their wares while sampling the many waters Virginia has to offer. He successfully promoted The Old Dominion Fly Fishing Show and eventually sold it. He is the director of the popular Virginia Fly Fishing Festival in Waynesboro, and is active in conservation efforts throughout the state. And with my support and encouragement—Beau is a born story-teller—he became a fine outdoor writer and photographer with credits in many national, regional and state publications.
In this, his first, book, Beau shares with us some of his favorite waters in the Commonwealth including trout streams, bass haunts, and saltwater spots. We are blessed with an abundance of trout streams, almost 3,000 miles of them, from rivers to small mountain brooks. Our bass lakes, reservoirs, ponds and rivers provide some of the best largemouth and smallmouth fishing in the nation. And the Virginia waters of the Chesapeake Bay and its rivers are home to a variety of desirable game fishes such as striped bass, bluefish, various sea trouts, and others.
Fly Fishing Virginia: A No Nonsense Guide to Top Waters is nicely written and photographed and well-researched by its author. The maps are invaluable, and Beau has checked each one on the ground and on the water. Follow these maps from where you are to where you want to be, and once at the chosen location, tie on one of the flies that Beau recommends. Many of the flies noted in the guide are Virginia originals and proven fish-catchers.
Thanks to Beau’s diligence and ability to communicate clearly and concisely, this guide book puts you onto some of the finest fly fishing in the Old Dominion. Beau has accomplished all the hard work. All you need to do is follow his lead, and catch (and release) fish.
—King Montgomery
Outdoor Writer/Photographer
Burke, Virginia
Fly Fishing Virginia
I had one simple goal in mind in writing Fly Fishing Virginia: I wanted to write a book that the average fly angler could learn from and use right away. I also wanted the maps to be readable, sensible, and accurate. I wanted the chapters about each river to be helpful as well as interesting. I wanted the fly selections to be clear and also innovative. In short, I wanted the regular angler—the guy or gal just like me—to be able to pick up this book and, with little or no additional assistance, stand a reasonably good chance of having a successful day on the water.
In pursuit of that goal, I have spent a great deal of time researching Virginia waters and uncovering unique local patterns. But don’t cry for me—I’ve enjoyed every minute of this “research.” In addition, I have had a great deal of assistance from top-notch guides and fly shop owners across the Old Dominion as well as from the experts at the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Of course, no book is perfect, least of all mine, and I take full responsibility for any mistakes found on these pages.
How to Use This Book
I wrote this book for all fly anglers, from novice to veteran. Each section has an overview of a particular water, usually including some history of the surrounding area. In addition, you will find gear selections, fly recommendations, and a general idea of what should be hatching or what baitfish are in the area. Each water features a map with areas of interest noted. While these maps are just a thumbnail sketch of how to get to the water, they should be more than enough to get you pointed in the right direction.
Catch and Release
Though I see nothing wrong with bringing a few fish home to eat every now and then, I am a strong proponent of catch and release fly fishing. In my opinion the only thing better than catching a nice fish is releasing it with the hope of catching it again one day.
Rules and Regulations
Educate yourself about the game laws and limits for the areas that you plan to fish, including the regulations associated with special trout waters and delayed harvesting. For the latest in game laws and creel limits, check out the website of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF) at www.dgif.state.va.us.
Virginia has a lot to offer saltwater fly anglers as well. There is a whole host of species for those that want to pursue fish in the Chesapeake Bay and its surrounding tributaries. To keep abreast of saltwater regulations, check out the recreational fishing section on the Virginia Marine Resources Commission’s website at www.mrc.virginia.gov.
Conservation
In terms of conserving our scarce and fragile natural resources, anglers make a choice every time they head to the water: will I be part of the solution today, or will I be part of the problem? To leave a safe, sustainable planet to those who come behind us, we must ourselves practice—and instill in those over whom we have some influence—a lifestyle of responsible resource management. Do your part, whether that means adhering to game laws or picking up someone else’s streamside trash.
Hazards and Safety
Most of what you can do to ensure a safe day on the water is just good common sense. First, drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Remember your prescription medicine if you’re going on an extended trip. Let others know where you are going and when you should return. Take along a raincoat, sunglasses, and an extra pair of clothes.
As a firefighter and medic I have responded to thousands of emergency calls for help. So often, alcohol or drug use is involved. Please consider forgoing that alcoholic libation while on the water. You’ll have plenty of time to celebrate your successful day when you get home. Wading or boating while drinking alcohol is a recipe for disaster.
If you fish from a boat, make certain that you and your guests are familiar with all of the onboard safety features. In the fall of 2006 I did some “research” on the Chesapeake Bay with Captain Tony Harding of Latitude Charters. As I leaned over to untangle my fly from the bow line, a rogue wave hit the back of the boat and flipped me head over heels into the Bay. Bobbing in 52-degree water up to my armpits was not a pleasant experience. Captain Harding reacted swiftly and with the calm reserve for which he is well known. Within a matter of moments, he had fished me out of the water with a life ring and we were headed back to the dock. In the end we all had a good laugh. Had I not kept my cool, however, and had he not been prepared for emergencies, the day might have ended tragically rather than with a funny story.
An inviting pool at Whitetop Laurel Creek. Photo by Beau Beasley.
Rods
Rods are categorized by weights. The smaller the number, the lighter and often shorter the rod—and usually the game fish being pursued. For example, trout rod weights run 0 to 5 and are often 7½ to 8 or 9 feet in length. Most bass rods are 6 to 8 weights and are generally 9 feet in length. Saltwater rods range from 8 to 15 weights and generally run from 9 to 10½ feet in length. To find the rod that is right for you, contact your local fly shop.
Reels
Fly
