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Fly Fishing Virginia

I had one simple goal in mind in writing Fly Fishing Virginia: I wanted to write a book that the average fly angler could learn from and use right away. I also wanted the maps to be readable, sensible, and accurate. I wanted the chapters about each river to be helpful as well as interesting. I wanted the fly selections to be clear and also innovative. In short, I wanted the regular angler—the guy or gal just like me—to be able to pick up this book and, with little or no additional assistance, stand a reasonably good chance of having a successful day on the water.

In pursuit of that goal, I have spent a great deal of time researching Virginia waters and uncovering unique local patterns. But don’t cry for me—I’ve enjoyed every minute of this “research.” In addition, I have had a great deal of assistance from top-notch guides and fly shop owners across the Old Dominion as well as from the experts at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Of course, no book is perfect, least of all mine, and I take full responsibility for any mistakes found on these pages.

How to Use This Book

I wrote this book for all fly anglers, from novice to veteran. Each section has an overview of a particular water, usually including some history of the surrounding area. In addition, you will find gear selections, fly recommendations, and a general idea of what should be hatching or what baitfish are in the area. Each water features a map with areas of interest noted. While these maps are just a thumbnail sketch of how to get to the water, they should be more than enough to get you pointed in the right direction.

Catch and Release

Though I see nothing wrong with bringing a few fish home to eat every now and then, I am a strong proponent of catch and release fly fishing. In my opinion the only thing better than catching a nice fish is releasing it with the hope of catching it again one day.

Rules and Regulations

Educate yourself about the game laws and limits for the areas that you plan to fish, including the regulations associated with special trout waters and delayed harvesting. For the latest in game laws and creel limits, check out the website of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) at www.dgif.state.va.us.

Virginia has a lot to offer saltwater fly anglers as well. There is a whole host of species for those that want to pursue fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding tributaries. To keep abreast of saltwater regulations, check out the recreational fishing section on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission’s website at www.mrc.virginia.gov.

Conservation

In terms of conserving our scarce and fragile natural resources, anglers make a choice every time they head to the water: will I be part of the solution today, or will I be part of the problem? To leave a safe, sustainable planet to those who come behind us, we must ourselves practice—and instill in those over whom we have some influence—a lifestyle of responsible resource management. Do your part, whether that means adhering to game laws or picking up someone else’s streamside trash.

Hazards and Safety

Most of what you can do to ensure a safe day on the water is just good common sense. First, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Remember your prescription medicine if you’re going on an extended trip. Let others know where you are going and when you should return. Take along a raincoat, sunglasses, and an extra pair of clothes.

As a firefighter and medic I have responded to thousands of emergency calls for help. So often, alcohol or drug use is involved. Please consider forgoing that alcoholic libation while on the water. You’ll have plenty of time to celebrate your successful day when you get home. Wading or boating while drinking alcohol is a recipe for disaster.

If you fish from a boat, make certain that you and your guests are familiar with all of the onboard safety features. In the fall of 2006 I did some “research” on the Chesapeake Bay with Captain Tony Harding of Latitude Charters. As I leaned over to untangle my fly from the bow line, a rogue wave hit the back of the boat and flipped me head over heels into the Bay. Bobbing in 52-degree water up to my armpits was not a pleasant experience. Captain Harding reacted swiftly and with the calm reserve for which he is well known. Within a matter of moments, he had fished me out of the water with a life ring and we were headed back to the dock. In the end we all had a good laugh. Had I not kept my cool, however, and had he not been prepared for emergencies, the day might have ended tragically rather than with a funny story.

An inviting pool at Whitetop Laurel Creek. Photo by Beau Beasley.

Rods

Rods are categorized by weights. The smaller the number, the lighter and often shorter the rod—and usually the game fish being pursued. For example, trout rod weights run 0 to 5 and are often 7½ to 8 or 9 feet in length. Most bass rods are 6 to 8 weights and are generally 9 feet in length. Saltwater rods range from 8 to 15 weights and generally run from 9 to 10½ feet in length. To find the rod that is right for you, contact your local fly shop.

Reels

Fly reels are sized like rods: the smaller the reel, the smaller the rod with which it will be compatible. Fresh water anglers—who use reels primarily to hold line and not to stop fish—can get by with a simple click and pawl reel. Saltwater reels are a horse of a different color. Some saltwater reels with serious stopping power are designed with disc drags that could stop the forward progress of your first car. Take your time when selecting your reel to ensure that it is the best fit for your rod.

Lines and Leaders

The three most common fly lines are weight-forward floating, intermediate-sinking, and fast-sinking. Most trout fishermen use a weight-forward floating line, preferred for casting surface flies. Anglers use intermediate lines for some fresh water applications and frequently for saltwater fishing. Sinking lines generally come in grain weights ranging from 150 to 700. Tungsten is the primary product used in sinking lines; the higher the grain weight, the heavier the line. Not all lines can be used on all rods, so check with your fly shop if you’re unsure.

Fly Patterns

This book highlights the works of some of Virginia’s best fly tyers, including Dusty Wissmath, Harrison Steeves, Tommy Mattioli, Brian Trow, Blane Chocklett, and Chuck Kraft. I am particularly proud to cast a spotlight on popper legend Walt Cary, who at the printing of this book will have been making popping bugs in the Old Dominion for 50 years!

I hope that readers are as thrilled with the color photos of recommended patterns as I am. Among the myriad Virginia patterns listed, you will also find Coburn’s Cress Bug, Jay’s Patuxent Special, and DuBiel’s Red-Ducer. True, these patterns originate from Maryland and North Carolina. Virginia fish, however, don’t seem to know that these flies weren’t created for them, and I’m not about to tell them.

Wading Gear

Wading is one of the great joys of angling. Even anglers who use kayaks and other personal floatation devices like pontoon boats often use them to get better wading access. The three most common forms of wading are wet wading, using hip boots, and using chest waders. Wet wading means getting in the water in your shorts or swimsuit, with wading boots, and it’s my favorite way to fish. Hip boots are about ¾ of the length of your legs and are perfect for small stream fishing in places like the Shenandoah National Park (and for brook trout fishing in particular). Finally, anglers may opt for waders that cover all the way to one’s chest. Whichever method you choose, make sure you use felt-soled boots. No other sole is as reliable when it comes to keeping your footing.

Remain alert and aware when you are wading. Each year anglers die wading because they are too complacent or overconfident in their ability. Rivers are beautiful—they can also be powerful and deadly. Remember that, and live to fish another day.

Guides

Are you hitting a particular water for the first time? Hiring a guide is almost always a wise investment. Guides are the resident experts of the water and may spend as many as 250 days a year fishing it. And please—if you choose to hire a guide, listen to what he or she tells you to do.

You will find a listing of guides for fresh and saltwater in the resource section of this book. I have tried to compile as complete a list as possible, but I undoubtedly missed some folks. If you know a guide who is not listed here, this is not necessarily a reflection on his or her skill or professionalism. More likely, it simply means that I don’t know him or her. Having said that, guides are like rivers: some are indeed better than others. You won’t go wrong calling around to fly shops and doing your homework before hiring a guide.

Keep a low profile while trout fishing.

Photo by Beau Beasley.

Fly Shops

The local fly shop is your best source for the skinny you need on the water you want to fish. In this Internet age, independent fly shops are having trouble making ends meet. If you want to keep that crucial wealth of information available to you and to the rest of us, please do your part: visit the local fly shop for tips and information, and then consider picking up local patterns and maybe even a complete outfit (when you’re again in the market for one) from the shop owners who do right by you.

Private Fishing Waters

Public streams can sometimes get crowded. To improve your odds on the water, you might consider a fee-for-fishing trip on a private stream that is managed by professionals. I have listed four fee-for-fishing waters in this book. I recommend them all without reservation.

Ratings

Each river in the book is rated on a 1 to 10 scale (poor to excellent) and as you might expect, these ratings are completely subjective. I have tried to consider the species available, access, scenery, and the length of the season on that water. Indeed, I might view a good or bad fishing experience very differently from many readers. I believe that I have covered most of the prime waters in the state (and made a few off-the-beaten-path recommendations), yet Virginia boasts numerous gems that I haven’t covered here.

Clubs and Organizations

Consider joining an organization that promotes fly angling and waterway conservation. I wholeheartedly endorse groups like Trout Unlimited, The Federation of Fly Fishers, and the Coastal Conservation Association. I am also a huge fan of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and would suggest that if you have a few extra bucks lying around, these folks will put your donation to good use.

Keep an open mind toward your fellow outdoor sportsmen. Though clubs such as the Potomac River Smallmouth Club may include spin fishermen, trust me: these guys know a thing or two about fishing and can save you a lot of time and effort by giving you some great tips. Fly anglers are not the only folks who know how to read the water and find fish. Remember that the only thing better than going fishing is going fishing with a friend.