Fishing report: Sculpin pattern lights up Western Virginia

Late last week I had the opportunity to do some fly fishing out in the wilderness of beautiful Western Virginia with some guys that hold an annual week long trip this time of year – and being from the foothills of the Adirondacks in Upstate NY and fishing these trout waters for the first time In a foreign land, was excited to make my debut.

It’s no secret that the Bullpasture, Cowpasture, and Jackson River systems are heavily trafficked this time of year, and those were the streams of focus for the group I was with. Due to a work commitment, I could only fish for one day… But it was productive and a great introduction for me to the trout streams of the George Washington National Forest.

All told, 6 brown, brook, and rainbow trout between 11-13 inches were caught on my 5 weight fly rod for a good day’s fishing. One larger brown inhaled a perfectly placed sculpin pattern but after 5 minutes of playing on heavy current he threw the hook unfortunately. Would have loved a picture of that one.

Here is what I have to share in any case: