W2’s TOP TROUT WATERS Where To Go When You Want The Best... tions prior to making your first cast often the difference.tions prior to making your first makes A bove - Taking several moments to access stream and river condi - TROUT FISHING SPECIAL BY C.C. MCCOTTER South Branch. This is the one issue of the year W2 focus- A quick look at West Gazetteer reveals the South es on the great tradition of trout fishing. Branch flows northeast between some serious mountains. While our region might not offer truly world class venues, it The best section, known as the Smoke Hole, near the Town does have some notable destinations and fisheries. Some are of Upper Tract on Route 220, is particularly noted as a trophy remote and some are in the heart of the cities. trout water. For anglers interested in special regulation areas, Finding good places to trout fish can be as simple as going the Smoke Hole features a catch-and-release area, which starts online and visiting a DNR or VDGIF website to check where at Eagle Rock and runs downstream one mile. From Smoke trout are being stocked. You choose your destination and Hole to Big Bend is a great float. prepare for your visit by purchasing the gear you think you’ll Fish are stocked weekly starting in March. Holdovers from need. Then the big day arrives and you head to the stream previous years, plus the new fish truly make the South Branch only to turn off the road and find you’re not alone. There are a public trout repository. Rainbows, brown and golden trout as many trout anglers as there are trout sometimes! are stocked. W2 feels your frustration and has compiled a list of reputable destinations and guides you can consider when planning your North Fork of South Branch next trout fishing trip. We’ve been personally to them all and As far as outstanding public fishing waters, this river with can recommend each. Have a good trout season and try to way too long and confusing of a name, should just be called visit as many as possible. “trout wallow”. Yep, it’s that good and that full of trout. And that’s not just South Branch Potomac River during certain times of the year, it’s all the time. Many trout anglers will probably groan when they read our Just over , and Spruce first pick they don’t want too much publicity on their honey Knob, the North Fork of the South Branch might not hold hole. Luckily, the South Branch offers anglers over 90 miles of trout as big as the nearby South Branch, but it still offers good, fishable water and amazing numbers of trout per mile anglers plenty of fish. The main difference is that for much of in some special stretches.This scenic river flows through West its length, the North Fork has the accompanyment of Route Virginia’s Pendelton, Grant and Hampshire Counties before 55/28, so fishing access and pressure is better/higher. The river reaching the state line, where it joins the main stem flows about 22 miles from Seneca Rocks down to the Town of of the Potomac. Cabins where it meets up with the South Branch. Perhaps the biggest trout in the mountain state fin in the South Branch. This is W2’s pick of the region’s top public trout Lake Moomaw fishery. Each year the South Branch produces more trophy At just over 2,530 acres and roughly seven miles long, Lake trout than any other river. The West Virginia Moomaw has become a mountain trout powerhouse, annually state record brown trout of 16 pounds was pulled from the producing more citation trout than anywhere else in Virginia

12 Woods & Waters Magazine March 2009 When fishing native brook trout streams you should always consider the element of stealth. except a handful of privately- small barrel swivel attached owned streams. to 2.5’ of 8 lb.Vanish fluoro- There are both brown and carbon leader tied to a plain rainbow trout in the lake with #6 Eagle claw hook. a slight dominance by the The live bait is either large browns. A strain of rainbow minnows or alewives (natu- named McConaughy (similar ral forage in the lake). Early to a steelhead) were stocked in the year (until May) trout for many years in Moomaw can be caught on freelines by the Virginia Department of and downlines as shallow Game and Inland Fisheries. as 10’. This is prime time for The nature of these rainbows lots of keeper fish (minimum was to leave the lake and head 16”, two fish per person). As way up Back Creek, a lower the summer heat moves in, lake tributary. The result was anglers should drop baits low numbers remaining in down to at least 20’. There will the lake. be lots of small 10” fish along Currently the VDGIF is stock- with a few keepers.. ing a different kind of rainbow Moomaw trout will usu- During the winter and up ally feed best at sunrise until until March both species about 9:30 am and again an are spread out because of hour before sunset. Brown cooler water temperatures. trout in the lake reach trophy However, once the warm- size (5lbs./25”) within three ing trend starts, the browns years, because of an abun- will rarely be found past the dance of forage in the lake. quarry region, (see Fishing Citation rainbows are becom- Lake Moomaw video) prefer- ing more common and need ring the deep water found to attain four pounds. down lake. The rainbow trout seem Deer Creek more tolerant of shallower This small stream flowing and slightly warmer water through Harford , and are often caught mid-lake Maryland is maintained by and far up in the coves. the Maryland Department Productive Moomaw trout of Natural Resources and is lures are a 1/4 oz. gold blade stocked heavily each year. boat, a 1/8 oz. chartreuse Approximately 10,000 trout Mepps in-line spinner and a will be stocked in Deer Creek 1/2 oz. blue/chrome Crippled this year. Stockings usually Herring. These offerings are begin in early March when simply cast far and retrieved thousands of rainbows are back to the boat with a steady released along a five-mile wind (no twitching). stretch beginning at the base As the year progresses and of Eden Mill Dam and down- water warms, catching a trout stream to the southern end of using a lure becomes more Rocks State Park difficult. The most productive Access to Deer Creek is via method for catching trout in roadside park areas. Several the lake at this point is to use picnic areas are also open at least six downlines and live to licensed anglers most of Recipient of Woods & Waters bait. A downline consists of the spring and on weekdays 10 lb. Trilene XT main line, after June. Magazine’s Highest Ranking For threaded through a stream- lined ½ oz. egg style sinker, continued on page 14 An Adventure Destination!

Woods & Waters Magazine March 2009 13 Top Trout Waters continued from 13 TROUT FISHING SPECIAL

One tip; if you want to get one of these streamside parking spots, plan to be there before the sun rises because most of these spots are usually taken by 5:30 a.m. Like all stocked streams, many of the trout are stocked at sites where hatchery trucks can get relatively close to the stream. Standbys include bridges, culverts and roadside pull-offs. Once uncerimoni- ously dumped, the fish will fan out into the stream. Many relocate in the deeper pools along Saint Clair Bridge Road and just below Eden Mill Dam. Though Deer Creek is heavily fished during the first week or two after open- ing day, much of the fishing pressure abates by mid-April, yet the stream will still hold significant numbers of trout. On weekdays, anglers will find they have most of the stream’s designated trout segment to themselves and will rarely encounter another angler at any location Top Private Waters that requires a hike of more than a few hundred yards. Guides And Outfitters By W2 Staff Gunpowder River The Gunpowder River is a highly main- tained trout fishery that flows between Sometimes you have to “pay one time so reservations are a must if Pretty Boy Reservoir and Lock Raven to play” as the saying goes. you want to fish at Big Pine. In the lower Reservoir, just northwest of Timonium, The following destinations and guides do stretch, you are allowed to keep five fish, Maryland. Mandated, minimum flows require fees, but the end result is often much if you are lucky enough to land them. coming from the Prettyboy Dam keep the more satisfying than if you would strike out Big Pine also maintains two fully- water cold, rarely above 60 degrees and on your own. Here are W2’s top private trout equipped, streamside cottages that sleep the trout happy. waters and some guides/outfitters that can four and seven, offers a blackberry picking Terrain here is that of a typical piedmont access them with you. field, turkey and deer hunts. For more river valley gorge framed by a mature information call 540/864.5555, visit www. hardwood forest. Several scenic tribu- Big Pine bigpinetroutfarm.com or email them at taries enter the river in this stretch and a Located some 25 miles northwest of Roa- [email protected] rapids section along the river below Route noke, nestled in the mountains of Craig 1 is nicknamed “Pot Rocks,” due to deep County, Big Pine on Meadow Creek offers Green Valley Hunter’s Paradise potholes created in the river bedrock from regional trout anglers a great opportunity Bath County, VA offers some of the most water action/erosion. to catch a Montana-sized trout. There’s beautiful mountain scenery and pristine Downstream of Prettyboy Dam the about a mile and quarter of Meadow Creek trout water in the state. Owner, Lance Gunpowder is designated as catch-and- and a streamside trout rearing facility that Lyons offers guided stream fishing and release only fishery. Anglers wanting to is open to the public for the daily fee of has a spring fed pond stocked with brown, try their luck, must stick only with artificial $45 per rod. rainbow and brook trout. flies. There are large numbers of naturally The lower section of the creek receives The pond is an excellent place for the reproducing trout ranging from 6-18” here. rainbow, golden and brook trout almost youngster to catch trout to be proud of. Anglers will mostly catch rainbows, but on a daily basis. But not just ordinary Lance also maintains excellent boats to there are significant numbers of browns, trout; six-pound fish are caught weekly. accommodate fisherman on nearby Lake and in the coldest pools, some native In this section, anglers can use live or Moomaw. Accommodations are first class brook trout. artificial baits. at Green Valley near Millboro Springs, Thousands of rainbows will also be Be advised to bring some serious tackle. and will accommodate families, and large stocked downstream of the catch-and‹- This part of Meadow Creek is characterized groups. There are remote cabins to choose release area into a put-and-take stretch by some strong hydraulics, deep pools and from. Contact Lance at (540) 996.4234. that runs several miles from Corbett Road fast moving riffles all under the cover of south to the hiker/biker trail a mile south heavy and mature vegetation that makes Mossy Creek Fly Fishing of Phoenix Road. Much of the stream just presenting to the trout challenging. This shop offers everything for the seri- parallels this old railroad track trail, so The upper section is the fly fishing only ous fly fisherman from the well-stocked, angler access is great throughout much portion of the Big Pine operation.There are authorized Orvis dealership in Harrison- of its length literally dozens of wild rainbow trout up burg to guided fishing trips on the Shenan- To reach this section of the Gunpowder, to 10” here with a transplanted “steamer” doah Valley’s rivers and streams. you will want to park at Bluemont Road, or two lurking in most pools Mossy Creek Fly Fishing offers guided Sparks Road, Phoenix Road and Monkton There are only a limited number of wade trips for trout; fly or spin fishing float Road from the Northern Central Railroad anglers permitted on Meadow Creek at trips on the James or Shenandoah Rivers; Trail. Bluemount Road is reached via I-83 exit 27 onto Route 37 east, right on York Above - Josh Hedrick of Smoke Hole Outfitters can put you on some Road and left onto Monkton Road. The of the biggest trout in West Virginia. other roads are reached via York Road.

14 Woods & Waters Magazine March 2009 beginner fly fishing classes and fly tying Lake. Stocking takes place once in January Smoke Hole’s website is www.smoke- classes for beginner to expert.Their classes and twice in February. In March, April and hole.com and you can call them at are taught by Orvis endorsed instructors May the streams are stocked weekly! 1800.828.8478. and all equipment is provided. Full day The Hedrick family owns over 20 log cabins Spending the money to use these guides trips include lunch and drinks. Contact along the North Fork of the South Branch, and destinations ensures you are not wast- Colby or Brian Trow at 540.434.2444 all with fireplaces and full kitchens. You can ing any time. In this age of few days off also choose to stay at Smoke Hole’s Motel and hard-earned wages, why not maximize Maple Tree Outdoors just across from the river at the cavern your time? For the trout fisherman wanting to try his headquarters. hand at some truly large brown and lake run rainbow trout, Mike Puffenbarger of- fers day trips on beautiful Lake Moomaw, 2,630 acres of a beautiful mountain lake 19 We offer area anglers the chance to catch miles north of Covington, Virginia. Montana-sized trout in Virginia! Mike’s well-equipped boat will take you to areas of the lake inhabited by brown located 25 min. from Roanoke and rainbows up to 12 pounds. Camping overnight accommodations available is available nearby on National Forest Ask about our turkey hunting options! Campgrounds. Mike will provide lunch reservations required and drinks as well as tackle for his fishing [email protected] clients. Contact him at 540. 468.2682 or www.bigpinetroutfarm.com 540 864-5555 www.mapletreeoutdoors.com

Orndorff’s And Stream Fishing Join Us This Year For Guided Fishing Roger Orndorff loves raising trout. He has Trips in the ! done so for the past 20 years at his family business near Maurertown, Virginia, about [email protected] 25 miles southwest of Strasburg. AUTHORIZED Make this beautiful drive and you’ll find mossycreekflyfishing.com ORVIS DEALER he maintains a trout pond for families with young children just getting into fishing. 540/434-2444 • 1-866-667-9275 This is a very popular activity on weekends from mid-March through November so you must call for a reservation. For more serious trout anglers, there is a private stretch of Cedar Creek flowing We offer full lodging right behind the pond that Orndorff has & meal packages. stocked with rainbow, brook and golden trout. He only allows five anglers per day on his stream and fish up to six pounds have been landed in the inaugural fall Bath Co. Virginia season last year. Lastly, if you want trout for your stream Guided Trout Fishing Upland Bird Hunts! of pond, you can call Orndorff and he will Fish with a Licensed Lake Moomaw Guide Shoot pheasant, chukar and quail in sen- either transport them to your location or or fish our Stocked trout pond and stream! sational mountain settings. allow you to use one of his aerated tanks so you can pick up and transport the fish Spring Turkey Hunts! Deer Hunts! yourself. For more information or to re- Our spring gobbler season is going to be Join us for a whitetail deer hunt you’ll serve your day call 540.436.3384. great, so be sure you are with us. never forget on our private acreages. Smoke Hole Outfitters www.greenvalleyhuntersparadise.com 540 996-4134 This family run business is part of the and Cabins operation maintained by the Hedrick family. Head guide Josh Hedrick guides most of the clients that want to access some of the best trout fishing waters in eastern West Virginia. The main attraction to Hedrick’s clients is the North Fork of the South Branch Orndorff'sTrout Pond Potomac River, but there are a dozen other Orndorff's& Stream Fishing good trout fisheries nearby. The North Fork of the South Branch varies from a couple of Stream fishing by appointment only hundred yard-wide riffles to 50-yard wide Pond fishing 8am-5p, Sat. & Sun. chutes and pools over 10’ deep. The best fishing times are May and June when the air is full of hatching aquatic in- Come try for rainbow, sects. Public access is just about anywhere brook & golden trout! along state roads that are not posted. Other stocked streams/waters you might 540.436-3384 want to check out neaby include Red Creek, Cedar Creek Valley - 20 miles outside of Strasburg, VA Gandy Creek, Dry Fork and Spruce Knob

Woods & Waters Magazine March 2009 15