Mossy Creek
7-8 July 2008
Mossy Creek is a beautiful little spring fed meadow stream that peacefully meanders from its springhead in the village of Mt. Solon, Virginia to its confluence with the North River about 8 miles downstream. One of those 8 miles of river and Mossy Creek Lodge are owned by Bob and Robin Fitch. This beautiful property, once a fishing lodge offering guide services and deluxe accommodations, is now a wonderful private weekend escape. On July 7th and 8th Bob and Robin hosted a group of anglers from Project Healing Waters including SFC Diane Cochran, her daughter Candace, former Marine Corporal Randy Bertok, PFC Josh Everett, CPT Eivind Forseth, SFC Norris Galatas, Bill Johnston, a disabled Marine from the Viet Nam war, and R.C. Jones and Ed Nicholson, PHW volunteers for two spectacular days of trophy brown and rainbow trout fishing.
Mossy Creek is a classic limestone stream that provided some beautiful fish for both novice and accomplished anglers alike. Saturday began with the group gathering at the lodge in the late morning. A friend of Bob and Robin’s, John Miko, provided “stream wisdom” and tips on fly selection during a the water at about noon and were met with immediate success. Browns and rainbows were landed with regularity and measured up to 24 inches. No fish less than 14 inches were brought to the net.
The sun was high and hot in the afternoon and by 4 pm most were ready for a comfortable seat, a beverage and some air conditioning. The group told fish stories at the lodge while Bob prepared a delicious dinner on the barbeque. But there was no time to waste contemplating the dessert menu as John was eager to have everyone back on the water by early evening to take advantage of the late day action. This time we were joined by Curt Briscoe a guide from Mossy Creek Fly Fishing in Harrisonburg, whose experience with this water helped put several anglers into some nice fish. Once again, Mossy Creek did not disappoint.
As the sun dipped toward the horizon the anglers slowly began to make their way back to the lodge for beverages on the deck. The warm weather and the big fish took their toll and most were exhausted. However, John and others were reluctant to leave the water and we watched with smiles and good-natured jokes as their headlamps bobbed in the darkness as they returned to join the group.
Sunday morning found everyone wolfing down Ed’s (Captain Flap) pancakes and sausage (courtesy of John Bass of Bass Farms). Brian Trow, co-owner of Mossy Creek Fly Fishing was there as was Curt. After pushing away from the table it was off to the Creek for more action. It was going to be another hot day, so everyone was anxious to get on the fish before things heated up. Again, the fishing was rewarding, with everyone catching nice rainbows and browns. By noon however, the sun was frying, and the fish, even in the cool spring water, were taking a break. It was enough of a good thing and everyone headed up to the house for a great burger lunch, courtesy of Bob, Robin and Brian’s wife Suzanne (who I might add makes some killer chocolate chip cookies) . We were very pleased and honored to have the Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Mike Mullen and his wife Deborah join the group. They had been guided by Colby Trow that morning and had accepted Bob’s offer to partake of lunch with all. Avid fly fishers, the Mullens immediately connected with PHW and we all spent the time discussing fly fishing and our project.
The PHW crew of volunteers and wounded warriors extends their thanks to Bob and Robin Fitch and Mossy Creek Fly Fishing for their wonderful hospitality and support. Your efforts mean more than you could ever possibly know. A special thanks goes to “Stump” Wenger who allowed us to fish on his property as well and who provided wonderful guide assistance to some of our anglers. We at PHW are proud to know you all.
Dale Harman
