Echols Dorm: Brick Wall By Side Door
Shenandoah National Park
Big Run is the largest watershed on the west slope of Shenandoah National Park, and is only (publicly) accessible from Skyline drive. It is a perennial favorite of mine, and with recent sightings of caddisflies, I am excited to get on the water.
Despite being “large”, it is still a mountain stream, thus I would say fly fishing is the method of choice, although I have seen some success with a regular (spinning) rod.
The hike is 3 miles just to get to the confluence of Big Run and Rocky Mountain Run (where the fishing improves significantly), and will likely end up being a 10 mile round-trip hike with 2,000 feet of vertical being covered. Given this, I will not impose any formal requirements for attending, figuring anyone dedicated enough to hike this much for the fishing is welcome, regardless of experience. That said, I will waitlist people to ensure there is gear for attendees (the club only has fly fishing equipment).
I reckon the fishing will be better in the afternoon, so we need not get to the river in the morning. That said, I would like to allow plenty of time for fishing, being optimistic that it will be good. Even though I expect to be at the car before the sun sets, I’ll recommend people bring headlamps.
Regarding fishing regulations, no brook trout under 9″ may be kept, but brown trout of any size may not be returned to the water. (Rainbow or brown over 7″ may be kept.) While Big Run is open to harvest (some streams in Shenandoah National Park are catch and release only), I strongly encourage releasing any brook trout caught.
The only license you need is a statewide freshwater license ($23 for a year from purchase date), and they can be bought here: http://secure01.virginiainteractive.org/horf/
You bring:
> Hiking provisions: backpack, water (2 liters), lunch (2nd lunch too?), snacks, sunscreen
> Polarized sunglasses if you have them
> Fishing gear if you have it
> Headlamp (better to be prepared)
Club provides:
> A ride
> Fly fishing gear (rod, reel, and kit)
> Up to 2 waders (Men’s size 9 and 10)
> An excuse to get outside
Additional notes:
1) There are stream crossings (notable, after the confluence), and while weekend temperatures should be pleasant, the water will still be cold. Waders are strongly recommended (pack them in a backpack)
2) Fishing regulations can be found here: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/