Before TU, Liz managed the fly shop at L.L. Bean in Tyson’s Corner, VA. She still teaches fly fishing schools for L.L. Bean on weekends. After spending a day at the national office, I was ready to get back in the water. Fortunately, Liz offered to take me to the Rapidan River, a premier brook trout fishery in Shenandoah National Park.

I don’t know if the name “Rapidan” originates from a reference to the quick pace of this creek. The adjective “rapid” is the perfect descriptor, so I doubt it is entirely coincidence. Inside the park, this high gradient system cascades around large boulders, digging deep plunge pools. Each pool shelters brook trout that are eager to rise to attractor dry flies, assuming the angler can sneak up on them unnoticed.

In my opinion, native brook trout are the most aesthetically pleasing salmonid. The beauty of the mountain stream is embodied in the flanks of these trout. The coloration of Shenandoah brookies seems particularly rich and catching one is like finding a little treasure chest in the stream.

Liz plies the water with great consideration and patience. She hits every likely corner of a pool before moving to the next one. Our efforts were rewarded with a few brookies, but the fishing was not “off the hook” like it can be. I remember fishing the Rapidan as a kid and rising trout on just about every well placed cast.

This trip presented an opportunity to take out one of the new special edition “Trout Unlimited” rods. This 4 piece 7’6” 3 weight is a product of the Orvis Company. It is super soft, suiting it for small stream angling. Not only does this rod have “Trout Unlimited” written on the blank, it has a gorgeous reel seat, complete with the TU logo.

If you have never been brook trout fishing on an east coast mountain stream, you are missing out. It is a great way to enjoy the mountains and celebrate native trout.

Please take a look at my photos HERE. There are some good ones, it is definitely worth your time to check them out.

Also, please visit www.brookie.org to find out what TU is doing for this native trout.