{Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} Re: Cranberry River, WV

The camping trip to the Cranberry last weekend was a blast, and we ended up hitting the Elk on Sunday before driving back to DC (thanks, Danny).  Both of these rivers are phenomenal--some of the best trout water I have fished in the east besides the Delaware River.  We fished small hoppers and other terrestrial patterns most of the time, but also picked up some fish nymphing.  The Cranberry had plenty of water and large fish, despite its smaller size.  We hiked in about 5 miles from the east side of the gravel forest road that runs along the South Fork, and fished both the catch and release section and the non-special-reg section. A mountain bike would have made this journey a lot faster, because the forest road is closed to cars but very well established. There were certainly more people on the Elk River than the Cranberry, but then again the access is much easier and it is bigger water.  We still caught plenty of fish though, including my buddy who was fly fishing for the third time ever.  Although these rivers are a bit of a trek at 4-5 hours from DC, I will definitely be back for more.

On Thursday, June 20, 2013 10:42:07 AM UTC-4, Joe Mathews wrote:

Thanks for the info, gents.  The Elk is certainly on my list, but for this trip I would rather get out into the woods a bit more, so we're planning to stick to the Cranberry.  I think we're going to hike in from the east side (opposite end from the campground) and try to nab one of those backcountry shelters along the river.  I figure terrestrials should work pretty well this time of year, but I will call that Richwood shop to ask what they recommend.  Will post a report when we return.

On Wednesday, June 19, 2013 3:23:58 PM UTC-4, Dave Jamieson wrote:

Joe-- The Cranberry Wilderness stretch can be terrific, especially in summer. There are several miles of river that you can only access by foot, bike or horse. My brother and I took our mountain bikes up there and it's an awesome way to explore a lot of great water. We went once in early April and it was a disaster, due to pressure; trout season had just opened and it was like a camo convention. But when we went another year in June it was great; crowds were gone but plenty of fish were still around. Pretty sure there's a C&R stretch near the bottom close to Richwood, but the harvest stretch in the Wilderness section is really productive too. There are a lot of stockers in there but plenty of holdovers and I imagine stream-bred fish as well. As far as flies go, I'd check with the shop in Richwood if you go -- believe it's Four Seasons Outfitters -- but it's a lot of the same stuff you'd throw on the Shenandoah mountain streams in the summer. The campground we camped at was the one at the start of the wilderness trail, where cars are no longer allowed. (Had a couple bear run-ins so don't leave food out.) I think there are some designated backcountry spots along the river, too. Anyway, give the shop there a call and they should have some more up-to-date info, since I haven't been there in a good five years.

On Tuesday, June 18, 2013 11:34:53 AM UTC-4, Joe Mathews wrote:

I'm thinking of doing a weekend backpacking trip to the Cranberry.  Anyone fished it and have pro tips?  North Fork, South Fork, or Main Stem?  Camping spots, best water, fly selection?  I'll take whatever I can get.  Many thanks. Joe

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