2011 VA Fly Fishing Festival

On the 15th of April, I had the pleasure to be invited by Cory Routh (Ruthless Fishing), and join his girlfriend, his partner, Mark Lozier, and his father in Waynesboro VA.  Mark and I rode up there, and after checking out a few really cool stores (Dominion Outdoors and Rockfish Gap) we hit some newly opened water on the South River.  Growing up in Colorado, I would not consider the stretch of river I was on a "Trout River", but it was nice to get out anyways.  After some minor bushwhacking, I found a few promising holes and runs.  This was not my day, but I was happy to get a fish on my Scott 4wt.

Not the greatest, but a small creek chub.

Mark and I only fished for a few minutes before we met Cory and Kelly for lunch, set up the booth and had some beers and BBQ.  These events formed the new PBR Fly Fishing Team (not affiliated with PBR... yet)

L-R (Me, Frank Bandy, Larry Routh, Cory Routh, Mark Lozier)

This was the calm before the storm.  On the 15th, the river was a bit high, but fishable.  During the night on, and throughout the day on Saturday, the rain was relentless, causing some severe flooding of the river.  This put an end to the fishing, but it could have been a lot worse.  Saturday was spent driving around, eating and drinking copious amounts of coffee.  It was a great way to make the best of some crappy weather.  Saturday evening, a prime rib dinner was put on for the vendors of the show, which again, I felt fortunate to be a part of.  After dinner, PBR's and Speyburn were flowing outside the hotel, while BS'ing about fish and life ended the evening.

Sunday morning came with mixed blessings.  Unfortunately this was the last day of what was to be a great time with great friends.  On the plus side, the weather broke, and more people came out.  I was fortunate to befriend Frank Bandy from Tar River Paddle Sports, who is setting up his abbreviated display (note he was originally set up behind the river, which was behind him, underwater).

During the day, I did some shopping, and took in a living legend.  I attended two sessions of a casting seminar held by the legendary Lefty Kreh.  I was able to talk to him throughout the weekend, and was truly humbled in his presence (the guy is a trip)!  I also got one of his books personally autographed, and will be something I hope to pass in the future.

Lefty casting

Lefty teaching

 Cory and Mark did get to enjoy some of the festivities, but both did what they do best...  Work a crowd.

Cory discussing some skinny water tactics

Watching the two of them work taught me more in one day than I would have learned in months about the fishing industry.

We also had a visit by the Rich's, which was a great time.  I cant wait to fish with y'all in the future.

Mark, Vicki, and Don

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.  I wanted to get some more time on the river in, as well as some more pictures of the scenery, but it was not meant to be.  Even though things did not work as planned, it was still one of the best weekends I have had in some time.  Thanks Cory for the great times.