Smith River W/ Ben's Beetle

I had a little time to spare before helping theVDGIF "shock" sample the Smith River (last week of July 2009) so decided to try some foam beetles sent to me by my good buddy Ben who drives all the way from South Carolina on a regular basis just to fish the Smith. Most of you know that I am not much of a top water fisherman but after listening to Ben talk about his beetle I figured I owed it a try.

Generation out of Philpott Dam for the past week has been 1-7pm which does not leave much time for fishing the evening hatch. It was 7:30 Monday evening before I dared to step in the water about 200 yards downstream of the dam. Those of you who have not experienced the fog bank coming off the water right after generation during the heat of summer owe it to yourselves to try it. That 44 degree water is also pretty bracing - Wet wading would not be a good choice.

I had only made a few casts to straighten my line when a very nice brown made a big splash as it mistook Ben's beetle for the real thing.

I really wanted to fish further downstream so jumped back in my truck and drove to a spot I knew held a lot of fish (As was shown by the sampling that could be any spot on the Smith). The water was still falling, so once again I was forced to wait. At about 8 o'clock I stepped in and was rewarded with another nice brown

I did not move more then 25 feet before 7 fish were fooled by Ben's beetle - Some of them were pretty nice ones.

One thing I did notice was a lot of the fish were just getting down stream of the beetle and opening their mouth as it floated to them. No fancy splashes, just sipping them in. With the fog and failing light I several times I did not realize I had a fish on until I went to make my next cast ( A purists probably would not have counted the blind strikes but I did anyway)

The following morning I arrived at the first sampling site behind the Mirror Factory about an hour earlier then the appointed time for the DGIF arrival. I donned my waders, grabbed my rod and headed downstream to the beginning of the sampling area. It took awhile and I was about to switch to my favorite nymph but Ben's beetle finally came through. They came fairly regular in the 100 yard stretch we would soon be sampling.

Last fish was caught just as the DGIF crew was setting up at 10:30. It was a nice one and it was also one of those "sippers" which did not reveal itself until I went to make my next cast.

So there you have it. It was a good experiment and gives me one more trick in my flybox. With my llieworm and Ben's Beetle we have them covered top to bottom.

Contributed by: Albert Kittredge

A Marvelous Manifestation

Why then the fog...thick cloud blankets of mystery that hide the rivers face
does it also bare the rivers soul ?
For some, the fog is only there, only a cover, but some see what lies within, what mystery, what possibilities, as the fog settles upon its humble river spirit...

The Smith has many faces; haven for trout, clean fresh supply for our daily water needs, a paddlers playground...and the keeper of the mist....


The chilly 45 degree waters from the bottom of Philpott lake are unleashed in a mighty rush of power as hydro electric generation supplies our daily energy hunger, free to course through the mighty arteries that pump this life blood through the heart of our basin... the essence of life, washing clean the transgressions of the previous days heat.

As this torrent of frigid water subsides, the collision with the tepid summer air creates the famous "Smith River Fog"

Just a simple matter of physical properties, of temperature and humidity...or maybe it's perhaps a spiritual reminder of generations long gone and the river that sustained them, a hint at our past and a glimpse of our future. Maybe a promise of renewal and hope.

It brings a beauty and serenity to our stressed out, hyper-paced, digital lives. At the very least, it should serve as a tangible reminder of the vigilance and determination we all must endure in the protection of this gift, this natural resource, this emerald treasure.


Share your "foggy' stories and misty pictures.
What does it mean to you ?
Send us your best river fog scene or short story and we'll put here to share
Send pics to bwilliams@danriver.org

The fog takes...the fog gives: By Barbara Parker

Smallmouth on the Smith

July 4th, Smallies !

A beautiful and "scrappy" smallmouth bass being released back into the river

On Saturday, Darrin and I headed out to the Smith River to do some fishing and take a few pictures. We also had to try out his new canoe, a used 15 ft. Buffalo he'd just bought a few weeks ago. Trout are usually our number one priority but today we set our sites on Smallmouth. For this trip, we’d be running the lower Smith somewhere between Martinsville and the Dan River. I’d tell you where, but its top secret !

I can tell you it was a really beautiful section of river with no access points for at least 7.5 miles. We had enough water to make it down the river without getting hung up on any of the numerous small rapids and gravel bars. So we dropped off a truck at the take out point and then got on the water by 3:30. I’m familiar with most of this particular section of river and had previously fished it for smallies. The first hole we came too, I told Darrin, “there’s usually one or two right here” No sooner had I got the words out of my mouth when Darrin hooked up with the first bronze-back of the day, and it was a nice one.

The "bronze-back" flash of a nice smallmouth is seen just under the surface as Darrin brings him to the boat.

Man them smallies can put up a fight !. Our plan of attack was to run downstream and catch an eddy, turn into the current and make a few cast before drifting on through each hole. It wasn’t long before we realized that we would never be able to cover all the good water we were seeing so we kept up a fairly good pace only stopping briefly at each site.. The smallies were cooperating and we had plenty of action with lots of chunky bronze beauties, all of which we released back into the river.

This section of the Smith is remote and the scenery is outstanding. It’s a little run section due to lack of access points but it certainly deserves high marks for rock outcrops and gravel bars. We picked up a few nice redbreast and a rock bass as well, but our main objective was smallmouth... and we were not disappointed.

Another chunky smallmouth is released

I knew we’d be close to dark getting off the river but about 2 miles before our take out, Jenn called to report that she was having car trouble on 220, so we started paddling to get to the bridge as soon as we could. We had to pass up a lot of great water...I kept trying to pick up my rod and cast but Darrin would say, "just keep paddling". We still had to get the canoe out and up a steep bank before getting back on the road. Its unfortunate that Jenns car broke down but its probably a good thing or we might have been on the river long after dark…or at least till the smallies quit biting ! Darrin did call later that evening to report they all made it home and the truck had overheating due to a bad thermostat. Oh well, we got a great excuse to go back now...there's lots of good looking water we missed...course, we'll probably be out past dark next time too ! (sorry Jenn)

Old Town "Vapor" Kayak Review
by Andy Parker

Barbara, Drew, and I ventured out late Friday afternoon and did the dam to Bassett run with the new boats. I must say, they are extremely comfortable (great seat!), very stable, and maneuverable. A spray skirt would have come in real handy when the river is cool on these evening runs.

(Editors note: On Sunday the Parker's did the Marrowbone to Mitchell Bridge run with their new boats and say the kayaks are doing great and they are pleased with thier performance. They also report that the mountian laurels are in full bloom along the Gravely nature preserve.)

Thanks Andy and Barbara !

Marrowbone to Mitchell Bridge

Over 30 boaters spent a beautiful Saturday morning on a leisurely float down the Smith River from the Marrowbone Creek Access to Mitchell Bridge.

This 3.5-mile "blueway" section of the Smith River Trail is incredibly diverse and scenic, as well as one of the most popular floats for novice and experienced boaters alike. Canoes and kayaks of all shapes and colors cast off at 10:30 a.m. led by Dan River Basin Association President and trip coordinator, Wayne Kirkpatrick, along with volunteer assistance from Charlie Williams, Betty Kirkpatrick, and other DRBA members.

Heading out from Marrowbone Creek into the Smith River, boaters gather at the confluence.
For the first half mile of the trip, the river flows alongside the Gravely Nature Preserve where paddlers enjoyed views of the lush Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel thickets.

Perhaps one of our most popular sections of the Smith River is also one of our most beautiful. Following the "emerald ribbon" past hardwood ridges and over gentle rapids, the meandering flow carries travelers past towering sycamores, beech and river birch, as muskrats dive under water and kingfishers zip upstream calling wildly and searching for their next meal. Trilliums and showy orchids hide alongside a small stream flowing into the river at the far end of the Gravely Nature Preserve, only discovered by the most observant,

while the pinxter azealas hang out over the water, hard to miss with their showy pink blooms, stunning this time of year, but soon they too will yield to green as Spring gives way to Summer.

Henry County, in partnership with the Dan River Basin Association, has made the Smith River accessible to the public over the past two years by building public access points at five new sites along the river, including the Marrowbone Creek Access. There are currently 6 canoe access sites on the Smith River betweem Philpott Dam and the North Carolina line. Several more ramps are needed to allow the public additional access to enjoy and appreciate one of Henry County's greatest natural assets.

The last set of rapids is in site at Long Island and too soon the trip is done.

It seems the trip just got started and now it's time to leave. At Mitchell Bridge, the boaters take out and leave the river behind, some a little more damp than others, with photos and memories of one of Henry County's hidden treasures.

Outings and meetings of the Dan River Basin Association are open to the public without charge. For information on the Dan River Basin Association visit http://www.danriver.org/.

Want to Find a Trout? Call a Buddy!

With 2,800 miles of trout streams, Virginia is rich with coldwater angling opportunities. No matter where you live in the Commonwealth, there's superb trout fishing within a 3-hour drive.

The 2009 Trout Guide is chock full of useful information including maps showing wild trout, special regulation, and stocked waters. www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/trout/. Maps are easily downloaded and cross referenced with DeLorme's or another similar state-wide atlas.

Fish-with-a-Friend programs, wher members guide others on their favorite streams. Call your chapter president and ask about Fish-with-a-Friend or for suggestions regarding great water.

Please, fish ethnically and pradtice cath and release.

Martinsville - Smith River - B.J. Walker, President

434-728-1419 - bjfireresq@embarqmail.com

Article taken from Trout Unlimited

Wildflowers and Wild Trout

If you have been waiting for the first spring wildflowers to show themselves before you officially declare winter is over, then wait no longer, get out and enjoy. It seems like just yesterday there was 6 inches of snow on the ground and now these little jewels can be seen popping up all over the place. If you enjoy these seeing these beautiful little harbingers of spring, now is the time to get out and enjoy them while they last. There annual appearance seems to be the last nail in the coffin for "old man winter" but enjoy them while you can, their appearance can be as fleeting as a rally on wall street.

Darrin Doss called and said he had an itching to go after some native trout on Saturday and thought Rock Castle might be the best place to give it a shot. We could even get the "triple crown" there, a Brown, a Rainbow and a Brookie, and it's close to home. At the very least, Rock Castle is a favorite for photography, and we would be assured incredibly scenic fishing even if we didn't catch a single trout.

Heading over in the early afternoon, we were both wondering whether spring wildflowers were out yet at this elevation. I knew our usual spots for wildflowers in Henry County were already seeing Bloodroot, cut-leaf and spring beauties, but what about over in the gorge, will anything be blooming there yet. We were not to be disappointed and both of us were regretting not bringing our good cameras since we had opted for taking along our small "point and shoots." After all, the primary purpose of the trip was fishing right?

Rock Castle is a very popular spot for hikers, scouts, birders, photographers and the fly fishermen. The parking area off CC Camp Road is small, so on a beautiful day, be prepared to find a creative way to fit your vehicle in a spot. We squeezed in as best we could and stepped out to be greeted with the chilly mountain air which meant a few more layers were going to be needed for this trip. After gearing up and heading into the woods, we were reminded why this is such a popular area. It's incredibly gorgeous. It's only about 45 minutes from Martinsville and the scenery is worth the drive. Spring was just showing itself with tiny yellow and white buds peeking out on a few of the early blooming trees and shrubs and a hint of green as new leaves began to show. Just a few yards up the trail and we were greeted with a bankside covered in bloodroot, their brilliant white star blooms on fragile succulent stalks, rising up through the dead leaves and relegating winter to a distant memory. It was going to be a good day for wildfowers, I was wondering if the trout were to be as cooperative.

The plan was to hike in deeper up the gorge and fish the upper waterfall pools, working our way back downstream at dusk. It's really hard to pass up those first beautiful emerald green pools that beckon with deep green recesses under the rhododendron and rock outcrops. The plans changed, and we decided to just hit the good spots on the way up.

Darrin and I are about the same when it comes to our tactics, and we will continue to work a pool that we know holds fish, regardless of whether they cooperate. A fun way to fish these challenging waters when you are with someone else is to leap frog upstream. One goes in below a good spot and the other heads upstream and works their way back. You fish towards each other until you cover a section of stream...then head up the trail and start over in the next likely spot. This way you get to fish close and see the other's catch, or lack of, but still cover the stream without getting in each others way. This is not the Smith River where you can stand side by side and walk upstream covering both banks. Fishing here is a real challenge, and you really never get much of a cast, only a flip of the rod, which sometimes even puts your fly where it needs to be.

Darrin slipped in below the first pool and I worked my way upstream and then down to the upper pool. Making the first hook-up of the day, I pulled in a typical Rock Castle sized brown. "Hey Darrin, could these trout be any smaller," I called out. Darrin reminded me that , "Hey, if we were trying to catch big trout, we wouldn't have come over here!" True.

The creek was running large with springtime snow and rainfalls contributing to the volume. At least there was good water to fish, but I think the trout had plenty of food to choose from and so they were not as anxious as during low water times.

Further up the stream I caught the second fish of the day and this time it was a tiny, little rainbow. These fish are really small, but if you think you need big fish to have fun, you are missing the point. Just fooling these little wild trout in these gin clear waters can be quite a challenge.

Fishing finally took a backseat to wildflowers, and we began to stop more frequently along the banks. Getting out of the stream at one spot, we noticed the area was covered with Virginia Bluebells some already starting to bloom, that was a treat.

Trout fishing in these tiny mountain streams and photographing wildflowers both employ some of the same techniques....only the bloodroots are easier to sneak up on than trout!

Darrin gets close to his subject!

Latter in the day, Darrin worked a small hole for 25 minutes with 6 different flies before finally pulling in another little rainbow. We never got very far up the creek, just a little past the campground, and we didn't get the "triple crown" today, but just being here and watching the woods wake up to spring was more than enough.

This place is special. One of those Southern Virginia gems hidden away just enough, enjoyed and protected but still accessible to most anyone willing to make the journey.

Now is the time to get out and enjoy the beauty of what early spring offers in our neck of the woods. Don't put it off by waiting for the perfect day, or warmer temperatures, the wildflowers wait for no one.

Article by: Brian Williams

Photos by: Darrin Doss and Brian Williams

Edited and posted by: Vicky Thomas