Ice Cold Pools

OldDominionAngler · #1 10-05-2009, 10:52 PM

I hiked an old reliable favorite from the lower park boundary to skyline and back on Sunday. This was the first time I'd made it all the way to the top. My dad was along for the trip, we just wished we'd done it when there was more water. We made quick work upstream, skipping 90% of the skinny water we saw...eventually deciding to make it to those falls before coming back. We fished maybe ten holes the entire way up while traversing nearly dry creek beds to the top. It was a good day and will admittedly be my last park trip until the winter time.

I opted for the minimilast SNP box and the two weight.

And found some ice cold, deep, shaded pools a-ways up.

As expected, the water was clear.

Pops can still move on those big rocks.

We took turns picking off fish in the pool above. At this water level it's probably still eight feet down in the deeper spots.

I couldn't get over this fish's humpback and beak...

We caught our fair enough share of purple gill-plated, black-lipped fish.

The self proclaimed boy wonder enjoyed himself but his hackles didn't stand up until after the bear we saw was long gone.

After about 12 rugged hiking miles I finally quenched my thirst...outside of park boundary of course. I used to live blocks from this brewery and haven't tasted these suds since coming back to VA about two years ago. A coworker of mine picked up two for me on a recent out-of-town trip and I had no doubt where at least one of them would be consumed. No double hauling goes on in the park and I do not own a full-brimed hat...but it really is the best IPA I've ever had.

Robspe7370 · #2 10-05-2009, 11:32 PM

Sorry to see it is so low. I would have expected that drainage to have better water higher up. Still it looks like you had a pretty good day.We should go in December if you have the time.

cowboy · #3 10-06-2009, 11:09 AM

Yeah all the park streams are abysmally low right now, even the ones that are supposed to hold water. 2 weeks ago was prime time but all the water was gone in a couple days.

Those are some awesome brookies, though. Thanks for sharin' the adventure! The males are really startin' to put their game on

rockroller · #4 10-06-2009, 11:24 AM

Thanks.

I needed that.

I like the minimalist philosophy. The mass of men do indeed lead lives of quiet desperation.

bcstream · #5 10-06-2009, 11:51 AM

Sorry to hear the water was low. You should come down South a bit farther we have plenty of water

ColdOnTheShoulder · #6 10-06-2009, 12:27 PM

Nothing like brookies and some hops-infused refreshment.

That stream is a classic, can't wait to visit it once we get some rain.

OldDominionAngler · #7 10-07-2009, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robspe7370

Sorry to see it is so low. I would have expected that drainage to have better water higher up. Still it looks like you had a pretty good day.We should go in December if you have the time.

Name the place and time. I was perusing some SNP threads from last winter getting excited for the cold weather...it's time to dig up the knit hat and fingerless gloves.

Lone Wulff · #8 10-07-2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDominionAngler

...but it really is the best IPA I've ever had.

I'll have to get me some of that.

Nice pics and report.

Kev2380 · #9 10-07-2009, 07:25 PM

Love the pics, trout and the fly box. Where did you get the foam for that? At a shop?

OldDominionAngler · #10 10-07-2009, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kev2380

Love the pics, trout and the fly box. Where did you get the foam for that? At a shop?

I ordered a couple sheets from Cabelas and cut to size with a razor, the backs of these are coated with an adhesive. Makes grocery shopping more fun...tons of stuff out there that makes a good fly box with the ripple foam.

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0001408312806a.shtml