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Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - Magazine - Index

Green, but still very productive, is the Weber
River below Rockport. Morning and evening
try a nymphing rig in deeper runs and big pools.
Also, streamers can produce well in these waters.
Mid-day look for a midge or BWO hatch in
slower water. The section below I-80 near Wanship
is restricted to flies and lures only, and has
produced some very nice browns recently. For
current information on the Weber and the Provo
contact Trout Bum 2 (877-878-2862; www.
troutbum2.com).
Vermont
Though not for the faint-of-heart, there are
open-water opportunities throughout the winter.
Finding a waterfall provides open water and the
fish do the rest. Try Otter Creek from Rutland to
Vergennes, Lewis Creek up to the falls on State
Prison Hollow Road, or parts of the Winooski
from Waterbury to Richmond (check current
regulations). For more information contact
Stream & Brook Fly Fishing in Vergennes
(802-989-0398; www.streamandbrook.com).
Virginia
The Falmouth Flats Fly Fishers annual show is
at the Fredericksburg Armory on March 22, and
Lefty Kreh will headline the show. For more info,
contact Chris Kowalski (540-466-7970; www.
ffflyfishers.org). The ever-popular Virginia Fly
Fishing Festival is in Waynesboro, April 19 &
20, on the banks of the South River. Bob Clouser,
Beau Beasley and I will headline this show, where
all the proceeds go toward conservation efforts in
the area. This is a really fun show, so come on by.
For more info, call (540) 836-9367, or see www.
vaflyfishingfestival.org. The Second Annual Two-
Fly Tournament for wounded veterans of Project
Healing Waters Fly Fishing sponsored by the FFF-
Affiliated Eastern Blue Ridge Fly Fishers will be
held on the Rose River near Syria, VA on May 4.
If you wish to support this fine effort with time,
money, and/or products, call (703) 209-2832, or
see www.projecthealingwaters.com.
Washington
Fly guys have a rare chance to challenge the state
trout record during the next month or two. Rufus
Woods Reservoir has produced the last couple of
state record rainbows, including the current 29.6
pound champion, and there’s plenty of reason
to believe that the next state record will also be
nailed in this big Columbia River impoundment
near Bridgeport. The reservoir’s stream of recordbreaking
rainbows flows from its huge population
of triploid (sterile) rainbows. In the cold months,
from December through March, triploids abandon
the depths and head for the surface where they
cruise hunting for black or purple woolly buggers
and articulated leeches, but many are also willing
to whack streamers that imitate fry or salmon eggs.
Troll shorelines or near Chief Joseph Dam, according
to Anton Jones of Darrell & Dad’s Family
Guide Service (509-961-5342), towing flies just
under the surface. Be ready to wrap your mind
around a 10- to 20-trout day with hot rainbows
averaging two to six pounds, with a chance that a
30 pounder will be tracking your bugger. Rufus
Woods isn’t always hot in the winter, but when it
is, it’s a monstrous memory.
Washington, DC
The bad news is the Angler’s Lie and Trophy
Room fly shops in nearby Northern Virginia have
closed their doors—both will be sorely missed.
And the venerable Hudson Trail Outfitters chain
is dropping most of its fly fishing merchandise.
The good news is the tidal Potomac River in DC
is a fish nursery. The anadromous fishes—striped
bass, white and yellow perch, and hickory and
American shad—are either in the river or thinking
about it. They all will take a fly. Fly shops
in the greater Metropolitan Washington region,
most of which offer a full guide service as well as
gear, include: Orvis at Tysons Corner, Vienna,
VA (703-556-8634); Orvis in Arlington, VA
(703-465-0004); and L. L. Bean at Tysons Corner,
Vienna, VA (703-917-1921). The National
Capital Chapter of TU (202-363-0437; www.
ncc-tu.org) has its annual show on March 29,
and Ed Jaworowski will be there.
West Virginia
The Slaty Fork of the Elk River and the river’s
main stem at Elk Springs can fish very well in the
winter, due primarily to the spring influence on
the fertile waters. During warming spells, midges
and other aquatic insects hatch, and dry flies
can work, otherwise it’s mostly a low-and-slow
nymph and down-and-across streamer thing.
There also are a number of native brook trout
streams nearby that could give up a few brookies
to the hardy angler. Contact the nice folks at the
Elk Springs Resort & Fly Shop in Monterville
(877-ELK-SPRINGS; www.elkspringsflyshop.
com). They offer food, lodging and guides—one
stop shopping for the fly angler.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s spring steelhead runs usually peak
in March and April, but are still worth fishing in
winter if you’ve got the time. Those who do will
find both hold-over and early-run fish in many
Lake Michigan tributaries, especially after the first
snow-melt or warm rain. There are many good
rivers to choose from, including the popular Root,
Milwaukee, Sheboygan and Pike. With typically
low and clear winter water, look for fish holding
in the deepest pockets and tight to cover. Fish each
spot methodically with multiple drifts before moving
on. Try using the lightest tippet possible and a
small nymph like a black stonefly or a natural egg
pattern suspended below an indicator. Dead-drifting
or swinging a woolly bugger is always worth a
try for more aggressive fish, especially during the
warmest part of the day. Wisconsin also offers an
early-season, catch-and-release season on selected
streams. For the latest information on Wisconsin’s
early-season fishing opportunities and your fly
fishing needs, stop by or call Craig Amacker at
Fontana Sport Specialties in Madison (608-
257-5043; www.fontanasports.com).
Wyoming
Cody, Wyoming doesn’t sound like it would be
a hotbed of winter fishing, but the tailwater of
the Shoshone River below Buffalo Bill Dam is
further warmed by a hot spring, so the water
through town and for several more miles east is
in the 40 to 50 degree range. This makes it ideal
for midge and BWO hatches. The BWO hatch
is particularly heavy now. Rainbows, cutthroats
and brown can be found sipping dries most winter
days. They range from 12 to 16 inches, with the
occasional monster to 10 pounds. Most people
wade fish, but a float can be very productive.
Contact North Fork Anglers (307-527-7274;
www.northforkanglers.com).
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