North River Delayed Harvest

The delayed harvest section of the North River extends from the base of Elkhorn Dam in the North River Multiple Use Area downstream 1.5 miles to the head of the Staunton City Reservoir. This is a very remote mountain top stretch of trout water making it a fly fisherman’s paradise. The delayed harvest area provides excellent scenic fly fishing opportunity during the fall, winter and spring months in some of the best freestone water around. It is usually a good idea to call the shop before heading all the way into the mountains to fish this local favorite. We know when the water flows are favorable and when the fish have been stocked. We can also let anglers know the very best patterns to take to insure success. This stretch of North River is notorious for enormous caddis fly hatches in the early spring. You will also see hendricksons, drakes, BWO’s, sulphurs, quill gordons, and yellow and black stoneflies. This is also a great stream for high sticking nymphs in pocket water or swinging small streamers or wet flies down and across. When the water levels are high in the spring time, multiple nymph rigs with caddis larvae and emerger patterns can be highly productive. Do to its remote nature, we recommend fishing this stream with a friend!

Directions From Mossy Creek Fly Fishing
- Take 33 West to I-81.
- Take I-81 South to Exit 240 (Mt. Crawford/Bridgewater Exit).
- Take Rt. 257 West(3.3 Miles) to the town of Bridgewater.
- Turn left at the T intersection onto Rt. 42 South.
- Take 42 South(3.7 miles) and go straight over the bridge where 42 takes a 90 degree left turn.
- Continuing straight over the bridge follow Mossy Creek Road to Mount Solon. Stay straight on this road until you reach Stokesville.
- Take a left at the fork in the road(cross the 1 lane steel bridge) and continue until you see the signs for North River Multiple Use Area on the left.
- Follow the signs to Elkhorn Lake.
- Park at the lake and follow the foot trail over the backside of the dam.