So far we have looked at Ramsey’s Draft, in part 1 and Skidmore Fork, in part 2. The third and last river in the George Washington National Forest is the St. Mary’s River.
The St. Mary’s River.
Pools
The St. Mary’s River is located in the George Washington National Forest’s St Mary’s Wilderness area. It flows through a beautiful canyon like area in the mountains and is one of the more scenic fishing spots in the Old Dominion.
The St. Mary’s is near the town of Vesuvius. One way to get there is from I81/64 to exit 205. Take Route 606/Raphine Road to Route 56/Tye River Turnpike to 608/South Bottom Road-Cold Springs Road to St. Mary’s Road. There is a parking area at the end of the St. Mary’s Road.
Like Ramsey’s Draft you can start fishing very near the parking area. I prefer to hike in for a bit and start my serious fishing above Sugartree Branch.
St. Mary’s Falls
This section from Sugartree Branch to the falls is really a beautiful area and you will find yourself looking around as much as looking at the water. Like the previous rivers in this series it is a typical riffle-pool-run system. The area plenty of open area’s making casting very easy and enough tight spots to make it challenging.
Depending on the water conditions Sugartree Branch is worth looking into to. It is a reasonably steep gradient with a trail running along side. You can take this trail up and around a section of the river and come out at the falls. You will cross a couple of branch that lead down to the river but the going can be steep and tangled. Think first before you blindly head down. This section is deep in the wilderness area so plan accordingly.
As with the other streams, a dry or dry-dropper rig works well; either Adams or BWO parachutes. For nymphs try a Pheasant Tail, Gold Ribbed Hare’s ear or Copper John. A few Quill Gordons, March Browns and Sulfurs for mayfly imitations; little black stoneflies, yellow sallies and some tan and olive caddis round out the assortment. Of course if you want to go the full tenkara route then try an Oki or Ishigaki. Check with Mossy Creek Fly Fishing to get the latest on what’s working.
Above the falls
Fishing St. Mary’s is a commitment and will eat up a day very easily. The numbers and size of fish in the St. Mary’s are fewer and smaller than the other rivers; the scenic nature of the canyon however more than makes up for it. It is great hike and fish river, but you need to be sure you are up for it. Take some emergency gear, food and water with you. You may want to look at topo map to see what you are getting into.
If you go let me know what you think.
I hope so, but my new job is keeping from getting it finished. If you call Mossy Creek Fly Fishing at (540) 434-2444 they can give you some suggestions as well.
Tom, I’m going to be headed down to the summit a little early from NJ, and was looking for some places to fish once I got down there, so thank you for the info.
Any chance that you’re going to finish parts 4 and 5 this up coming week?
Thanks Again!
Likewisw Cardo. Let me know how you do!
Thanks for the info Tom. And good seeing you over at Mossy Creek the other day. I think Jeremy and I will head into St. Mary’s when it’s ready.
It really is a pretty river to fish. I have not spent a lot of time above the falls but it is worth the trip. Those are not unfounded rumors…
Just fished St. Mary’s yesterday before this ridiculous snow storm started!? I would agree that this small valley is absolutely gorgeous. This was the first time I’ve fished the area in the spring so I was surprised at how different it was with so much water. Thankful for chest waders! I can’t say I had a great day of fishing but the breathtaking emerald pools around every bend made up for it! Only landed one small 4″ brookie at the end of the trip on a copper John. Tom, have you fished above the falls much? I’ve heard rumors the trout are bigger and more plentiful upstream. I’ve heard the same about the fishing way upstream near the confluence in Ramseys draft? Haven’t made it up that far at either place yet.