment they inhabit. The dry conditions likely reduced spawning success. Brook trout eggs spend the winter incubating in gravel in the streams, so it’s important to avoid walking through those areas to prevent trampling of eggs.”
Anglers are also encouraged to minimize handling and time out of the water to reduce stress on the fish.
For nearly a third of this year, there was no fishing within Shenandoah National Park. That is a long time. And that period encompassed the ever-alluring fall fishing season. This year, anglers couldn’t ethically adore brook trout in full pre-spawn regalia.
It was unfortunate. But it was the right call. Here’s why.
As I wrote when the ban went into effect:
- Small stream trout become vulnerable at numerous levels in drought events.
- While these weather patterns come and go, the abnormally severe periods undo prolonged stretches of ecological stability.
- People are dumb.
Fish are incredibly resilient creatures. And even trout, with their reputation of being waif-like and fragile, persist and endure. Wildfires, floods, invasive species, and even droughts aren’t immediate death knells for fish. But when you add all three aforementioned bullet points together, entire populations can get set back decades.
The worst of the bunch? #3. People are dumb.
There is something hypnotizing about finding a small pool filled with big fish. And that is precisely what can happen when the water is too low for too long. The survival instinct and the available resources put them at risk to predators who are short sighted. So being told no isn’t a limitation. It is a guardrail. A guardrail for environmental stewardship and the possibility for better fishing next season.
And these things all eventually come to an end. This one has. So go to the hollers and go fishing, for trout’s sake.
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Scheduled to make my first foray into the park to fish next April (and take Mr Murrays trout school). Any tips for fishing the shenandoah np?
Alex you’re in for a treat!
A few quick things to think about:
– Move slow and look intently. Brookies will be everywhere.
– Watch your backcast.
– Walk farther before you start fishing.
Enjoy!