Kyle and I checked out the south fork of the Moormans above Sugar Hollow Reservoir and the TJTU section below on Wednesday. It was a beautiful day with temps nearing 70 F and we were expecting some brookies to rise for dry flies. Unfortunately, the warmer weather early last week must have caused some significant runoff from snow that is still persisting up in the mountains. South fork, much like the north fork doesn't have too many pools, so if the water is up at all, there aren't many places where fish are likely to hold and still try to feed. That said, we threw everything at them: various dry flies, nymphs, and even my magic copper/gold kreelex wouldn't cause the brookies to bite. That's a lie - we did have a few child-abuse-specials strike at humpies and caddis, but by a couple I mean two the whole afternoon.
The TJTU section is almost completely fished out. The water level is amazing for that stretch right now, but unless they've stocked it since Wednesday I wouldn't waste my time going back. Kyle hooked up with one but broke him off using a light leader. Oh well, these things happen.
Bottom line: if you are going fishing anytime soon, make a point of checking the USGS water levels and know the river where you're going. If it's a small mountain stream, make sure it has some nice pools like the Rapidan so there might be some slightly slower water where fish will be likely to feed. Good luck out there.
No comments:
Post a Comment