Fall Edition - 2012

Fall Edition- As a professional trout guide I get fishermen from all over the world and with that comes a huge commitment from my end to make the day special for each and everyone of them despite  having nature throw you a curve every now and then. A few years ago I had a 2 day late Spring trip with some clients from New England who only wanted to catch trout on dry flies, top water as we call it. This certainly is the most focal and dramatic way to enjoy the sport of fly fishing if nature cooperates. The night before our first day we had an unexpected 2'' rain storm hit on the waters I had laid out for the first day.  We headed out to the stream next morning and it was running high and very muddy. I knew my clients were not happy but I always have a backup plan. I told them  that dry fly fishing might just be impossible this day and that we would have to change the mindset and fishing strategy a bit. I sensed some disappointment but I tried to stay on mission of making a special day despite what nature had dealt us. We drove for an hour to a high elevation high gradient mountain  headwater stream loaded with wild Rainbows. This type stream can usually taking a pretty good rain but still be fishable in a few hours.  This stream was running high and what I call milky when we arrived and really in great shape to catch a trophy fish. 

Spring Edition - 2012

One good thing about a flyfishing outing is that most times you come away with a good story, share a great a time with friends or relatives, enjoy great scenery and you generally always learn something no matter how many times you go. I know because this has always been the case with me.

Just a few years ago I had a single angler who wanted to experience the Jackson Rver in Bath County. I always get psyched up a little more when taking folks up there as the Jackson is as good as it gets in Virginia trout fishing.  We took a long hiking trek in to one of my ''honey'' spots that May day. Caddis activity was very heavy this day and we started  fishing upstream in a long section of riffle water. The  dry #14 Tan Caddis started turning trout heads immediately and in a 300' section we caught and released over 40 colorful Rainbows and Browns in just a little bit.  One was a big ole 5 pound hook jawed Rainbow. I told my guy that this was an exceptional time so enjoy it.

Spring Edition - 2013

I have had the honor of taking of taking many, many people flyfishing over the years and the education process cuts both ways. They depend on me to introduce them to a brand new pursuit from the starting gate many times. Others may have varying degrees of experience, it makes no difference. We all learn from each other I will always believe. One of my favorite fishermen over over the years has been retired U.S.  Virginia Senator John Warner who was once married to Elizabeth Taylor. John is an experienced fisherman whom I have had a lot of fun with on several occasions.