Across and Down

Across and Down

Parmachene Belle, Queen of the Waters, Royal Coachman, Silver Doctor; if you know what I’m talking about, I bet you had one of those sheepskin fly books. Oh, that musty smell. Those were the staple of many anglers. They were quite nice when new but soon became quite ugly from rusted hooks and poorly dyed feathers. Do you remember that sickening feeling when you first opened one after a long winter and moths flew out? Those were simple times; soon things got complicated. Most no longer carry any of the classic wet flies. They aren’t the in thing now.

Do you want to catch more fish this spring? Of course you do. First, learn to tie a blood knot and make up a couple of leaders with one or two droppers. I can’t help you there. You can easily find instructions. I’m going to help with the catching fish part. Tie on two or three wet flies to your brand new leader and head to your favorite stream. Approach the section you intend to fish at the top end of the run. Stay back and do not create a shadow on the water. Make a short cast to the opposite bank and let your flies swing downstream and across the run to your side of the stream. Pull out 6 inches of fly line and repeat your cast. Keep feeding out line 6 inches at a time and casting across and down; until you get the amount of line you are comfortable casting. Now, you don’t have to worry about fiddling with line anymore. Just fish.

Take a half of a step and cast across and down. You get the point now. Take another half step and repeat until you reach the end of the run. Shazam; you have just put your flies in front of every single fish in that section of water. Didn’t take long to thoroughly fish it, either. Nothing has to be as complicated as many want you to believe. Keep it simple and be successful.

Many of the old time wet flies were pretty gaudy and they caught fish way back when and they will still catch fish today. Good luck finding some that aren’t tied in Malaysia or some other trout heaven. I’m sure you can come up with some through a diligent search. I found out long ago that if a fly contains peacock herl; it will catch fish. My wet fly box pretty much is filled with Picket Pins in various sizes. That is all I need. Remember, keep it simple. I have had very good success with that one fly. It can imitate a minnow, crayfish, emerging caddis fly, drowned caddis fly or even a caddis fly returning to the water to lay eggs. What more could you ask for? It has peacock herl, too!!

The old lowly wet fly added protein to many ramp and potato streamside campfire meals of yesteryear. There is no reason that they cannot do so today. Yes, things got complicated. You can prevent that and keep it simple across and down. Fishing is supposed to be fun and not a chore. Don’t be afraid to add some split-shot to your Royal Coachman’s, either. Just fish.

(c) 2016 High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c)2015 High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

This is my April 2016 article for Two-lane Livin

Another Untruth

Isonychia

I spent a very uneventful evening fly fishing on Glady Fork in Randolph County, WV yesterday. It was; I do believe the deadest I have ever seen a trout stream. Chubs weren't even rising. I fished for 2 solid hours and saw exactly 2 March Browns and 2 Dobson Flies in the air. There was no feeding bird activity, since there was nothing to feed on. I made it back to my truck a bit before dark and drove upstream. I noticed a few Isonychias in the air above a riffle and stopped. I already had a pair of beadheaded Zug Bugs pre-tied on a fluorocarbon tippet. I was prepared, but the fish didn't cooperate. I saw absolutely zero feeding on the surface or below the surface. Therefore I was sitting and staring as I often do. You know how you have always been told that Isonychias ALWAYS crawl up on the downstream side of an exposed rock to hatch; well they don't.

I was sitting there and one popped out of 2 feet of water right in front of me. Shortly thereafter another followed and I caught it in mid-air. we now know that this species does emerge from the water at times. One should never use the word Always...Now we Know.

Isonychia Shuck

(c) 2015 High Virginia Outdoors Photos (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

LEARNING STUFF

LEARNING STUFF

If you were to look back on life and attempt to categorize things that you actually know a whole bunch about; I imagine the things that top out your list are things you learned by doing. It is all right to sit in a classroom and learn from one who tells you what they have read and studied. The best lessons come from doing and experiencing. Knowledge comes from living. I would bet that several things you now know are things that you never set out to learn. I know people who quit learning the day they walked out of whatever formal school they last attended. I feel sorry for them. Life happens; take advantage of your opportunities to improve upon your understanding of the world.

The last week of June and first week of July was coal miner vacation when I was young. That week in June meant it was time for camping and fishing. It was the best week of the year for me. The destination was usually the West Fork of the Greenbrier. The whole family and often a friend or two went. Vehicles were loaded with provisions and that big smelly canvas tent. The majority of everyday was spent fishing. We didn’t know back then that since the river hadn’t been stocked in over a month that it wasn’t worth fishing. We caught fish, too. Lots of fish. That was about the time I began to notice how fish fed in the summer heat. I noticed fish feeding on the surface, sipping insects. I noticed that the most activity was in the shade. We still caught trout on salmon eggs and night crawlers but it wasn’t steady or consistent.  Presentations were often overlooked by noticeably feeding fish. I knew there was a better method; but wasn’t sure of what it was.

Then it happened. My granddad gave me a 7 weight fiberglass fly rod with one of those clunky automatic reels. I don’t remember how long I frothed up the water catching chubs and dace on a Royal Coachmen but it was a while before the first trout. I do know that first trout was a 10 inch brown from a coffee colored, flooded Elk River. I bought flies at every opportunity, things that looked buggy or maybe just caught my eye. I started really paying attention to streamside insects and started catching fish. I learned that from May until autumn you it would be in your best interest to be fishing with a fly. Now, back to a summer week on the West Fork;

I noticed thousands of tiny black mayflies one morning while fishing. They were thick on the grasses and in the spider webs. Fish could be seen feeding but no trout could be caught. Tricorythodes (Tricos) were unknown and never heard of by me but I dug around in my fly collection and found a size 20 Black Gnat. The fishing trip was saved from then on. I had a grand total of 2 tiny flies; the other was a size 22 white midge. I used the black fly when I could see it and the white one at dusk and dawn. It worked for me and we ate trout all week. Yes, I do know now that Tricos are dark olive. The ability to learn cannot be taken away; unless you allow it to.

This is my article for the June 22015 issue of Two-Lane Livin

(c)High Virginia Outdoors  Photos (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

FEATHERS & FINS

FEATHERS & FINS

Eleven long months have passed; some were excruciatingly slow. Linger they did, but they are now in the past; thankfully so. Being tomatoless made it even worse. I sure hope that doesn’t happen again; we shall see. Yes, it is finally May and I hope it lasts for six weeks instead of two. The mad May rush is on, get everything done before the heat sets in. It’s time to get your priorities in order turkeys, trout and garden in no particular order. Just doing what seems right for the day is the way to go. Enjoy the month; because it will be a long time, until it arrives again.

I don’t turkey hunt nowadays like I once did. I used to be out there guiding or hunting from mid-March until the end of May. I just have no desire to do that anymore. I do not hunt in the naked cold woods of early season. May is the time for me. I choose to wait until the woods come alive with green leaves, warblers, whip-poor-wills and mature gobbling turkeys. I don’t hunt in the rain, either. Been there, done that, don’t like it and I’m not doing that anymore. Yes, there was a period in my life when I lived to pursue the king of spring. The way the area I live in has been destroyed just leaves me disgusted. It took a lot out of me. Oh, yeah I have other places I really like to hunt but they require travel and time to get to. I still get up every morning during the season. I look at the sky. When I see stars, I go to the woods. If not, back to bed. It works for me, I only need one bird. Half for Thanksgiving, half for Christmas that is enough. I hunt the pleasant days when I enjoy being in the woods. I don’t worry about turkeys, I know one will come; always has and always will. One day in May.

For me; early trout fishing with salmon eggs, Clousers and woolly buggers means one thing; actually two things. When I am able to make myself go, the goal is to put six on the stringer and go do something else. It is a time for restocking the freezer and getting a fish head for each tomato plant. That is it and I do not enjoy it. May is the fun time to be on a trout stream. I really enjoy fishing for trout on dry flies. The period following the April monsoons until the waters dry up is primetime. Nothing I have every found is as relaxing and enjoyable. March Browns, Sulphurs, Green Drakes, Isonychias and Light Cahills are all dependable and can produce constant surface action. Most importantly; it is fun fishing. I may keep a few rainbows for the freezer if I still need more. Brooks and browns go back in.

May, without a doubt is the best time to enjoy and explore the West Virginia Highlands. Get out there and do it before it gets too hot and the streams go dry. You’ll be glad you did. Enjoy May when you can; It’ll be a long time until it shows up again.

This is my article for the May issue of Two-Lane Livin

(c) High Virginia Outdoors Photo (c) High Virginia Images ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

TERRESTRIAL FISHING

Nope, we are not going to discuss fishing from or in trees; although I have seen a few people spend a good portion of their time casting into said trees. I do believe that the majority of fish will be caught in some type of water. Terrestrials to the fishing world are land based insects that sometimes end up falling in the water and therefore become fish food. The cooler nights of September change fish back into a daytime feeding pattern. The combined effects of heat and less available oxygen during the peak of summer make most of our fish species predominately nocturnal predators.

Low water levels make river and stream fishing difficult at this time of the year, The fish are there and are feeling the lean times of winter approaching. They want to eat and will feed on whatever is most abundant. The mayfly and caddis fly hatches are over; with a few exceptions. Minnow and crayfish populations have thinned out over the summer. What does that leave out there for forage? Things that haplessly fall in or are blown into the water become the most reliable food source.

Waters that are bordered by grassy areas tend to have an abundant population of grasshoppers. Where do some of the grasshoppers end up anytime something walks by? Fish know that, too. I love fishing high mountain streams when the leaves are beginning to show some color. Careful wading is a must to prevent spooking the fish. Fine tippets are not needed and often a less than perfect cast which makes your grasshopper pattern land with a plop; often works best. You probably will not notice any rising fish. Casts should be made to ambush spots such as points sticking out into the water or overhanging vegetation. You never know what may be laying there and waiting for a meal. Rises are not dainty little sips, either. You should use a much heavier tippet than you would when normally dry fly fishing. This one tip will save some heartache when you see red spots the size of your thumbnail.

Now I know some of you are thinking: I don’t have any grassy meadows or sods nearby. Don’t worry. There is another option. Actually there are two other options. Overhanging trees and rock ledges tend to be hotspots. Just think of the menu underneath a tree: Ants, Beetles, Caterpillars, Leaf-hoppers and Spiders; just to mention a few. Sounds like a good place for fish dinner and the food supply is replenished with every breeze. Try sitting and staring alongside a rock ledge that meets the water sometime. Spend fifteen minutes and you will be enlightened. It is unbelievable how many creatures fall into the water. There is always something rolling in. Fish know that; you should too.

Those of you that are looking for something peaceful to do between now and when the snow starts flying should get an empty fly box and prepare it for your autumn trips. Yes, trips. I know that after you go once during this un-traditional time you will keep going back. Fill up your box with grasshopper, beetle and ant patterns. Throw in a few small Slate Drakes and Blue-winged Olives and you will be set for anything that happens. Enjoy.

This is my article in the September 2014 print issue of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors

A Gandy Creek Afternoon

Gandy Creek

I decided to take a little trip up Gandy Creek today. The primary purpose of the venture was looking for chanterelles; struck out there. There are always things to see and do if you just go. The dogs enjoyed the trip. Of course, Ralphie found another little water snake. I don't know where he got his sudden fixation of snake trailing. The highlight was along the road, just downstream of where this photo was taken; a mink was standing on a log looking at me as I drove by. I dug the camera from behind the seat and was surprised when the mink hadn't moved. I had to back up a little; still there! Just as the camera was focusing, it took off upstream. But, it stopped in some Queen-Ann's Lace and looked back. The camera refused to focus on the mink since the breeze was blowing the flowers slightly auto-focus kept going to the flowers. Oh, well no mink pictures but a nice afternoon anyway. Butterflies were few and far between today, too. There was a Blue-winged Olive mayfly hatch on the middle section of the stream and a few feeding trout. One should always remember that trout are all ready temperature stressed when the water temperature is 70 and above. Leave them alone..They do not need anymore stress and the majority will die; even if they seem OK when you release them.

(c) High Virginia Outdoors 2014
Photos (c)2014 High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

SOMETIMES

Caylor Custom Coffin Fly

Have you taken the time to sit, stare and reflect on what has happened throughout your personal evolution? Yeah, you’re too busy to go to a quiet place and get lost. Really? You owe it to yourself. I know some who are content with the same old thing and never attempt anything new. I’m thankful that I have never been trapped in that place. Think about something that you used to enjoy doing but can no longer find the time for. Hey, you heard it here first: You’re never going to be rich so you’ll be better off happy.

I recently re-discovered something that I really enjoy doing. I have been able to squeeze in a little bit of fly fishing over the past fifteen or so years and I was somewhat content with the time spent doing so. The bad thing was that I was never able to go at prime time in the places that I really wanted to be. I made do and fished streamers and nymphs. I always managed to catch some fish and all was well; or so it seemed. That was until a few weeks ago.

I was just piddling around one evening with the dogs on a small stream close to home. We all know that our wonderful 4 dollar gas doesn't allow us to get too far away, anymore. The dogs were trailing mink which has become their favorite way to get tangled up and I was starring in the water. There was one subtle rise on the far side of the stream. I couldn't see any insect activity other than a few crane flies. The beagles were thoroughly entertained so I waded out in a shallow riffle and scooped up a hatful of water. Spent Sulphurs were in my hat. They were invisible to me while looking at the water; but there were apparently thousands to be sipped up by the trout.  There had been a mayfly hatch on the stream earlier, the females had returned to the stream, laid there eggs and died. Many now floated in the surface film.

I returned to the stream bank and watched downstream. I could count fifteen actively feeding trout within 75 yards of my location. The wheels started turning. I knew that I couldn't fish that section with the dogs around. It was too shallow and too tight that was sure to equal spooky fish. It was getting late so I just watched and came back alone the next evening. I was not disappointed, even though my small water casting skills needed some honing. I managed to catch nine rising trout in about a 200 yard section of stream. The trout, while none were over a foot long were all caught using spent Sulphurs on the surface.

I really enjoy stalking and fishing for surface feeding trout. You have to be careful not to spook them and then make the perfect cast. Dry fly and terrestrial fishing for low water trout after the fish trucks quit running is the ultimate one on one outdoor experience. I’m hooked once again. Why did I quit doing it? Sometimes I just wonder.

This article first appeared in the July 2014 print edition of Two-Lane Livin

(c) 2014 High Virginia Outdoors

“GONE FISHIN”

I had somewhat of a problem this spring. Like most problems; it was self-induced. Times of deep thought or periods of brief pondering can tend to change your actions. I do know that one major problem that has an effect on many is the lack of random periods of un-structured quiet time allotted to thinking and pondering. Far too many people have let the demands of others take control of their lives. When was the last time you just went and did something that you really enjoy; without worrying? We often cannot take the time to do something without being concerned about how long we have to do it or where we have to be next.

I came to the realization this year that I really have zero interest in fighting the crowds and fishing for fish that were thrown from a truck sometime during the week. This process which is known by many as “trout fishing” in WV has become an absolute chore; to me. I do not want to have to make myself go do something that is supposed to be enjoyable. I made 2 trips this year during the “stocking season”. The first time was on Clover Run and I did manage to catch 3 trout; before others saw me and crowded me out. The second trip was planned out to be a memorable experience. That didn't pan out either. I made about 5 casts into Dry Fork downstream from Harman; before I realized that something wasn't normal in that stretch of river. Growths of stringy green algae had made that section of river pretty much un-fishable with anything other than dry flies.

During the next couple of weeks following the April frustrations I had several opportunities to go fishing. I just couldn't make myself do it. I plan on starting up once again in June; after the fish trucks have been parked. It just isn't fun anymore. Enjoyment to me is walking a stretch of river; watching for rising trout. If your timing is right and you find a decent mayfly hatch and feeding trout; each of your outings can become a memorable experience. June is that magical time to be on a trout stream. We have many to choose from and you are pretty much guaranteed to be alone on your favorite stream on any evening in June.

I also thought back to times when we just went fishing; not for anything in particular. Just fishing; remember that? Nice and peaceful, wasn't it. Simple, too. No fancy ingredients required. Rod, reel, line, bobber, sinker; grab a couple dozen night crawlers or a bucket full of minnows and just go. Sit, stare and enjoy. Think back to those days when you followed that recipe. You always enjoyed it and you always caught fish, didn't you? Those were good times that still can be had if we break or pattern, get out of the rut and just go out and do it.

I don’t know about you; but this year during the month of June: I’m just going fishing.

This article first appeared in the June 2014 issue of Two-Lane Livin . 

DOWNTIME

(c)HVI

I guess we've made it again. There is a dim light glowing at the end of the tunnel of frozen tundra. There are a few teaser days on the distant horizon. I have a love-hate relationship with those teaser days. I’m always glad when the show up but I know they will not stay. I consider downtime to be the period between my last day of deer hunting and the day I put my potatoes in the ground. I know that between the times those tubers are covered with soil and it turns hot; there will be 3 or 4 pleasant weeks. Those weeks are known as prime-time.

I spent a lot of time this winter researching underwater insect life. I decided to limit my fishing during the spring to using sub-surface flies that actually look like the things that really live down there. I have stared at so many photos of caddis larvae, stoneflies, mayflies and diptera that I can almost say some of their scientific names. I do believe that I have learned about all I need to know about them. I now understand where each species can be expected to be found in any stream.  I sure know more about the bottom of the stream than I did at this time last year. That is a good thing.

Part two of the process was a long and hard search to find imitations the really looked like what they were supposed to imitate. We all know that many patterns are tied to resemble real things; but they are also tied to attract the fisher’s eye and to get into his or her wallet. Believe me when I say that it is a challenge to find exactly what you are looking for; especially with satellite internet that will not stay connected. I do believe I managed to find realistic imitations of most of what I was looking for. It wasn't easy and it wasn't cheap.

The caddisflies I concentrated on were mostly netspinners (Hydropsychidae) and the green rock worms (Rhyacophilidae) these live in the type of water that I like to fish. The colors are primarily tan and green; I believe those two colors will pretty much cover my applications.  I concentrated on finding realistic patterns for common stoneflies (Perlidae), since these are the most available stoneflies in the streams I fish. I already had plenty of Hendrickson, Sulphur, Blue-winged Olives Green Drakes and Isonychia nymphs; so the mayflies were covered. I didn't bother with midge larvae; I could never get one of those tiny things tied on a leader. The only True Fly (Diptera) I ended up buying were some large weighted nymphs that look like crane fly larvae. I believe I’m set for the season, only time will tell. I do know that if the realistically researched nymphs fail; those trusty Clouser Minnows will be in my pocket. No worries there.

Now, all we can do is wait for those nice days to be out on the river. We never know how many times we can get out there and we never know if each one will be the last. Therefore we need to take advantage and enjoy the time we have. Never quit learning, you will have no regrets.

This article first appeared in the March print edition of Two-Lane Livin

(c)2014 High Virginia Outdoors. Photo (c) High Virginia Images All Rights Reserved

Fifty-two Degrees

Hendrickson (c) 2012 HVI

It will happen; at some point this spring, the water temperature will reach 52. When this happens, trout will begin looking up. The first major mayfly hatch will be getting into action. Hendrickson nymphs (Ephemerella subvaria) will begin to emerge. The sky will be full of swarms of this mayfly over the riffles of your favorite trout stream. Birds and fish will get their fill. In 2012; there was a great hatch on the lower Shavers Fork on April 3. The date of emergence this year will be anyone's guess. There is a lot of warming up and allot of snow melt that needs to happen; before the Hendrickson hatch; this year. I'm betting that it will not happen until mid-April. Only your trusty stream thermometer will know for sure. They were hatching on Horseshoe Run on April 2 last year, also.Whether you are a fly-fisher or not, you should make the effort to go and see a big mayfly hatch. You will never forget the experience. The best way to predict when it will happen on your favorite section of water is to keep checking the water temperature. One day, when the magic number is reached in late-morning; the show will start. Try to be there.

(c) 2012 HVI

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors Photos by High Virginia Images (c) 2013 All Rights Reserved

Signs of Life

Case- Maker Caddisflies

I stopped along the Dry Fork River on Sunday (2/24/13), just to let the dogs out for a walk. The sky was blue and the winds were somewhat calm but the air was still quite cool. We pulled of in the mud and snow; downstream from Jenningston. I noticed that there was some underwater activity going on.

There were hundreds of these Case-Maker Caddidflies clinging to the rocks in the calm shallow water areas. Some were actually crawling around, seeming to jockey for position and intercept some rays of sun.

Case-Maker Caddisflies are of the (Limnephildae) family. They live in stationary waters and can be found in the streams margins and calm backwaters.They are climbers and clingers and do not attach their cases to the substrate. They are shredders and feed upon decaying vegetation. The stick-worms in the photo are probably from the genus Pycnopsyche  and will hatch into adults during mid-summer. No matter what you want to call them; they are fish food. There are millions of them out there in the streams and they are available year-round. They don't look like Power-bait either, do they?

Dry Fork

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors  Photos (c)2013 High Virginia Images

Clean Water Act-40 Years Old

Roaring Creek (c) High Virginia Images

Forty years ago in a show of bipartisan support, Congress passed the Clean Water Act of 1972. Hunters and anglers support strong Clean Water Act protections, understanding that clean water and healthy wetlands and streams are essential to healthy fish and wildlife populations and habitat. This year, we celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the Clean Water Act and the historic results this keystone legislation has achieved: healthier water to drink; cleaner streams, rivers and lakes in which to swim, fish and play; and dramatically lower rates of natural wetland loss.

However, our clean water celebration is bittersweet. For the past decade, Clean Water Act protections for wetlands, lakes and streams have been eroding. Over the past two years, the Clean Water Act has been under relentless attack by members of Congress, despite overwhelming public support for clean water and healthy habitat across the political spectrum. These attacks jeopardize drinking water for 117 million Americans and accelerate wetland losses that damage hunting, fishing and wildlife watching. According to a recently released U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service survey, tens of millions of Americans spend $145 billion annually on hunting, angling, and wildlife watching. This represents direct spending only, and each dollar spent in local restaurants, on guides and outfitters, and on equipment generates even more for our economy.

Hunters and Anglers Favor Restoring Clean Water Act Protections to Wetlands and Streams

A September 2012 poll of hunters and anglers found that, regardless of political affiliation, 79 percent of hunters and anglers favor restoring Clean Water Act protections to wetlands and waterways, including small creeks and streams. Recent polls in Colorado, Ohio and Wisconsin charted similar results. In this fractious election year, it is worth noting that poll after poll show that a strong majority of Americans supports strong federal Clean Water Act protections.

Restoring Wetlands and Stream Protections Supports Healthy Communities, Fish and Wildlife, and a Strong Economy

Families, communities, farmers and businesses large and small depend on clean, healthy waters for their health, jobs and prosperity. The Clean Water Act is essential to keeping our drinking water safe; providing millions of acres of fish and wildlife habitat across the country; ensuring abundant clean water for irrigating crops; and bolstering the robust fishery, tourism and outdoor recreation industries. Millions of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity, as well as our hunting and angling traditions, are all at risk if Clean Water Act protections are not restored.

Consider the following (based on 2006 economic data):

• According to the American Sportfishing Association, fishing generates $125 billion in direct and indirect economic activity across the United States and supports 1 million jobs every year.
• The National Marine Manufacturers Association found that boating contributes $41 billion to the economy and supports 337,000 jobs annually.
• The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports that duck hunting alone contributes $2.3 billion to the economy every year and supports 27,000 private sector jobs.
• The FWS also estimates that 6.7 million trout anglers contribute nearly $5 billion annually to our economy.

These activities and the economic growth they support at the local, regional and national levels all depend on healthy waters and wetlands to produce quality outdoor experiences. Clean streams and abundant wetlands are essential for fish and wildlife and to the hunting, angling and outdoor traditions tens of millions of Americans enjoy every year. Unfortunately, these traditions and the economic activity they generate are in real jeopardy today.

Sportsmen Urge Action to Restore Protections to America’s Wetlands, Lakes and Streams

In the wake of 2001 and 2006 Supreme Court decisions and subsequent guidance given to staff at the Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency, more than 20 million acres of wetlands and about 2 million miles of streams in the continental United States are at risk of losing the very Clean Water Act protections that have so successfully cleaned up the nation’s waters. The strength and effectiveness of the Clean Water Act have been undermined further by the resulting uncertainty and confusion over the scope of the act’s protections.

The erosion of clean water protections takes a serious toll on wetlands. The most recent report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (“Status and Trends of Wetlands in the Conterminous United States 2004 to 2009,” http://www.fws.gov/wetlands/Status-And-Trends-2009/index.html ) demonstrates that the trend toward reduced wetland losses – and even small gains in wetland conservation in the early part of the past decade– have been reversed. Between 2004 and 2009, the FWS found net wetland acres dropped by 62,300 nationwide, a 140-percent increase in the wetland loss rate compared with the 1998-2004 timeframe. The FWS also reports that forested wetlands declined by 633,000 acres, representing the “largest losses since the 1974 to 1985 time period.” The full extent of natural wetland loss is masked by growth of man-made retention and other ponds that are of limited value to fish and wildlife, which the FWS found increased by some 336,000 acres. The FWS report highlights the 2001 and 2006 Supreme Court decisions as likely contributors to wetland losses (see pages 17 and 68).

As the Clean Water Act turns 40, Americamust get back on the path to clean, healthy waters and wetlands. The administration must follow through on its comprehensive efforts to restore Clean Water Act protections to wetlands, lakes and streams in a manner that is science-based and clearly respects the Supreme Court’s decisions.

We encourage you to raise this issue of Clean Water Act restoration with your readers and call on the administration to act. If you have questions or need more information, please contact us.

Contacts:

Scott Kovarovics, Izaak Walton League, skovarovics@iwla.org, (301) 548-0150 x223

Jan Goldman-Carter, National Wildlife Federation, goldmancarterj@nwf.org, (202) 797-6894

Steve Kline, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, skline@trcp.org, (202) 639-8727x11

Steve Moyer, Trout Unlimited, (703) 284-9406, smoyer@tu.org

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Forward

That Clouser Thump

I decided to celebrate the end of the WVDNR's annual food dispersal program this morning and go fishing for a little while. I knew that there would not be anyone else out there; since they have finally quit stocking. Flags were flying straight out when I got to Elkins. I almost turned around, but decided to just go to Bowden, instead of heading up on Cheat Mountain. I knew that with the wind and the cold front the fishing would be slow and the trout would be hugging the bottom.

I arrived on the Shavers Fork and tied on a pair of Clouser Minnows. These are my favorite flies; when the fishing is though. It has been a long time since I have had a chance to actually fly fish. Probably 4 years other than stop and cast a few times. I entered the river and the water was nicely cool for June. The wind was howling upstream. I crossed the river to a split on the other side, which was protected from the wind; slightly. Casting was difficult with my 5 weight rod and a pair of weighted flies. On my third cast; there it was, that clouser thump. It has been a long time since I have felt that. Nice fish, too. I fished the section thoroughly and had only one other strike. The wind picked up and I was hitting myself with the flies, as often as they were hitting the water. But; it was really nice to fish for a hour and a half and not be bothered by others. I'm glad that the fish trucks are finished. Now; maybe the rest of us can catch a few fish !

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors  Photos by High Virginia Images (c)2012 All Rights Reserved

A Really Nice Morning

I decided this morning to celebrate the end of the trout stocking season; by going fishing. I knew that I would have the streams to myself, even on Memorial Day weekend. Everyone knows that when the fish trucks quit running; that is the end of trout fishing for the year.
This is when I start. No crowds and plenty of fish are out there; for as long as we have enough water and the water temperature stays down. I had a plan this morning and it proved to be a bad plan.

I left my truck at daylight and just carried with me the things that I thought I would need. Thought is a key word here. I stuck a box of wet flies and nymphs in my vest and there was all ready a brown woolly bugger tied on my leader. Off; I went. The first section that I tried has changed, since I last fished it. The water is very low and no fish-holding structure was to be found. the bead-headed woolly bugger was getting hung-up on every cast.
I moved further upstream, common yellowthroats, catbirds and yellow warblers were filling the air with song. Two hen turkeys were showing their numerous offspring how to find food. I was just soaking up the morning and finally found some rising trout. Many rising trout! I carefully got into position and cast and cast and cast to the fish; with absolutely no response. Nice fish, too. Mostly browns in the 12-16 inch range, splashing and slashing the surface. I of course had NO dry flies with me. I stood motionless in the stream for several minutes and finally saw what they were feeding on. Tent caterpillars were on the menu and they would sample nothing else. Of course, I had nothing to imitate the meal of the day. My terrestrial box was back in the truck. Moral of the story: Be Prepared and Be Successful. It was still a nice morning; though.

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors
Photos by High Virginia Images
(c) 2012 All Rights Reserved

Hello Hendricksons !!

I had a few minutes to check out one of my new favorite spots on Horseshoe Run this afternoon (4-2-12).  I was still about 30 yards from stream side, trying to keep 2 beagles going in the same direction; when I noticed there was a hatch in progress. A good hatch, too.  Flies were thick above the stream and I was expecting to find some type of caddis.  After I finally got the dogs tethered and under control; I was able to get closer to the water. Much to my surprise, it was a Hendrickson hatch!

The Hendrickson (Ephemerella subvaria) is the earliest of our major mayfly hatches. This was the most intense hatch that I have ever witnessed of this species.  During the normal Spring season in our area these mayflies hatch in mid-April, among the snowflakes. I usually see a few on Glady Fork during April. It was around 2:15 when I arrived and I stayed until about 2:50. The activity never slowed and it was heavy enough that you had to be careful of one flying into your mouth. I did have  to carefully control the involuntary mosquito swat that you have when something is crawling on your arm. There were also a few Quill Gordons (Epeorus pleuralis) in the mix. This did not appear to be the first day of the hatch; I saw a few clear-winged spinners.

I was not prepared to fish this occurrence, I didn’t have enough time to spare.  I did see a couple of trout actively feeding in the pool.  Flies that are often used to fish this hatch include the Light Hendrickson, Dark Hendrickson, Red Quill and Rusty Spinner.  You can bet that I will be over there the first opportunity that I have to get away for a couple of hours this week. It will sure be nice fishing dry flies for rising trout in West Virginia during the month of April. I can’t wait !

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors    Photos by High Virginia Images (c) 2012 All Rights Reserved

What Do I Need To Start Flyfishing

WHAT DO I NEED TO START

The question that I have been asked most during the previous year has been: What do I need, to start fly fishing? First, let me stress that needs and wants are two very different things. Fly fishing is one of those things that can be as simplistic or complicated as you desire. It is up to you and your budget, as to which path you decide to follow. You actually only need five things: Rod, Reel, Line, Leader and Fly.

Fly rods come in various lengths and weights. The weight (0-12) denotes the size of line that works best with the particular rod. Rod length varies between five and fourteen feet. The most popular lengths are 8-9 feet. In our area, these lengths are a fine choice. Rod action is the next consideration. The action is the amount of flex, from the butt to the tip of the rod. The terminology is usually slow to extra-fast. Choose a moderate or moderate-fast action in a six-weight rod and you will be happy. One other notable consideration is that rods come in sections with choices from two-piece up to six piece travel rods. Two piece rods are usually the least expensive. I cannot fit a two-piece nine foot rod behind my truck seat. Eight foot rods in the two-piece configuration work fine.

The fly reel is honestly, the least important item in your setup. It holds and stores the line. For the majority of our needs, the most basic reel will do just fine. We do not need fancy drag systems for the foot long fish we will be catching. Truthfully, you could feed your line out of your pants pocket and while being inconvenient, you would probably do just fine. Fly lines are available in a wide variety of designs. Buy a weight-forward floating line for your first set-up. Make sure it is the proper weight for your rod. Remember, we are discussing need, not want. Sinking tips, intermediates and other special purpose lines will fall into the want category at a later time.

The leader is the connection between your fly line and fly. They taper down from a large diameter butt section to a fine tippet section. The most popular designs are knotted together with various diameters and lengths of monofilament line and are formulated to make the fly turn over properly. Tapered knotless leaders are also available and are a good choice if weeds or floating debris is encountered. I have been using furled or braided leaders for the last few years. I really like this style. They are four to five feet long; the ones that I use have a small (micro) metal ring for attaching tippet material. This makes a versatile system that works really well.

Now, the fun stuff: Flies. The selection is mind boggling, where do we start? There are basically four types of flies: Dry, Wet, Streamer and Nymph. Dry flies float, the others are used subsurface. Dry fly fishing is the most well known method and is both rewarding and productive, when aquatic insects are hatching. I am rarely able to fish during this primetime. I fish wooly buggers upstream or Clouser minnows downstream probably 90 percent of the time. This two fly system has worked well for me.

Technical fishing without the technicality. Enjoy.

-30-

Mountain Trout This Week: 6/13/11-6/19/11

Tygart River 6/16/11

We need the rain that we were promised. The upper reaches of our streams barely have enough water to cover a trout up. I stopped at several locations this week and found plenty of trout and smallmouths. In one spot today on the Tygart; I could look upstream from one spot and see 11 browns and one 15 inch smallmouth in prime feeding lanes. There were a few sulphurs flying and 2 of the browns were actively feeding on the surface. I also saw one late green drake spinner land in the water. It didn't last long.
I had my dogs at Shavers Fork this evening and saw quite a few nice smallmouths. They were nosing right up to the shoreline, barely covered with water. Every one was within 6 inches of dry ground and waiting on something to move. This is the time of year that is very enjoyable to fly fish. I for one do not care if I'm catching 12 inch trout or 12 inch bass, either is just fine with me. We have to remember that a lot of our so called "trout streams" are in reality smallmouth bass waters; which receive trout allotments. The hatchery trout are just visitors. We really need some rain to raise the water levels and keep the temperatures down.

Thank You: Bridgeport, WV

Thank you for your purchases !!

Getting Started-Fly Fishing

WHAT DO I NEED TO START


The question that I have been asked most during the previous year has been: What do I need, to start fly fishing? First, let me stress that needs and wants are two very different things. Fly fishing is one of those things that can be as simplistic or complicated as you desire. It is up to you and your budget, as to which path you decide to follow. You actually only need five things: Rod, Reel, Line, Leader and Fly.

Fly rods come in various lengths and weights. The weight (0-12) denotes the size of line that works best with the particular rod. Rod length varies between five and fourteen feet. The most popular lengths are 8-9 feet. In our area, these lengths are a fine choice. Rod action is the next consideration. The action is the amount of flex, from the butt to the tip of the rod. The terminology is usually slow to extra-fast. Choose a moderate or moderate-fast action in a six-weight rod and you will be happy. One other notable consideration is that rods come in sections with choices from two-piece up to six piece travel rods. Two piece rods are usually the least expensive. I cannot fit a two-piece nine foot rod behind my truck seat. Eight foot rods in the two-piece configuration work fine.

The fly reel is honestly, the least important item in your setup. It holds and stores the line. For the majority of our needs, the most basic reel will do just fine. We do not need fancy drag systems for the foot long fish we will be catching. Truthfully, you could feed your line out of your pants pocket and while being inconvenient, you would probably do just fine. Fly lines are available in a wide variety of designs. Buy a weight-forward floating line for your first set-up. Make sure it is the proper weight for your rod. Remember, we are discussing need, not want. Sinking tips, intermediates and other special purpose lines will fall into the want category at a later time.

The leader is the connection between your fly line and fly. They taper down from a large diameter butt section to a fine tippet section. The most popular designs are knotted together with various diameters and lengths of monofilament line and are formulated to make the fly turn over properly. Tapered knotless leaders are also available and are a good choice if weeds or floating debris is encountered. I have been using furled or braided leaders for the last few years. I really like this style. They are four to five feet long; the ones that I use have a small (micro) metal ring for attaching tippet material. This makes a versatile system that works really well.

Now, the fun stuff: Flies. The selection is mind boggling, where do we start? There are basically four types of flies: Dry, Wet, Streamer and Nymph. Dry flies float, the others are used subsurface. Dry fly fishing is the most well known method and is both rewarding and productive, when aquatic insects are hatching. I am rarely able to fish during this primetime. I fish wooly buggers upstream or Clouser minnows downstream probably 90 percent of the time. This two fly system has worked well for me.

Technical fishing without the technicality. Enjoy.

This article first appeared in my column Through the Seasons at Two Lane Livin.

The Season Begins

Glady Fork, Randolph County, WV  May 29,2009


Low gray clouds loom on the horizon. A cold front has moved through the region, dragging a steady drizzle behind. The air temperature is in the mid-fifties, fog is settling in. The streamside parking areas are void of vehicles. A few days ago, there wasn’t room to park. I pull into a wide spot below a normally crowded bridge, not one angler is in sight.

I watch the river, while tying on my leader. A pair of green drakes emerges and head upstream, their destination seems to be an overhanging birch. They are consumed by a tree swallow, before reaching the tree. I tie on a pair of Picket Pins. I do not see any feeding activity near the bridge hole. I move downstream where a swift riffle has gouged out a deep area undercutting a system of tree roots. The first cast results in a missed strike from the root system. I roll-cast to the same spot and hook a fourteen inch rainbow, the fish is released. A mink works its way upstream and enters the root system. I notice a dead rainbow about eighteen inches long, at the tail of the pool. Hopefully, the mink can make some use of the deceased trout.

I fish downstream, wet flies swinging in the current and not much is happening. The creek chubs aren’t even interested. Various flies are hatching, a few sulphurs, blue-winged olives and green drakes, but not enough of anything to bring trout to the surface. I find four browns at a fallen hemlock. They aren’t interested in anything that I show them. They just sulk on the bottom. Darkness is quickly approaching. I see a rise downstream, at the next river bend. I move down and observe. The trout are feeding heavily, slashing the surface. Cream colored caddis flies are hovering just above the water’s surface. They have started a feeding frenzy with the previously lethargic trout becoming willing participants.

I dig through my box and find an elk hair caddis. I struggle to get the tippet through the hook eye, in the failing light. Each cast results in a hook-up or a slashing miss. I can no longer tell were the fly is and strike at every nearby rise. The action is fast and furious, in fifteen minutes; I caught and released 7 small browns and rainbows. Then it happened. The fly drifted toward the pools tail, a noisy splash, the line is tight and the weight of the fish is noticeable. The line goes limp, fish and fly are gone. I begin the upstream walk to my truck, through the fog and drizzle. The season has officially begun.

The trout fishing season in West Virginia is year-round, but for me and others the season begins when the trout stocking ends. The crowds disappear, parking lots are empty and the fishing on most streams is excellent. There are plenty of trout available and as long as the water level stays fishable there is good fly fishing on most streams well into July. Head for any of the trout streams in the mountains of West Virginia and enjoy the mountain laurel bloom, along with some excellent fly hatches. You will not be disappointed. Always remember that the fishing begins when the stocking ends.
Tan Elk Caddis Fly, Size 16, Price Per 3 Flies