THE AGENDA HAS CHANGED IN A GOOD WAY - SEE THE RED TEXT FOR CHANGES - LEAVE A COMMENT! See you very soon!
(*Rochelle has pointed out that I shouldn't really call this a Bachelor Party: 1. because there are no strippers involved, 2. even if we weren't getting married, I still would be planning this trip and 3. every time I want to get together with my guy friends to be manly, have beers, catch something and eat it, I call it a Bachelor party. I guess she has a point, but I'm still going to call it that, and you can too if you want)
Backpacking, trout, good friends, what else could be missing? (OK Art, but I'll be sure to bring a sketchbook and camera). I am excited to post the info about the trip and I hope we can all make it work. I know everyone (Blair and my brother Dan for example) won't be able to make it, and some may have to head home early, but we can still make it a blast! Greg and Sean are in 100% for fishing and camping; Shad is in for the camping (he said, "the only fishing I will be doing is fishing a cold beer out of the creek"). Let me know as soon as you can, so I can make the proper arrangements with Aaron and Emily, who are letting us meet at their place in Lewisberg, WV before we head to the wilderness. I have provided some motivational photos from my last backpacking trip there with Aaron, Jason Walker and Shad last spring. This will be my first fishing excursion on one of the top 3 trout rivers in WV, and top 10 below New England. I have provided initial details below the photos, so you can know what is required (permits, equipment, etc.)
There are numerous large campsites for 2-4 tents like this one near the river - and obviously, campfires are permitted (but they don't have to be that freakin big).
A view upstream of the North fork of the Cranberry - as you can see, plenty of room to cast and this river is full of Rainbows and Brown trout. It is a cold water river that holds trout all year long. (But it is also stocked in winter and spring)
A view down stream of the Cranberry, in a more wooded section - I've seen guys filling up their stringers in sections like this!
This is one of the larger tributaries that holds native brook trout for you purists, certain areas are open to harvest if you are interested in keeping some for dinner - I hear they are the tastiest of the WV trout, but much smaller.
For those of you more interested in Hiking, day hikes can be planned and the environments are AMAZING! The river flows through the heart of the Cranberry Wilderness, with well over 100 miles of trails - at this time of year - you can be the first person to be up on top of some of those mountains this calendar year- there are Alpine forests with fairytale moss a foot thick and trees growing right out of it on top of rocks like this. Cranberry also has the southern most Tundra environment in North America - Unusual wildlife like carnivorous plants are located there! Circuit hikes of 5-35 miles can be made from our base camp. Its a great place to hike and take photos.
DATES: Saturday March 31st - Wednesday April 4.
PRELIMINARY TIME-LINE: THE AGENDA HAS CHANGED:
FRIDAY, MARCH 30TH: Meet at Aaron's by9 or 10 - Adam, sean and I will be there hopefully by 8 or so (maybe 7:30, its about 245 miles from DC), get our gear together, We will eat dinner there(I say we bring the food and beer since Aaron and Emily are offering up their place for the night) and party it up a bed by midnightish (I CAN ALWAYS HOPE to be up early!Saturday March 31st:rise early, eat LEAVE BY
9 AM and drive to CW (about 35 miles or an hour and fifteen minutes drive on back roads from Aarons) - check in at ranger station, fill out back country permits, HIKE IN 3-5 MILES ON A GENTLY SLOPING FOREST ROAD THAT IS CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC. Set up camp, fish a lot for me or hike and then have dinner and celebrate.
Sunday April 1: Do what you want! - Fish, sleep in, hang around camp, do a day hike, or all of the above - we all hang out for dinner and the party continues around the campfire.
Monday April 2: Do what you want! - Fish, sleep in, hang around camp, do a day hike, or all of the above
some people may leave today, Aaron will be meeting those remaining to stay until Wednesday- we all hang out for dinner and the party continues around the campfire.
Tuesday April 3: Do what you want! - Fish, sleep in, hang around camp, do a day hike,
some people may leave today or all of the above - we all hang out for dinner and the party continues around the campfire. Do some preliminary packing for the hike back.
Wednesday April 4: I plan to get up early and fish this last morning, then pack up my stuff and hike out - we need to leave the wilderness by 1 or 2pm to get back at a reasonable time so people can go to work on Thursday.
$ LICENSES AND PERMITS:
If you want to fish, here are the costs associated with it and the way to get you license (your responsibility)- let me know who is fishing so I can put the trout tackle kits together for you - In order to do that, I need to know who is fishing no later than FRIDAY, MARCH 9.
IMPORTANT NOTE:If you do not have a license, you can not hang out with the guys who are fishing while they are fishing, even if you don't have a rod - we can all hang out at the campsite, meet up for lunch, hike together, etc. - but the regulations are clear and there are park rangers/game wardens there. For this reason, we also cannot fish at the campsite.
Back Country Permit for the wilderness: FREE
WV NON-RESIDENT FISHING LICENSE: total cost:
$66 (including the transaction fee for online purchase) This license is good for one year. There is a one day license that is $3, but you would need to purchase all of the required stamps anyway, so that one day would cost $34. Here is a list of the required stamps and the website - Be sure to purchase all required stamps.
Trout stamp: $15
Conservation/Law enforcement stamp: $12
Annual License: $35
National Forest Stamp: $2 (Cranberry Wilderness is located in Monongahela National Forest)
Online Transaction Fee: $2
PURCHASE LICENSE
HEREJohn's Special tackle box: I know most of you are not trout fishermen (although we will have some serious fishermen who know all the basics) - by buying lures in semi-bulk packages I can save you a ton of money - As your guide I will put together a small tackle box of lures that I know catch fish from experience (It is up to you to catch them though) I will also include one or two lures that I have tied myself as part of this package - I will list the things you will need to pick up below under required gear (you can get that stuff from bass pro shops or Dicks sporting goods).
I need to know if you want this box of lures no later than March 9. If you purchase this you will have lures for your next trip (provided you don't lose all of them).
Cost: $30 or so depending on the number of guys who want it - I highly recommend this as the way to go.
IF YOU DON'T WANT TO FISH: I know this seems like a lot of money - so you don't have to fish, not everyone will be, and there is plenty to do if you choose not to, don't let the $ cut you out of the trip - it will be fun! If you do get your license, I will surely be fishing in WV again this year, so you can come along and get more action out of the license. Look at it this way - if you went on a pro-guided fishing trip in WV or out west, you still have to buy the license and you would pay $150-$250 per day - my trip is a steal.
REQUIRED GEAR AND SUPPLIES: This is for everyone - we can work out the details of who brings what, the personal gear is on your own. Add a comment to let me know what you have - we'll work that out once we figure out who is going. I know between us we have all of this gear (I have at least one of everything)
GROUP GEAR:3-4Tents (no leaky tents - you'll freeze)
2-3 tarps
3 sets of cooking gear (lightweight pots/pans and utensils)
2-3 backpacking stoves and fuel
3-4 water pumps/filters
6-10 collapsible water containers (platypus brand is great)
2-3 packable saws (for deadfall only - don't worry Blair, we won't chop down trees)
Group food (we'll figure this out later, and yes I plan on eating fish, but its never a guarantee)
2-3 bear bags (Ziploc makes a super strong bag that is 24"x24", they come in packs of 5)
150lb nylon cord (for bear bags and tying tarps)
2-3 first aid kits
2 trowels/ pack shovels (there are pit toilets about every 1/2-1 mile in most sections along river)
PERSONAL GEAR:1. Backpack and pack cover to keep it dry
2. 20 degree or colder sleeping bag
3. sleeping pad (thermarest or a cheap foam pad keeps you so much warmer, you'll freeze with out it,ask me if you have questions, I have an extra, but it is bulky)
4. Small daypack or fannypack for dayhikes and to hold fishing gear
5. Rain gear (its April, a few showers are likely, but will not ruin the trip, I think pants are a must and keep out the wind at night, there are inexpensive options, ask me)
6. Clothing: The temps range from 30s-60s everyday, layers are a must, long underwear are required and remember - COTTON KILLS - it doesn't wick moisture or insulate when damp so you will be wet and cold), light snow is possible - Lightweight, packable gear is best, no bulky insulated parkas.
7.Hiking boots (you may also want to bring a pair of sandals, crocs or light tennis shoes for wearing around the camp)
8. Gloves and warm hat: leather work gloves from the hardware store home depot keep hands warm and let you move hot stuff on the fire (ski gloves don't seem as useful, but can work)
9. SHARP pocket knife
10. A cup for coffee and tea as well as a bowl or plate to eat from, also fork and spoon
11. Water bottle(s)
12. Personal food for lunches and snacks such as GORP or power bars
13. WOOL SOCKS (several pairs)
14. Toilet paper, biodegradable soap, and pack towel or a towel cut smaller
REQUIRED FISHING GEAR: fishermen only
1.Ultralight or light action SPINNING rod and reel (your big catfish/bass rig won't work with the light lures and the small fish - it will only cause frustration) - I have one extra ultralight set-up and one extra light action set up (not quite as good). First-come first serve - let me know - but I recommend buying your own if you can. You can spend $35 to $50 or more for a set-up that will work and last you if you take care of it. I have recommendations for this
here,
here, and
here. Read the reviews for a clear idea of the quality. A one piece rod is sturdy and is responsive but you have to carry it when packing in, a two or three piece rod is packable (you can use the tube they mail it in to strap it to your pack with bungees, or buy an ultralight rod case) . You can also just hit Dicks or bass pro shops. If you want to purchase one, I can help with any questions: BE SURE TO GET THE ULTRA-LIGHT
SPINNING MODELS. IF PURCHASING ONLINE ORDER 3 WEEKS IN ADVANCE TO AVOID HIGHER SHIPPING COSTS AND ANY SHIPPING SNAFU's.
Mike picked up an Ultralight Pflueger rod/reel combo from Dicks.2.Metal stringer to keep your fish fresh and in the water until back at camp (get at local tackle shop, dicks or the hardware store if you live in the country)
3. Berkely "VANISH" fluorocarbon fishing line - 4lb test - If you don't know how, don't put it on the reel yet - I will put it on for you at Aaron's- I have a reel spooler that prevents line twist and a bunch of headaches. They come in 115 yd spools or 250yd spools (the 250 will give you extra in case your line gets all twisted and you have to put new line on, the 115 will do one reel)
4. Toenail or fingernail clippers (for cutting line, knives suck at this)
5. 3-4 cheap caribeaners from home depot or hardware store for attaching gear to yourself
6. fingerless wool gloves are highly recommended, get in the hunting/fishing dept at SG store
7.Polarized sunglasses help you see into the water - totally worth it - don't have to be expensive, just make sure they say "polarized" Lighter lenses are more versatile in low light
8. Waterproof chest waders, hip waders or knee boots* Optional but helpful for getting to the trout and unsnagging lures, felt soles don't slip on wet rocks - you don't have to have them and they add 4-8lbs to your pack and a lot of bulk (they have to be strapped to the outside of your pack) - so it is up to you, I'm bringing mine - ask me for help if you want to pick some out
9. Fillet knife is helpful, we need a few but everyone does not need one - but - you catch em - you clean em - I'll show you how or check
here10.Trout net not required unless catch and release fishing, but can help for bigger fish or if wading- bulk is the only problem ask me for advice
11. Fishing forceps are
very helpful for getting hooks out of the fish's mouth or for straighting bent hooks look
here, or you can get a pair of extra long needle nose pliers ( forceps are lighter, more inexpensive, work better, and don't rust; but you may have the others already in your tool box)
12. Your daypack or fanny pack to put gear and a water bottle in, or a fly-fishing vest (Vests can be expensive, they are nice because everything is at your fingertips, but don't go out and buy one just for the trip - Matt gave me mine, but otherwise, I probably wouldn't have bought it, but am glad I have it)
11. PATIENCE - this is required and its free!
IN CLOSING: As you can see I am so excited about this and I have already put a ton of time into the planning. There are still details to be figured out, but I think I have covered the basics. I will be using this blog as the "home base" for discussion of the trip, so please post comments and read them as well. Of course you can always call me, so don't hesitate if you have any questions. I am so looking forward to this trip!!!! Fish on dudes!
This was my creel - I should have had one more fatty on there, but somehow the second fish I caught came off the stringer when I went to put the fourth one on. Who knows - I guess His magic was too strong and I wasn't supposed to steal his big fish "medicine". Ha - whatever - it was a great day.
Yes Greg notice I caught them on my hand tied jigs (orange was hot that day), with my new St. Croix rod. It is sweet!
This fish was from Friday - I stopped by the local creek for an hour after work and caught him on a white micro jig I tied. Check out the colors, probably the best coloration on any rainbow I've caught - beautiful stuff.
So what do you do if one of your buddies gets out of the hospital for stay longer than he would like? You talk him into driving HIS car into George Washington National Forest on a sketchy 4WD only road covered in ice and snow. We saw a bunch of rainbows and a brown or two, "tickling the ice" as I like to call it - Mike hooked into a small rainbow, but lost it. We got skunked, but the "ninja" image of Mike was worth the post - Fish on Mike!
This is a sample ninja fishing hole in Passage Creek - normally, all of the flat area you see without trees is flowing water, and I am standing on the ice while taking this photo (don't worry - I'm wearing waders and it is less than 18" deep here.
Warmer days on Linden Pond, a slab of a sunfish on a 3 inch popper.
(*Rochelle has pointed out that I shouldn't really call this a Bachelor Party: 1. because there are no strippers involved, 2. even if we weren't getting married, I still would be planning this trip and 3. every time I want to get together with my guy friends to be manly, have beers, catch something and eat it, I call it a Bachelor party. I guess she has a point, but I'm still going to call it that, and you can too if you want)
There are numerous large campsites for 2-4 tents like this one near the river - and obviously, campfires are permitted (but they don't have to be that freakin big).
A view upstream of the North fork of the Cranberry - as you can see, plenty of room to cast and this river is full of Rainbows and Brown trout. It is a cold water river that holds trout all year long. (But it is also stocked in winter and spring)
A view down stream of the Cranberry, in a more wooded section - I've seen guys filling up their stringers in sections like this!
This is one of the larger tributaries that holds native brook trout for you purists, certain areas are open to harvest if you are interested in keeping some for dinner - I hear they are the tastiest of the WV trout, but much smaller.
For those of you more interested in Hiking, day hikes can be planned and the environments are AMAZING! The river flows through the heart of the Cranberry Wilderness, with well over 100 miles of trails - at this time of year - you can be the first person to be up on top of some of those mountains this calendar year- there are Alpine forests with fairytale moss a foot thick and trees growing right out of it on top of rocks like this. Cranberry also has the southern most Tundra environment in North America - Unusual wildlife like carnivorous plants are located there! Circuit hikes of 5-35 miles can be made from our base camp. Its a great place to hike and take photos.
Monkey is checking out the three rainbows I pulled in Friday after work. Trout stocking began Friday at Accotink Creek and I managed to make it there for the last two hours of daylight on my way home from work- the air temp was just about freezing, maybe a little less by the time I left. It sure isn't fishing in the mountains (the stocked trout are bigger here and you are fishing almost elbow to elbow with guys, but they are all a trip). I fished one hole that had a ton of trout in it. It was too cold for spinners so I got these guys on jigs fished under a bobber. I CAUGHT ONE ON A MINI JIG I TIED - WOO HOO! Sorry I don't have too many pictures - there was ton of action (As usual, I missed 5-7 trout, one would have gone 2-3lbs, easy), and I was pressured for time.
This was the funniest thing about the trip. I had a trout on and was about to net him, when he made a hard run, pulling my drag. I squatted a bit more and reached, which allowed me to get the fish, but I stuck my ass into the cold water (I was wearing hip waders). The trout still in the hole had a good laugh at me. I'm sure you will too. This made the last hour colder than it needed to be, but thank God for polypropylene underdraws.
Saturday morning I woke up and it was 21 degrees outside so I went fishing. Blair and Greg would be glad to spout off about my "Natural Resource Withdrawal". It may be true, and my response is "Who is actually catching fish, and who is just thinking about it?". I have no problem wearing two pairs of long underwear in order to catch fish.
I started fishing a little after nine. Yes - it was that cold, that is a frozen spinner, the same thing happened to my line. I had to let the sun come over ridge until I saw a fish, they were a bit dormant and keeping under the ice ledges.
Once it warmed up, this is the upper part of the hole I caught two fish in (after several hours of thawing). I crept so slowly as not to spook the fish and I sight fished the whole day. I watched each trout I caught take the lure (and more often than not pass it by) I fished this one hole for close to three hours as I watched trout come and go.
The two rainbows caught came from the above hole. I caught them on two different plastic jigs. I had to horse them up onto the ice to pull them in (yes thats ice at the bottom), it was too far to net them.
My creel for the day, two Rainbows and a Brown, the Brown (at top) came from just above the previous hole. I crept up on him and two other trout, within 10 feet in the middle of the creek, calf deep in the water and watched him chase the spinner a few feet and then another cast caught him chasing hard and he took it about 5 feet from me. the other two wouldn't look at anything I threw.
What a great, yet tough day of fishing, I worked for those fish. I only ran into a few other fisherman. I was the only one who caught anything. This is a view upstream of where I decided to hike back to the road, theres another few miles of this section of the creek, I only covered about a mile. Ah, more left to explore. Tight lines.
