http://www.froghairfishing.com/

Angling Publications - Index

Angling Publications - april2008 - Index

This is a meadow stream with deep bend pools
and runs, and is full of rainbows and browns.
This time of year fish are caught on midges and
BWO dries, as well as typical nymphs. Look into
Mammoth Creek, Panguitch Creek and Parowan
Creek, all in this same area. The lower East Fork is
also good, with bigger water. Try a woolly bugger
worked off the edges of the stream for smashing
brown trout strikes. Contact Jerry Drummond
of Panguitch Anglers (435-676-8950;www.
panguitchanglers.com).
VERMONT
Until the ice goes out, early spring fishing in
Vermont is a game of finding falls and fish below
them, using streamers, nymphs and egg patterns.
Otter Creek is open from Rutland to Vergennes,
and the arrival of spring brings pike near the
mouths of feeder streams and flooded meadows.
The Winooski will also have fish in the mouths
of tributaries, and some of the larger browns will
be prowling in the same areas. If you want to get
out, contact Stream and Brook Fly Fishing in
Vergennes (802-989-0398; www.streamandbrook.
com). These guys have been out there all winter.
VIRGINIA
The Old Dominion’s tidal rivers are full of shad
from the James in the south, to the Potomac in the
north. Between the York and its tributaries and the
Rappahannock, tens of thousands of these silver
bullets light up the waters from the river mouths
to the first barrier, if there is one. The James in
Richmond is seeing hickory and some American
shad, according to guide extraordinaire Capt. Ronnie
Sides (804-405-2977), and stripers are around
too. The Trout Unlimited Councils of Virginia,
West Virginia, and Maryland/DC are again hosting
their annual Conservation & Fishing Camp for
high school students at Graves Mountain Lodge in
Syria, June 22 to 27, 2008. Paul Kearney, the Camp
Director, cautions to book early because there was
a waiting list last year. For more info go to www.
tucamp.org, or contact Paul at kearney@tucamp.
org, or George Gaines at gaines@tucamp.org. This
fine camp teaches entomology, ecology, fly tying,
casting and fishing.
WASHINGTON
This is the last gasp for steelhead on the big
Olympic Peninsula rivers. The Sol Duc, Hoh,
Bogachiel, Quillayute and Quinault all shut down
for steelheading by the end of April, but according
to tradition the last month may come up with some
of the largest wild fish of the year.
There are not nearly as many steelhead in these
Forks area legends in the last half of the season,
but count on some of those fish being wild, 15
to 30 pounders. The Sol Duc was kicking out a
mother lode of 15 to 20 pounders in February,
reports guide Pat Neal (360-683-9867), and
with the high water expected in April it could be
a break-out spring. For several years Forks steelheaders
have had to put up with low, clear water
and ultra-spooky fish at the close of the season,
but the monster snow pack that will be draining
off the mountains this year promises high water
and color. Too much of a good thing will be bad,
but if the water’s right, expect some of the best
big fish action of the year.
Spring Chinook on the fly are one of the most
challenging pursuits in the Northwest, but if you
go, head for the Wind River east of Portland.
While most springer tributaries will be tough
sledding, the Wind is expecting a large run of
springers this year and the water below Shipherd
Falls is as good as it gets.
WASHINGTON, DC
The white perch are in the tidal Potomac River
and they take small streamers and bonefish flies,
like the Gotcha and Crazy Charlie tied on size-8
and -10 hooks. The shad, both hickory and
American, are moving upriver and can be caught
at Fletcher’s Boat House (202-244-0461;
www.fletchersboathouse.com) and the Chain
Bridge area. Fly shops in the greater Metropolitan
Washington region include: Orvis in Arlington,
VA (703-465-0004; Orvis at Tysons Corner,
Vienna, VA (703-556-8634); and L. L. Bean
at Tysons Corner, Vienna, VA (703-917-1921).
Most offer spring casting lessons.
WEST VIRGINIA
The Mountain State experiences spring at different
times, but the fishing everywhere—particularly
in the native mountain brook trout streams, the
stocked trout rivers, and the New River near the
border with Virginia—is heating up quickly. For a
fine family adventure, the Resort at Glade Springs
near Daniels offers outdoor activities from whitewater
rafting and sporting clays to floating the New
River for trophy smallmouth bass. And walk/wade
trips take fishers to nearby streams. Or folks can
take fly-casting and -fishing classes in gorgeous
settings. The New River in spring gives up some
5-pound bass to fly anglers each year. Contact the
outdoor activities concierge at (866) 562-8054;
www.gladesprings.com
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin steelheaders will find plenty of fish in
Lake Michigan tributaries this month, especially
when water temperatures and river levels begin to
rise. From the Menominee and Sheboygan in the
north, to the Root and Milwaukee in the south,
you’re sure to find a fish with your name on it.
Try dead-drifting deeper holes and pockets near
spawning areas when no fish are visible. Stonefly
nymphs and/or egg patterns suspended below an
indicator are always a good bet. Streamer patterns,
like an egg-sucking leech or flashy Popsicle, can
also bring explosive strikes from more aggressive
fish. The early trout season on streams like Castle
Rock and Big Green in the Coulee Region also offer
reliable fishing in April. Craig Amacker at Fontana
Sports in Madison (608-833-9191; www.fontanasports.com)
suggests fishing nymphs, streamers, or
small dries like Baetis patterns (sizes 18 and 20) on
cloudy days, and little black caddis patterns (sizes
16 and 18) when the sun is shining.
WYOMING
The ice will be out any second now, and the trout
in Muddy Guard #1 will be hungry. This reservoir
west of Buffalo offers trophy rainbows and browns.
The lake was poisoned out a few years ago to reduce
the minnow population. Since then the trout have
been growing big, strong and plentiful. Charlie
Gould, owner of Just Gone Fishing (307-684-
2755; E-mail: justfish@VCN.com) suggests that
you use a float tube for access. Flies he recommends
include pheasant tail and prince nymphs. Also look
for dry-fly action with a Griffith’s gnat or small
parachute Adams. Charlie also suggests a side trip
into the Bighorn National Forest to fish the small
creeks. They are full of brookies that come readily
to dry flies this time of year.
49