{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} South Fork Shenandoah, August 22-23

Quick report from a kayaking/fishing trip on the South Fork Shenandoah from this past weekend. 

My buddy and I put in at the low water bridge near Luray on a gorgeous Saturday morning at about 1030 am. The fishing was hot, and we spent a little too much time catching small mouths and sunfish before moving down river, which came to haunt us when trying to pick a camping spot near the halfway point. Woolly Buggers of all colors and sizes were picking up the bass, which ranged from 6-13/14". Unfortunately, we didnt pick out any huge guys, which seems to fall in line with reports other folks have been giving about the majority of fish caught on that water. The catfish and carp successfully evaded our flies as well. Saw a nice Musky that had to have been 24" along the way, but wasnt preapred to throw anything at it. 

The water was warm, low, and clear (Gauges were 2.1 ft near Luray, and 1.5 near Front Royal). Could see plenty of fish everywhere - bass, sunfish, catfish, carp.

Unfortunately, we had to spend a lot more time paddling and navigating through shallow, rocky rapids than we did fishing. When we did stop for a few minutes here and there, we would catch 5-10 fish in about as many minutes. 

The banks of the river were lined with people camping and picknicking, and there were a decent amount of kayakers and canoers on the river around us. Thus, finding a camping location that kept us secluded from the rest of the world was pretty difficult, and we ended up settling on a pretty open spot near Overall, VA. Set up the eno's and made a fire in the dark after 10.5 hours on the river. 

Sunday was equally beautiful, but the fishing was slower than Saturday. This second half of the float/trip had a lot more algae and rivergrass, which may have affected our success, though it didnt seem to be too much of an impediment on the retrieves. We powered through the distance to take out at Gooney Run - 37 river miles from the put in. 

It was quite an exhausting trip, and would have been much more enjoyable with 6 inches more of water. Nonetheless, a great experience and a beautiful river to float. 

Here is a video I put together from the trip!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h40syoVG1-w&feature=youtu.be 

Best, 

Forrest

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