Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 10, 1994 TAG: 9403100072
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BILL COCHRAN
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Thomas Jefferson Chapter of Trout Unlimited has been stocking a stretch of Moorman's River in Albemarle County every other week this winter, and they aren't keeping the fun to themselves. For a modest $15 annual permit anyone can fish the river.
"We have been selling $15 permits as fast as we can, and when we do, we just run around and buy more fish," said Jim Brewer, a Trout Unlimited member and owner of Jim's Fly & Tackle in Charlottesville.
This is a fly-fishing, release-your-catch program that has been attracting anglers from as far away as the Tidewater area. It's so good, Brewer wonders why the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries doesn't duplicate its success.
"The game department should open its eyes,"' he said. "If our little chapter can do this and get that kind of response, there are worlds of other streams where it can be done."
For a permit, send $15 to Jim's Fly & Tackle, 1301 Seminole Trail, Charlottesville 22901 or call (804) 978-7112.
Virginia is one of the top trout-farming states in the nation, which means there are numerous opportunities to fish heavily stocked private streams and ponds for a fee. Paul Beaudoin, who operates Big Pine Trout Farm in Craig County, believes these are ideal places to teach people how to fish for trout.
Beaudoin offers free lessons on everything from casting to cooking your catch during seminars he calls "From Pond to Pan." One runs 9-11 a.m. Saturday. Register by calling (703) 864-5555.
West Virginia has a year-round trout season, which attracts numerous anglers from Virginia who are tired of waiting for opening day. There are plenty of put-and-take streams, where stocking has been conducted in earnest since early February, but for fishermen seeking a quality experience the special-regulations sections of the Cranberry and Elk rivers are tough to top. Both are in Pocahontas County, which borders Virginia's Bath County.
New this year are two catch-and-release areas on the Cranberry and fly fishing-only sections on the North Fork of the Cranberry and Dogway Fork of the Cranberry. Dogway has been closed to fishing for five years as part of a research project.
This is backwoods country, reached by hiking, biking and horseback riding, where fabled trout fishing is making a comeback following problems with acid water.
The Elk River begins near Snowshoe and heads toward Webster Springs, offering nearly 20 miles of trout fishing.
\ TURKEY TALK: Sportsmen who attend a banquet Friday for the Roanoke Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will get to dine with the national organization's newest board member, Sherry Crumley of Botetourt County.
The fact that Crumley was elected by an impressive margin during the federation's annual convention in Memphis, Tenn., is a tribute to her interest in introducing youngsters and women to the outdoors. She is vice president of Bowing Enterprises/Trebark Camouflage, a company based in Roanoke County that she operates with her husband, Jim.
The Roanoke banquet, held to raise funds for wild turkey research and habitat projects, begins at 6 p.m. at the Airport Marriott. Tickets may be purchased at On Target, Trebark Outfitters, Blue Ridge Sporting Supplies, Valley Gun and Star City Archery.
\ STILL SKIING: As the ski season heads toward mid-March, some Virginia and West Virginia resorts are reporting bases of more than 80 inches. Late-season conditions are so impressive that The Homestead, which was scheduled to close March 6, has extended its season through Sunday. Other resorts say they plan to operate into April.
Snowshoe has scheduled freestyle mogul competition Saturday, with $2,000 in prizes.
\ BEAR FACTS: If you've ever wanted to hunt bear in Maine or Canada, guide Wayne Bosowicz will be available to give you the facts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Trebark Outfitters.
by CNB