Fellow Anglers,
My wife, Francy, and I just returned from a scouting trip to Bath County, Virginia, the area where we'll be fishing together during the trip in the Fall of 2011.
We took this trip for four reasons: this is exactly the same week of the year that I'll be running the trip next year, I wanted to remind myself of the scenic beauty of these stunning mountains, I wanted to once again fish the streams and rivers we'll all be fishing, and I wanted to experience our lodge as a guest rather than a host (scroll all the way to the bottom of the page to see photos of our accommodations). I took Francy with me for one reason: she's never been to Bath County and I wanted to share it with her; to enjoy her reaction when she saw it for the first time - just like all of you will.
Here's my report from the scouting trip; it contains good news and bad news...
The Good News
The weather was classic for Virginia in the Fall: a day of gorgeous, sunny, blue sky, take-off-your-jacket-and-roll-up-your-sleeves amazing weather followed by a day of cold, gray, overcast weather with sprinkles of rain. It was exactly the kind of Fall weather that makes the fireplace in the cabin so wonderful, especially if you have a glass of wine or hot chocolate in your hand. In other words, the weather was awesome.
The immense farm on which our cabins are located was in the midst of its autumnal transition from summertime lushness into wintertime slumber. The hay fields were mowed, the crops were harvested, the farm animals were preparing for the short days to come, and the farm's two miles of river was a current of crimson maple leaves that had fallen onto the water's surface. Oh my, it was an unforgettable place.
The Water
I had the opportunity to wet a fly at one of the fishing spots along the two miles of private Jackson River water that runs through the farm. (Scroll up to see the photo at the top of the page on the left called "Jackson River on the farm"). You will have the opportunity to fish the same spot next year, plus we'll fish all the other good spots along the entire two miles of river. And if you want more Jackson River action we'll fish an additional two mile stretch that adjoins the farm but runs through the George Washington National Forest.
The authoritative guide "Fly Fishing Virginia" raves about this river: Few Virginia waters can rival trout fishing on the Jackson River...Here is a river that trout-loving fly anglers can sink their teeth into without fear of shallow water or tight canopy...the Jackson is the rare Virginia trout stream...ranks as one of the best rivers in the state. Its sheer size, breathtaking scenery, and hard-fighting fish contribute to a stellar rating of 9." (out of a possible 10 points).
Francy and I also visited nearby Back Creek, a beautiful creek below a dam built by Dominion Power. (See photo top of page on left titled Back Creek). This fishery is a story of environmental remediation that exceeded expectations. After the dam was built the power company's biologists practically rebuilt the creek. The deepened the channel, stabilized the bank, improved the riparian corridor, placed boulders in strategic locations, and began a stocking program. That was back in the mid-80's, and today Back Creek is literally filled with rainbows and a few browns. We stood on the bank and could count a dozen trout in a short stretch of the crystalline creek.
"Fly Fish Virginia" says this: Back Creek, tucked away in the far western reaches of the state, is home to beautiful rainbows and browns - and some of the most breathtaking scenery imaginable. Back Creek, which owes much of its strength as a trout fishery to Dominion for its redesign of the river, rates a 7+." (out of a possible 10 points.)
Not far from the area where I was fishing in Back Creek are two large ponds (see photo at top of page titled "pond near Back Creek) with heavy populations of bass and blue gill. So, if you get tired of stalking rainbows in the creek you can walk across the meadow and get after the bass in the pond!
The Bad News
This scouting trip was magnificent, and was all the more special because I shared the experience with my wife. However, in the interest of full and fair disclosure I have to tell you that there is some bad news. The bad news is that I have to wait a full year to share this fly fishing experience with all of you.
Tom, out.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Thursday, September 30, 2010
"Answer the phone" to improve your casting
In July I traveled to Pinedale, Wyoming. My wife was leading a back-county llama trek for the Sierra Club out there so I went along with her to Pinedale. When she, her group of trekkers, and their train of llamas headed off into the Wind River Mountain Range for a week, I went fishing. I decided I needed a casting lesson so I contacted Two Rivers Emporium in Pinedale and signed up for a half-day lesson with Guide Eric Oram.
In the off-season, Eric is a high school teacher and coach - and he's got good instructional skills. I like to learn by analogy. That means I learn better if I can relate a skill I already know to the skill I'm trying to learn. Eric coached me with the perfect analogy to make a huge difference in my casting.
As you probably already know, the whole idea with fly casting is to transfer energy and power from your rod to your line. We do this with an effective backcast, allowing the line to unfurl behind us, then launch the line with an effective forward cast so that rolls forward to our target. Let's just say that my casting motion was, ummm, ineffective.
Here's what Eric told me: "Imagine that the handle of your rod is a telephone handset sitting on your desk. You're in the middle of something when the phone rings. Irritated, you pick it up aggressively and lift it up to your ear. You say 'Hello!', angry at being interrupted. It's a telemarketer. You're pissed off so you slam the handset back onto the telephone on your desk." Well, I could easily imagine that scenario because it's happened to me more than once.
Eric continued, "That's the exact movement I want you to incorporate into your casting motion. Here's why: when you aggressively pick up the phone you apply enough power to create energy in the rod on the backcast. You need to hold that phone by your ear for two reasons: First, when you pause long enough to say 'Hello' that allows time for your line to unfurl behind you. Second, when you hold the phone to your ear you won't drop your rod tip too low on your backcast. Finally, you slam the phone down on your desk because that aggressive downward motion generates power on the forward cast to launch your line." This was the perfect instructional analogy for me! Now, go out on your front lawn to practice your casting and remember to answer the phone.
Whenever I'm casting I remember to answer the phone. I even say "Hello" under my breath so I allow time for my line to unfurl. Sometimes I forget and I say "Hello!" out LOUD. Other anglers look at me funny when I do that...
In the off-season, Eric is a high school teacher and coach - and he's got good instructional skills. I like to learn by analogy. That means I learn better if I can relate a skill I already know to the skill I'm trying to learn. Eric coached me with the perfect analogy to make a huge difference in my casting.
As you probably already know, the whole idea with fly casting is to transfer energy and power from your rod to your line. We do this with an effective backcast, allowing the line to unfurl behind us, then launch the line with an effective forward cast so that rolls forward to our target. Let's just say that my casting motion was, ummm, ineffective.
Here's what Eric told me: "Imagine that the handle of your rod is a telephone handset sitting on your desk. You're in the middle of something when the phone rings. Irritated, you pick it up aggressively and lift it up to your ear. You say 'Hello!', angry at being interrupted. It's a telemarketer. You're pissed off so you slam the handset back onto the telephone on your desk." Well, I could easily imagine that scenario because it's happened to me more than once.
Eric continued, "That's the exact movement I want you to incorporate into your casting motion. Here's why: when you aggressively pick up the phone you apply enough power to create energy in the rod on the backcast. You need to hold that phone by your ear for two reasons: First, when you pause long enough to say 'Hello' that allows time for your line to unfurl behind you. Second, when you hold the phone to your ear you won't drop your rod tip too low on your backcast. Finally, you slam the phone down on your desk because that aggressive downward motion generates power on the forward cast to launch your line." This was the perfect instructional analogy for me! Now, go out on your front lawn to practice your casting and remember to answer the phone.
Whenever I'm casting I remember to answer the phone. I even say "Hello" under my breath so I allow time for my line to unfurl. Sometimes I forget and I say "Hello!" out LOUD. Other anglers look at me funny when I do that...
Monday, September 20, 2010
Welcome to Fly Fishing and Fall Foliage
Our lodging could not be more ideal. We’ll stay in rustic, but luxurious, cabins that overflow with character and are located in the midst of a 1400 acre farm. The highly acclaimed and pristine Jackson River winds through the farm for 2 1/2 miles and is within a long cast of our cabins. This picturesque, private section of the Jackson is healthy, vibrant, and brimming with trout. The stream is stocked, weather and water conditions permitting, during the months of October and November.
The farm has been owned by the same family for five generations. Recently it was placed under a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation ensuring that the farm will remain an unspoiled place of beauty for generations to come.
Meals will feature hearty, healthy menus with plenty of variety. All meals will be prepared and served at The Granary – the headquarters cabin. Trip Leaders will make every effort to honor dietary preferences and will continue the Sierra Club tradition of sharing the daily cooking and cleaning duties. On Wednesday, our day off, breakfast and lunch are provided, but dinner is at your own expense at your choice of restaurants.
The farm has been owned by the same family for five generations. Recently it was placed under a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation ensuring that the farm will remain an unspoiled place of beauty for generations to come.
Meals will feature hearty, healthy menus with plenty of variety. All meals will be prepared and served at The Granary – the headquarters cabin. Trip Leaders will make every effort to honor dietary preferences and will continue the Sierra Club tradition of sharing the daily cooking and cleaning duties. On Wednesday, our day off, breakfast and lunch are provided, but dinner is at your own expense at your choice of restaurants.
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