On the first cool, crisp morning of the fall, Charles and I headed up the rutted road that led to the headwaters of the lovely Rapidan. Arriving at the Meeting Pool, we chatted with three visitors from Korea who had come to hike along the scenic trail that led to Herbert Hoover’s Rapidan Camp - a short distance downhill from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Charles and I headed downstream at a nice, leisurely pace and breathed in the Autumn air. For the next couple of hours we took turns fishing alternate pools as we worked our way back upstream. We noticed a few mayflies here and there but no signs that the trout were actually looking up and taking them. Nonetheless we decided to fish dry flies and settled on a size 14 Stimulator as an attractive pattern that could be easily spotted by the brookies and the eyes of senior citizens as well.
We used our favorite cane rods on this historic little river where President Hoover had fished his Hardy “Marvel”. My rod was similar to Hoover’s as it was 7 and a half feet long and limber and slow in action. It was made for me by Bob Nunley of Poteau, Oklahoma. Bill Harms made the 7 foot 4 inch quadrate rod that Charles chose to fish the Rapidan on this lovely day.
We fished through the early afternoon and raised a fish or two in nearly every run, pocket and pool. Most of the beautiful little brook trout were too quick for our reflexes but we did manage to bring a couple of them to hand for a moment’s admiration and a gentle release.
Come see me in the White River Fly Shop at Bass Pro Shops – Ashland, VA!
Michael C. Simon
Brook Trout Basics Trout Fishing Great Smoky Mountain National Park
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