Roaring Run, Champion, PA...

[Scott_Russell]

Ladies and gentlemen, greetings. I'm a new member, a fly angling resident of the Commonwealth of Virginia. My dear friend rents a cabin, primarily used while skiing at Seven Springs. He has invited me to consider visiting to fly fish. I am asking directly, would any of you nice people please improve my awareness, familiarity, and knowledge with the particular area?

He and I will need "out-of-state" licenses, of course. But, we would like to know anything you, out there, might share, within of course, the boundaries of proprietary intel. We are not asking your secrets, just direction regarding flies, fish, etc.

Anything will be appreciated.

Thanks, in advance.

Yours in fly angling,

Scott Russell

 

[PennKev]

Do you fish small stream trout in VA?

It's the same thing here...

 

[Acristickid]

When? When is the trip planned? I ask because my recent hike on a nearby ridge has the snow at about 2 feet deep and most of the streams are completely snowed over and frozen. For example; Linn Run had about 10 percent open water.

The yough would be a safe bet- a tail water about 30 min to the south.

 

[Fishidiot]

Welcome Scott,
We're assuming you're planning a winter visit in the ski season (might want to clarify the dates). As A-kid pointed out above, the mountain trout streams are iced over and largely snow bound right now and this will likely persist through the month.

In the meantime, hit the link "Where to Fly Fish" on the upper right side of the page as this will be a good start to your research. You can also search the site Stream Reports by stream name and county.
You'll also need a trout stamp with your non-res license, as you probably know.

 

[Scott_Russell]

Yes, indeed, to all considerations, particularly a non-resi license w/ trout stamp. Also, heavy snow and ice is not part of my idea of fun. I am also wanting to know of any fly shops near to Champion, PA.

I'm guessing any/all flies I would apply to the Rapidan, et-al, would be effective in an appropriate application.

Now, to go when my friend can ski, and I can fly fish, that is our consideration. Thanks, all!

 

[Chaz]

In the high country the weather will be the determining factor for a planned trip to the Seven Springs area. It's been extremely cold throughout PA this winter, and until the end of next week there is no warming trend yet. I expect it to be like last year, a late spring, with some fits and starts, and false starts.
That doesn't mean you won't be able to fish, it just means fish will be difficult while snow is on the ground.
The same flies will work in PA as will work in VA, that really doesn't change, what changes is the time of year you use particular flies. I'd suspect that stone flies will be somewhat late this year and a prolonged hatch will be the order of the day. the small ones are first, # 18, and the larger ones next #12. They are nearly black, so black will work. I use a henryville pattern for both sizes with great effectiveness. Small black midges will catch fish as will BWO's in a #20. All the sub-surface flies will also work.

 

[Scott_Russell]

Excellent intel, indeed! Thank you very much.

 

[riz]

spring is mostly nymph fishing by mid april some hatches do start like the grannom and BWO. Indian cr and laurel hill cr are very close to you and would be worth the time to fish. the yough is close enough to try for a chance at some larger fish.

Check out the fish commission site for info. http://fishandboat.com/gis_maps_help_ESRI.htm

You can get non-resident 1 day licenses also without having to buy the trout stamp

 

[PAgeologist]

There is an Orvis shop in Ligonier which is about 30 minutes away if you are looking for a fly shop.

 

[fayettenamese]

The yough river from ohiopyle and upriver would be the best bet. I live near ohiopyle and I'm there almost every day to run along the bike trail which follows the river. Below ohiopyle, the water moves slower and the ice will be around for a few more weeks. All of the smaller streams around that area are mostly frozen over. When they release water from the dam, it blows off the ice from the upper reaches from the river (above ohiopyle). The steep banks have been treacherous the last few weeks with ice and snow. The rising and falling water levels usually turn the last few feet of bank to ice. I wouldn't recommend going without a partner. I'm there almost every day to run along the bike trail which follows the river. Honestly, I wouldn't even attempt fishing the yough now. If you wait a few weeks, your options could increase exponentially.

 

[BrooksAndHooks]

You can share the love and let me know what to fish on the rapidian etc, I'm taking a trip down there in August.

Most of the moutain streams in that area will be exclusively brookies, but there are a fair number of class A streams in the immediate area which you can find pretty easy on google. South of there is the yough and it's tribs which might also be good fishing, but personally I don't know much about it. There should be some stream data on orvis etc as far as conditions and water temp. I believe it is pretty cold right now and won't be great or productive.

In addition to the brook streams, there are 2 or 3 class A rainbow streams near by which might have a little warmer water. Maybe some locals can tell you if any of these free stones have some open holes.

If you are planning for later in the spring, that would probably be more ideal.

There is a fly shop near cumberland called early rise flies, if you happen to be driving through there on your way. Not exactly close, but like I said, could be on the way depending which way you drive.

Goodluck and tight lines!

I've been planning a trip to the area this winter, but won't be going myself until spring really hits.

 

[Scott_Russell]

BrooksAndHooks...I fished the Rapidan once, 12/26/2014. Used a 12 (maybe...a #14 "Green Meanie") and snagged my first/only brookie. Also used an Elk Hair Caddis, but caught nothing. AS I learn more, I'll let you know. FYI, there is Murray's Fly Shop, http://www.murraysflyshop.com/, you might do well contacting them to advance any intel.
Thank you for the kind words re: my post.

 

[BrooksAndHooks]

Thanks for the tips. I will be hitting a few brookie and one or two brown streams in that area over a few days with the family. Should be fun. That fly shop may have some suggestions as well, thanks for the tip.

 

[Scott_Russell]

Pardon me for not sharing this sooner. In case you need it, or can share it:

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/

Have the best day ever!