Trout Heritage Day 2025

Rapidan TU Kids Fishing Day

Join us for a fun-filled day of trout fishing and outdoor adventure at Trout Heritage Day 2025! Hosted by the Rapidan Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) in partnership with Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges (GMFL) and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), this annual event is designed to introduce kids to the joys of fishing in a beautiful natural setting.

📅 Date: Saturday, April 5, 2025
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM (Fishing starts at 9:00 AM)
📍 Location: Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges, Syria, Virginia

Fishing Opportunities

🐟 For Kids 12 & Under

– The Rose River will be heavily stocked with trout and reserved exclusively for young anglers.
– Any legal tackle is allowed, and participants may keep up to six fish.

🎣 For Teens 13–18

– A stocked pond on the premises will be available for catch-and-release fishing.
– Artificial lures only are permitted.

Hands-On Activities

Volunteers from the Rapidan Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be on hand to provide guidance and instruction. Kids can participate in a variety of interactive learning experiences:

✅ Fly Casting & Spin Casting Instruction – Learn casting techniques with expert anglers.
✅ Fly Tying Demonstrations – Watch and try your hand at tying your own flies.
✅ Fishing knot tying – Learn how to tie fishing knots.
✅ Aquatic Insect Collection & Identification – Explore the river to discover the food that trout eat!

Activity Schedule

🕙 10:00 AM – Casting Lessons
🕙 10:00 AM – Fly Tying Demonstrations
🕙 10:00 AM – Aquatic Insect Collection & Identification (Streamside near the Pavilion)
🕛 10:00 AM – Fishing Knot Tying (Sycamore Pavilion)

Event Details

🎟️ Free Admission – No Pre-Registration Required
🍔 Hot Food Available for Purchase
🎪 Additional Concessions, Exhibits & Activities Provided by GMFL

Bring the whole family and make lasting memories in the great outdoors!