Three friends and I just returned from a fun fishing trip to West Virginia.



We fished the New river first - one of the top smallmouth bass streams in the United States.



Located in the Appalachian Mountains, it has deep pools, car sized rocks and shoals. It is said to be the oldest river in North America and flows through a rugged canyon up to 1300 feet deep.



This 3 1/2 lb. smallmouth is fairly typical for the New River.



The best fight of the trip for me was from this 17 lb. flathead catfish caught on a crankbait.



We also fished the Gauley river. This is a beautiful river flowing about 1000 cubic feet per minute while we were there. We caught the most smallies here but the average size was smaller than those on the New.



My guide was Larry "Redneck" Nilbert guiding for Class VI outfitters. Thanks for the "taste" of West Virginia Redneck.

Sounds like you guys had a great trip! My wife's family is from the Fayetteville/Oak Hill area and I have spent a lot of time there, but have never got to fish. I think I will have to change that next time.

Thanks for the photos.

Telly

Telly,
Do not miss out on the Gauley river. It is one of the finest wild whitewater fisheries I have ever seen and its a heck of a lot more fun than sitting around with in-laws.

Contact ole Redneck at http://www.wvexperience.com/

Tell him Buzz sent you.