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Post by johnzett on Mar 12, 2007 21:10:12 GMT -5
Started fishing this year, for the first time, in Snp. Have had great luck for a beginner. In ten trips since January on the Hazel, Thornton(both forks), Buck Run, and Piney, I've caught about 25 brookies, mostly 5-7", but two over 8". To see the strike indicator jump to the side is a bigger thrill for me than hooking up with a 2 or 3 pound bass.
I'm planning to start working my way down from Skyline Drive and am planning on hitting Big Run and White Oak Canyon Run, at least. I'm 63, but in good shape. A 3 or 4 mile hike doesn't phase me. If anybody has suggestions for other spots to try from the Drive, drop a reply at the Forum. Thanks.
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Post by daverad on Mar 21, 2007 13:55:04 GMT -5
This is my favorite time of year to pursue brookies in the park. With the warm weather heading our way shortly, I may try to sneak out early next week as the water warms up. If I approach from Skyline Drive, White Oak is probably where I'll go. If I attack from the east, it will probably be Piney or the North Fork of the Thornton. I'll be sure to post results here if I make it out.
Dave
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Post by daverad on Mar 26, 2007 20:02:18 GMT -5
I did indeed make it out to SNP today. I hadn't wet a line in several months (we had twin boys back in November). So, today's outing was a long time coming. I had never fished the Piney River from the top, but it appeared to be the quickest water to get to coming from the north. The hike down was deceptively long. When I reached the river, there was then another thirty minutes of walking to get past the canyon section to an accessible area. That walk back up was a killer, but well worth it.
Today was probably the best day I've had fishing in the park. Water temp was 46F when I started and the flows were perfect. I literally had action at every pool. I fished Mr. Rapidans for a while with great success. Most fish were in the 5-7 in. range with one glowing exception. My second fish of the day was a gorgeous 10 incher with some of the most beautiful markings I've ever seen. I was surprised that skinny water like that would hold a fish that nice. Eventually my Mr. Rap's became water logged, so I switched to a BH pheasant tail. That gave me even more success. I found one great pool near the end of my fishing back up the mountain and pulled four or five out of the same hole with the nymph.
Insect activity was present, but not heavy. The nymphs on the bottom of stream rocks helped me figure out what to work below the surface. All in all , a superb day.
Dave
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Post by bluedog on May 6, 2007 12:34:13 GMT -5
John - like you, I'm a middle-age "beginner." Have gotten serious about the sport within the last year. This week, I did my first hike-in from Skyline Drive. Parked at the Fisher's Gap trail head, (about milepost 49) and walked into the Rose River via the Rose R. loop. This is easy hiking (esp. down) and the trail is well-maintained. Park Service Maintenance staff or volunteers have recently sawed-up the fallen trees. Hiked far enough to see the Rose R. Falls (spectacular - approx 1.5 miles from Skyline Drive) and then started above the falls w. a Mr. Rapidan Parachute #16. Got strikes in almost every pool and landed a couple. It was an overcast afternoon and this is a narrow vally, thus very gloomy and I was having a hard time seeing the drift of the fly and detecting the strikes. Switched to a #18 Ant w/ parachute but visibility wasn't much better. Fished about a dozen pools and walked-out where the tral re-joins the river; caught 5 or 6 brookies. If you try this late, early or an overcast day, I suggest a very bright pattern unless your vision is super-sharp. Also, unless we get some rain, this stream will be quite low by June and tougher to fish. Good Luck.
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