Whitmer Wal-Mart

Gandy Creek (4/2/15)

I did my obligatory drive up Gandy this morning. It was a fairly nice ride until I crossed Lower Two Springs; then it all changed. There was a vehicle in every single wide spot; three if they would almost fit. What a scene it was; unbelievable. It was around 10 am when I got there and they had apparently just stocked. I didn't look; because as I stated earlier, there was nowhere left to park. I only drove as far as Bee Run trail, I didn't need to see anymore. I just rode up the side road there and took the dogs for a walk in the woods.

We returned to the truck at about 12:30 and the mob had partially dissipated by then. We drove downstream and parked at the first free parking spot that we could find. We only messed around the water for about fifteen minutes; at times we could actually see the water; between dust clouds. One would probably be wise to bring along a respirator if they were planning to stay very long. There seemed to be a perpetual cloud of dust caused by the traffic flying up and down the road.


There was a time when I loved to fish this stream; but that was long ago. I used to hit it pretty hard; 2 or 3 evenings a week, from the time I was done with turkey hunting until the stream was pretty much dried up for the summer. I can remember days when the Grannom Caddis hatch was so thick that you had to scrape them off your arms. The river would magically come alive; trout boiled everywhere. I do believe the last time I fished Gandy Creek was probably June of 1985. From what I saw today; I believe I can hold off another thirty years.

I find it hard to believe that anyone could enjoy participating in that mess. To top it off; I never saw one person with a fish!!

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

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

Center State Trout

The WVDNR has stocked the tailwaters of Burnsville, Sutton and Stonewall Jackson Lakes today. The bad news is that we are going to get another round of snow tonight.  In the mountains, Gandy Creek and Laurel Fork (Rt. 33 Bridge) were stocked today.  Dry Fork is in good shape, I came through there today; so Gandy should be in good fishing condition. Laurel Fork is a little high.  Blackwater is still ice covered and Shavers Fork is in good shape at Bowden.

Wintertime Trout

Last weekends' thaw has allowed some trout stocking to take place on popular WV waters.  Glady Fork, Gandy Creek,Anthony Creek, North Fork of the South Branch,South Branch,Spruce Knob Lake, Lower Shavers Fork and the Elk have all received trout this week.
It is always nice to get out that first time; weather permitting.  The snow is supposed to set in again on Thursday evening, so the window of opportunity is pretty narrow.  check out the Stream Report page on High Virginia Outdoors for updates.

Dry Fork