By Tommy Lawhorne
The first year of the South River Fly Fishing Expo was a success and planning is underway for a bigger and better Expo next year. Next years dates are already set for April 22nd and 23rd.
The water levels are great in the Southern portion of the Shenandoah National Park and are returning to normal on the South River. Larger nymphs and streamers have been the go to for the Delayed Harvest Area. It has been a great year so far on the native streams with lots of great dry fly action and numerous fish over 10 inches.
The third annual Waynesboro Fly Fishing Tournament, hosted by Shenandoah Valley Trout Unlimited, is this Sunday, May 15th. There is still time to register a team to support the trout stocking fund and current Trout in the Classroom projects. Great prizes include rods from Thomas & Thomas, Tycoon Tackle, Echo, and many more.
The public comment period for changing the regulations on the South River is open on the VDGIF website homepage.
The link for changing the Delayed Harvest area to Catch and Release, Artificial Lure Only,
https://www3.dgif.virginia.gov/web/comment-2016-01/expand.asp?VAC=330-150
The link for changing the Special Regulations Area from Artificial Lure Only, Two Fish over 16 inches to Fly Fishing Only, One Fish Over 20 inches.
https://www3.dgif.virginia.gov/web/comment-2016-01/expand.asp?VAC=330-130
These regulations changes will provide the opportunity for a first class destination fishery in a convenient and accessible area of the state. Please support these changes to show that we as trout anglers recognize the importance of protecting the limited resource of year round trout habitat here in Virginia.
