Trout Fishing Crowds

Trout Fishing Crowds

Largest In History

According to G. W. Buller, chief of the Fish Division of the Commission of Game and Inland Fishierie-, opening day crowds on Virginia’s trout streams were the iargest in the history of the sport.

All of Virginia’s famous fishing waters had their share of anglers, with Tye, Rapidan, Whitetop Laurel, Pedlar’s and Piney, traditionally carrying thfc heaviest pressure.

Sunny skies and bluebird weather prevailed in most areas of the State for the eager Izaak Waltons, and the fishermen made the most of it.

Every type of bait and fishing technique was in evidence, with the heaviest catches as usual going to the worm and spinner fishermen. Fly fishing purists were much in evidence, but the garden hackle devotees were bringing home the fish.

Because of the heavy stocking program carried out earlier in the year by the Game Commission, most of the trout caught were from 12 to 18 inches long. Over 200,000 of these adult fish had been released prior to the season in the streams of the State, and many limit catches were made before the day was over.

Prospects for the rest of the season remain excellent, with a midseason stocking of legal sized fish already pfanned by the Commission to offset the inroads of the early anglers. Construction of New Hatchery

Actual construction of the new small-mouth bass hatchery in Smyth county is now under way, according to G. W. Buller, chief of the Fish Division of the Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries.

The new hatchery is designed to double the output of smallmouth bass for restocking Virginia streams suitable to this species. Angling pressure has become heavier Shch year, and the new facility will %bsorb some of the load that has been carried in the past by the hatchery at Front Royal.