I grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, so trips there always have the feel of a homecoming, even if I hardly know anyone who lives there anymore. Still, I like to get back when I get a chance, and the fishing provides a great excuse. I recently spent 3 days (March 25-27, 2015) fishing based out of a cabin in Rawley Springs, Virginia.
Murray’s Fly Shop
On the way down, I stopped in Edinburg to check out Murray’s Fly Shop. I’d seen and liked their ads in magazines like Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide. I walked in and was immediately both confused and intrigued.
Harry Murray is a renowned fly tier and smallmouth expert. He has written several books and invented the Mr. Rapidan, which has got to be Virginia’s favorite fly. He is also, apparently, a pharmacist.
As I started to peruse the selection of well tied flies, Harry continued to work on filling prescriptions. When he came to what must have been a good stopping point, he hopped out from behind the pharmacy counter and asked me how he could help. Then he proceeded to deluge me with information–in a good way.
Harry is one of those characters that make fly fishing so damn entertaining, even without the fish. He’s clearly an expert, and he likes to share his knowledge. His dual career likely reflects a modern economic reality–it’s tough to make a good living as a fly shop owner. Or maybe he just likes being a pharmacist. If you are ever anywhere near Edinburg stop in the shop. Just be careful–you might walk away with a fly box full of Mr. Rapidan variants.
Black Run and Gum Run
Harry and I agreed it would be best to try to hit the mountain brook trout streams before they potentially got blown out, since it was supposed to rain for the next few days. Right behind my cabin, a National Forest trail crossed Black Run. I figured that was a great place to start.
The air was cool and water temps hovered in the low 40’s, which pretty much ruled out dry flies. Still, I had a blast exploring the native trout stream, and caught a handful of pretty little brookies along the way.
Fishing these little tributaries, you are essentially trading off beauty and solitude for catching large fish. I’m happy with that trade on many occasions. Tomorrow’s location, however, offers a much different tradeoff.
Tomorrow: Beaver Creek
James Kibler 