Fishing Virginia: St. Mary’s River

Key species: Brook trout.

Directions: St. Mary’s River lies within the St. Mary’s Wilderness Area. From Steele's Tavern, take Route 56 southeast. Turn northeast on Route 608 then east on FS 42 to the junction of FS 41. Continue on 41 to trailheads.    

Description: The St. Mary’s River flows through a beautiful and wild canyon. There is evidence of the time in the early 1900s when it was mined for manganese.   

The fishing: This is a brook trout stream. In the past, rainbows were present, but they have died off and not been restocked. This is a single-hook, artificial-lure and fly-fishing river. Check with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) for other regulations. The best baits to use here are spinners, spoons and small jigs. Use a single hook.   

Fly patterns: Caddis larvae, stone flies and various mayflies work well. Streamers and flashy marabous also work at times.   

Access: There are trailheads at the lower parking lot, Mine Bank Branch and Green Pond. Stop at one and start hiking.    

Camping: The area is designated as wilderness, and, therefore, camping is allowed. However, no facilities are available.   

For more information: Contact VDGIF, 517 Lee Hwy., P.O. Box 996, Verona, VA 24482, 540-248-9360, www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing. Or contact USDA Forest Service, Pedlar-Glenwood Ranger District, P.O. Box 10, Natural Bridge Station, VA 24579, 540-291-2189, www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/gwj.

Reprinted with permission from Fishing Virginia, written by Martin Freed and Ruta Vaskys and published by The Globe Pequot Press. Fishing Virginia will be released in spring 2007. For more information, e-mail editorial@globepequot.com.