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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Local Wildlife |
38°32'1.56"N
78°25'16.08"W
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