Trout Pond Fishing (Introduction to Fly Fishing and More)

OVERVIEW

I did this trip last spring, and I thought it was quite successful. Although I personally prefer to get out on a river, a few advantages that fishing at a private stocked pond has are:
(1) No license required!
(2) Stocked trout will likely be larger than wild trout
(3) Easy access and casting

The primary intention of this trip is to give people an introduction to fly fishing with a reasonable chance of catching a trout. Catch-and-release fishing is not permitted here; you must keep what you catch, and they charge $3.95 per pound. Thus, I will plan to bring a large cooler (with ice) that can keep fish cool until we get back to Charlottesville.

On the previous trip, everyone took home 2 fish (~1 pound each). OK, but now what do you do with the fish? Solution: we’ll go to my house, clean the fish, and cook it there. Some of our paddling comrades (http://www.outdoorsatuva.org/members/adventure/read/2884) will join us as well, supplementing the fish with sides of their choice. We’ll try to have dinner ready by 7:30, and I’ll give a ride back to Echols when we’re winding down (9pm?)

To be clear, we’ll return to Charlottesville around 6:30. If you can’t join us for dinner, I can drop you off at Echols, but you’ll be on your own to prepare the fish. As far as paying for fish, we can split the cost evenly among those of us dining at my house. Bring cash to split the costs (I’ve estimated $8 a person).

The club only has 3 fishing rod sets (all are fly fishing). Given that some people may have their own fishing gear (even if it is non fly fishing), this trip can potentially support more than 4 people. Or, worst case scenario, people can share fishing equipment. I will join people from the waitlist, provided there is enough gear / drivers. As we are fishing a pond (close to the road), special gear (e.g. waders, sturdy shoes) is not necessary.

Montebello is a little over an hour away, so I will budget enough time to allow for a couple hours of fishing (some of that time going towards instruction).

You bring:
> Polarized sunglasses
> Camera
> Lunch or snacks (and water)
> Fishing gear if you have it
> Means of taking your fish home

Club provides:
> Fly fishing kit
> Rides
> A social dinner

Cast away!
Charles