Rose River Farm — Local services in Luray

This review is based on 4 different trips to Rose River Farm between 4 and 9 years ago. Rose River Farm is an excellent choice for beginners and those who are hungry for a chance at lots of big trout, which is a nice, rod-bending change of pace from the smaller trout most of us on the east are accustomed to catching. The farm is also a perfect place for the charitable events that the owner graciously hosts, especially Project Healing Waters, because the farm offers easy access to a nice stream that's easy to fish and to make casts, and it's easy to catch some big fish. The fact that there are so many positive reviews and numerous repeat customers is proof that Rose River Farm satisfies many anglers. But, this is a business that charges $95 for their product, and in order to provide an accurate review, I must judge it in terms of whether you get what you pay for considering what they advertise, what you actually get, and how their product compares to other similar products. The truth is that there are many public fly fishing options that don't cost a thing. And, some of the best public fly fishing in the country is right next to Rose River Farm, specifically The Rapidan River. There are also other private fishing options close by, mainly just over the mountain near Harrisonburg, that don't cost as much and that offer much better. Rose River Farm advertises "limited pressure," unparalleled scenery," and trout that have always been raised in earthen runs so they have always been colorful with big healthy fins. However, I have found that none of these claims are true. I would describe Rose River Farm as heavily pressured. It is a small, narrow stream (usually about 10-25 ft across), and they only have about a mile of water with about 7 good pools. This is not big enough for 4 or 5 anglers every single day throughout the season. And, most anglers have guides with them, so there can actually be quite a few people walking and wading the stream all day, every day, all season long. This stream gets hammered! You won't have to fish the same pool as someone else (even the biggest polls struggle to accommodate more than 1 anyway), but you will have to strategize how to best fish the different pools so that you avoid casting to fish that were caught just moments earlier. I expect less pressure and more privacy from a place that charges $95 and advertises limited pressure. The farm lies in the scenic Rose River valley, but so do a bunch of homes and farms, so it's nothing too special. The farm lies in an area where you would drive through on your way to the wild brookie streams, beautiful wilderness, wildlife, and waterfalls found in the Shenandoah National Park only a couple miles up the road from Rose River Farm. Moreover, the road that runs along the stream is probably the most popular route people use to access the lower section of SNP. This road is very close to the stream. One time while fishing the pool at the end of the property, a guy pulled over to talk to me about the fishing. This is not what I expect when I pay close to $100 to fish private water. Then there's the trout. Each time I have gone to Rose River Farm, I have hoped to get a picture of myself holding a big beautiful rainbow trout. I have caught over 20 fish each time I have gone and caught over 40 one time. Although it nice to catch so many big fish, I never caught one that was worthy of a picture. I have taken pictures, but i'd be embarrassed to have them on display. So, Rose River Farm may be good for the beginner or if you're really itching to catch some bruisers, but it does not live up to the owner's claims, and there are much better options...

Fly fishing at the Rose River Farm is absolutely outstanding and I truly enjoy going there. I am a frequent flyer with the ability to fish at least once per week. Generally, I am there every Thursday. I can get on the water for the whole day and I fully enjoy nature and have the chance to experiment with various flies to catch the different trout that are in the Rose River Farm waters. I have caught everything under the sun at the farm from bass during the warmer months all the way to the various trout that are in the water whether it is stocked or wild. I always look forward to going back on Thursday or any day when I can sneak away from my home in Arlington, VA. Only an hour and a half away give or take a few minutes makes the farm so pleasant to drive to. I generally stop on the way home to have dinner which is in Warrenton and then I am home in less than 40 minutes from there.

Fishing at RRF, I have met a variety of anglers and I have had the opportunity to enjoy their company as well as to be able help with advise on fly patterns being taken. I never experience the same day when fishing at RRF as the flies that are being taken are different hour to hour....day to day.... and season to season. Just remember- match the hatch! It can be difficult at times and believe me in that I know this from first hand experience. Other times it's easier and you can't help but wonder when the sudden feeding frenzy is going to stop because very often that's exactly what happens. The challenge begins- you are back to figuring out what flies will work and how to present the fly on the water.

I have caught many a rainbow, brookie, and wild brown not to mention bass and fall fish over the years since I have fished the Rose River Farm and it is just as exciting each time. You never know what you are going to catch: sometimes wild sometimes stocked but always colorful and beautiful. If you were to see my face book page you would see the variety of fish that I have managed to catch and like I said, sometimes its really hard to truly separate the wild from the stocked fish.

Check it out for yourself. The RRF offers wonderful scenery terrific fishing, and affordable pricing. Did I mention the cool cabins? Very special- My wife loves to come with me when I have a cabin. I have fished in many places and including out west and upstate New York and I just have not had the same experience as I have each at Rose River Farm. Thank you Douglas for such a great place to fish. See you...

Rose River Farms is a world class fly fishing venue with everything that the avid angler could hope for in a day on the water! The farm is not only impeccably manicured, with a central gazebo and clean restroom facilities (an invaluable resource to any female angler!), but boasts spectacular views and healthy fish.

I have fished this stretch of water in fall, spring, and even the dead of winter and have had a fantastic fishing experience each time. There is great opportunity to catch fish at this venue with an abundant population of rainbow, brown, and even brook trout. The rich fish life and select open areas has provided beginners I have brought there a great place at which to learn, catch fish, and gain confidence in the sport!

However, that is not to say that Rose River Farms does not provide a challenge to the seasoned angler. This stretch of river contains some large, meaty hold-over trout who have seemed to figure out where the most difficult areas to cast are! As a life-long fly fisher I have found myself challenged to make a cast to these fish. As someone who has made their profession from of fly fishing, I can attest to the fact that this provides both excitement and a test of skills that keeps the sport fresh.

The changing nature of the river throughout the year has made for a unique day of fishing each of the many times I have fished this farm. I have had some of the best hopper fishing of my career in the fall with low water and great streamer fishing on rainy spring days. This is a venue I can and have enjoyed fishing time...