Winter Muskie on South Branch Shenandoah River

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John R

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Jan 3, 2013, 4:24:35 AM1/3/13
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Does anyone have experience catching Muskie on the South Branch Shenandoah River?  I heard recently that they fish for them through the winter, and I'm considering heading down there this weekend.  Any advice?  I'm planning to bring my 8wt setup along with spinning gear and big Rapalas.

Jeffrey Silvan

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Jan 3, 2013, 4:36:02 AM1/3/13
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I've kept in touch with a guide I've used several times out there. He doesn't guide for muskie, but does go after them for fun near Luray. He's asked me to join him for a trip a couple weeks ago, but hasn't been sure about the bite since the water has been very low and clear. Not sure how the rain over the holiday changed that. That being said, your 8wt might be a little on the light side, but will probably be doable. You'll have a difficult time if you don't have a kayak, canoe, or float tube. Check the stocking locations as well. They are actually tiger muskie (pike/muskie hybrid) and can't reproduce. Many people think they don't stray extremely far from their original stocking location. Also be sure to have either a wire leader or a very heavy shock tippet.

On Jan 2, 2013 11:24 PM, "John R" <john.ri...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Does anyone have experience catching Muskie on the South Branch Shenandoah River?  I heard recently that they fish for them through the winter, and I'm considering heading down there this weekend.  Any advice?  I'm planning to bring my 8wt setup along with spinning gear and big Rapalas.
>

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Jeffrey Silvan

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Jan 3, 2013, 5:07:29 AM1/3/13
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I was reading a bit more. It looks like they do stock true strain muskie, but they haven't found evidence of reproduction in our waters.

John R

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Jan 3, 2013, 7:01:55 PM1/3/13
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Thanks for the info Jeff.  I have a solid 8wt rig with sink tip line and toothy leader I'll use.  I need to ask around and find out where exactly they stocked.

If anyone wants to divulge specific areas I could try on the South Branch Shenandoah for Musky, or if anyone wants to join on Saturday or Sunday morning, feel free to contact me directly: john.ri...@gmail.com.   I currently live in Winchester VA and don't know any die-hard fishermen who will join me for winter fishing.

-John

Matthew Longley

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Jan 3, 2013, 7:13:49 PM1/3/13
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John, I can't join you this weekend, as I'll be icing my guides up in Maine (love winter fishing).  But I'd love to join you if you go again.  Never targeted muskie, but heard great stories.  Looking forward to your report.

Dalton Terrell

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Jan 3, 2013, 7:15:52 PM1/3/13
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You just missed a great opportunity to hear about Musky fishing in this area last Friday night in the Mossy Creek fly shop; Brad Bohen from the Zero 2 Hero video gave a talk about Musky, flies, tackle, etc. and the guys from the fly shop chimed in with their local experience. Based on the size of flies Brad was tying, you're going to want a solid 10 wt and full sinking line, flies 14" long with hollow tied buck tail, flash and long saddle hackles.

Brad also said that he didn't think anyone should go after musky without jaw spreaders, a large net/cradle and really long pliers. Just something to think about before you try to land fish that go up to 50 inches or more and have nasty teeth.

Dalton

samuel newcomer

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Jan 8, 2013, 3:17:02 PM1/8/13
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John-
Anything to report? I used to live in MN and am jonesing for a Pike/Muskie excursion.

John R

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Jan 8, 2013, 7:47:22 PM1/8/13
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We floated the South Fork near Luray from WhiteHouse Bridge to Massanutten.  Didn't catch a thing.  Didn't see any
 fish except carp.  It was a beautiful day though.  I will probably be back again sometime this winter.  Will try to canoe a stretch a little further north.
-John

darbrewe

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Jan 8, 2013, 10:15:43 PM1/8/13
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I floated the slow water Karo stretch this past Sunday. Water temp was a steamy 36 degrees. This area DOES hold musky. I had eyes on 1 that went about 30". It was in 12-13 ft of water and just kind of milling around, showing no interest in the suspending jerkbait I was throwing.
 I did see a few smallmouth about, and a huge pod of carp, at least a hundred in the pod. I'd love to know how to catch them short of snagging them.....
I did not bring a flyrod on this trip, water is just too cold for that right now.

John R

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Jan 9, 2013, 3:17:33 AM1/9/13
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Is that slow water stretch between Bentonville and Gooney Creek?  I've caught carp in cold water on nymphs, but usually in small ponds. The Carp I've seen in the Shenandoah are always very spooky.  I would try an indicator or dry dropper combo with haresear nymph suspended deep under the surface to get right in front of their faces.  Carp fishing is tough, but the big ones will run you into your backing.

I want to get back out there for Musky.  I probably won't be able to go this weekend which I'm bummed about since the weather will be beautiful.
-John

Brendan

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Jan 9, 2013, 6:56:41 AM1/9/13
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Have heard of people doing well from Luray to the confluence...a couple deep pools just south of Luray. And just below front royal some good holes on the main stem. 

also, in terms of Shenandoah carp (on north branch but...)  was out fishing with my dad one spring and he caught a 4-5lb carp on a rapala topwater. never seen anything like it. almost felt bad for him, got all excited thinking he had a trophy smallmouth for a minute.  

good luck!

darbrewe

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Jan 9, 2013, 3:25:06 PM1/9/13
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Yes it is. Some very deep water there.

Matt Geiman

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Jan 10, 2013, 8:18:22 PM1/10/13
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Just Curious about the he smallmouth you saw. What kind of water were they in? Did they seem active/catchable?


On Tuesday, January 8, 2013 5:15:43 PM UTC-5, darbrewe wrote:

darbrewe

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Jan 10, 2013, 9:33:45 PM1/10/13
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Normally when the water is that cold you see some leaners, meaning the fish are actually propping themselves on a rock or other structure and not moving at all. These fish were finning around, mostly on the inside structure of a deep hole, around 3-5' of water.  They saw me before I could present a bait.

Matthew Longley

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Jan 10, 2013, 9:44:17 PM1/10/13
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All this muskie talk has gotten me really hyped.  I went into orvis today and got some 50lb flouro for a bite guard, along with a bunch of rabbit strips to tie up some pike bunnies.  I'll probably be heading out for a morning in a few weeks (have a rough couple ahead), if anyone wants to join let me know.  In the meantime, keep the reports coming!


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