Pacemaker Fishing Forum

Ernie · Jun-14-25 12:18AM

Finally, I was able to get on the water and today Rob and I fished with CT Campbell. The stretch we do is absolutely beautiful.

We met up at the Farm and we had some fun with the locals!

Rob made some friends!

This stretch of the river is known for quantity over quality. An 18"er is a monster.

There were a few other rafts ahead of us but it doesn't mater. As we float down, there are soooo many targets!

Rob had the hot hand at 1st.

That long ear hit a ned!

On Rob's other rod, he had a beetle spin tied on and proceeded to catch a couple of dozen like this...

...along with a bunch of smallish smallies.

We caught fish all day long, most were under 15". And many under 10"! But it was a blast on light tackle. These fish fight harder (more current) than their cousins on the 'mac.

We used our phones today and it was a PIA because it seemed that one of us was always hooked up but we all know what smaller fish look like.

Some scenery:

The One-Hour hole did not disappoint but we left it (yes, the fish were biting) after checking the radar. We decided to float out early due to the impending weather.

Note: Luray got hammered while we were on the road and not in the boat.

One of the odd things today was that even thought we caught many dozens of fish, the bite was finicky. Almost like winter. You lift the rod and you feel some weight. We also lost dozens of fish on the jump or after a few cranks of the reel handle. But it was steady action!

Both Rob and I lost bigger too fish but that's fishin'!

Towards the end of the flat I got hit pretty good and when we saw the jump, we knew we had a Luray South Fork monster. The fish took line 3 times and finally, we coaxed her in...

...an 18" monster!

Definitely made the trip a bit sweeter.

So, we each caught several dozen fish. Maybe 50, maybe 75 in total. Heck, maybe more. We lost count early.

My right forearm was sore, need to work it out more or fish more.

These SF fish are feisty. Many times we caught a 12-13 "er and swore it was bigger. Lots of bent poles today.

The water was clear with some green in it, perfect. The weather was muggy with almost no breeze. The moon was full.

Rob Allen · Jun-14-25 1:05PM

Ernie -

Thank you for setting up this amazing trip. You are always fun to fish with, and I appreciate the invite.

The fishing was fantastic, the scenery was amazing, and our Guide CT Campbell is such a great guy, and a pleasure to fish with.

This my 3rd trip on this stretch of the river but will not be my last.

Our sample list of wildlife encountered:

Many Kingfishers
A beautiful Oriole
3 Mature Bald Eagles
Many Great Blue Herons
Green Heron
a darn big Northern Water Snake
We heard Turkeys gobbling, but did not see them
Snapping turtle
Deer

and more!

I highly recommend this trip!

Ernie · Jun-14-25 1:34PM

On the way down, about 1/2 way between Front Royal and Luray, I told Rob, “there, it happened"! It’s the feeling of being in the mountains anticipating this amazing float. Total relaxation. Therapeutic!

Then you start the float. CT is very good at holding us in place in the fishy areas. And we’ll anchor when needed as well. The water is swift.

I also saw an unfamiliar black bird that had some purple on top.

drxfish · Jun-14-25 3:16PM

What a great trip and report! I love to see the panfish caught. Your pig was a beauty. And that scenery, congrats!!

Last edited by drxfish (Jun-15-25 12:36PM)

drxfish · Jun-15-25 12:37PM

BTW, that water clarity was impressive given the rain we have had.

Ernie · Jun-15-25 3:53PM

drxfish wrote:
BTW, that water clarity was impressive given the rain we have had.

Excellent observation! It was perfect, clear but green. They don’t normally get too much mud but the level will rise (and drop) quickly.

Yesterday’s flow was near perfect (900cfs).

Ernie · Jun-15-25 5:35PM

Just looked at the Luray gauge. It was @900cfs when we fished. Near perfect as I mentioned . It's predicted to be at or above 3000cfs on Thursday. I'm supposed to fish down there on Thursday. This would be like sledding downhill.

Edit; New forecast call for @1600cfs for Thursday. May have a chance but it will be running hard.

Bryan · Jun-16-25 11:11AM

Man I haven't fished the Doah in years. Those pics make me nostalgic. So pretty up there. Great stuff.

hookup · Jun-16-25 8:06PM

Nice day for there three of you. Numbers. Size. Scenery.

My right forearm was sore, need to work it out more or fish more.

The answer is obvious.

Ernie · Jun-18-25 5:47PM

Ernie wrote:
Just looked at the Luray gauge. It was @900cfs when we fished. Near perfect as I mentioned . It's predicted to be at or above 3000cfs on Thursday. I'm supposed to fish down there on Thursday. This would be like sledding downhill.

Edit; New forecast call for @1600cfs for Thursday. May have a chance but it will be running hard.

Forecasts do change. South Fork at Luray is running 3230cfs right now. No chance of going out tomorrow.

drxfish · Jun-18-25 7:20PM

Yeah, this rain has been relentless. Then the heat wave...

Oubassman · Jun-19-25 1:15AM

That is a great day right there. I am missing the river and now I'm a little jealous

Pacemaker Fishing Forum

#1 Jun-14-25 12:18AM

6-13-25, 'doah

#2 Jun-14-25 1:05PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#3 Jun-14-25 1:34PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#4 Jun-14-25 3:16PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#5 Jun-15-25 12:37PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#6 Jun-15-25 3:53PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

drxfish wrote:

#7 Jun-15-25 5:35PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#8 Jun-16-25 11:11AM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#9 Jun-16-25 8:06PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#10 Jun-18-25 5:47PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

Ernie wrote:

#11 Jun-18-25 7:20PM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

#12 Jun-19-25 1:15AM

Re: 6-13-25, 'doah

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