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  November through March. A BETTER WAY to ENJOY the MOUNTAINS

CHANGING CLIMATE, CHANGING MINDS
Time To Alter Your Fishing Season

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ANGLERS: The photo at the left would be a nice autumn shot, except for one thing, it's a popular trout stream without water. Well, there is some water. Look for the pool behind the fallen limb over the dried streambed.

Since 2000 and especially since 2006, trout streams have been struggling to stay full or somewhere close. The image to the left is actually a large stream of 20 feet across.

With the changing climate it's time for a "change in angling mind". From late May through late-October, nearly 100% of the spring creeks are not fishable and look identical to the image at the left. When the rains and snows do return bringing life back to all of the mountain streams, there are few to no anglers. Why? Because most streams are full of water or close to full from November through March while anglers are spending entire days and full weekends watching football and basketball on television because it's too cold outside, so they think. When anglers do return to the mountains in April, the water levels are already starting to drop with parking space and fresh water at a premium.

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This next image to the left with the small water fall (cascading plunge pool) shows the water level in February.  A very nice and fishable level. Easy to work, clear and clean fresh water and lots of trout.  This picture was taken on a day with temperatures in the low 30s with a bright sun and no wind. Perfect for wintertime fly fishing and simply enjoying the mountain air and solitude. Keep in mind though, with warming winter temperatures, it is not unusual to have slightly cool to warm days for weeks during the November though mid-March period.  We have even had new, fresh blooms on trees and wildflowers during the January and February period in recent years.  So there are plenty of days with temperatures in the forties and fifties and sometimes, the sixties or higher during winter.

During the November through March time period, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, through studies and surveys, have found our trout waters to be full of trout, but few anglers.

Until climate patterns become more favorable bringing more rain and snow, like yesteryear of decades ago, anglers need to re-examine the time of year they fish.  As of 2008 and forward, the optimum time for fly fishing for trout is November through March.  There is plenty of water, lots of trout and rarely another angler around, so, you enjoy fresh water at every run, pool or stretch.

To ask questions about angling during the wintertime with Wild Mountain Trout Fly Fishing, please call (540) 294-0354, our multi-business line. Who knows, you might even enjoy turning off the television and spending a half-day or full-day in the mountains. A little fly fishing, some hiking, hot meal at a country store, a picture or two and recharged and invigorated for your return to work or family activities.


Call 540.294.0354
multi-business line