On a few occasions, we had fished the private water of Rose River, but never ventured to the point where it met the Robinson River, which is a 34-mile-long tributary of the Rapidan River. The Robinson River originates in the Shenandoah National Park and meanders through the White Oak Canyon and Berry Hollow. It has two accessible sections that are perfect for fly fishing. Although we didn’t get a chance to hike into the Canyon and catch the wild brook trout, we decided to try our luck in Section 2, where the Rose River flows into the Robinson River.

The Robinson River is characterized by shallow waters and numerous knee-deep pools. We do not recommend fishing the entire river as the fish tend to reside in the deeper pools rather than the shallower parts. The narrow stream makes it difficult to avoid backcasting, so we suggest using shorter rods (less than 9 feet) and leaders. The fish in the pools are easily spooked, so approach them slowly and cast from a distance. A 5x tippet on a short leader will suffice for your needs.

Robinson River has two accessible sections that offer different fishing experiences.

Section 1, which we didn’t have the opportunity to fish, is an excellent spot for those looking for a more adventurous and challenging fishing experience. This section is not stocked and is home to native brook trout. It requires a hike and involves jumping over boulders to access the stream, but catching brookies as a bonus is worth it.

On the other hand, Section 2 is a stocked section that receives trout eight times a year between October 1st and May 31st. This section is fished quite often, and it can get crowded around the bridge where it meets the Rose River. To avoid the crowds, turn right before the bridge onto Bohamon Rd and park by the church on the left side. From there, you can walk along the stream and fish all the way until it crosses the road again. Most anglers don’t want to walk too far to fish, so if you’re willing to make the trek, you’re in for a treat.

If you’re a fly fishing enthusiast seeking to catch a jumbo rainbow trout, the second section of the Robinson River, located below the Rose River confluence and bridge, may pique your interest. However, be prepared for the section to be bustling with other anglers.

While this section of the river can be overfished, there is still a chance to catch a few jumbo-sized trout. During the spring runoff, jumbo rainbows from the private section of Rose River may enter the Robinson River and add to the already bountiful population of fish in the stream. Despite the crowds, the possibility of catching a sizeable rainbow trout makes this spot worth a visit.

Fly Patterns

Choosing the right fly to entice the trout can be a fairly straightforward process. In my previous article on fly fishing at Rose River Farm, I mentioned a few typical options, including size 16 terrestrials, caddis in the springtime, and streamers that work well all year round.For streamers, a woolly bugger in black, olive, white, or pink will do the trick. Just ensure that the streamers are on the smaller side.

During the fall and spring seasons, terrestrials such as small hoppers and ants are excellent choices. In the spring, you may want to consider caddis, adams, or royal wulf flies. Additionally, having a dry dropper in your arsenal can be advantageous to cover all basis. Such as red copper john or pheasant tail nymph as dropper will do.

In conclusion, the Robinson River is a must-visit for any angler seeking a memorable and fulfilling fly fishing experience. With the chance to catch a wild brookie or a jumbo rainbow trout, the beauty of the stream and its surroundings, and the opportunity to hone your fly fishing skills, the Robinson River is a true gem of Virginia.