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I got a new Albright fly fishing reel that was on closeout for Christmas and decided I needed to try it out. I did some research and Holmes Run seemed to be the closest and most productive trout fishery in NOVA. I decided to make the trek out there the day after Christmas. I started out nymphing for about 2.5 hours without a single bite. I finally decided that was not going to work and switched over to a wooly bugger which immediately paid off with a few decent trout including the biggest of the weekend.
The first
the biggest
Once I finally figured out the right pattern it was already getting dark so I decided to pack up and come back the next day. On day 2 after stocking up with wooly buggers from Orvis I started the day with the pattern that worked the day before. It clearly paid off because I caught 2 fish within the first 30 mins of being there.
the bite slowed down for a while and I picked up a few here and there. I ended up with about 6 trout total for the day biggest being around 14 inches. Here are a few of those trout.
It surprised me the a stream in the middle of the city was so productive. If you are able to endure the constant sewer stench and don't mind tires and other trash laying around in the stream then you can have a fun day at Holmes Run and definitely satisfy your trout itch.
As for the reel, for $18 it was definitely a steal. It is smooth, light, and looks pretty good too. Thanks Dad.
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Glad to see Greg spending the big bucks for reels!!
That is a cool little urban fishery. As a kid, we used to trek up the creek from Lake Barcroft. Not sure how far up we ever made it but we caught fish in all the pools. Then, later in life, I coached an all star team that played on the field by the creek.
Good stuff....woolly buggers are great flies! Let me know if you need a few...just might have a few dozen around.
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This weekend alone I have probable spent close to $20 on wooly buggers. I will definitely take you up on that offer as they are not cheap.
Very cool fishery.
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Are you aware of the Orvis $25 off coupon if you spend $50+? One of the best deals in town......
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Awesome! I'm assuming construction is finished in that area and it is now open? I need to go there some time to scratch my trout fishing itch...maybe new years day!
Last edited by firemunkee (Dec-28-14 4:25PM)
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Nice job on the trout! Holmes is a pretty little creek for sure.
You ought to give fly tying a shot. Wooly buggers are a good pattern to start with IMO.
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Bryan wrote:
You ought to give fly tying a shot. Wooly buggers are a good pattern to start with IMO.
I have some of the equipment I just don't have any materials. but yes I should start tying my own flies.
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You also need to update your picture.....your not 12 anymore. Just Dad's input!
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Greg, in Tyler's first pic holding the rod in his mouth I couldn't help thinking how much he looked like his dad.
GregF wrote:
You also need to update your picture.....your not 12 anymore. Just Dad's input!
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It looks like Holmes Run used to be fly fishing only at one time per some 2007 articles while doing a google search.....it's catch and release per VDGIF, but nothing about fly fishing only. Just artificial lures. Just want to make sure so I stay within regs.
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Osprey wrote:
Greg, in Tyler's first pic holding the rod in his mouth I couldn't help thinking how much he looked like his dad.
GregF wrote:
You also need to update your picture.....your not 12 anymore. Just Dad's input!
I generally take that as a compliment because I think he is a pretty good looking young man....but you had to pick the one with a rod in his mouth and a mushed face to tell me THAT is what reminds you of me!!!!...not his best picture!
I will still take it as a compliment, as I am sure it was meant. Thanks.
Last edited by GregF (Dec-30-14 6:58AM)
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Well....his face is wider on the picture as he strains to hold the rod.
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Reread my post....Not sure my sarcasm came through in the post, but I was just kidding. I do agree we look alike and that is a good thing. I appreciate the compliment. He is a good looking guy (like his Dad)!
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I was agreeing with you that Tyler is better looking than you!
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Yes he is.
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Nice work Tyler! Do you have a vise? The wooly bugger is a very simple fly to tie and there are a lot of instructional youtube videos out there. Or if you're still home, go to the beer tie for the TPFR should be next week (first Monday of the month if I remember) and someone will show you how!
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backtofuturetoyota wrote:
It looks like Holmes Run used to be fly fishing only at one time per some 2007 articles while doing a google search.....it's catch and release per VDGIF, but nothing about fly fishing only. Just artificial lures. Just want to make sure so I stay within regs.
I was there on 1/1 and there was a sign about delayed harvest and artificial lures only during the non-harvest times. From the wording it seemed like you can use bait during the times you can keep trout.
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firemunkee wrote:
backtofuturetoyota wrote:
It looks like Holmes Run used to be fly fishing only at one time per some 2007 articles while doing a google search.....it's catch and release per VDGIF, but nothing about fly fishing only. Just artificial lures. Just want to make sure so I stay within regs.
I was there on 1/1 and there was a sign about delayed harvest and artificial lures only during the non-harvest times. From the wording it seemed like you can use bait during the times you can keep trout.
I heard from another forum that there was a fish kill after Tyler's report. Perhaps from the water main break. I guess it smelled like gas.
someone counted 40 dead fish floating. Not sure how bad it was
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jumping jasper wrote:
firemunkee wrote:
backtofuturetoyota wrote:
It looks like Holmes Run used to be fly fishing only at one time per some 2007 articles while doing a google search.....it's catch and release per VDGIF, but nothing about fly fishing only. Just artificial lures. Just want to make sure so I stay within regs.
I was there on 1/1 and there was a sign about delayed harvest and artificial lures only during the non-harvest times. From the wording it seemed like you can use bait during the times you can keep trout.
I heard from another forum that there was a fish kill after Tyler's report. Perhaps from the water main break. I guess it smelled like gas.
someone counted 40 dead fish floating. Not sure how bad it was
I just read the post on the other forum. Sad to hear I was only at the portion from Columbia Pike to the first crossing. I didn't see any dead fish, which correlated with what others stated in the other forum, but I did notice the dark sediment on bottom. Some one said they didn't see any signs of life on the portion of Holmes Run where I was, but I managed to pull two out I'm planning to go back this weekend, hopefully things will be better, and there will still be some fish left
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