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.
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