Fishing & Bouldering in the Park

OVERVIEW

Let’s get out Sunday! You’ll have the chance to hike, fish, and boulder on this trip (the hiking is required). Anyone looking to fly fish needs to have some experience (even if just 1 intro class) and a fishing license (more info below). Boulderers will preferably have experience, but this is not a strict requirement.

This trip is intended for those interested in fishing and/or bouldering. I will waitlist everyone first. Priority will be given to anglers first, then boulderers. Anyone else will be added as room allows.

A word on bouldering: I have not yet climbed on these boulders, but studied them from past fishing trips – most rock looks climbable for beginners.

I do not expect either bouldering or fishing to be exceptional, but I think this area will be a good place for the two activities to coincide.

### More details on the trip:

The hike to Doyles River can be done with in a loop, or out-and back. I think the loop is best, since the distance covered is about the same as an out-and-back trip, but you get to see more of the park.

Along the way, we’ll see some waterfalls. Some increase to the flow will be good for both the waterfalls and the fishing, but hopefully we don’t get too much precipitation late this week either.

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 Doyles River is open to harvest (some streams in Shenandoah National Park are catch and release only), I strongly encourage releasing any brook trout caught. (You’re on your own if you want to keep fish).

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, snacks, sunscreen
> Polarized sunglasses if you have them
> Fishing gear if you have it
> Climbing gear if you have it

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
> Crash pads
> Climbing shoes

Additional notes:
1) This stream should be accessible without waders (i.e. the flow is often low enough that you can cross the stream, in certain places, without waders). However, you should probably bring a backup pair of socks in case you do slip in.
2) Fishing regulations can be found here: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/