A thousand browns were stocked in the South River.
The folks over at South River Fly Shop in Waynesboro note that with the much-needed rain this week, the South River should be in great shape for this weekend. So far, there have been three fall stockings in the downtown Delayed Harvest section, so there are plenty of trout.
Recently, SVTU and the shop, along with angler donations, stocked over a thousand 7-10″ brown trout from a private hatchery. These fish are acclimating nicely, and are already rising to midges and small blue winged olives. This stocking will allow these fish to grow into big browns, thanks to the efforts of VDGIF, SVTU, and the South River Fly Shop in getting the regulations changed to year-round Catch & Release. This change and the regulation changes to Fly Fishing Only, with a 1 fish (over 20″) creel limit takes effect on January 1st, 2017.
Other Special Reg waters in the area are also benefiting from the rain and should be in great shape this weekend. Buffalo Creek in Rockbridge Co. has been fishing well, despite the low water. Mountain brook trout streams are low, with the eggs from this years spawn still in the gravel. We urge fly fishers to give them a break and fish other waters until the fry are free-swimming.
South River Fly Shop will have a Tie-N-Lie Friday 12/2, starting at 6 pm at the shop. These free, fun fly tying open house nights have become a staple in the fly tying community and are a great way to meet new people, learn new patterns, and just have fun. Tiers of all abilities are welcome!
On 12/14, we will be having a Bar Flies night at Basic City Beer Co. here in Waynesboro. Chris and Bart Lanman have an amazing brewery and graciously set aside space for this event. Admission is $10 and includes your first pint and you keep the glass. Learn a new pattern, have a pint or two and see why fly fishing and brewing are so closely tied together. Arlie Ritchie, staff tier here at the shop, will be teaching his caddis larva pattern, Arlie’s Gnarly Caddis. This fly is a must have on area streams and has been a best seller in the shop for over a year. Materials will be provided. If you need loaner equipment, call us at 540-942-5566 ahead of time so we have it on hand.
Lastly, we are taking a group trip to Maine June 11-17, 2017 for 5 days of semi-guided fly-fishing for landlocked salmon and brook trout. This is a steal at just $1500 per person with lodging and 3 meals per day included! Spaces are filling up fast and the trip is limited to eight anglers. Call or stop in to place a deposit and reserve your space today.
South River Fly Shop
323 W. Main St.
Waynesboro, VA 22980
540-942-5566
