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Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

64
VIRGINIA
WISCONSIN
WEST VIRGINIA
• Chesapeake Bay
• Bay Fly Fishing
• Big Muskego Lake
• The Fly Fishers Fly Shop
Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay doesn’t get the press Maryland’s
does, but the southern parts of the Nation’s Estuary are very
fly-fishing friendly all year long. “The region,” according to
Captain Chris Newsome of Bay Fly Fishing in Gloucester, “is
blessed with a variety of fishing opportunities, from the rural rivers of the Middle Peninsula
to the urban bridge-tunnels of Hampton Roads.”
In these fertile, relatively shallow waters Newsome guides his “sports” to striped bass,
speckled trout, flounder, croaker, red (puppy) drum, bluefish, gray seatrout (weakfish),
Spanish mackerel, and others. Striped bass are the main target of lower bay fly anglers
for several reasons: they are plentiful, found in shallow water, take a fly readily, and are
within fly-rod range year-round.
Virginia’s part of the Bay is a varied environment. In Dragon Run on the Middle
Peninsula, anglers cast to largemouth bass and chain pickerel hanging around flooded
cypress knees and spatterdock fields. Dragon eventually becomes the Piankatank River, a
pretty tidal river that holds most of the saltwater gamefishes that make the Bay so productive.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a unique ecosystem. Here, the structures that
support the bridge and tunnel harbor huge concentrations of fish, and fly anglers can cast
to them through fall and winter. Captain Newsome’s flats boat or larger bay boat covers
all the best waters of the lower Chesapeake Bay. Log on to www.bayflyfishing.com
to check out his operation, or contact him at (804) 815-4895. by King Montgomery
Located in southern Wisconsin’s Waukesha
County, Big Muskego Lake really isn’t big at all. Covering roughly 2,000 acres, no deeper
than 4-feet, and filled with thick aquatic vegetation, it’s more of a small swamp than a
lake. But that fact, combined with a lack of rough fish and plenty of forage, make it ideal
habitat for bass, northern pike and panfish. Its small size and special regulations also
make for quality fishing, less recreational boat traffic, and a more peaceful fly-fishing
experience—despite its close proximity to Milwaukee and Chicago. From spring until
fall, warmwater fly fishers can probe the numerous channels and weed edges with 6- to
8- weight outfits, stiff-butt leaders, and top-water poppers and divers, or streamers like
the productive Pat Ehlers Seeker. With little shoreline accessibility or open water, the
best approach is to fish from a small skiff or Jon boat. Better yet, hire an experienced
professional guide with a boat who knows the water, like Pat Ehlers of The Fly Fishers fly
shop in Milwaukee. His rates are $395 per full day, or $225 per half-day for up to two
anglers, including tackle and flies if necessary. This full-service fly shop offers everything
you’ll need to make the most of Wisconsin’s varied warmwater opportunities. For more
information on fishing Big Muskego and other area lakes and rivers, contact the shop at
(414) 259-811, or visit their website at www.theflyfishers.com by Robert Tomes
• Elk River
• Elk River Touring Center
Most East Coast fly anglers dream of battling
finicky trout on one of the great Western rivers. For many of us, however, flying to Montana,
Wyoming, Idaho, or Oregon, staying at a swanky lodge, and feasting on hare and highballs
would simply break the family budget. Think you’ll never get past daydreaming about
your ideal trip? Think again: A choice destination is much closer than you imagine. Highquality
trout fishing and phenomenal scenery are as close as West Virginia’s famed Elk River.
The Mountain State has many fine trout streams, but none better than those of
Pocahontas County, nicknamed “the birthplace of rivers” because no fewer than eight
rivers originate here. The Elk, arguably the best known trout river in the state, is unique:
This pristine water actually goes underground in several spots (the area is underlain with
some spectacular caves). The Elk supports a vibrant population of naturally reproducing
browns, rainbows, brookies.
Elk River anglers will need 4- to 6-weight rods and tippets down to 7X. The gin-clear
water can make fishing a challenge—that’s why you came, right?—giving rise to aptly named
locales like “Impossible Pool,” where wild trout the size of migrating steelhead merely point
to anglers and snicker behind their fins. Increase your chances of success by engaging the
services of a professional guide. Few anglers know the Elk better than Gil Willis of Elk River
Touring Center, which is a lodge as well as a guide service. Gil is a diehard outdoorsman:
In addition to guiding, he is a cross-country skiing and mountain biking enthusiast. After
you tire of trout fishing, spend some time hiking, biking, skiing, or just being in this place
of serenity. Daily rates for guided fishing begin at just $229. For more information, contact
Gil at Elk River Touring Center (www.ertc.com; 866-572-3771). by Beau Beasley
KING MONTGOMERY PHOTO
STAMMPHOTO.COM
BEAU BEASLEY PHOTO