TommyLawhorne is theCo-Owner of theSouth River FlyShop indowntownWaynesboro andthe President ofthe ShenandoahValley Chapter ofTrout Unlimited.Tommy beganhis fly-fishingcareer on hishome water ofStoney Creeknear WintergreenVirginia. He began guiding and teaching fly fishingwhile working at Stoney Creek Tackle Companyfrom 1989-1991 and has been guiding, tying fliesand teaching fly fishing and fly tying since thattime. In 1992 Tommy moved from Nelson Countyto Waynesboro and the South River became his

home water.Tommy has

served as theChapterPresident of theShenandoahValley Chapterfrom 2005 to2012 and was re-elected Presidentof the chapterlast fall. Over thepast years he hasworked to installhabitatstructures,remove dams,

and increase public access on the South River. Asa shop owner, fly fishing guide, and avidconservationist, Tommy believes that improvingthe quality of public fisheries and the availabilityof quality waters for public access is one of themost important items for the future of fly-fishing.

www.nvatu.org • The Newsletter of the Northern Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited • September 2017

Improving the Qualityof Public Fisheries

SEPTEMBER MEETING

Honoring New Members

Steven Ashworth, Vienna, VAMark Atherton, Vienna, VABob Barbour, Fairfax, VADavid Barbour, Alexandria, VASamuel Bischak, Alexandria, VABen Bosmary, MechelenEmily Bowman, Arlington, VATrevor Campbell, Alexandria,VAMichael Cannon, Herndon, VAJeffrey Fry, Woodbridge, VANick Halle, Arlington, VANicholas Harrigan, Arlington, VA

Leighton Hasell, Alexandria,VAMichael Holland, Burke, VAPat Macdonald, Ashburn, VAJim McKinney, Alexandria,VAPJ Morelle, Falls Church, VAJan Pickrel, Alexandria, VAJim Preuss, Oakton, VAScott Pohlman, Oakton, VAAndrew Ransom, Arlington, VASusan Reckitt, Arlington, VADavid Schultz, Vienna, VAJake Silvis, Ashburn, VA

We would like to welcome aboard our newest members! We look forward to seeing you at our Chapter events.

DETAILS

September 7, 20176:45 p.m. Fly tyingdemonstration6:45 p.m. Boy Scout MeritBadge group7:30 p.m. Chapter meeting

WHERE

Flame Room of ViennaVolunteer Fire Department,400 Center Street, SE, Vienna.

GETTING THERE

Chain Bridge Road (123)becomes Maple Avenue inVienna. Turn south on CenterStreet. Continue on CenterStreet past the athletic field onthe left; note the fire station onthe left at the intersection withCherry Street. Turn left onCherry and park behind thebuilding. Go in the side doorat the corner of the buildingand proceed up the stairs tothe meeting room.

SEPTEMBER PROGRAM

Tommy LawhorneImpoving public fisheries

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

2: FWAM Trip to Rapidanat Graves Mill (VA) 7: Members Meeting14: Board Meeting, 10306

Eaton Pl., #120 Fairfax30: FWAM Trip to Big

Spring; Self-Guided

WHAT’S COMING OFF

Tommy Lawhorne on the South River.

This trip will be to where the

Rapidan exits the park at Graves

Mill. Water levels are generally

low so we can expect to find

smallmouth, sunfish, fallfish and

a few trout. The park service

biologist has asked us to remove

any brown trout and report it to

them. I can forward those reports

to him. Hippers or waist high

waders are useful given water

depth. Wet

wading will

keep you a lot

cooler.

You can almost

always get away

with a short fly rod,

but when there is

room to cast (and

mend line) a longer

rod is a significant advantage.

As to flies, nothing beats the

action of a wiggle tail. On the list

of streamers is a Zonker and then

a Clouser Minnow. The latter is

perhaps the classic modern

smallmouth pattern. Take

something to imitate a

hellgrammite, either a realistic

pattern or a black Wooly Bugger.

These can also attract brown trout.

A damselfly imitation (Zug

bugs work well) is a great small

fly to use in clear water when fish

are spooky. Also take something

to imitate a crayfish. There are

other species of fish in the river.

Rock bass are one of my favorite

panfish. When you find them,

you can often pick up a fish on

every cast. They have saved more

than one fishing trip for me. They

will hit smallmouth patterns (and

just about anything else!).

The second thing is how you

retrieve your streamers. Most of

us just pitch them across and let

them swing down. When the

streamer gets directly below you

(on the dangle) you retrieve it. To

fish streamers well you must

assume there are fish in the water

and vary your retrieve until you

catch them. Make sure you are

near the bottom at least some of

the time regardless of what

technique you use."

– George Paine

ppafish@hotmail.com

This trip will be to where the

Rapidan exits the park at Graves

Mill. Water levels are generally

low so we can expect to find

smallmouth, sunfish, fallfish and

a few trout. The park service

biologist has asked us to remove

any brown trout and report it to

them. I can forward those reports

to him. Hippers or waist high

waders are useful given water

depth. Wet

wading will

keep you a lot

cooler.

You can almost

always get away

with a short fly rod,

but when there is

room to cast (and

mend line) a longer

rod is a significant advantage.

As to flies, nothing beats the

action of a wiggle tail. On the list

of streamers is a Zonker and then

a Clouser Minnow. The latter is

perhaps the classic modern

smallmouth pattern. Take

something to imitate a

hellgrammite, either a realistic

pattern or a black Wooly Bugger.

These can also attract brown trout.

A damselfly imitation (Zug

bugs work well) is a great small

fly to use in clear water when fish

are spooky. Also take something

to imitate a crayfish. There are

other species of fish in the river.

Rock bass are one of my favorite

panfish. When you find them,

you can often pick up a fish on

every cast. They have saved more

than one fishing trip for me. They

will hit smallmouth patterns (and

just about anything else!).

The second thing is how you

retrieve your streamers. Most of

us just pitch them across and let

them swing down. When the

streamer gets directly below you

(on the dangle) you retrieve it. To

fish streamers well you must

assume there are fish in the water

and vary your retrieve until you

catch them. Make sure you are

near the bottom at least some of

the time regardless of what

technique you use."

– George Paine

ppafish@hotmail.com

This trip will be to where the

Rapidan exits the park at Graves

Mill. Water levels are generally

low so we can expect to find

smallmouth, sunfish, fallfish and

a few trout. The park service

biologist has asked us to remove

any brown trout and report it to

them. I can forward those reports

to him. Hippers or waist high

waders are useful given water

depth. Wet

wading will

keep you a lot

cooler.

You can almost

always get away

with a short fly rod,

but when there is

room to cast (and

mend line) a longer

rod is a significant advantage.

As to flies, nothing beats the

action of a wiggle tail. On the list

of streamers is a Zonker and then

a Clouser Minnow. The latter is

perhaps the classic modern

smallmouth pattern. Take

something to imitate a

hellgrammite, either a realistic

pattern or a black Wooly Bugger.

These can also attract brown trout.

A damselfly imitation (Zug

bugs work well) is a great small

fly to use in clear water when fish

are spooky. Also take something

to imitate a crayfish. There are

other species of fish in the river.

Rock bass are one of my favorite

panfish. When you find them,

you can often pick up a fish on

every cast. They have saved more

than one fishing trip for me. They

will hit smallmouth patterns (and

just about anything else!).

The second thing is how you

retrieve your streamers. Most of

us just pitch them across and let

them swing down. When the

streamer gets directly below you

(on the dangle) you retrieve it. To

fish streamers well you must

assume there are fish in the water

and vary your retrieve until you

catch them. Make sure you are

near the bottom at least some of

the time regardless of what

technique you use."

– George Paine

ppafish@hotmail.com

This trip will be to where the

Rapidan exits the park at Graves

Mill. Water levels are generally

low so we can expect to find

smallmouth, sunfish, fallfish and

a few trout. The park service

biologist has asked us to remove

any brown trout and report it to

them. I can forward those reports

to him. Hippers or waist high

waders are useful given water

depth. Wet

wading will

keep you a lot

cooler.

You can almost

always get away

with a short fly rod,

but when there is

room to cast (and

mend line) a longer

rod is a significant advantage.

As to flies, nothing beats the

action of a wiggle tail. On the list

of streamers is a Zonker and then

a Clouser Minnow. The latter is

perhaps the classic modern

smallmouth pattern. Take

something to imitate a

hellgrammite, either a realistic

pattern or a black Wooly Bugger.

These can also attract brown trout.

A damselfly imitation (Zug

bugs work well) is a great small

fly to use in clear water when fish

are spooky. Also take something

to imitate a crayfish. There are

other species of fish in the river.

Rock bass are one of my favorite

panfish. When you find them,

you can often pick up a fish on

every cast. They have saved more

than one fishing trip for me. They

will hit smallmouth patterns (and

just about anything else!).

The second thing is how you

retrieve your streamers. Most of

us just pitch them across and let

them swing down. When the

streamer gets directly below you

(on the dangle) you retrieve it. To

fish streamers well you must

assume there are fish in the water

and vary your retrieve until you

catch them. Make sure you are

near the bottom at least some of

the time regardless of what

technique you use."

– George Paine

ppafish@hotmail.com

This trip will be to where the

Rapidan exits the park at Graves

Mill. Water levels are generally

low so we can expect to find

smallmouth, sunfish, fallfish and

a few trout. The park service

biologist has asked us to remove

any brown trout and report it to

them. I can forward those reports

to him. Hippers or waist high

waders are useful given water

depth. Wet

wading will

keep you a lot

cooler.

You can almost

always get away

with a short fly rod,

but when there is

room to cast (and

mend line) a longer

rod is a significant advantage.

As to flies, nothing beats the

action of a wiggle tail. On the list

of streamers is a Zonker and then

a Clouser Minnow. The latter is

perhaps the classic modern

smallmouth pattern. Take

something to imitate a

hellgrammite, either a realistic

pattern or a black Wooly Bugger.

These can also attract brown trout.

A damselfly imitation (Zug

bugs work well) is a great small

fly to use in clear water when fish

are spooky. Also take something

to imitate a crayfish. There are

other species of fish in the river.

Rock bass are one of my favorite

panfish. When you find them,

you can often pick up a fish on

every cast. They have saved more

than one fishing trip for me. They

will hit smallmouth patterns (and

just about anything else!).

The second thing is how you

retrieve your streamers. Most of

us just pitch them across and let

them swing down. When the

streamer gets directly below you

(on the dangle) you retrieve it. To

fish streamers well you must

assume there are fish in the water

and vary your retrieve until you

catch them. Make sure you are

near the bottom at least some of

the time regardless of what

technique you use."

– George Paine

ppafish@hotmail.com

John Hadley will demonstrate tyingthe Foam Ant. This is a sure winnerfor brookies in the ShenandoahNational Parks streams. It alsocatches sunfish and other fish inlakes and streams as ants are anabundant food source just abouteverywhere. John also will showseveral ant patterns that you cantry.

Originator:

Unknown for most patterns but the

first John saw was the corkplug/yellow calf tail ant tied byHarry Murray from Edinburg, VA.

Pattern

Hook: TMC 100 # 12 or 14Thread: Black 6/0Wing Tip: Optional White Z-Lon,any color yarn, hackle tips, pinkcraft fur or Yellow Calfís TailBody: Rainy Ant Foam, 3/8” stripof black, brown or red foam,dubbing, or painted cork plugs

(drink a bottle of good wine andsave the cork)Legs: Black, grizzly or brownhackle

Fishing Tip:

Dead float once then dead floatwith occasional twitching; bestfished in summer and fall. A largecork body fly with a yellow calftail wing can be used as anindicator for a small nymph.

SEPTEMBER 2017PAGE 2

When: September 2, 2017Depart: 8 a.m.Return: WheneverMeet: Dick’s Fair Lakes parking lot

V I R G I N I A

Lower RapidanRiver

SEPTEMBER FLY OF THE MONTH: DEMONSTRATED BY JOHN HADLEY

Foam Ant

FISH WITH A MEMBER TRIP

The 2017 TU Tri-State Camp ñour 13th year! ñ was another greatsuccess. We had 17 campers fromall over the Tri-State area, and a fewwho came from as far away asMaine. As always, the campersreceived a one-year TU membershipas part of their attendance. Locallythis means four new members forthe Rapidan Chapter (three fromRappahannock County and onefrom Leesburg), and four newmembers for the Northern VirginiaChapter (two from Reston, one fromFalls Church and one fromAlexandria).

This year, the campers workedon a long term data collectionproject in cooperation with theNational Park Service andVirginia Department of Gameand Inland Fisheries. Weformalized our water qualityand fish population data surveyswith the idea of maintaininglong term data for the RoseRiver. In addition, lots of f ishwere caught, lots of new friendswere made, and we introducedmany young people to the joysof trout and the wonders of fly-f ishing and fly tying.

As always, the Camp owes a debtof gratitude to the Rapidan andNorthern Virginia Chapters for theirunwavering support, providing uswith skilled volunteers and financialhelp for camper sponsorships. Thesetwo chapters join those in Maryland,

the District of Columbia, WestVirginia and even Maine in makingthe camp possible year by year. We

are most grateful for this support.If you’d like to learn more about

the Camp or become a volunteer

leader, please contact Paul Kearneyor George Gaines through ourwebsite, www.tucamp.org.

This fall’s popular westernMaryland Trip will run for ninedays, eight nights from Tuesday,October 3, to Wednesday, October11. Western Maryland has four greatrivers, terrific brook trout streams,and a variety of anglingopportunities. You can stay for asfew as two nights or for as many aseight.

Since the fall of 2010, we havebeen staying on Deep Creek Lakeat the house of chapter member BobParker and his wife Nancy.

Accommodations are upscale –seven bedrooms with king andqueen sized beds, six and one-halfbaths, a full kitchen and laundry,and a hot tub looking out on thelake. Linens and towels are included.Check out where we stay athttp://rentals.deepcreek.com/rental/alpine-dreaming.

This trip has become special overthe years. The Parkers are gracioushosts, and there is a wonderfulcamaraderie among the anglers.We'll do our best to help you learn

about the area’s streams and how tofish them if you’re not familiar withthe area. If you're traveling alone,we'll try to pair you with otheranglers that you'll enjoy fishingwith. We'll dine out three or fourevenings and chip in for communaldinners the other evenings. You'lllove the local Italian sausages whenwe grill them.

The price is $40 per person pernight, minimum two-night stay,payment in advance. More detailsand forms for registering are

available on the chapter website(http://www.nvatu.org/new) and willalso be e-mailed to members.

Bob Bidwell(bobbidwell@yahoo.com or 703-471-9287) coordinates this trip. Ifyou have not been on the trip before,please call Bob before mailing anyforms or check. You can talk withhim about the trip, decide if it’sappropriate for you and somethingyou want to do, and make sure thatspace is available on the nights youwant to stay.

SEPTEMBER 2017 PAGE 3

2017 TU Tri-State CampCURRENTLY

Western Maryland Fall TripScheduled for October 3-11

Recycled and Recyclable

Deep Creek’s #1 vacation rental provider offersAlpine Dreaming and other fine homes!

RMLV and Alpine Dreaming are proud sponsors of theNVATU Bi-Annual Western Maryland Fly-fishing trip!

RMLV info: http://rentals.deepcreek.com (866) 544-3223

CHAPTER OFFICERSPresident: Jay Lovering, (703) 734-1558, jayrlovering@gmail.comVice President: Kiki Galvin, (703) 893-7020, angla56@msn.comTreasurer: Scott Allen, (703) 471-5253, scallen@cox.netSecretary: George Paine, (703) 860-0862, ppafish@hotmail.comBOARD OF DIRECTORSBoard Member (FY 2015): Art Brantz, (703) 980-5776, abrantz@aol.comBoard Member (FY 2016): Bill Errico, (703) 825-8801, dadoopman@hotmail.comBoard Member (FY 2015): Terry Lowe, (703) 486-3978, terryalowe@aol.comBoard Member (FY 2015): Suzanne Malone (571) 641-9705, flyfishgrl@aol.comBoard Member: VACANTADVISORS TO THE OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORSFinancial Reviewer: Hal Metcalf, (703) 395-8046, hrm2000@verizon.netLegal Counsel: Victor Kernus, (703) 690-3133, vkernus406@gmail.comNVATU COMMITTEESCommunicationsFacebook Administrator: Scott Russell, (703) 517-3299, SJRussellJr@gmail.comNewsletter Editor: George Paine, (703) 860-0862, ppafish@hotmail.comNewsletter Art Director: Gary Visgaitis, (570) 436-0839, tulogoguy@gmail.com Secondary Newsletter Editor: Andy Manley, (703) 984-9875, manleyam@ymail.com Secondary Newsletter Editor: Jim Galligan, (703) 256-0244Publicity Chair: Tim Johnson, (571) 419-1654, scers1811@aol.comWebmaster (ACTING): Otto BarnesConservationConservation Chair: Tim Johnson, (571) 419-1654, scers1811@aol.com Secondary Conservation Chair: Roy Lindquist, (703) 627-5837, luv2at8@verizon.netDelegate to Virginia Council: Jim Wilson, (703) 859-2992, jhw210@juno.comFish with a Member Coordinator: George Paine, (703) 860-0862, ppafish@hotmail.comStream Projects Coordinator: Kirk Smith, fishdr@netzero.netWestern MD Trip Coordinator: Bob Bidwell, (703) 471-9287EducationEducation (Fly-Tying) Coordinator: John Hadley, (703) 933-6629TIC Coordinator: George Paine, (703) 860-0862, ppafish@hotmail.comYouth Conservation Camp Co-Chair: Suzanne Malone, (571) 641-9705, flyfishgrl@aol.comYouth Conservation Camp Co-Chair: Paul KearneyYouth Education Chair: Bill Errico, (703) 825-8801, dadoopman@hotmail.com Secondary Youth Education Chair: Kirk Smith, fishdr@netzero.netFinancialMerchandise Sales: Russ Short, (770) 598-0762, ras749@bellsouth.netSecondary Chapter Treasurer: VACANTMembershipMeeting Coordinator: George Paine, (703) 860-0862, ppafish@hotmail.com Secondary Meeting Coordinator: Andy Manley, (703) 984-9875, manleyam@ymail.comMembership Chair: Art Brantz, (703) 980-5776, abrantz@aol.com Secondary Membership Chair: Hal Metcalf, (703) 395-8046, hrm2000@verizon.netVeteran’s Services Coordinator: Kiki Galvin, (703) 893-7020, angla56@msn.comWomen’s Initiative Coordinator: Kiki Galvin, (703) 893-7020, angla56@msn.comYouth Representatives: Mason and Palmer Kasprowicz, fb2bemail@gmail.com

SEPTEMBER 2017 PAGE 4

OCTOBER 5: Members Meeting 7: FWAM Trip to White

Oak (VA)12: Board Meeting, 10306

Eaton Pl., #120 Fairfax28: FWAM Trip to Morgan

Run; Self-Guided

NOVEMBER 2: Members Meeting 4: FWAM Trip to Rose (VA) 9: Board Meeting, 10306

Eaton Pl., #120 Fairfax25: FWAM Trip to

Gunpowder; Self-Guided

DECEMBER 2: FWAM Trip to Little

Stony (VA)(final trip for the year) 7: Members Meeting14: Board Meeting, 10306

Eaton Pl., #120 Fairfax

Use this QR Code tosign up or use thefollowing URL link tosign up online for aspecial offer:

https://gifts.tumembership.org/member/introWill quickly link to thenational www.TU.orgwebsite to become amember for $17.50for your first year.

In the pull-downmenu select 360-Northern Virginia andIntroductory Rate.

Want to join theNorthern VirginiaTrout UnlimitedChapter?

Keep up with thelatest chapterhappenings onFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/334014474470/

Stream restoration: Jay Lovering at the Conewago workday.

VIRGINIA COUNCILOF TROUT UNLIMITED

www.vctu.org

TROUT UNLIMITEDwww.tu.org

NORTHERN VIRGINIACHAPTER OF TROUT

UNLIMITEDwww.nvatu.org

NORTHERN VIRGINIACHAPTER OF TROUT

UNLIMITEDPO BOX 273

BURKE, VA 22009-2182

CONSERVATION CALENDAR

NOTE: SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE

October 5: Jim Cumminswill talk about fishing theNorth branch of thePotomac.