Orkney Springs Outfitters

07/19/2026

Escaping the daily grind has never looked so good! Picture yourself deep in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, wading into the crystal-clear waters of the Upper South River with the stunning colors of fall as your backdrop.

This isn't just a fishing trip; it's your chance to unwind, unplug, and finally master the art of fly fishing.

Orkney Springs Outfitters is proud to present our exclusive Fly Fishing Weekends for Fall 2026. Whether you're looking to catch your very first native trout or you're an experienced angler wanting to refine your cast, this all-inclusive getaway is designed for you. With an incredibly low 1:2 guide-to-angler ratio and only 8 spots available per weekend, you’ll receive the personalized attention you need in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Leave the details to us!

Your registration covers:

✅ Rustic cabin accommodations (with hot showers & bathrooms!)

✅ Every meal, cooked and provided for you.

✅ Expert instruction on fly tying, casting, and catching trout.

✅ Unforgettable memories on one of the valley's premier spring-fed rivers.

Spots will fill up quickly for these limited engagements. Visit our website to learn more and secure your place by the river today. (OrkneySpringsOutfitters.com)

05/10/2026

Guided fly fishing on some of the best fly fishing water in Virginia. Book your trip today on the Upper Jackson by Warm Springs, the South Branch of the Potomac by Blue Grass or the Upper South River by Waynesboro. Single float trips on the Lower Jackson also available.

Contact us today to check availability. Lodging or camping can be easily arranged nearby.

05/07/2026

Huge shout out to the awesome folks at Shrine Mont for hosting our 5th annual fly fishing for beginners class. The food and accomodations are first rate and everyone enjoyed the venue. Next beginner class is in October, 2026. DM for details.

04/12/2026

Catch My Drift: This weeks combo is a dry-dropper Midge and Case Caddis combo

If you’re not fishing a dry-dropper rig right now, you’re leaving fish in the water.

Here’s our current go-to combo: a ** #14-16 midge dry fly top (Griffith’s Gnat or CDC midge) as your indicator, with a #16 Case Caddis dropper hanging 12–18 inches below on 5x tippet.

Why it works this time of year:

April in VA is a transition moment. Water temps are pushing into the low-to-mid 50s, caddis larvae are drifting loose off the rocky bottom, and midge activity is steady through the morning. Trout are looking both directions, at the surface film AND just below it. This rig covers both zones on every drift.

How to fish it:

→ Target the seams along submerged ledge rock and the heads of pools
→ Cast upstream, mend once, and let it dead-drift through the strike zone
→ Watch the midge dry — any hesitation or twitch, lift
→ Give a subtle upstream twitch as the rig enters slower water to animate the Case Caddis — that movement triggers instinct strikes

Rigging tip: Tie your dropper off the bend of the midge hook with a 14–18” piece of 5x or 6x fluorocarbon. Keep it short enough to stay in the feeding column, long enough to clear the dry.

The trout have been responding well. Get out early!

Book a half-day guided trip and we’ll go catch a few trout!

Lyndhurst, VA just off 64 at the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance.

04/12/2026

Case caddis are extremely interesting insects, that trout love! Learn more today by booking a lesson on the water with one of our seasoned guides.

04/07/2026

This is how its done…

03/28/2026

Only 4 slots left for our Spring fly fishing weekend! Signup today! Closes May 6. Next beginner class is Oct 2026. Signup today! Lodging at Orkney cabins at Shrine Mont. Meals Included.

03/02/2026

Catch My Drift: This week’s combo is dark and deadly:

Point Fly: Batman #14
Dropper: Purple Midge #20

The Batman’s dark, buggy profile pushes a strong silhouette through cold spring water, triggering aggressive takes from browns and rainbows holding tight to deeper runs and structure. Early season fish are still in that winter mindset. They are opportunistic, conserving energy, and keyed to contrast rather than flash. The Batman gets their attention fast.

Trailing behind, the Purple Midge plays the finesse role. In clear water, trout are already starting to key in on the first consistent subsurface midge activity. That small purple note often outperforms traditional black or red because it offers just enough visibility without looking unnatural. It seals the deal on fish that follow but hesitate.

Why This Combo Works Now

• Cold flows mean trout hug softer seams and tail-outs where food funnels predictably.
• A dark anchor fly helps them see the meal without moving far.
• The small midge matches the emerging forage they are selectively sipping.
• You cover both reaction and inspection in one drift.

Rigging Notes

• Tie the Purple Midge 12 to 16 inches off the bend of the Batman.
• Run it under a light indicator or tight-line if you prefer contact.
• Focus on transition water: inside seams, drop-offs below riffles, and the slow tail of pools.
• Keep the drift absolutely dead. No extra animation needed. Let the current do the talking.

This is not a searching rig. This is a convincing rig. Put it where fish already want to be and let the silhouette plus subtlety do the work.

Let us know how it works.

⸻

02/26/2026

Water everywhere! Time to plan your adventures.

02/22/2026

Had to share this, talk about convenient.

Innovation with Heart: A Backpack That Becomes a Bed!
A German startup has created a backpack that unfolds into a warm, insulated bed—with solar-powered lights and phone charging. ⚡

It’s not a full home, but it gives people experiencing homelessness a safe, warm space, a little privacy, and a chance to recharge literally and figuratively.

Small ideas, big impact. Imagine handing this to someone who has been told “no” all day—the relief, the warmth, the hope it’s priceless.