West Virginia

[jmako]

Planning our next fly fishing trip. Tossed a dart and it landed in West Virginia. My little bit of research leads me to the Elk River. But I am wondering now if any of you guys on this forum are familiar with West Virginia and can give me can some help picking places to fish and perhaps where to stay.

Thanks for any help.

[Byron haugh]

jmako,
How about tossing the dart more towards the Yellowstone Area. Many different rivers and streams to pick from. LOL.

[jmako]

Just got back from your neck of the woods in September. Had a great time and really envious of what you folks in Montana have!

[djo]

Just remember -- while I West Virginia -- don't drink the water.

[Byron haugh]

djo

Do you happen to know a guy named Michael in Ames.
I used to live in Des Moines a long time ago.

[gerri]

Hi jmako,
we have a cabin in the northeastern panhandle of WVa. and you are on target with the elk river. Most of the streams in Randolph County are very good. The water problems are not in Randolph county as it is northeast of Charleston and the other 8 affected counties. As far as accomodations go, the state parks all have very nice lodges with amenities for non-fishers to enjoy. Canaan Valley is home to 4 ski resorts and the Lodge at that state park has just undergone a 20 million dollar renovation. They have also added a shooting clay range and upgraded the golf courses and ski lifts. The elk is within driving distance as is the upper Potomac (which flows into western Maryland and then all the way to DC and the Chesapeake Bay) which has a thriving trout fishery with brookies, browns, rainbows, cutthroats and tiger trout. The west probably has a lot to offer but WVa ain't so bad of a choice. Lots of really nice folks there.

[rizeye]

a big chemical spill just happened on the elk. check out the savage or north br. Potomac r. the new river has some of the best smallie fishing in the east.

[gerri]

According to my reliable sources the chemical spill occurred around Charleston and Is not affecting the upper Elk.

[dunfly]

Anyone ever heard of Gary Ransbottom? He is an Orvis guide in the area around Glady Fork. Is he still guiding?

[pillcaster]

go to this site
http://www.wvangler.com/

Then go to message board and sign up. Post your question and I bet you will get 20 responses and 3 or 4 private messages from guides, maybe even the one you are asking about. I know one of the Elk fly shop guys posts there regularly. I had a chance to meet him a couple years ago, very informative.