First Fish

I had to go to Parsons, this afternoon and decided to check out Clover Run on the way back. There were not very many people fishing and I drove all of the way up Clover Run. I came back down to a spot where nobody was present. I took the dogs down; tied them up and returned to the truck for my rod and reel. While I was baiting up, a vehicle pulled in about fifty yards above me. The person came downstream to about 25 yards above me and started fishing. That was pretty irritating, but tolerable.
My goal is always a fish on the first cast of the season. I did manage to accomplish that feat with the Brook Trout. Actually, it was my first cast that made it to the water; but I'm counting it. Stupid thorn-apples. I caught the Rainbow on my third cast and was seen by a passing car. Here they came, down the hill and got between me and the upstream person. Before the other 2 made a cast, I was headed to the truck; with smoke emitting from my ears. Four is a crowd on fifty yards of a small stream. People just do not know how to act right; anymore.There is 4 miles of stream and about ten people fishing. I can see no reason for even thinking about pulling into a spot where someone else is fishing. Well, there they are 15 minutes and 2 trout. I usually manage to fish for a half-hour or so; before I get mad.

A Welcome Visitor

I was backing out of my driveway at 12:50 pm today and came eye to eye with a Red-headed Woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus), all I can say is WOW. This is the first one I have ever seen in Randolph County, WV. I got several photos, after running into the house to find the camera. This is the best close-up. Bad sun angle and bad background. It was nice to be able to get this close.

Elkwater Fork Dam

I took a ride up Elkwater, last Thursday to look at the new Elkwater Fork Water Supply Dam. I wanted to see it before the graffiti and trash take over. It is a nice quiet spot, right now. The Elkwater Road has received major upgrades. I can remember when nothing except for a high four-wheel drive vehicle could reach this area. The road is now passable for everything. The dam was built as a much needed water supply for the Upper Tygart Valley. It has yet to be determined or publicized as to what recreational opportunities this pond will bring. Elkwater Fork was at one time, my favorite trout fishing spot; when other waters were too crowded or too high. I caught my first trout on an artificial lure in Elkwater on Easter Sunday 1974. I also caught my first trout on a dry fly there in 1975.

I truly hope that this area will be managed properly for recreational opportunities. It would be a real shame if it becomes a dumping ground for mattresses and refrigerators; like so many other spots in the Upper Valley. I also hope that it doesn't just become another West Virginia mecca for lawn chairs and play-dough dunkers. The area deserves better. I will not bore you with the ponds' details, you can read them from the next photo.

Thomas Dam Canvasback

The Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) is one of the largest diving ducks. It is most often found on large, deep bodies of water. This species is not something that you would expect to find at the dam in Thomas, WV. There was very little open water present. this Canvasback was right at the dam. You never know what you may find, if you pay attention to your surroundings.

Do You Vacation In North Carolina ??

NC Seeks Game Fish Designation for Striped Bass, Red Drum and Spotted Sea TroutA special joint legislative committee seeks to designate striped bass, red drum and spotted sea trout as game fish in North Carolina state waters. By designating these three species as game fish, they will be managed solely as recreational fish for the use and enjoyment of the public. Striped bass, red drum and spotted sea trout represent only 2 percent of North Carolina's commercial harvest with a $1.5 million economic impact, while recreational fishing for these fish contributes more than $140 million annually to North Carolina's economy. Similar measures in South Carolina, Florida and Texas have resulted in healthier and more abundant fish populations in their waters with the associated economic benefits. The Coastal Game Fish Bill will limit these fish to recreational take, improving the quality of recreational fishing and boosting North Carolina’s economy.

A Visitor From The North

The Northern Shrike (Lanius excubitor) is a rare visitor to West Virginia. It is uncommon to rare; even in the spruce forests of the Far North where it breeds. This predator feeds on small mammals and birds. This photo was taken in Canaan Valley, Tucker County, WV on 1/10/12. I only had the opportunity for one single photo. This bird is extremely spooky and doesn't like to stay in the same spot for any extended period of time.
I was able to crop the photo and you can see more detail in the bird. Note the narrow mask, white around the eye and the hooked bill on the smaller photo. The Loggerhead Shrike, which is not common; but more common in our area has a much wider mask.

FROZEN MUSHROOMS

I just ate some Chicken of the Woods mushrooms that I had put in the freezer.  They were just frozen in zip-lock freezer bags; nothing fancy.  I was suprised.  They kept their texture and flavor.  This was the first season that I have ever had enough to freeze.  Just something that may be useful to others.