The Middle River Group, LLC

fly fishing, conservation and politics.

Fly Fishing

HATCH | A rod tip

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Todd Tanner shares arguably the most important fishing tip out there.

It is a provocative article that starts with a discussion about whether you should string your rod and tie on a fly before heading to the water or do all that after getting to the water. There is a chilling account that posits a solid reason for being in the “before” camp.

In true click bait fashion, I’m not going to spoil a good story or reveal the tip. You are going to have to read the article to learn what it is. I promise it is worth it.

FWIW, I agree with Todd…

Source: https://www.hatchmag.com/articles/rod-tip/7715262

Mojo | The Week That Is: What Toll On Wildness When Humans Want It All?

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Each week, I have the pleasure of joining Mountain Journal founder Todd Wilkinson in our “The Week That Is,” column where we discuss topical events relating to the nation’s capital city and the public land West.

This week’s conversation looks at the impacts outdoor recreation on the character of the backcountry. We need to ask ourselves some important questions.

Read it here > What Toll On Wildness When Humans Want It All?

Mojo | The Week That Is: Fishing’s ‘Hero Pose’: How Do The Fish Feel?

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Each week, I have the pleasure of joining Mountain Journal founder Todd Wilkinson in our “The Week That Is,” column where we discuss topical events relating to the nation’s capital city and the public land West.

This week’s conversation looks at fish photos, the why, how and whether there might be a better way to capture the moment.

Read it here > Fishing’s ‘Hero Pose’: How Do The Fish Feel?

Fly Fish Virginia | Ramseys Draft – March 11, 2021

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Date: 11 March 2021
Time: 1:00-6:30 p.m.
Weather: 65 degrees. Mostly sunny
Water: 46 degrees, clear and full (3.09 at Ramseys Draft gage)

Had another chance to play a bit of hooky with a friend. We took advantage of a warm March afternoon to run up to Ramsays Draft. Water levels were excellent with a few risers here and there. We caught all but one on nymphs, with hare’s ear being the preferred offering.

Below are a few images.

For details on this and other watersheds check out VA DWR’s Where to Go Trout Fishing (Interactive Map).

Fly Fish Virginia | North River | First Trip of 2021

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Date: 03 March 2021
Time: 1:00-5:00 p.m.
Weather: 52 degrees. Sunny
Water: 42 degrees, clear and very high (180 CFS at Stokesville gauge)

First trip of 2021, and it sure felt good. Had a chance to play a bit of hooky with a friend. We took advantage of a beautiful March afternoon to run up to North River. It was high water conditions so we picked our spots carefully. We managed to bring a few to hand, mostly on a jig head pheasant tail nymph. We saw a few risers and had a couple of takers on a parachute Adams.

Below are a few images.

You can get the direction to the North River here.

Field Notes:
VDGIF stocks this water. You will need a valid trout license from October 1 to June 15 in addition to the other fishing license if you are fishing in these designated stocked trout waters. License information: https://gooutdoorsvirginia.com

For details on this and other watersheds check out VDGIF’s Where to Go Trout Fishing (Interactive Map).

Patagonia’s Tough Puff Pants

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Here is the review I posted on the Patagonia website.

I know these pants are supposed to go under my waders, but I doubt they will stay there. Here in Virginia, we are fortunate to fish and guide year-round. Last year my go-to winter jacket was the Tough Puff Hoody. When I saw these Tough Puff Pants pop up on the radar screen, I figure they would be just the ticket for wearing under my waders. And, of course, they are. But, as soon as I put them on, I knew they were likely to see more daylight than the inside of my waders.

Here’s the deal. Winter weather here in the Shenandoah Valley is changeable. One day it’s 19 degrees at 6 a.m., and the next day it’s 30 degrees. Each morning, usually before sun up, I take my dog out for a stroll as the first cup of coffee is brewing. We go regardless of the weather. Not having to do more than pull on warm, weather-resistant pants (thanks DWR finish) is a joy. Truth be told, most of the time, I keep them on all day. They are not only comfortable, but they are also good looking, so I don’t mind running errands in them. The stretchy fabric means it moves when I do inside or outside of waders, enhanced by the gusset crotch and articulated knees. The durable face fabric resists snags and tears from working around the house or yard.

The deep from pockets are one of my favorite features. Deep front pockets mean things stay put and don’t go missing when you climb in and out of your vehicle or sit and stand up. If you have waders on, you will appreciate the opening’s angle; it makes access to whatever is in them when you do the contortionist thing when you have your waders on. If you know, you know. A few other things I like are the zippered back pocket to keep my wallet secure, the built-in belt to snug them up when loaded with stuff in the pockets, a zipper fly for when nature calls and tapered ankles, so they slip into the waders or boots without bunching.

Can’t think of anything I’d change. They work as advertised.