I took a new acquaintance, Lawrence Newhook, to the Jackson yesterday. He’s a PA steelhead fisherman who will be spending some time in Va, and wanted to explore trout fishing here. I thought the bigger fish of the Jackson would be more appealing than native brookies.
Va had a hard rain several days ago, raising the river’s CFS to 2000. By yesterday, it had fallen to 400, still a bit high, but definitely fishable. I thought the fish would be ravenous, but the water temp was low, high 40’s, and the fish were few and far between.
A modest caddis hatch occurred in the afternoon, a mix of tan and black flies. A few stoneflies were also noted. Neither drew the attention of the fish. I suspect that it will be another few weeks before the Jackson hits its springtime form.