A New River Virginia Fish Story

[Greasy B]

We had fished this same area of the New River the evening before, a deep run of boulders with a prominent ledge running diagonally just upstream of a waterfall that spanned the river. Our guide Brit said he had one last big fish spot to try before we took out below the falls, a couple of 14-15 inchers were our last fish of the day. This morning Brit held the boat in place upstream of the ledge while Linda tossed a soft jerk bait on her spinning rod while I threw a Clouser with my 8wt. Our first four fish from the ledge were in the 16-19 inch class, each fish required Brit to row upstream to avoid being swept into the falls so the fish could be landed and released. On our next pass a huge shadow appeared behind the fly, a fish that dwarfed any caught the previous two days. I didn’t see the fish take the fly but when the time was right I struck him hard, Brit jumped up excited, “woo hoo! That’s a big one, hit him again”, I struck again, “hit him again” Brit said. Luckily I didn’t strike that third time because the fish immediately jumped clear of the water and landed with a deep sounding splash that signaled a fish of a lifetime. Oh my gawd, that is a big fish Linda said. As soon as he hit the water Brit said he’s going to run be ready to give him line and when he stops don’t go to the reel, you won’t have time, just strip like crazy. Sure enough he went down deep, the long rod bent double, “let him go, let him go, ok, ok, now strip, strip, strip, keep your rod low and to the side, good, good, get ready to lower your rod if he jumps again”. Sure enough he jumped again right in front of the boat, wow what a fish. Somehow I managed to follow Brit’s instructions bowing when he jumped and pulling alternately left and right to turn him when he bore deep into the boulders below, a couple of times I could feel the line scraping the rocks. On the first swipe of the landing net I couldn’t quite hold him and he bore down again, but now he was wearing out, it was looking good. Brit held the net while I led him to it, the fly popped out of his mouth, the rod snapped straight, and he was gone.

Last week Linda and I canoe floated one day on the Greenbrier River in West Virginia and took two guide trips on the New River near Pembroke Virginia. We had three incredible days fishing some of the best Smallmouth rivers in the country. Below are a few pictures.

Greenbrier River Near Alderson West Virginia

This was my second Appalachian Smallmouth, caught about 10 minutes into a float on the Greenbrier River, WV.

A class 2.5 rapid on the New

Big Water

Linda and Brit Stoudemire

Linda caught this fish just before the big one struck.

Thank you Gavin for recommending Guide Brit Stoudemire of New River Outdoor Company. You were right Gavin, Brit is a great guide and he can find big fish with both flies and gear, I seconded the recommendation.

Mike

[Mitch f]

Wow, Great story! I wish I could have been there with you!

[Quillback]

Looks like some great water and not another boat in sight.

[Gavin]

Good for both of you!

[riverrat09]

The New River would be a pretty cool place to fish. Especially with all of the amazing scenery. I'd like to fish for the muskies in there some day.

[SmallyWally]

Thanks for sharing your trip and sorry for your loss.

[Greasy B]

Thanks for the comments. Yeah, the fish that got away was 6" from the net and in plain view. I figure 22" or so.