Hogcamp Branch / Dark Hollow Falls

Hogcamp Branch begins from the cold springs of Big Meadows within Shenandoah National Park.  The Branch then makes up the flow that pours over Dark Hollow Falls and eventually joins the Rose River.  The area is a hub for hikers and guests to the park during the busy season but can be a Native Trout Fisherman’s paradise during the park’s off season. 

Lower Falls 

There are two main access points to get to fishable waters on Hogcamp Branch. My least favorite option is to park at the Dark Hollow Falls trailhead adjacent to Big Meadows. This access point is a longer hike and is extremely steep coming back out. The easier option is to park at the small parking area adjacent to the Rose River Fire Road. The walk down to fishable water is roughly a mile but it is a gradual incline which makes the hike back out pleasurable. I will leave GPS coordinates to this parking area below. 

Travel down the fire road until you get to the lower falls. At this point you can either hike upstream and fish the large pools created by the falls or travel downstream and fish some of the amazing step pools created by the gradient of the stream. Or if you’re like me you do both in one day. 

Trail Below The Fire Road

The larger pools in and around the falls hold some sizable Natives.  I caught two in the 8 to 9 inch range at and just below the larger waterfall. (Unfortunately not pictures below)

As you travel down the branch sizable pools can be found along its length. I typically drop a nymph rig in at the start of the pool and let the current bring it back towards me. It allows me to cover a lot more water and helps me detect the small takes. 

Fish size range is typical of small mountain tributaries on this stretch of water. I have caught fish as small as 3 inches and as large as 10 inches. I have no doubt that a 12-inch fish lurks under those falls but the fish Gods haven’t blessed me with one on this stream as of yet! 

Patterns that I have found to work well are small caddis emergers, cream mop flies, chartreuse mop flies, and your typical pheasant tails.  This stream allows you to get by easily with an 8’ or 9’ rod. I have used my 7’ fiberglass 3 wt  and 6’ 1 wt with great success. 

This spot is not a secret so the fish can be easily spooked. I would recommend the lightest tippet are you comfortable with as fish can be somewhat skittish. 

The major pluses of this stream are the ease of access, natural beauty of the falls, and being relatively alone in the off season. I would not recommend hitting this between May and September. The sheer number of swimmers, hikers, and tourists make casting difficult and no ones want to be responsible for hooking an unsuspecting tourist. 

Local Wildlife 

GPS coordinates to parking area
 38°32'1.56"N
 78°25'16.08"W

Swift Run

A stream that is forgotten, underappreciated, and an absolute gem.  Swift Run popped on my radar after our move to Greene County. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary mountain stream within Shenandoah National Park but with an extreme twist. Road Proximity!  At its closest point Route 33 is just a cobble stone throw away.

After exhaustive research through social media, websites, and the VDGIF I concluded that the likelihood that Swift Run held a fishable population of Native Brookies was extremely slim. So, I did the logical thing and headed upstream so find out.

While the proximity of Swift Run to Route 33 seems convenient in terms of parking and access; it actually can be a quite the challenge. Don’t let that discourage you though, as it is an underutilized stream by local fisherman. The only parking area is at the beginning of the National Park Boundary on the left as you ascend the mountain. The GPS Coordinates are located below for you to navigate to the parking area.

I first fished Swift Run on November 21^st, 2018. The water levels were high from recent rains and the water temperature was in the high 40’s.  I targeted deeper pools, where still water conditions were present, as the higher flows made nymphing difficult. The first few holes produced five fish in rapid succession with the largest Native being just over 9 inches.  I fished it again in December, around Christmas, and was rewarded with similar results. 

Caught November 21st, 2018

Caught December 23rd, 2018

There are some beautiful step pools as you work your way up Swift Run. The better pools are often obscured by thick vegetation or blow downs. A shorter rod would be ideal for this stream. If you prefer a longer rod, bow and arrow casts will be necessary to reach some of the better fishing. 

Ideal patterns seem to be a small cream-colored mini mop fly or gold bead caddis pupa.  I have also had great luck on small stonefly patterns. 

Swift Run has steadily become one of my favorite streams for a quick afternoon outing. If you check it out please practice catch and release fishing, take care of the Brookies by wetting your hands and quickly returning them to the water, and help clean up the parking area if you have time. Public Lands are ours to enjoy so let’s help keep them beautiful for the next person!

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 38°20'40.56"N

Longitude: 78°30'47.70"W

Gear Used

Orvis Battenkill 1 

Orvis Hydros Fly Line

Maxcatch 1 Wt 6' Ultralight Fly Rod

Mini Mops (From Mossy Creek Fly Shop)

Caddis Patterns (Walmart)

Allen Sling Bag

Waders (You will need them to access portions of the stream)