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)