Rustic Waters and Native Trout

Have you ever driven over a bridge crossing a mountain creek and noticed the small green sign that names the stream you just traversed and wondered, "How did they come up with that unique name?" Streams like Otter Creek, Shavers Fork, and Gandy Creek, to name a few. Most of the time, the answer is simply the nearby locations of these rivers and streams, or they take the name of a historical family from the region. But occasionally, the answer is quite apparent; just by taking a gander at specific creeks, you can quickly tell from where its name originated.

Red Run is one of these streams the latter definition applies to. Most individuals' idealistic picture of a pristine mountain trout stream is one with crystal-clear water or a classic blue-green hue, but Red Run is the exact opposite. The most relatable definition of its color is that of an ice-cold glass of Tudors Biscuit World sweet tea with the morning sun illuminating it through the window. Its reddish-orange tint stems from the organic matter surrounding the stream and mountainsides above.

Watersheds with a high percentage of conifers in the area take this color characteristic due to the tannins that leech from the decomposing needles and other organic matter. As the water gets deeper, so does the color, almost turning black, and thus, this same application applies to the nearby Blackwater River at Blackwater Falls State Park.

The stream is one of only a handful designated for Fly Fishing Only - Catch and Release by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR); you'll understand why it carries this designation after you fish it. It's home to a healthy, naturally reproducing population of the only native trout to grace the Appalachian mountains and my personal favorite, the Brook Trout.

The Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) has inhabited our cold water streams for several million years since the retreat of the continental glaciers across New York and New England. They serve as the official state fish of West Virginia and eight other states. Brook Trout are also a key indicator species for the health of a watershed due to their need for cold and exceptionally clean water.

Fun Fact: Brook Trout are not actually trout but a type of char, which is why they have the genus Salvelinus. The specific epithet fontinalis is of Latin origin, meaning "of a spring or fountain," referencing the clear, cold mountain streams and ponds in its native range.

Flyfishing for wild native Brook Trout should be on every angler's bucket list, and Red Run is the stream you should check that box with. They are known to be very opportunistic feeders, so don't shy away from throwing a bigger dry fly. On this particular trip, I had a lot of success with a size #12 Orange Stimulator and #14 Tan Elk Hair Caddis. Watching them rise to the surface to crush a dry fly larger than most of their heads is an experience most people will never comprehend.

But anglers, beware: just because we say they're opportunistic doesn't mean they're foolish. Knock over a rock, stand in the wrong spot, or cast your fly line over them, and they'll spook. Because of that, I recommend using a lighter tippet such as 5X or even 6X; you shouldn't have to worry about breaking these fish off. I also opt for a lightweight glass rod to make the short casts a breeze and the fight of the fish very enjoyable. 

As we gear up for the great things that come with the Fall season, such as football, the vibrant color of fall foliage, and the rut, Brookies are hard at work getting ready to spawn. The pristine habitat these fish need to reproduce naturally is sadly becoming more challenging to find due to various factors such as climate change and over-development. Due to this, conservationists such as myself recommend steering clear of these streams as we approach their spawning time to give the fish the best odds of successfully reproducing. Although it is hard to predict exactly when the fish of a particular stream will be spawning, October tends to be the month to avoid them. Have some time off in that month and want to trout fish? Find a stream that hosts a large population of Rainbow Trout; they spawn in the Spring.

Want to learn more about the Brook Trout? Check out the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture and their work on improving Brook Trout habitat.

Keep your lines tight and your aim straight.