What’s the word on this prized fish of Appalachia? Although rainbow and brown trout populations usually overshadow this native species, they are always a treat to catch. As the only trout species native to West Virginia, as well as our state fish, brook trout live and reproduce in only the coldest and purest of our mountain streams. The most common habitat for brook trout is usually a stream less than 15′ wide, well shaded, and containing numerous pools.
Brook trout generally range 5-6″ in length and are characterized by a green back, bluish sides, and a scarlet belly. The sides of brook trout have vivid yellow and red spots sprinkled about. Along with holding a spot it most fishermen’s hearts there is little disagreement that the brook trout is one of the most beautiful fish around.
So there is good news and bad news. The bad news is brook trout streams are small and represent only two percent of the total miles of stream in the state. The good news, well that two percent is about 500 miles of stream, a good portion of which is near us in the Monogahela National Forest. Brook trout are not picky eaters and feed on a wide variety of food items.During the winter and early spring, much of their food consists of aquatic insects and other fish. The insects include mayflies, caddisflies and stoneflies. In the summer and early fall, their diet changes to terrestrial insects.
Brian Dowler and I have several things in common. We both graduated from Marshall University, we grew up in West Virginia walking behind our outdoor mentors, both are employed in the outdoor industry charged with working with the media, are Board Members of SEOPA (Southeastern Outdoor Press Association), and both have a soft spot for green hills and wild waters.
Recently at a writer’s conference, Brian told me he was spending some time back home chasing turkeys. My schedule was tight, just returning from the NRA Annual Meetings and Exhibits, but I really wanted to spend time with Brian.
I invited Brian to stop by my hometown on his way back to South Carolina to spend a day fishing the New River. He had never fished the New and was excited to float the whitewater West Virginia is famous for. I booked the trip with Mountain State Anglers and after a short ride to the river, we were together in our home state fishing.
The river was high and off-colored, but the fish didn’t mind and neither did we. We boated more smallmouth than most people catch in a year and had an absolute blast!
Upon our return to Class VI – Mountain River, I couldn’t help but smile thinking of what a great day we had on the water and it how nice it was good to catch up with a friend. After Brian left, several people asked me, “Did the Turkey Man catch any fish? Did he have a good time?”
People were coming out of the wood work this weekend for trips. And boy was it worth it! We put over 500 fish in boats this weekend (don’t worry, we put them all back!). The big catch of the day was a 21 inch 5.6 pound smallie on the New River.
Ask Sharkbite about the one that got away… a 41 inch musky that broke off at the boat!
I’m keeping track of the big fish of the month caught on our trips. When you get here, check in the store to see what you have to beat to be on the board.
There’s no doubt that there’s been a little extra water around New River Country. We had the rare chance to go to one of secret favorite sections this weekend. The water was a little high, but the fish were still bitin’. Brad P. caught a fat 18 ” smallmouth weighing in about 4 pounds. Jared lucked out with a 17″ weighing around 3.5 pounds. Each of the guys were able to land another dozen or so quality fish throughout the day.