Beaver Creek

My buddy Anderson and I were lucky enough to get out of DC this past saturday and took a trip down to the Shenendoah Valley to enjoy a local hotspot that has been created with the help of the Manassas chapter of TU. Beaver Creek stretches two miles through private farmland and rolling hills near the town of Dayton VA. Access is limited to four anglers per day and requires a permit that may be "purchased" for a $5 donation to the local TU chapter that oversees the maintenance and stocking of this great spring creek. the permits can be picked up at a local country store. For more info on acess visit http://www.mossycreekflyfishing.com/beavercreek.aspx

I was really quite impressed with the fishery. There are quite a few stretches that have some really nice structure and deep holding water. I happened to run into the president of the local TU chapter. The fishery has been a great success and the landowners have proven extremely cooperative with TU's effort to build it as a reputable fishery.

Anderson and I enjoyed fantastic weather in a beautiful snow covered setting. The stream winds through open farmland with some stretches lined by trees. The blueridge mountains provide an wonderfull backdrop, and the stream maintains a healthy population of stocked rainbows, but also wild bows and brookies. I saw a couple 20+ inchers swimming in the creek. I took most of my fish on wooly boogers and a few on some sz 22 bwo emerger patterns. However, the two other anglers that were there were getting them on eggs, of which i had none.

The fishing was solid, the weather gorgeous, and the experience thereputic.

Its proximity to DC makes it a doable and worthwhile day trip. Next time...I'll remember batteries for my camera!