North branch of the potomac Barnum, WV 3/2/17

[ryansheehan]

Fished 3 hard hours from 12-3 on the north branch today. The flow was around 300 cfs, water temp 42 and air temp 32-36. Did not see a single insect the entire time. Managed to land two fish one beautiful 14 inch wild bow and a stocker bow around 12 inches. Both took a small prince nymph. The takes were very, very subtle and I missed another 2 or 3 but it was a tricky day, strike detection was at a premium.

 

[3wt7X]

Thanks for all the updates recently on the Savage and North Branch. It's nice to see the N. Branch below 500 CFS again. Anyone reading this report and looking to head out there for the first time. Be safe wading especially in the cold. Ryan can probably attest, that is one of the most treacherous rivers to wade, especially with elevated flows. It's worth it with the big surprises though.

 

[3oh4]

I to this day don't know how I fished the Branch without a wading staff.

Ryan you hit some crazy weather patterns the last couple days, a two fish day on the Branch this time of year is nothing to be ashamed of that is for sure. Great Reports.

 

[ryansheehan]

Ageed, studs and a staff are a must. The Branch also tears up wading boots, alot of pressure from all the angles your foot takes as you slide down giant rocks with your studs digging in.

 

[3oh4]

My Simms Vapor completely blew out after taking a beating on the Branch last year. Had to go back to the heavy Freestones this year hopefully they hold up.

 

[Canoetripper]

I have never fished there but I am member on WVAngler.com
Everyone there says that the north branch is a tough wading place to fish.