bluecordfishermen 
North Fork, Moorman’s River, Charlottesville VA: Lat / Long: 38.13948 -78.74966
Background:
While I was on a business trip (TDY) to the National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) which is located in Charlottesville VA, I took my fly rod and headed west to the mountains after work and I was not disappointed.
I selected North Fork of Moorman’s River after a lot of study of trails, maps, travel time and alternative options near Charlottesville. Internet searches provided some good background on alternatives. The alternative was to find a spot for bank fishing along one of several rivers running near Charlottesville or a trout stream running east off of the Blue Ridge where the Sky Line Drive is. Being close to the mountains, I chose Moorman’s based on a few blogs recommending the chance of catching brook trout. The primary point what that Moorman’s River was only a scenic 45-minute drive and a mile or two hike to some great fishing.
Description:
North Fork of Moorman’s River is a small mountain stream that runs east off the Blue Ridge Mountain and into Charlottesville reservoir. A mile or so up stream is just wide enough that you must carefully pick your spot to cross is without getting wet shoes. A stream crossing closer to the trail head will force you to wade the creek. This area is open to the public and it is well used. I came across families, runners and couples a mile away from the trail head on a week night as the stars came out. The trail head was parked full at dusk. In spite of being so close to a city, brook trout were within a mile of the trail head.
Peter’s Observations:
Moorman’s River was a treasure being so close to Charlottesville. Just an easy, short walk and you can be fishing for brookies. A longer hike may bring even better fishing but an overnight stay is the best way to do that. Easiest hike I ever took that resulted in brookies. I did see a large snake in the creek fleeing from me. I found that unusual for an area with so many human visitors. The hard part of selecting North Fork was to drive past the stream leading up to the reservoir. The local fishing club has made the drive very inviting for fly fishing on the Moorman’s River along Sugar Hollow road. Hiking or fishing the North Fork of Moorman’s River will make any TDY trip to NGIC better.
Access:
45 minutes west of Charlottesville VA. Head west of Charlottesville toward White Hall and pick up VA 614. Follow 614 to Sugar Hollow road and continue to go deeper into the foot hills until you come to the Charlottesville reservoir. Sugar Hollow road will narrow.
will narrow. On the far side of the reservoir is the trail head on the foot trail that parallels North Fork, Moorman’s River. After crossing into the National Forest, you will need to ford the creek or turn around and fish. This ford requires wading and it was mid shin deep in July. Go until you can’t pass up holes that are too good to pass. The link below from the virginiatrailguide provides details to entice you to this trail.
Point #1 Trail Head (The Black P on the trail map) LAT/LONG 38.13948 -78.74966
Fishing North Fork Moorman’s River: This is a catch and release area. 3 or 4 weight is more than enough for this mountain stream. You do not need waders as long as you can enjoy brisk water.
Timing: I only went in the evenings and each time paid off with nice brookies. You will contend with more people in the evenings but it’s worth it.
LOGISTICs:
Minimal considerations. Anything you could need is found in Charlottesville including Montecello.
Lodging: Charlottesville has every imaginable hotel franchise and price range. National Forest allows camping but no fires.
Food: The general store at White Hall is a must stop. Home cooked side dishes and some pretty good Pulled Pork sandwiches. Frankly, its like walking onto the set of the Waltons but with modern characters. This is a great place to pick up something to eat while fishing.
Tackle: Charlottesville has Dick’s Sporting Goods and many other retailers.
Emergency / Safety Planning:
- Do not expect Cell Phone coverage beyond the Charlottesville Resevior.
- Carry basic emergency kit and signal whistle.
- Watch the weather for extremes.