Northwest Virginia
On The Fly Freshwater
December 2023
Article and photos Patrick Hunter
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There are few places in the world that can match the beauty boasted by Southern Appalachia in the fall. As the green of summer fades, pigments of bright orange, yellow and red take its place. It’s the time of year when most are headed to pick apples and pumpkins, some climb a tree in chase of that trophy whitetail, others dust off their waders to pursue trout in local rivers and creeks.
Then there are a select few – let’s call them fanatics – who can’t quite let go of summer and thus find themselves clutching 7- or 8-weight fly rods, full sinking lines and large streamers hoping to catch just one more smallmouth bass. Sound like a group for you? Then the Jackson River in northwestern Virginia is just the place for you!
I had the pleasure last October to spend a day on the Jackson River with my dad and Wesley Hodges of Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing. We were greeted in the morning with fog and cloud cover, with temperatures in the low 50s. Water levels on the Jackson, or “Dirty Jackson” as Wesley coined it, were very low and slow. Upon seeing the river at the put-in I understood the nickname. The river had a tannic color, similar to that of sweet tea or black water similar to the brackish tributaries near my home in Coastal Carolina. Wesley assured us that even in the low water, the deeper holes in between the slow shallow sections should produce fish.
The water was so low, we launched the boat off the bank beside the boat ramp, because the ramp was dry into the river. The Jackson took me by surprise as it resembled more of a wade-in trout stream than a large bass river like the New River or Susquehanna River. With this river being more close quarters, I felt a little more in my element. My setup was a full sinking line 8 weight with an unweighted streamer. I was able to cast up under overhanging branches, behind rocks, and strip through rifles.
We rounded a bend a few hundred yards below the put-in, and I cast into the slack water on the outside bend of the river. I let the fly sink for a few seconds and then started stripping the fly back to the boat. Long strips with a short pause in between. Strip, strip, then boom! My fly was slammed by a smallmouth. The fish ran down river as soon as I strip-set, and I could tell this one was a nice fish. I was able to turn the bass as it headed downriver, and swim it back towards the boat. In the dark water I couldn’t see the fish until it was right next to the boat. Once in the net, I removed the fly and was able to admire the dark bronze color of the fish. This one was about 12-inches long, and I was amazed at the fight this size fish packed. I released it back into the water and within seconds, the fish disappeared into the dark water.
This float on the Jackson boasted Virginia’s wildlife. Mallard ducks in groups of 20 or 30 were flocked up in the river bends. Geese and hawks flew overhead, while heron perched on the riverbanks catching minnows. While we floated between deeper sections, Wesley told us stories about hiking in the mountain woods, hunting ruffed grouse and woodcock.
The landscape of shoals, bluffs, and cliffs contrasted the orange sycamore leaves and dark water of the Jackson. It seemed like every turn and bend of the river painted a new picture, better than the one before. This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited.
We caught a few more fish, then decided to break for lunch on a nearby gravel bar. Wesley started preparing sandwiches, but then pulled out an MSR stove and warmed up a large bowl of creamy broccoli soup. The soup hit the spot, as the cloud cover and cool air over the water had not yet lifted. We ate our lunch, and a few sticks of my dad’s homemade beef jerky, and devised a plan for the last leg of the float. All the while telling stories, corny jokes and laughing.
Half an hour into the second leg of the float, the cloud cover and fog cleared and the temperature rose. Consequently, the fishing slowed. We were able to pick up a few more small fish, and even flush a group of 50-plus mallards, but we were starting to wind down. We had stopped fishing, completely content with the day.
We drifted around a few more bends as we neared the take-out. Our rods had been stored, flies secured in the eyes of the rods, and gear bags tucked away. We were leaning back in our chairs relaxing as the river carried us to our final destination. The bridge and take-out appeared down river, just as the sun was setting over the valley.
Our adventure had come to an end, but the memories remained. A smile is still painted on my face as a result of the whole experience. After helping Wesley unload the boat, we headed back to the put-in for him to get his truck. We shook hands, said our goodbyes, and jovially made plans to fish together again when the weather warmed up in spring. I was content, knowing that this experience was more than just a guided fishing trip, or a river float. It changed how I viewed guiding, hospitality, and the Virginia fly fishing scene. Above all else, it was a core memory made in the outdoors with my dad. One that I will cherish for the rest of my life!
IF YOU GO
Wesley Hodges is a Texas native turned mountain guide operating in northwestern Virginia. Wesley is an army veteran, lodge owner, fly fishing river guide, and upland bird guide. Wes’ passion for the outdoors has helped form his skill of coaching and teaching. He and his team of guides are top tier outdoor professionals, specializing in making outdoor experiences that are once in a lifetime.
If you are interested in booking a trip with the great team at Wesley Hodges Fly Fishing, visit their website at wesleyhodgesflyfishing.com, or on Instagram @wesley_hodges_fly_fishing.
