Mountains of Fun @ Glade Springs

Mountains of Fun Outfitters is your complimentary concierge service at The Resort at Glade Springs! With over 25 years of experience exploring the mountains and fashioning adventures in West Virginia we will get you the best rates with the best outfitters and guides in the business. We take the guesswork out of planning your next outdoor adventure by ensuring that your time and money are well spent and the trip meets or exceeds your expectations.

800-634-5233 EXT. 379 / activities@gladesprings.com

Championship Golf Courses
Glade Springs boasts three of the top five ranked golf courses in West Virginia: Cobb, Stonehaven, and Woodhaven!

Equestrian Center
The Equestrian Center at Glade Springs is the area’s premiere equestrian facility serving Southern West Virginia year-round. You can spend 45 minutes to 3 hours exploring the miles of trails and enjoying the scenic beauty of the resort. Carriage rides are also available along with pony rides, which is a highly popular activity for children.

Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting at its best. With a guide in every raft on the Lower New River, instructions are provided to help ready you for what's to come on this section of class I through V white water (on a scale of I to VI). As you continue downstream, the character of the New River Gorge changes; the river narrows, house-size boulders are strewn in and along the river, and the canyon walls squeeze in on you just a little bit. While enjoying a deli-style, riverside lunch you have the chance to mingle with other folks or simply marvel at the beauty around you.
The Upper New River is a mild stretch of white water - this is a great place for families to “get their feet wet” in the world of white water rafting. The Upper New River has rapids of Class I through III (on a scale of I to VI) which means the white water rapids are on the mild side - no 14' waterfalls - just gentle and playful waves, with plenty of calm water in between permitting you a chance to enjoy what's around you. The scenery on the Upper New is majestic.
Tree Top Canopy Tour
This half day adventure includes 10 zip-lines, 5 sky bridges, 1 rappel, and 3 short hikes. You'll spend 3 1/2 hours in the old growth hemlock and hardwoods forest of pristine Mill Creek Canyon, immediately adjacent to the awe-inspiring New River Gorge.
You’ll start out with a short hike to the beginning of the course where you'll learn how to travel on a zip-line. You'll do a short orientation zip-line that is only a few feet off the ground. This is a great way to experience what the full course will be like. After that, you’re off to sky-bridges, zip-lines, and hikes across Mill Creek Gorge, adjacent to the New River Gorge. You will end your adventure with a rappel down from the final platform! A short shuttle brings you back to the Tree Tops base camp.

Wild, Wonderful Fishing Adventures
West Virginia is home to some of the most spectacular fishing in the east. With beautiful rivers and high mountain streams, the Mountaineer State is the perfect backdrop for your fishing adventure. Whether fly-fishing for trout or spin-casting for bass, our professional guides are ready to show you how to land the big one!

A Three Hour Tour
The perfect way to end your day! Experience prime-time and “get on the bite” as our experienced guides show you all of the right spots for Smallmouth, Walleye, and maybe even the elusive Musky. Fish in comfort from a custom outfitted boat, and fish “in the know” with our expert staff.

Beginner FLY-FISHING Instructional Clinic
Our beginner class is the perfect way to learn how to fly-fish because we provide the instruction needed to enjoy the sport on your own. Equipment review, fly selection and use, casting, and on-water instruction will be the focus of the beginner’s clinic. Customized instruction, to fit any group’s needs, makes this the perfect group activity.







Float and Fish
Spend a full or half day with an experienced, professional angler as s/he guides you down the New River. Renowned as one of the premiere Smallmouth fisheries in the east and remembered for its epic beauty, the New River is the fishing experience of a lifetime. Reel in your catch from the comfort of cushioned seats on a custom designed fishing boat.
- Full day
- Half day


Walk-N-Wade Excursions
Take this full or half day guided hike at one of our favorite local streams. Spin-cast or fly-fish for trout while receiving personalized instruction from one of our knowledgeable guides.



Guided Mountain Bike Tours
Join us for some of North America’s most diverse mountain biking. Whether careening down the side of a mountain full speed or cruising along in beautiful scenery, the New River Gorge National Park has a ride for you. Our guided tours offer an array of experiences for all ages and skill levels. The half day ride will cover about 8 miles and take approximately3-4 hours. To have a catered lunch on the trail, check out a full day ride. Full days are approximately 15 miles and last 6-7 hours. Bikes, helmets, and water are provided.


Guided Rock Climbing
Whether this is your first climb or you are a climbing veteran looking to be challenged, West Virginia has something to offer you. The outfitter, along with some of the most experienced guides in the industry, has a challenge for you. The informative teaching progressions and low student/guide ratios ensure that our clients receive maximum attention and personalized instruction.

ATV Tours
Come visit the place where wild and wonderful meets over 500 miles of trails. Spend a day riding an ATV in the Hatfield-McCoy Recreation Area. Guided trips can be customized to any rider’s experience and any size group.

Sporting Clays
Explore this fun and safe sport. Test your hand/eye coordination using clay targets instead of live game. The full service course, featuring 20+ shooting stations, simulates every shooting situation. The half day includes a complete round of stations and 50 targets, shooting instructor, loaner guns, safety equipment, and ammunition.

Teambuilding
The Teambuilding, Adventure, and Growth program offers groups a custom unique adventure. Experiences focused on problem solving, communication, and teamwork.

The Boathouse
Enjoy seasonal boating activities on Mallard Lake. Take a leisurely paddleboat ride, paddle a canoe or kayak, or just rock the afternoon away on the porch. Bait, tackle, and rental equipment are available for all your fishing needs.

Camp Glade
Our summer day camps put the focus on fun, creativity and learning, while kids ages 4 to 12 make new friends and explore new places. They'll love trying new things like horseback riding, tennis, pottery, and golf, with plenty of time left for those family vacation favorites like swimming, canoeing, and hiking.

Bowling Center

Located in Glade Springs Leisure Center! Come in and get out of the weather to enjoy 10 lanes of bowling, snack bar, big screen TV. Available for private parties on request.

Fly Line

Fly line is a specialized fishing line that supplies the weight or mass necessary to cast an artificial fly with a fly rod. The first fly lines were constructed of woven horsehair that eventually evolved into woven silk fiber lines. As plastics technologies improved, synthetic materials gradually replaced natural materials in the construction of fly lines. Today’s fly lines are generally constructed of an outside synthetic layer that determines the line’s slickness, buoyancy, shape and weight over an inside core material which determines the line’s strength and flexibility. The typical fly line is 90 feet long although longer fly lines are manufactured. Fly lines have several characteristics which can be used to describe any given fly line. Some of these characteristics are based on industry standards and norms while others vary considerably between manufacturers.

Taper – Taper describes the change in cross-sectional diameter of a fly line from one end to another. Taper is a significant determinant in the casting performance of an individual fly line particularly the ability to present different types of artificial flies from the very delicate to the heavy and wind resistant in differing on-water conditions. Fly lines in general are said to be:

Weight forward taper – the cross-sectional diameter changes from smaller to larger to small within the front 30 feet (9.1 m) of the fly line. Weight forward taper lines have only one end to which the leader is attached.

Double taper – the cross-sectional diameter changes from smaller to larger to smaller symmetrically along the entire length of the fly line. Double taper fly lines may be reversed by the angler with the leader being attached to either end of the line.

Level – the cross-sectional diameter is identical along the entire length of the fly line.

Shooting heads –Shooting heads and tips are level or tapered sections of fly line designed for exceptionally long distance casting.

Weight – Fly line weight is an industry standard measure of the actual weight in grains of the first 30 feet of fly line. Fly rods are designed to cast fly lines of a specific weight. Fly line weights vary from 1 weight to 15 weight using standards established by the American Fishing Tackle Manufacturers Association. A 5 weight fly line is designed to match up with a 5 weight fly rod. These relationships are not absolute and anglers may prefer to over-line or under-line any given rod depending on their casting style and rod action. Some sinking and sink-tip fly lines do not carry a numbered weight, but instead are identified by the actual weight in grains of the first 30 feet (9.1 m) of line, such as a 250-grain (16 g) sinking line.
AFTMA standard fly line weights
(grains per first 30 feet (9.1 m) of line) Designation Weight (grains) Acceptable range (grains)
1wt 60 54-66
2wt 80 74-86
3wt 100 94-106
4wt 120 114-126
5wt 140 134-146
6wt 160 152-168
7wt 185 177-193
8wt 210 202-218
9wt 240 230-250
10wt 280 270-290
11wt 330 318-342
12wt 380 368-392
13wt 450
14wt 500
15wt 550

Buoyancy – Typical fly lines have a buoyancy characteristic that describes how the line behaves on the water after being cast.
Floating – Floating fly line is designed to float on the surface of the water along its entire length. Floating fly line is essential for presentation of artificial flies that must remain on the surface such as dry flies, poppers, bugs, etc. Floating fly line is also necessary to fish nymphs effectively with strike indicators.

Sink-Tip – Sink Tip fly line is designed so that some length of the tip section of the fly line sinks while the remainder of the fly line floats. Sink Tips are generally characterized by a sink rate in inches per seconds and are used when it is necessary to get artificial flies deeper in the water column.
Sinking – Sinking fly line is designed to sink along the entire length of fly line and is typically used in fly fishing deep waters or where the artificial fly must reach the bottom of the water column rapidly.
Fly line manufacturers design and formulate their fly lines with other characteristics as well. Some fly lines are specifically formulated for warm water and cold water conditions, fresh and salt water conditions as well as designs that target a specific type or fish or fishing.

Backing
Fly line is typically attached to a length of braided or gelspun line wound on the fly reel known as backing. The length and breaking strength of the backing required depends on the overall line capacity of the reel and the type of fish being sought. Backing may be as short as a few yards up to 100s of yards if the reel has the capacity. Backing can serve two purposes. One is to create a larger diameter spooling surface that allows the fly line to fill the entire fly reel. The other is to provide additional line for fighting heavy or hard fighting fish. A fast running or hard fighting fish may take line from the reel and get into the backing.

Fly Rods

Fly rods normally vary between 6 ft and 13 ft in length. Fly rods and lines are designated as to their "weight", typically written as Nwt where 'N' is the number (e.g. 8wt, 9wt, 10wt).

Rods are matched to the line according to weight. The rod's manufacturer will mark on the rod the fly line weights for which a rod has been designed. One-weight (1wt) rods and lines are the lightest; the weight designations increase up to the heaviest readily available rods and lines at 16-weight (16wt).[1] In general, 1wt through 2wt would be in the class used for small trout, and panfish, 3wt and 4wt are popular for small-stream fishing, 5wt is often considered the all-around rod for trout, 6wt and 7wt are used on large rivers and for fishing with streamers, 8wt to 9wt rods and lines might be used for steelhead or salmon in medium rivers, as well as for bass fishing with large flies and as lightweight salt water use, and 10-11wt rods and lines would be used for pursuing large salt water gamefish under conditions of high wind or surf. The heaviest rods (12–16wt) are mostly used for bluewater species (billfish, tuna) while fishing from a boat. The characteristics of these rods reflect the fact that only short casts are needed during this type of fly fishing, while lifting ability is at a premium.

The species pursued, under which conditions, will largely determine the weight of rod selected. Next, it is important to match the line to the weight of the rod. Using too heavy a line on too light on a rod, or vice versa, will dramatically affect casting performance. It may also permanently warp the rod blank. As a rule of thumb, you can safely go one line weight more or less (i.e. using an 8wt or 10wt line on a 9wt rod). There are also rods stamped with a range of weights. For example, a rod may be rated 7-8wt. This indicates the rod is designed for either a 7 or 8 weight fly line. There are also some rods rated for wider ranges (e.g. 8-9-10wt). The drawback to multi-rated rods is that compromises in flexibility or action are made in order to accommodate a wider range of line weights. For example, a rod rated for 8-9 weight line will be slightly stiffer than a straight 8wt but slightly softer than a straight 9wt rod.

Saltwater fly rods are built to handle powerful fish and to cast large, bulky flies over longer distances or into strong winds. Saltwater fly rods are normally fitted with heavier, corrosion-resistant fittings. The reel seat may also be equipped with a short extension often called a "fighting butt". Rods for saltwater fishing fall into the 8 to 15 weight class, with 12-weight being typical for most larger species like tuna, dorado (mahi-mahi) and wahoo (ono).

West Virginia Raft Trips

America’s Best Whitewater ™

Water released from the Summersville Dam every fall provides the most intense whitewater rafting east of the Mississippi; that’s why the Gauley is called the “Beast of the East.” Ranked one of the best whitewater runs in the world, the Gauley is a combination of heart-stopping excitement and breathtaking scenery. It boasts more Class IV and V rapids than any other eastern river and offers one of the most intense experiences in commercial rafting.

The New River, possibly the second-oldest river in the world, drops 240 feet over one 14-mile stretch as it cuts its way through a 1,000-foot-deep sandstone gorge. Its Class I to V rapids make it one of the most popular runs in the country. The mild, yet rippled, Upper New is perfect for float and fishing trips, while the Middle New beefs up the excitement with Class II and III rapids. The famed Lower New runs through the heart of the gorge and underneath the longest steel arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere.

For a great Rafting Package visit www.gladesprings.com

WV History

West Virginia's early history from 1609 until 1863 is largely shared with Virginia, of which it was a part until Virginia seceded from the Union in 1861. The delegates of the 40 western counties who opposed secession formed their own government, which was granted statehood in 1863.

In 1731 Morgan Morgan established the first permanent white settlement on Mill Creek in present-day Berkeley County. Coal, a mineral asset that would figure significantly in West Virginia's history, was discovered in 1742. Other important natural resources are oil, natural gas, and hardwood forests, which cover about 75% of the state's area.

The state's rapid industrial expansion began in the 1870s, drawing thousands of European immigrants and African Americans into the region. Miners' strikes between 1912 and 1921 required the intervention of state and federal troops to quell the violence.

Today, the state ranks second in total coal production, with about 15% of the U.S. total. It is also a leader in steel, glass, aluminum, and chemical manufactures. Major agricultural commodities are poultry and eggs, dairy products, and apples.

Tourism is increasingly popular in mountainous West Virginia. More than a million acres have been set aside in 37 state parks and recreation areas and in 9 state forests and 2 national forests. Major points of interest include Harpers Ferry and New River Gorge National River, The Greenbrier, Glade Springs and Berkeley Springs resorts, the scenic railroad at Cass, and the historic homes in the Eastern Panhandle.

WV State Fishing Records

Bass
Largemouth
2001 25.75 9.62 Dog Run Lake Eli Gain
1994 24.8 12.28 Pond - Grant Co. David W. Heeter
Smallmouth
1976 25.5 7.5 New River Franklin J. Elliott
1971 24.25 9.75 South Branch David Lindsay
Rock 1964 13.8 1.75 Big Sandy Creek Warren Ryan
Spotted
2000 19.0 4.77 R. D. Bailey Lake Kevin Dameron
1988 19.0 3.82 R. D. Bailey Lake Leonard Blankenship
Striped
2000 37.68 29.56 Bluestone Lake Terry Watkins
2007 40.88 21.38 Bluestone Lake Michael Pittman, Jr.
Hybrid Striped
2000 32.1 14.0 Kanawha River Frankie Harris
1985 31.5 16.75 Kanawha River Robert Honaker
White 1985 20.0 4.56 New River Louis Puskas
Bluegill 1986 11.7 2.75 Pond - Randolph Co. Mark Allen Lewis
1964 13.75 2.25 Farm Pond - Fayette Co. Dennis Criss
Bowfin 1994 32.25 7.54 Pond - Berkeley Co. Donald E. Newcomb, III
2006 28.43 9.25 Ohio River backwater Matt Stender
Buffalo 1976 41.0 38.0 Little Kanawha River Hobert Null
Carp
Common
1998 39.3 47.0 Farm Pond - Preston Co. Gary Johnson
1988 41.0 41.5 Stonecoal Lake Charles J. Cook
Grass
2002 47.1 52.5 Farm Pond - Mason Co. Joseph R. Spencer, II
2005 50.75 71.69 Warden Lake William R. Taucher
Catfish
Blue 2009 42.25 29.75 Ohio River Lynn Lange
Bullhead 1977 22.75 6.1 Tygart Lake Headwaters Gary R. Freeman
Channel 2005 40.3 33.42 Patterson Creek Michael Sears
Flathead 1956 52.0 70.0 Little Kanawha River L. L. McCLung
Chain Pickerel 2001 27.75 6.19 Tuckahoe Lake Steven Demma
Crappie 1971 19.75 4.05 Meathouse Fork Leonard Edgell
Eel 1983 44.25 6.27 Elk River Steve Woods
1977 44.0 7.25 Bunker Hill Quarry Arlie R. Ruble
Fallfish 1970 21.25 3.5 North Fork of So. Branch James Blackwell
Freshwater
Drum
1989 35.5 27.0 South Fork of Hughes Charles Mickel Lott
1954 37.0 25.0 Little Kanawha River Bill Dawkins
Gar
Longnose
2006 52.25 16.42 Kanawha River Shelby Searls
1993 50.5 19.08 Kanawha River Michael Shan Casey
Goldeye 1983 18.5 3.0 Ohio River Delbert McWilliams
Muskellunge 2003 52.7 38.5 Stonecoal Lake Glenn Boyd
1997 50.37 49.75 Stonecoal Lake Anna Marsh
Northern Pike 1989 42.6 22.06 Dog Run Lake Boyd O. Pratt, Sr.
Sauger 1985 23.0 4.75 Ohio River Steve Powell
Saugeye 2006 27.68 8.73 East Lynn Lake Everett Chapman
Skipjack 2002 18.4 2.61 Kanawha River Steve Skeens
2008 18.9 2.39 Ohio River Christian Pyles
Tiger Musky 1994 49.25 36.5 Mountwood Lake Clyde E. Beckett
Trout
Brook
2004 22.25 7.64 Shavers Fork Gary M. Chapman
1981 23.5 4.78 Lost River Jack E. Foltz
Brown 1968 32.0 16.0 South Branch Paul Barker
Golden Rainbow
1998 26.4 9.31 Brushy Fork Lake Danny Crider
1987 27.5 8.63 Stonecoal Lake Gerald Estep
Rainbow
2005 30.5 15.65 Pond - Monroe Co. Aaron Propps
1993 31.7 11.74 Stonecoal Lake John P. Arnett
Tiger 1986 26.0 6.68 Greenbrier River John Duncan
Walleye 2004 30.87 18.97 Elk River Jerry Rose
1976 35.0 15.0 Kanawha Falls Fred Cline
Yellow Perch 1985 14.5 1.83 Tygart Lake Charles Mayle
2008 15.25 1.74 Pond - Upshur Co. Joshua D. Carr

Famous West Virginians

•George Brett baseball player;
•Pearl S. Buck author;
•Phyllis Curtin soprano;
•Martin R. Delany first black army major;
•Billy Dixon frontiersman and scout;
•Joanne Dru actress;
•Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson Confederate general;
•John S. Knight publisher;
•Don Knotts actor;
•Peter Marshall TV host;
•Kathy Mattea singer;
•Whitney D. Morrow banker and diplomat;
•Mary Lou Retton gymnast;
•Walter Reuther labor leader;
•Eleanor Steber soprano;
•Lewis L. Strauss naval officer and scientist;
•Cyrus Vance government official;
•Jerry West basketball player;
•William Lyne Wilson legislator and university president;
•Chuck Yeager test pilot and Air Force general;
Bobby Bower Fishing Guide

More to do in WV besides fishing!

New River Gorge National River National Park
A rugged, white water river, flowing northward through deep canyons, the New River is among the oldest rivers on the continent. The park encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along the New River, is rich in cultural and natural history, and offers an abundance of scenic and recreational opportunities. Find out more about the New River National Park.

Summersville Lake Recreation**
Summersville, WV
Discover one of the most picturesque lakes in the country with sheer cliff walls jutting up from calm clear waters. Located just 20 miles north of our facility, the lake offers a beach, marina, pontoon boat and Jet Ski rentals, and scuba diving to an underwater town. It's a perfect compliment to your rafting vacation. To find out more about the Summersville Lake Area.


Hiking Trails in Fayetteville/Cunard/Thurmond/Lansing**
The New River Gorge hiking trail are some of the most beautiful trails in West Virginia. The trails in Southern WV spiral down among the boulders and forestry in combination with its flats, offering some of the most spectacular natural formations and overlooks with views of miles of mountains. Waterfalls, ghost towns, and spectacular cliffs accentuate the peaceful scenery of the easy to difficult hiking trails.


Jet Boat at Hawks Nest State Park**
Located within Hawks Nest State Park, this tour is the best way to obtain views of the New River Gorge in a variety of ways. Your trip will include a scenic Canyon Rim Tram Ride down to the river where you will then climb aboard “Miss M. Rocks” jet boat and travel upstream toward the New River Gorge Bridge. This is good for all ages and safe for most medical conditions. Hawks Nest State Park also offers a variety of other activities including hiking, a nature center, and swimming. Learn more about jet boats. Learn more about Hawks Nest State Park.



Theatre West Virginia**
Beckley, WV 800-666-9142
Outdoor dramas at beautiful Grandview State Park. Performances have included HATFIELDS & MCCOYS, the tale of the infamous Appalachian feud; HONEY IN THE ROCK, the nation's oldest Civil War drama; and more shows. Shows run alternate nights, Tues - Sun 8:15 pm, June - Aug. Learn more about Theatre West Virginia.


Mystery Hole

Ansted, WV 304-658-9101
See the laws of gravity defied in the mysterious chambers beneath the small roadside gift shop. A West Virginia cultural icon. Learn more about Mystery Hole.

Arts & Crafts


Tamarack: the Best of WV
Beckley, WV 1-88-TAMARACK
No visit to West Virginia would be complete without a trip to Tamarack located in Beckley, WV. Here you will find a wide range of works created by artisans from all over the mountain state. It truly is a wonderful collection of West Virginia's finest. Tamarack features live demonstrations of many artisans and a theater with scheduled performances and films. You'll also find gourmet food, free travel information, a Post Office and ATM with easy access to I77. Don't miss this stop! Admission is free. Learn more about Tamarack

Historic Locations, Parks & Museums
Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine**
This National Historical Site features a 35-minute riding tour conducted by experienced coal miners. You'll go underground on a man-trip car pulled by a battery powered locomotive. Witness primitive to modern mining techniques. Gift shop & snack bar. Learn more about the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine.




Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park **

Summersville, WV 304-872-0825
156 acres. Picnicking, hiking trails, museum, game courts & playground. Minutes from Summersville Dam & Lake. Learn more about the Carnifex Ferry Battlefield State Park.


Babcock State Park **
This beautiful state park offers 4,127 acres of tranquil, beautiful West Virginia outdoors. With its fast flowing, boulder filled trout stream and 19acre fish filled Boley Lake, Babcock is perfect for the fishermen at heart. Among fishing, Babcock offers a variety of other recreation including: horseshoes, volleyball, tennis, basketball, lodging, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming. You can even rent Paddleboats, Rowboats, and Canoes at the lake. Learn more about Babcock State Park.

West Virginia Canopy Tour

Zip lines, cable bridges, and stationary platforms put together using natural surroundings make up the fantastic attraction known as a Canopy Tour. See the flora and fauna of the forest in that are normally are not normally accessible.

TreeTops Canopy Tour takes you though 10 zips, 5 cable bridges, overviews of Mill Creek, and 1 rappel station. Observers can watch from 2 observation stations accessible from a hiking trail that passes near the canopy tour.

The tour takes you high into the forest canopy where you (secured by a harness & cables and led by professional guides), move from tree to tree via a network of platforms & sky bridges, allowing you to quietly observe native wildlife and natural flora in this unique environment. Fast moving zip lines take you soaring through the tree tops for a thrilling ride over rugged terrain in Mill Creek Canyon (a pristine trout stream that races to join the New River at nearby Hawks Nest State Park).

Secluded by lush rhododendron and an old-growth Eastern Hemlock & White Oak forest, the Mill Creek gorge is home to whitetail deer, black bear and numerous other species of animals and natural flora. Mill Creek is also a bird watcher's delight as it's a major flyway for Swainson Warblers, geese and humming birds.

If you would like to swing through the trees visit www.profishwv.com for reservations.

West Virginia Fly Chart

INSECT HATCH DATE PATTERN(*pattern color & insect color the same)
#28 Black Chronomid All Year Grey dubbing larvae, *CDC Pupae, *CDC V -Wing & *Spent Wing Adult
#36-#40 Black Chronomid All Year Same as above; cut #32 Tiemco hook off-hook point tie 40's short!!
#24 Black Stonefly Mid Dec.-Mid Feb. *BH Pheasant Tail, *CDC Stonefly Adult
#24 Olive Chronomid Second week Jan.-Feb. Dun Thread Larvae, *CDC Pupae, *CDC V-Wing & * Spent Wing Adult
#32 Charcoal Grey Chronomid Mid Mar.-Late April Grey Dubbing Larvae, *CDC midge emerger, *CDC V-Wing & *CDC Spent Wing Adult
#28 Blackfly Early May-Mid June Dun "Bowling Pin" Larvae, *Chunky V-Wing Adult
#32 Cream Diptera Last week May-Early July White Feather Fly, *CDC midge emerger, *CDC V-Wing & *Spent Wing Adult
#22 Baetis (BWO) Mid May-Mid June Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *CDC V-Wing Dun, Rusty Spinner
#28 Baetis (BWO) Late May-Late June Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *CDC V-Wing Dun, Rusty Spinner
#24 Baetis (BWO) Late May-Mid June Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *CDC V-Wing Dun, Rusty Spinner
#32 Baetis (BWO) Mid June-Mid July Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *Usual, Rusty Spinner
#36 ?Baetis (BWO) Mid June-Early July Same as above; cut #32 Tiemco hook off-with hook point??
#38 ?Cream Diptera Mid July-Late Sept. Same as Cream Diptera above; cut #32 Tiemco hook off-with point tie short!!
#22 Brown Stonefly Late July-Early Sept. *stonefly nymph, *CDC Stonefly Adult
#32 Black Chronomid Early Aug.-Early Oct. Grey dubbing larvae, *CDC Pupae, *CDC V-Wing & *Spent Adult
#32 Primrose Diptera Mid Aug.-Mid Nov. Thread larvae, *CDC Emerger, *CDC V-Wing & *Spent Adult
#22 Baetis (2nd Brood) Mid Aug.-Mid Sept. Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *CDC V-Wing Dun, Rusty Spinner
#32 White Ghost Early Sept.-Late Oct. *Feather Fly, CDC Little White, *CDC Spent (wings swept back)
#28 Baetis (2nd Brood) Early Sept.-Mid Nov. Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *CDC V-Wing Dun, Rusty Spinner
#32 Tain Diptera Mid Sept.-Mid Oct. Tan Thread Larva, *CDC Pupae, *CD V-Wing & *Spent Adult
#40 ?Cream Diptera Mid Sept.-Mid Nov. Same as Cram Diptera above; cut #32 Tiemco hook off-with point tie short!!
#32 Baetis (2nd Brood) Late Sept.-Mid Nov. Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *Usual, Rusty Spinner
#24 Baetis (2nd Brood) Late Sept.-Mid Nov Pheasant Tail, *CDC Emerger, *CDC V-Wing Dun, Rusty Spinner
#22 Cream Diptera Late Sept.-Late Oct. White Feather Fly, *CDC Pupae, *CDC V-Wing & * Spent Adult
#30 Olive Diptera Early Oct.-Early Nov. Dun Thread Larvae, *CDC Pupae, *CDC V-Wing & *Spent Adult

Your first Fly Rod

As an fly casting instructor, I work with students at The Resort at Glade Springs and on the New River in southern West Virginia. When I recommend a rod to a student or angler I am trying to help them save some money and get equipment that is best for what they are going to fish for. The people in my clinics do not fly fish for a living and don't own a rod for every type of fishing. Most anglers want a rod that can do it all, from small Trout to Big Smallmouth Bass. I believe the 5 wt rod is the best all around rod as most all good fly shops will agree. You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to get into fly fishing, you can go to www.basspro.com and get a good 5 wt setup for under $200 for the rod, reel, case, backing, and line. I use Temple Fork Outfitters 4/5 wt rod for my fly fishing school at The Resort at Glade Springs I have seen these inexpensive clinic rods land Smallmouth over 20 inches and do a great job on a small tight trout stream. I fyou have always wanted to learn to fly fish come visit and I will help you learn all that you need to know to enjoy the sport on your own. PRO River Outfitters Fly Fishing School www.profishwv.com

Fly Fishing Knots

There is no substitute for learning to tie good knots. Here are the ones I like to use.

■Nail knot - Used to attach the leader butt to the fly line. If you lightly coat this knot with epoxy, it will last all season.
■Perfection Loop - Used to attach two pieces of leader using a handshake loop. This knot has the advantage of being semi-permanent. Disconnecting the loops requires no cutting.
■Blood or Barrel knot - Used to join leader sections and tippets.
■Improved Clinch knot - Used to tie flies to tippets, probably the best all- around knot for subsurface applications.
■Turle knot - Used to tie flies to tippets, particularly very small flies and dry flies.
Always lubricate your knots with saliva before tightening to minimize damage from friction.

Tighten knots slowly and firmly, without jerking.

Clip all tag ends on all knots very close. If the knot is tied properly, the leader material will break before the knot slips.

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass

Below are some of the best Smallmouth Flies for topwater and sub-surface action.

■Stonefly Bugger - size 6
■Franke Hellgrammite - size 4
■Clouser Minnow - size 6
■Clouser Deep Minnow - Size 6
■Gaines’ Sneaky Pete - size 4
■Crayfish - size 8
■Popper size 4 - 6
■Zonkers size 4 - 6
■Bead Head Woolly Bugger size 4-6
■Dragonfly size 4-6
■Foam Slider size 6
■Sculpin size 8
■Woolly Grubber Size 6 - The Wooly Grubber is a Woolly Bugger with a twister tail

The New River in West Virginia in One of the best Smallmouth rivers in the east. Most people think of Trout when talking about fly fishing, I personally think of a sunny afternoon in the New River Gorge landing poppers on eddie lines waiting for a big Smallie to crush it! For more info on fly fishing for Smallmouth in WV check out www.profishwv.com

West Virginia Fishing Media Resources: Pro River Fishing. Film, still/motion, media.

West Virginia Fishing Media Resources: Pro River Fishing. Film, still/motion, media.

West Virginia Fishing Guide Service

Welcome to PRO River Outfitters, float fishing on the worlds second oldest river for smallmouth bass is float fishing trip that every serious smallmout fisherman should experience. Bassmasters magazine has rated the New the #1 smallmouth river in the US, it's a river that provides our guests with excellent fishing, unmatched beauty and the relazation that they have experienced a truely unique fishing adventure. We know the service we provide is the best in the business, 75% of our reservations are repeat customers.


While the majority of our trips center around the New River, we also fish the Greenbrier River and the Gauley River. These are excellent smallmouth rivers with plenty of fish and beautiful scenery . All of our trips are guided by professional boatmen who have a wealth of knowlege and expertise to lend to your fishing experience. When you step into one of our boats, simply fish and enjoy the day. Allow us to provide you with a fishing experience you will not soon forget.


As you click through our site www.profishwv.com you will find all the information for your fishing adventure. Haveing fished the New River for over 25 years I have no doubt that it is the #1 river smallmouth fishery in the U.S. We feel that there is no other guide service that can provide you with the personal service and expertise needed to ensure you a quality fishing experience. You have my personal guarantee that we will do our utmost to give you or your group an unforgetable fishing experience.

Bobby Bower
304-575-5252

The Resort at Glade Springs / Fly Fishing

Just a short drive from The Resort at Glade Springs' front door waits an expedition that is truly West Virginian.
Spend a day wading the waters thigh deep in a West Virginia stream, or floating in a guided raft. Learn to tie and cast a fly with some expert help.

Fly-fishing is a great way to see this beautiful area, spend the day with a friend or family member and relax. Fly-fishing in West Virginia has that hard to find mixture of excitement, mental stimulation, and relaxation you are looking for.

All of our fly-fishing adventures are customized to fit your vacation itinerary, as well as your ability level. Whether you're new to fly fishing, or a seasoned pro, you'll find our guides are knowledgeable, experienced to dedicated to sharing their love of the sport. If you are starving for a little knowledge of the area, we can provide that too.

We offer guided fly-fishing float or wad trips on West Virginia's best fly fishing waters, with 3 famous West Virginia Rivers to choose from no two trips will be alike. The ancient New River and the Greenbrier River have amazing Smallmouth opportunities, not to mention some spectacular West Virginia scenery. The Gauley River is a bit more adventurous and with a mixture of Smallmouth, Trout, Walleye, and Musky provides for great fly-fishing as well.

If you choose to wade one of our streams, rather than float, get ready, our fly guys can take you places few have fished before. Expect great results.

Favorite Fishing Waters in West Virginia

Channel catfish
Beech Fork, Bluestone, East Lynn, Burnsville, Stonecoal, Tygart, and Stonewall Jackson lakes; Kanawha, New, South Branch of the Potomac, and Ohio rivers. Most warmwater streams and state managed impoundments.

Best baits

Minnows, night crawlers, chicken livers and natural baits.

Crappie
Bluestone, Burnsville, East Lynn, R.D. Bailey, Stonewall Jackson, Sutton, Summersville, and Tygart lakes; Ohio River backwaters.

Favorite baits

Minnows, jigs and minnow-imitating lures.

Hybrid striped bass
Kanawha and Ohio rivers; Beech Fork, Bluestone, East Lynn and R.D. Bailey lakes.

Best baits

White jigs, silver spoons, shad imitation lures and

live minnows.

Largemouth bass
Beech Fork, Bluestone, Burnsville, Cheat, East Lynn, R.D. Bailey, Stonewall Jackson and Sutton lakes;

Ohio River; most farm ponds and state managed lakes.

Best baits

Minnows, night crawlers, crayfish, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastic and most top water lures.

Musky
Burnsville, Stonecoal, and Stonewall Jackson lakes; Buckhannon, Elk (downstream of Sutton), Gauley, Hughes, Little Kanawha, Monongahela, Mud, New, and West Fork rivers; Dunkard, Middle Island, Mill and Sandy creeks.

Favorite tackle and baits

Bait casting reels using lures imitating minnows; large spinners. Live creek chubs, suckers or large minnows are excellent bait.

Smallmouth bass
Summersville and Tygart Lakes; Cacapon, Elk, Greenbrier, Little Kanawha, New, South Branch of the Potomac, mainstream Potomac, Ohio and Shenandoah rivers

Favorite tackle and baits

Spinning tackle of medium-light and ultra-light weight using spinners and other artificial lures resembling minnows, night crawlers, hellgrammites, crayfish, crankbaits, jigs, and numerous soft plastic and topwater baits.

Trout
Cranberry, Elk above Webster Springs, South Branch of the Potomac near Franklin, North Fork of the South Branch, Shavers Fork of Cheat and Williams rivers.

Walleye
Jennings Randolph, R.D. Bailey, Summersville, Stonecoal, and Tygart lakes; Elk and lower Gauley rivers; Kanawha, Monongahela and Ohio river dam tailwaters.

West Virginia Fishing Guide Service 304-575-5252
www.profishwv.com

WV Fishing Reports

Elk River – Early spring is an excellent time to pursue muskie, give them a try using large plugs, spinnerbaits and in-line spinners such as the ‘double cowgirl’. But, recently all streams and rivers have been high and muddy. Once the streams come back down, try for muskie and walleye using preferred lures (jigs, crankbaits and soft plastics). Walleye will be spawning over the next few weeks, try for them at creek mouths, below shoal areas and near structure. The WVDNR is conducting a muskie study on the Elk River currently. If an angler keeps a muskie with what appears to be a metal tag on the dorsal fin, please contact the district office in Pt. Pleasant immediately (304-675-0871). We would like to gather information (total length = tip of snout to maximum length with the tail fin lobes squeezed together, location of capture, tag number) from the tagged fish. Flyers have been placed at put-ins, and in small tackle/convenient stores along the Elk River in Braxton, Clay, and Kanawha counties. Your participation is much appreciated. For local Trout Fishing Guides call 304-575-5252 or visit www.profishwv.com

BLUESTONE LAKE – Spring is here and some fish species are preparing to spawn as the water warms in the next few weeks. Crappie will be showing up on brush piles, flooded timber or downed trees where they will spawn. They will hit small minnows or doll flies. Bass may be caught off rocky points and around downed trees using live bait and artificial such as spinnerbaits and plastic worms. Anglers should look for points that have some cover such as stumps, logs, or weed beds. Try slow rolling a spinnerbait, bumping off the stumps. Some hybrid striped bass may be caught using large minnows. Anglers should try spots such as the mouth of Indian Creek or up the Bluestone Arm as these fish, even though mostly infertile, still make mock spawning runs upstream. Smallmouth bass are being caught in the tailwaters. Successful anglers are using tube jigs in pumpkinseed or motoroil colors.

SUMMERSVILLE LAKE– The lake is one foot below summer pool and clear. Bass are active as they move toward shallow water to spawn. Sunfish and crappie have been caught around cover. Try the upper end of the lake for walleye. Trout were stocked in the tailwaters on April 29. If you are looking for a back country trout fishing experience hike down in and enjoy. For more information call Corps of Engineers at 304-872-5809. For guided tours visit www.profishwv.com

April trout stockings are in full swing and anglers should find plenty of waters stocked with trout and plenty of fish to catch. Anglers should check this year’s fishing regulations to see which waters will be stocked. For a more up-to-date list, please call the hotline at 304-558-3399 or check online at www.wvdnr.gov. The New and Greenbrier rivers are still somewhat high due to rains but persistent anglers may catch some smallmouth bass using tube jigs or spinnerbaits. Best spots are just below a shoal or rapid or in any eddy. Anglers may also want to try their luck at Kanawha Falls for musky or hybrid stripers (use big chubs and large white jigs for bait) or lake anglers can find some excellent bass and bluegill fishing at Plum Orchard Lake and Pipestem Lake. Best baits are plastic worms fished slowly along the bottom, spinnerbaits are also good choices for the bass while the bluegill will take small jigs, red worms, or other small live baits.

West Virginia Regulations Summary

Black Bass
Smallmouth,
Largemouth, and
Spotted
6*
(in aggregate)
None* 12*
(in aggregate)
Jennings Randolph Lake: 12-inch minimum size limit, daily creel
limit 5, and possession limit 10.
See Special Area Regulations
for additional restrictions.
Trout
Rainbow, Golden, Brook
and Brown
6*
(in aggregate)
None 12*
(in aggregate)
Jennings Randolph Lake: Daily creel limit 5, and possession
limit 5.
See Special Area Regulations
for additional restrictions.
Muskellunge 2* 30 inches* 4*
Jennings Randolph Lake: 36-inch minimum size limit, daily creel
limit 1, and possession limit 1 for muskellunge in aggregate with
Tiger Musky.
See Special Area Regulations
for additional restrictions.
Tiger Musky 2* 28 inches* 4*
Northern Pike 2 28 inches* 4*
Jennings Randolph Lake: 30-inch minimum size
limit, daily creel limit 2, and possession limit 2.
Hybrid Striped Bass 4* 15 inches* 8*
Beech Fork, Bluestone and R.D. Bailey lakes and all rivers: Daily
creel limit 4 and possession limit 8 applies to fish 15 inches or larger
in aggregate with striped and white bass. No restrictions for these
fish under 15 inches.
Mt. Storm and East Lynn: 15-inch minimum size limit.
Rollins Lake: catch-and-release
Striped Bass
4* None* 8*
Beech Fork, Bluestone and R.D. Bailey lakes and all rivers:
Daily creel limit 4 and possession limit 8 applies to fish 15 inches or
larger in aggregate with hybrid striped, striped, and white bass. No
restrictions for t White Bass hese fish under 15 inches.
Paddlefish
Shovelnose Sturgeon 0 0 0 All fish must be returned to the water immediately.
Lake Sturgeon
Sauger Lakes - 8*
Rivers - 10*
(in aggregate)
None*
Lakes - 16*
Rivers - 20
(in aggregate)
Jennings Randolph Lake: 15-inch minimum size limit, daily creel
limit 5, and possession limit 5 for walleye.
See Special Area Regulations for additional restrictions on walleye.
Saugeye
Walleye
Blue Catfish 2* 24 inches* None Statewide: 24-inch minimum size limit and daily creel limit 2.
Channel Catfish 4* None 16*
In state-managed impoundments: Daily creel limit 4, possession
limit 16. Does not apply to Mt. Storm, Stonecoal, Cheat, U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers lakes and all rivers and streams.
See Public Fishing Lakes
and Ponds Chart.
Yellow Perch None* None None Cheat Lake: Daily creel limit 15
All Others None* None* None*
Jennings Randolph Lake: 14-inch minimum
size limit, daily creel limit 5, and possession
limit 5 for chain pickerel.
Frogs 10 None 20
Season: 9 p.m. DST, June 12 to midnight July 31.
Big Sandy and Tug Fork rivers bordering Kentucky
Season: Noon, May 21 to midnight, October 31.
www.profishwv.com

WV Fishing License (resident)

RESIDENT LICENSES AND STAMPS

Fishing License (Class B)
$19

Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping (Class X) for ages 18 through 64
$35

Junior Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping (Class XJ) for ages 15 through 17
$16

Trout Fishing Stamp (Class O) Required of holders of Class B, AB-L, AB-L-I, B-L, B-L-I, F, LL, Q, X, or XJ
$10

Conservation Stamp- Required for all licensed anglers except holders of Class X, XJ, B-L, B-L-I, AB-L, and AB-L-I, licenses
$5

WV Fishing License (non resident)

NONRESIDENT LICENSES AND STAMPS

Trout Fishing Stamp (Class OO) Required of holders of Class F, XXJ or LL
$16

Conservation/Law Enforcement Stamp (Class CS/LE) - Required for all licensed anglers
$13

Annual Fishing License (Class F)
$37

One-Day Fishing License (Class LL)
$3

National Forest Hunting/Trapping/Fishing (Class I) Required on National Forests in addition to Class F, QQ or LL $2

Junior Sportsman Hunting/Fishing/Trapping (Class XXJ) for ages 15 through 17
$16

Post by Elisse

We (finally!) learned to fly-fish, something I've been aching to do for Years- ever since those pricey LL Bean catalogs would turn up in my NYC mailbox and tantalize me with incredibly expensive trips... I did it once back in 1981 in Ireland, and it was pretty magical to see a trout leap into the air and take a fly (not mine, I hasten to add). I always thought the hand-tied flies, made with feathers and beads and such, were, well... Pretty, and I've secretly coveted one of those cool fly-bedecked hats like Col. Blake wore in M*A*S*H for years, and even considered buying some to turn into earrings... I found it fascinating to look closely at all the different kinds of flies and see the work that goes into creating 100s of different kinds of fake bugs in all their stages of life...
Plus, for the last 8 years we've lived on one of THE best trout streams- the Elkhorn Inn is right on Elkhorn Creek, famous for its 24"-32" trout- and many of our guests are Trout Unlimited members and avid fly fishermen- but although they taught me to hand-tie a fly at our dining table, not having the gear or the knowledge, we'd never done any fly fishing! But now we have! And we'll be able to do it at home! YAY!
We booked a full day with Bobby Bower of www.profishwv.com at Glade Springs, (for a fraction of those LL Bean trips!) and had THE best day! After getting our WV fishing licenses, we spent the morning learning the rudiments of the sport on a lake at Glade Springs, practicing our casts & learning about the equipment, and the difference between "woolly buggers" and dry flies...

Bobby then drove us out- WAY out!- to Glade Creek-on-the-New, and dressed in our spiffy new waders & boots, we hiked out into the middle of the white water, and really did it! And Elisse caught her first brown trout on a dry fly!!!!

Though Dan didn't land himself a trout, he did get some good nibbles, and we truly had a GREAT day! We learned just enough to be dangerous- and got well and truly bitten by the fly fishing bug! So we now have to get all the cool stuff so we can do it at home on Elkhorn Creek! No, fly fishing isn't exactly an inexpensive sport, but we learned enough from Bobby to know that it doesn't have to be insanely expensive, either! And since we've already paid for our fishing licenses for the whole year, and we live right on a great trout stream, we now have high hopes that if we get the Stuff, maybe some of our Trout Unlimited guests will take us out behind the Inn and teach us some more!

Great Fly Fishing Quotes

Fly-fishing is the most fun you can have standing up."

~by Arnold Gingrich, 1969~
________________________________________
"A trout is a moment of beauty known only to those who seek it."

~by Arnold Gingrich~
________________________________________
"Time is but the stream I go a-fishing in. Its thin current slides away, but eternity remains."

~by Henry David Thoreau~
________________________________________
"Listen to the sound of the river and you will get a trout."

~Irish proverb~
________________________________________
"It is not a fish until it is on the bank."

~Irish Proverb~
________________________________________
"A bad day's fishing is better than a good day at work."

~Anonymous~
________________________________________
"If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there'd be a shortage of fishing poles."

~by Doug Larsen~
________________________________________
"O, sir, doubt not that Angling is an art; is it not an art to deceive a trout with an artificial fly?"

~by Isaak Walton~
________________________________________
"Here comes the trout that must be caught with tickling."

~by William Shakespeare, Twelfth Nigh,t Act II, Scene ,1 Line 2~
________________________________________
"If fishing is like religion, then fly-fishing is high church."

~by Tom Brokaw~
________________________________________
"If fishing is interfering with your business, give up your business."

~by Alfred W. Miller~
________________________________________
"Calling Fly Fishing a hobby is like calling Brain Surgery a job."

~by Paul Schullery~
________________________________________
"The difference between fly fishers and worm dunkers is the quality of their excuses."

~Anonymous~
________________________________________

"Some go to church and think about fishing, others go fishing and think about God."

~by Tony Blake~
________________________________________
"The two best times to fish is when it's rainin' and when it ain't."

~by Patrick F. MacManus~
________________________________________
"Angling may be said to be so like the mathematics, that it can never be fully learnt."
~by Izaak Walton, 1653~
________________________________________
"I am not against golf, since I cannot but suspect it keeps armies of the unworthy from discovering trout."
~by Paul O'Neil~
________________________________________
"In my family, there was no clear division between religion and fly fishing."

~by Norman Maclean, A River Runs Through It, 1976~
________________________________________
"Rivers and the inhabitants of the watery elements are made for wise men to contemplate."

~by Izaac Walton~

West Virginia Trout Stocking Report 1st 1/2 May 2010

May 12, 2010

•Bear Rocks Lake
•Brandywine Lake
•Brushy Fork Lake
•Bullskin Run
•Cranberry River
•Dry Fork (Tucker, Randolph)
•Elk River
•Evitts Run
•Glade Creek of New River
•Horse Creek Lake
•Meadow Creek of Anthony
•Opequon Creek
•Paw Paw Creek
•Pinnacle Creek (lower)
•Rocky Marsh Run
•South Branch (Smoke Hole)
•Wheeling Creek
•Whiteday Creek
May 10, 2010

•Big Clear Creek
•Burnsville Tailwaters
•Clear Fork of Guyandotte River
•Conaway Run Lake
•Fall Run
•French Creek Pond
•Horseshoe Run
•Laurel Creek of New River
•Laurel Fork of Holly River
•Left Fork of Holly River
•Little Clear Creek
•Lost River
•Mill Creek of New River
•Mill Creek Reservoir
•New Creek Dam #14
•North Fork of Fishing Creek
•R.D. Bailey Tailwaters
•Red Creek
•South Fork of Fishing Creek
•Stonewall Jackson Tailwaters
•Summit Lake
•Sutton Tailwaters
•Teter Creek Lake
•Trout Run
•Waites Run
•Warden Lake
•Watoga Lake
•West Fork of Greenbrier River (railroad grade)
May 7, 2010

•Berwind Lake
•Clover Run
•Conaway Run Lake
•Dry Fork (McDowell)
•East Fork Greenbrier River
•Little River East Fork Greenbrier River
•Little River West Fork Greenbrier River
•Mason Lake
•Middle Fork River
•Newburg Lake
•North Fork of Cherry River
•North Fork of Fishing Creek
•Shavers Fork (Bemis section)
•Shavers Fork (lower section)
•Shavers Fork (upper section)
•South Fork of Cherry River
•South Fork of Fishing Creek
•Summit Lake
•Watoga Lake
•West Fork Greenbrier River
May 6, 2010

•Anthony Creek
•Beech Fork Tailwaters
•Big Sandy Creek
•Blaney Hollow and Morgan Run
•Coopers Rock Lake
•East Lynn Tailwaters
•Elk River
•Glady Fork
•Kings Creek
•Knapps Creek
•Laurel Creek (Clay)
•North Fork of South Branch
•Rhine Creek
•Shavers Fork (lower) Railroad Bowden to Bemis
•South Branch (Smoke Hole)
•Tomlinson Run
•West Fork of Twelvepole
•Wolf Creek
May 5, 2010

•Anawalt Lake
•Blackwater River
•Buckhannon River
•Buffalo Fork lake
•Cacapon Park Lake
•Cherry River
•Deer Creek (Nicholas)
•Deer Creek (Pocahontas)
•Greenbrier River
•Laurel Creek of Cherry River
•Left Fork of Right Fork of Buckhannon River
•Meadow Creek of New River
•Middle Creek
•Mill Creek of Opequon Creek
•Milligan Creek
•Paint Creek
•Pond Fork
•Right Fork of Buckhannon River
•Shavers Fork (upper) Railroad Cheat Bridge to Beaver Creek
•South Mill Creek Lake
•Tilhance Creek
•Tuscarora Creek
•Tygart Headwaters
May 4, 2010

•Back Fork of Elk River
•Buffalo Creek (Brooke)
•Castleman Run Lake
•Desert Fork
•Dunloup Creek
•Gandy Creek
•Hopkins Fork
•Laurel Fork (Randolph)
•Lost River
•Lower Cove Run
•Middle Wheeling Dam
•Moores Run
•New Creek
•North Fork of Patterson Creek
•North River
•Shavers Fork (upper) Railroad below Catch & Release to Bemis
•Spruce Knob Lake
•Sugar Creek
•Trout Run
•Waites Run
•Williams River
May 3, 2010

•Bullskin Run
•Cranberry River
•Evitts Run
•Jimmy Lewis Lake
•Long Marsh Run
•Mill Run of Back Creek
•Opequon Creek
•Pipestem Lake
•Rocky Marsh Run
•Seneca Lake
•Shavers Fork (upper) Railroad Catch & Release
•South ranch (Franklin)
•Thomas Park Lake
•Tuckahoe Lake
•Tygart Tailwaters

Birthday Fishing

It has become a tradition in the Bower family to do what we love the best on our birthdays, go Smallmouth Bass fishing on the New River, in our backyard so to speak. Many of the people we spend our time with are amazed by the fact that we would choose to go out and do what we do for a living on a rare day off. I can see where they are coming from but my office has a much better view than any cubicle around. The bi-annual birthday trips have been everything from a two day overnight camping trip on the Upper New River to a three hour tour under The New River Gorge Bridge, our favorite trip continues to be fishing the Gorge section or The Lower New. The local outfitters have coined a phrase on this section as “Americas Best Whitewater” and there are many good reasons for this distinguished title. Even after spending the last 20 years or so in a raft it is still the incredible Smallmouth fishing that makes me want to go “rafting” the New River Gorge! Any chance we get to fish the Lower New is considered a treat as our outfitter runs commercial trips quite regularly when the water levels are just right. The best thing about the birthday fishing trip is you can be real greedy and not have to take turns rowing the boat as we do on the other days we go out and fish for fun. So if you see us out on those two beautiful days in July you will usually find Carla and Bobby sitting in a green fishing boat with our friends just fishing, cause that’s what we both like to do best. Bet you I catch more on my birthday than Carla. Bobby Bower, Pro River Outfitters Guide/Head Dishwasher

Glade Springs Fly Fishing School

Ever since that movie where a river runs through Brad Pitt’s waders, the sport of fly fishing is among the fastest growing sport in the United States. All types of people from all kinds of backgrounds are purchasing fly rods and trying to make the perfect loop. We have found one of the best places in the country to help a wana-be Brad Pitt to perfect and learn the art of the fly. The Resort at Glade Springs in Daniels, WV is a great place to learn both on the land casting clinics and on water lakes and ponds that are scattered over a mature golf course closed to the public for fishing. Our “Fly Guys” will share with you what you need to know to enjoy the sport of fly fishing on your own. Most anglers will hook into a scrappy bluegill or a Largemouth Bass while practicing on the golf course ponds. PRO River Outfitters is proud to present the “Glade Springs Fly Fishing School” These customized programs are for all skill levels from the first time fly fisherman or fisherwoman to a lifelong angler that wants to work on and develop their skills. Every fly fishing school is geared to each of the students specific skill level and can evolve over time with advanced levels of teaching. By Bobby Bower

PRO River Outfitters

Pro River Outfitters in southern West Virginia specializes in custom guided float fishing trips on a 70+ mile stretch on the New River and many of its tributaries. These streams and rivers offer some of the best Smallmouth Bass fishing in the United States. The rugged mountainous landscape makes it very difficult to fish along the banks of these high volume rivers. We float and fish atop these boats and can move all around the river casting towards the banks and around the rocks from the same kind of rafts used to run whitewater. Fitting the boats with aluminum frames and sitting in high back swivel seats for maximum comfort is always our goal. Most people when thinking about a fishing trip see it as sitting in one spot for hours with a hook, a bobber, a cooler, and waiting for the reel to sing! We too like to hear a singing reel, love to have that cooler quite handy but sitting in one spot is not an option. On a full day float trip on the New River an aggressive angled can make up to a thousand casts and have the chance to hook well over 100 Smallmouth Bass. Some of our guests prefer to kick back a bit more and only cast when the guide puts them on a hot spot. Most fishing guides come from a white water background and decided they had enough of getting thrashed over waterfalls but would never admit this, fishing trips are good soul points for these folks that have a love for the rivers that cannot be denied. The fishing boats are set up to hold two anglers, one on each end and one guide that sits in the middle of the raft with oars like a director or conductor pointing, talking, rowing, joking, unhooking, and tying all while navigating the craft down the river to the next honey hole. You will find out for yourself when you decide to come and visit that the fishing guides aren’t shy or quiet and will keep you entertained even if the fishing is a bit slow. By: Bobby Bower

Guide brings excitement to world of fishing!

May 10, 2010

Guide brings excitement to world of fishing
By Mannix Porterfield
Register-Herald Reporter

There was a time when a fishing trip came down to a fiberglass rod, a discarded coffee can filled with nightcrawlers and a red-and-white bobber to let you know if something with an appetite had pulled up to the table.

Live bait is unheard of when Bobby Bower takes his clients on an outing on the river.

And don’t expect to see some Huckleberry Finn types in straw hats and tattered overalls stretched out lazily on the bank, eyes open only wide enough to watch the tell-tale jump of a bobber.

What you do on one of Bower’s trips is pile into a 14-foot raft, built with aluminum and stainless steel frames, and equipped with swivel chairs, while a guide rows in the middle, carefully moving in all directions.

“You’re not just sitting around with a bobber and worm, bored out of your mind,” Bower says.

“It’s real exciting. The guides are telling you to throw here, or 10 feet toward that rock, catching eddies. You’re running small rapids. It’s constantly moving a different scenery at all times. It’s not boring. After a day, you’ll be worn out.”

Bower has been fishing since a grandfather and uncles took him as a youngster, back when the waders were a few sizes too large and he wound up getting an unscheduled bath in the streams.

A Beckley native, he began guiding rafts within a year after graduating in 1987 from Woodrow Wilson High School, engaging in sort of a trial-by-error, learn-as-you-go experience on the finesse of hooking fish with delicate dry flies.

“I kind of got into fishing for smallmouth bass out of rafts,” he explained.

“I found that was the ultimate way to do it. I spent 15 years or so guiding fishing rafts part-time for a lot of different outfitters. Eventually, I decided to go on my own.”

Bower runs his own business with wife and partner Carla, and is the concierge of activities at The Resort at Glade Springs, spending summer months hosting corporate groups in town for a meeting and some relaxation once they’ve taken care of business.

Fishing is the main part of his itinerary, although Bower might also arrange some other adventures, such as zip lining.

“We show them a good time,” he said. “They can’t wait until next year after they’ve had fun on the river.”

Right on the Glade Springs property, Bower conducts fly fishing classes using the well manicured golf course, since it features elevated tee boxes and greens that afford his students the perfect environment for learning the intricate art of fly casting.

“Within the first couple of hours of picking up a fly rod for the first time, you can catch some fish, and it’s instant gratification,” he guarantees.

Yet, it might take a novice fully a decade to really become adept at the art.

Pro River Outfitters, as Bower calls his business, provides a variety of custom raft trips on the New, Greenbrier, Elk and Gauley rivers, traditionally productive streams for smallmouth bass, walleye and several species of trout. To reach his website, go to www. profishwv.com.

Trout have been called “the Cadillac of freshwater fish,” but seldom do any of Bower’s customers keep what they catch. It’s basically a catch, photograph and release approach.

“Every now and then those guys will be wanting to keep one,” he said.

“I’ll just talk them into just taking a picture and we’ll put it back so it gets bigger the next time. We pretty much use all artificial bait. On our float trips on the New River for smallmouth, we still use flies or spinning gear. It’s all artificial. It’s easier on the fish. If you’re fishing with worms, a lot of times the fish will swallow them and it’s hard on them.”

Last summer brought some keen disappointments with constant rainfall, but so far, this season looks more promising, he said.

Bower has witnessed a broad spectrum of executive types occupy seats in his rafts. In fact, about three-fourths of his clientele are energy firms, coal mining companies, insurance, law and medical firms, and contractors. Local businesses rely on Pro River Outfitters to help them show the corporate leaders from out of town a good time.

“It’s a good way to show them the country and it’s a natural team-building,” he said.

“It’s a convenient way to meet, on the river bank, have a big lunch. Everybody has a good time. And sometimes there’s a little friendly competition.”

Until a modern revolution, fly fishing was once the sport of the wealthy, given the high-priced bamboo rods and assorted equipment. Nowadays, just as tennis has come down to the working class, fly fishing is an affordable avocation.

“You can get into the sport of fly fishing for $200 and $250,” Bower said.

“You don’t really need to go out and spend a whole lot of money until you find out if you’re going to like it and keep up with it. You can invest a lot of money in fly fishing. I’ll help them and guide them the right way with dealers to find what’s best for what they’re going to fish for.”

Bower has seen the beginner arrive after throwing out big sums on gear and outfits before casting the first dry fly in his course.

“You don’t need that to go out there and catch fish,” he said.

“It doesn’t have to be a rich man’s sport. You can do it affordably. Once you have your basic gear, it doesn’t really cost much other than your gas and your fishing license to go out there and enjoy yourself.”

Flying fishing has undergone another 21st century change, it appears. More teenage girls are showing an interest, arriving with either mother or father to learn the art.

Bower tailors his float trips to the paying customers. That means a brief outing of three to four hours, which would cover up to 4 miles, or the more challenging dusk-to-dawn trip.

“This is not for the weak of heart,” Bower warns. “It’s a long day. If you sign up, I’m not going to let you take a nap any way through it. If you’re going to get me out there that long, you’re going to have to fish hard. I’ve seen people laying on the floor, arms falling off at the end of that day. I’ve also seen people catch 100-plus smallmouth a day on the New River, which is awesome.”

Nor is the river a place to stay attached to the aids of modern technology.

“I’ve see my corporate business types have their Blackberrys out, and the first five minutes see them shaking them this way and holding them up, trying to get service, and 30 minutes later, that thing is in the bottom of the dry bag,” he said.

“They’ve got a cigar lit and a cold drink open. Their feet are kicked up and they’re having a blast. It doesn’t take long when you’re fishing to lose all that technology.”

For Reservationg Call:304-575-5252
www.profishwv.com