We're expecting about 2.5 inches of rain in the next couple of days so how does this affect the fishing. Let's start in the mountains and work our way down towards the bay!
First of all, check the flows before you go. The James is not safe over 5" in height.
At higher elevations on the Blue Ridge, nights will dip into the high 40's with daytime highs in the low 70's! Pair that forecast with over 2" if rain and we got ourselves conditions to responsibly chase brookies, y'all! Wait for the streams to drain a little, opt for higher elevations. Carry a thermometer!
Rainbow and Brown Trout will also be happy as that water is rising and dropping, willing to chase streamers. Regardless of temperatures, in the summer we should be opting for trout fishing tailwaters and spring creeks where the temperatures are below 65 degrees. Make sure to check the gauges on USGS.gov and carry a thermometer.
Smallmouth waters are going to spike hard which will get the fish fired up once the flows return to normal and the water clears up a bit. Perfect for cork bug fishing.
Tidal largemouth will be out of the question for a few days with high flows and muddy water. Largemouth in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds should be our best option though they may also get muddy. As the pressure drops, the fishing should be great. Once they've gone on their pressure drop feeding frenzy, they'll get sleepy for a few days. The days following the storm, the water will have a little extra oxygen and should give us a few days of great fishing. Large, dark crawfish, dark suspending baitfish, and topwater flies will do the job.
Inshore saltwater will shift a bit. The rivers that drain into the Chesapeake Bay will have the salinity lines pushed downstream, so will the fish that prefer saltwater. The polyhaline line has been over 10 miles into the James and the York since June since we've had low flows. If you're looking of Redfish and Specks, move closer to the mouth of the bay where the tides will keep the salt in the system.
Hopefully we see y'all the shop through the weekend, we have lots of exciting event you can sign up for, check them out.