Fishing & Backpacking Trip – Post Finals!

OVERVIEW

Given that the rain is continuing to come down and it may rain through Friday (May 2), I’d rather not risk going there to have the river running too high. I’ll push it back another weekend!

Want to get away for the weekend, but still return with time to prepare for the week ahead? Let’s head to Laurel Fork. (wait! the trip description said Locust Springs Recreation Area?!. That’s just the way the area and river were named.)

A major draw for this area is the fishing, and that will be the primary purpose of this trip. Spring comes late to Highland county; we might find some plants blooming now, but I suspect it’s still early for it. This also means that the temperatures will be on the chilly side (highs in the 50s, lows in the low 40’s, high 30’s).

My plan is to leave town Friday evening, park, and hike in 3 miles (in the dark) to camp. This gives us all day Saturday to enjoy the area – either fishing or hiking (or both). Sunday, we’ll wake up at a reasonable hour (8am?), eat breakfast, pack up, and hopefully get back to Charlottesville in time for lunch.

There are miles upstream and downstream that one can fish. If you’d like to explore (hike) the area, there are a variety of trails (most follow its own creek), and one can link one creek hike to another, creating a loop of ~8 miles from camp.

Given that fishing is the primary purpose, I’ll give priority to anglers (experienced or not), but those interested in hiking are welcome.

Also, I will likely be bringing my dog along. She’s well behaved, especially if you have food and tell her to sit.

What you provide:
> Synthetic / wool clothes + rain gear
> Appropriate footwear for stream crossings
>> We will likely cross Laurel Fork to set up camp (no chance to cross and stay dry)
> Extra socks (and layers)
> Camping equipment you have
> Snacks, water
> Food money (we will split the costs)
> Fishing gear if you have it / want to use it.
> Camera

What the club provides
> Gear you don’t have
> Gas money (+ rides)

A few words on fishing:
(1) Fly fishing or spin fishing should have similar luck. Casting should not be terribly difficult here (but it won’t be terribly easy either). I can do some instructing, but not a significant amount.
(2) I’d say waders are a must for fishing this time of year
(3) A freshwater fishing license, $23, + national forest permit, $4, are necessary to fish these waters.

Fishing license information:
http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/licenses.asp
Buy licenses online:
http://secure01.virginiainteractive.org/horf/