Mountain Trout This Week: 4/18/11-4/24/11

Shavers Fork

The good news was that the area waters were finally down and in good shape on Wednesday and Thursday. The bad news is that the didn't stay that way  I rode over to Bowden this morning and it sure doesn't look like the photo right now; it is high and colored.  There were very few fishermen present and that is nearly unheard of on a warm April weekend day.  The only fisherman that had any success was an Osprey at the hatchery.  I was watching it as another cloudburst let go.  I am sure that most other streams are as bad or worse than Shavers Fork at this time.  More storms are on the way for tonight and tomorrow.  Turkey season opens on Monday; therefore we all-ready know that it will rain most of next week too.  Good luck to those trying to find a decent spot to fish over the next few days.  I am just hoping to now get a chance to go a couple of times; before everything dries up.

Posted by High Virginia Outdoors

Osprey Migration

The Osprey migration is underway in High Virginia. Be sure to check out dead trees along your favorite waterways. September and late April are the most productive times to view this large bird of prey in our area.

September Streams

Have you noticed that stream side parking areas are vacant ? I know you aren't thinking of fishing in September, but maybe you should. You may receive an enlightening experience.

I stopped by the local river this morning; not expecting to see much. This particular area is normally fished pretty hard and it is rare; if a fish is released to swim again. There were 7 smallmouths at the edge of a rock bar. All of them appeared to be in excess of sixteen inches.


On September 2, I stopped at a popular springtime fishing area. I never thought that this stretch of water was capable of trout survival, in the summer months. I counted eleven trout; browns, rainbows, stocked brook and one native brook trout. These were all in one stretch of water about 20 yards long. Three of the trout were actively feeding. This observation really surprised me. There were more trout present at this location than the bass, which I was expecting to find.

The low, clear waters of September allow you to see what really swims in your favorite waters. Fish tend to be concentrated and visible. A stealthy approach is required and you may be surprised at what you will find.

Get out and enjoy the September waterways, don't just sit around and let the migrating Ospreys have all of the fun.