Tommy Lawhorne on Fishing Waynesboro's South River

Tommy Lawhorne spoke for about 20 minutes at the June 21st Wintergreen Sporting Club fish conclave, the video here captures only a few highlights.

Tommy has been exploring the waters of western Virginia for Trout and Smallmouth Bass with fly rod in hand since his early teens. He began guiding in 1990 and has been active in Trout Unlimited at the Shenandoah Valley Chapter since 1992 where he currently serves as the Chapter President. Kevin Little and Tommy opened South River Fly Shop in the spring of 2011 and have been serving the needs of fly fishers and fly tyers for the past 10 years. Tommy is a Wilderness First Aid certified M.E.D.I.C and guides for Trout and Smallmouth on all of our local waters when his shop schedule permits.

Tim and Lynne Hess hosted some 30-plus guests for the WSC fishing conclave on Monday afternoon with perfect weather on the back porch of their new home on Long Pond. The crowd enjoyed light appetizers and beverages, then sat for a 20-minute talk with a fun give and take with Tommy Lawhorne about fishing this area's rivers on creeks.

All are welcomed to attend the club's fishing conclaves. WSC membership is not required. There is no cost. The only pre-requisite is having a love of fishing or wanting to learn about the sport, and having a willingness to share your experiences and ask questions.

Tim Hess introduced his friend Tommy Lawhorne to the WSC gathering at his home saying, “This kind of gathering is exactly what Lynne and I had in mind when we were planning our new home.”

June 21st Wintergreen Sporting Club Fishing Conclave Host Lynne Hess (in red dress).

James River boating trip set for Wednesday, June 30

We'll rely on Scottsville-based outfitter Reeling & Rafting for this seven-mile river trip.

This trip is currently booked-up, but more slots may open. To be notified of openings, click here.

With Scottsville being so close to us, it's surprising that we have never run the river here. It's time to check it out. With just a few Class 1 rapids, this June 30th trip will be comfortable for a lot of people. The plan is to be off the water by the time the afternoon heat arrives.

The outfitter says this is their most popular day trip. We'll gather at their Scottsville headquarters at 9:30 am, do the paperwork (save time, read it, print, and bring their waiver-release with you), the load onto their bus at 10 am.

This run starts at the old Warren ferry location. It consists of mostly calm riffle-filled water with a set of Class I rapids. There are plenty of islands and sandbars on which to stop and enjoy our riverside picnic. And, of course, cookies will be served. The trip ends back at the outfitter's in Scottsville. This allows everyone to set their own pace.

HOW TO SIGN UP: Use the form on this page.

This will be an unguided run, with Reeling & Rifting simply providing the boats and transportation. All WSC members will be signing up as individuals although the outfitter is aware of our plans.

As of June 7, the outfitter's website said for our trip they had 16 kayaks available to rent (out of 20; the two group leads have reserved their two boats already) for about $35. They also have 10 canoes available to rent for this trip for about $70. This includes transportation, lifevests, paddles.

Need help? You can call them at 434-286-4386 or email Reeling & Rafting here. Or email us at boating@wtgsportingclub.org.

–Charles Batchelor & Dick Elder
Boating Leads

Ride Report: Chessie Trail, Lextington, Va

The Sunday afternoon Chessie Trail in Lexington ride on April 25th was spectacular. The rain the day before filled the Maury River and created a fast-moving body of water with even more rapids than normal.

As usual, our bike ride started with a crisp cool wind out of the west and within a mile’s ride the sun’s warmth had us removing our outer garments. I enjoyed passing through the first gate leading to a tree-lined pasture of mama cows and their calves.

We found a small restaurant, PURE EATS across from VMI featuring local foods and homemade donuts; it should be named “GREAT EATS.”

Tim Jordan, WSC Biking Lead
biking@wtgsportingclub.org.