White Oak Canyon - The epitome of Shenandoah beauty

Forrest Allen

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Oct 12, 2015, 9:26:04 AM10/12/15

to Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders

Finally made a trip out to White Oak Canyon this past Saturday. That place represents everything good about Shenandoah to me - beautiful scenery, fall colors, reasonably good hiking, native trout streams, waterfalls and clean air. However, I could definitely do with fewer people on the trail. The galfriend and I hiked from the lower parking lot up to the upper falls, and brought a 3 and 4 wt along with us to pluck at some holes along the way. The water was flowing nicely after that strong storm front rolled through on Friday afternoon/evening. We were out there from about noon until 4 pm, and spent about an hour and half fishing (wish it was longer, since that is not the ideal time of day). The sky was overcast to start, but cleared up and brightened all of the wonderful fall colors on the changing trees. The hike, scenery, and company were fantastic, and we both landed our biggest native Virginia brook trout ever! Mine was about 12", hers about 9" (in fairness, she has only been on SNP streams a couple of times). I gave the wiggle worm a shot with no success, and had a similar story with the zebra midge. I got some takes and witnessed some very exciting rises with the stimulator, though there were no bugs out and I saw no other topwater action. I only tried that fly when I could see the fish ahead of time. The best success came with a red copper john. Can't wait to get back to Shenandoah soon!

Enjoy the pictures! (Also for a frame of reference, my hands from palm to finger tip are a little over 8" - a disadvantage for fish pictures!) All fish were safely returned to the water from which they came.

brooktroutbig.jpg

brooktroutkatie.jpg

brooktroutnegrorun.jpg

lowerwhiteoakfalls.jpg

arthur noglak

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Oct 12, 2015, 1:26:08 PM10/12/15

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Great report man. I have only been on a few SNP small streams this year but have had alot of success. The brookies you caught could of eaten the ones I was getting this year ha ha. well done! White Oak Canyon is definitely going on the to do list.

Art

TurbineBlade

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Oct 12, 2015, 3:54:34 PM10/12/15

to Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders

Awesome -- I have my own report to make from a promise to Bruce 1 year ago. White Oak is one we haven't done due to foot traffic, but I'd like to cross it off the SNP list at some point!