Shenandoah National Park October 2016

Jeanette and I just finished a few very memorable days in Shenandoah National Park. This was our third time visiting the park and it was probably our best. We left home very early, 3am to be exact and drove to Virginia stopping only for gas, breakfast and a comfort break that included coffee refills. We arrived in Front Royal around 11. A visit to Walmart to purchase a license and then it was off to Skyline Drive and our first fishing destination. The mountains of Shenandoah are breathtaking, and the roads that wind and twist through them a are a pleasure to drive.

The first stream we were to fish is about 40 miles into the park. Along the drive we encountered several black bears which were a treat considering we were in the car. We finally arrived at the parking lot and found a few cars there, were they fishing or hiking that was never determined for we saw no one while we were there.

Rainfall must have been ample for even the tiny feeder streams were flowing. We observed brook trout in these creeks so they must hold water year round.

This is how you find your way about the park, a map though is highly recommended.

This is the first stream I fished. The access to the stream was not the best. A close eye on almost everything was necessary. The stream itself was a delight to fish. Look for a smooth pool or pocket and drop the fly. It was incredible that almost each time the fly was in the stream a brook trout hit. Now that doesn't mean every one came to hand but it was very nice to be kept busy.

My first SNP brook trout. A true wild jewel. These natives have a very distinct coloration that seems to be only theirs.

Shenandoah's fall colors were just starting to appear, and what was there was a nice highlight.

Have I ever told you how much I love these fish?

Well the afternoon was closing, and the evening was nearing. We still had a hike to get back to the car and chose not to do so in the dark. We knew we had a full day ahead to explore another stream and the thought of a hot dinner and a good nights sleep was in our sights.

The sun setting on the Blue Ridge.