It wasn’t the Brook Trout I was hoping for, but this Bluehead Chub was a new species.

Species: Bluehead Chub (Nocomis leptocephalus)
Location: Thornton River, Shenandoah National Park, VA
Date: July 15, 2015

Oh Shenandoah.

The National Park so beautiful it inspired a song was on my to-do list the moment I knew I’d be spending time in Washington D.C.

I spent my first-ever evening on the East Coast hanging out with my cousin, Adrian Mateos, after I arrived.

We did a quick tour, and he told me to do my sightseeing the next day while he was at work but to save some stops for us to visit together the next evening.

Game on.

I visited all sorts of monuments and museums but saved “the big ones” for that evening.

If you missed the date, it was late July. Humidity was thicker than tourists, and I was soaking in a swamp every time I sat down. So I just kept moving. I walked and rode and covered two days worth of sights in about eight hours.

***

After two days and nights of “doing D.C.” like a tourist, I rented a car and decided to head east to Shenandoah National Park.

I stopped along the way for a softshell crab sandwich — damn, those are good — and continued on my way.

The roads became less and less significant, and before I knew it, I was wandering the wilds of rural Virginia.

Shenandoah National Park is huge. Covering more than 311 square miles and stretching north to south from the northern border of Virginia to the fat middle of the state, it’s not a quick tour like some other national parks.

I entered at the North Entrance near the town of Front Royal and was immediately awestruck by the beauty of it all.

Little did I know, I was about to be all up in my feels from the beauty of this place. The first thing I noticed was the lush greenery and the butterflies and hummingbird moths flitting around it, sipping nectar and adding to an already awesome sight.

I’d never seen a Hummingbird Moth before, and I was taken by the sight.

 

Swallowtail Butterflies are among the most common.

Now, I’d told myself this trip was more about sightseeing than fishing, but I still wanted to fish. So my first stop was the ranger station.

***

The ranger told me about the decent fishing to be had there, including lots of native Brook Trout (my target species) and the occasional “massive Brown Trout that you wouldn’t believe.”

Further exploration revealed the latter to be fish as “massive” as 16 inches long. I suppressed a laugh.

The streams on the mountainside proved shallow and nearly impossible to fish. I noticed no poison oak, ivy, or sumac, but I failed to realize the thick vegetation brushing against my bare legs contained some lesser toxin that made me itch like crazy until I washed myself thoroughly in another stream.

***

The drive wound on, and I began to worry I might not be able to find fishable water. Then, I noticed the middle exit road just halfway through the park. The topography of the map seemed to indicate a drop in elevation, and I noted the single stream that looked large enough to fish: Thornton River.

I made my careful way, enjoying the scenery.

So awesome. Even though Shenandoah isn’t that high in elevation, the surrounding area was so low that a unique microclimate existed up on top of the ridge.

I even stopped when I found my favorite flower (yes, I have a favorite flower) the Tiger Lily. They were scattered around on the roadside, and I had to take a moment to appreciate them.

Tiger Lilies? *sighs wistfully*

***

Eventually, I realized time was running short. I still had to make it back to D.C., through D.C. traffic during rush hour, and back to the hotel in Maryland to meet up with Adrian.

It was Thornton River or bust.

My first few casts with a tiny spinner proved useless, but once I stumbled upon a gorgeous pool with a massive rock hiding me from view, I began catching small fish I couldn’t identify. No Brookies, but I knew it was a new species.

I like chubs. They’re unique fish, and they fill in for overfished trout populations and keep you from getting skunked.

***

Though it took me ages, eventually I learned I’d caught a Bluehead Chub from Steve Reeser, the District Fisheries Biologist of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

He also helped me identify the next fish I caught, but you’ll have to read the next post for that information.

#SpeciesQuest // #CaughtOvgard

Read the next entry in #SpeciesQuest here: Species #65 — Fallfish.

Luke Ovgard Rough Fishing, SpeciesQuest , , , , , , ,

304 Replies

  2. Virtue, they say, lies in the middle, but who among us can truly say where the middle is? Is it a fixed point, or does it shift with time, perception, and context? Perhaps the middle is not a place but a way of moving, a constant balancing act between excess and deficiency. Maybe to be virtuous is not to reach the middle but to dance around it with grace.

  20. you are really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is amazing. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent job on this topic!

  23. I just couldn’t depart your website before suggesting that I extremely enjoyed the standard info a person provide for your visitors? Is going to be back often to check up on new posts

  26. After I initially commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now every time a remark is added I get 4 emails with the identical comment. Is there any means you can remove me from that service? Thanks!

  34. naturally like your web site however you have to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. A number of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to tell the reality however I?¦ll definitely come again again.

  35. Howdy! This is my first comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and tell you I genuinely enjoy reading through your articles. Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that cover the same subjects? Appreciate it!

  36. great points altogether, you simply won a logo new reader. What might you recommend about your publish that you just made some days ago? Any positive?

  38. I’m really impressed with your writing skills as well as with the layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep up the excellent quality writing, it is rare to see a great blog like this one these days..

  39. Great V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or anything, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Nice task..

  41. Hi! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a outstanding job!

  42. The Aqua Tower looks like such an innovative and eco-friendly concept .
    I love how it’s designed to harvest clean drinking water from the
    air while also promoting sustainability. Definitely a smart solution for future cities and communities facing water scarcity.
    ✨

  44. Good post. I study something more difficult on different blogs everyday. It will always be stimulating to read content material from other writers and follow a bit of one thing from their store. I’d choose to use some with the content material on my weblog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a link in your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

  47. It¦s in reality a great and helpful piece of info. I am satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  52. Howdy very cool web site!! Man .. Beautiful .. Wonderful .. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds also?KI am happy to find a lot of useful information right here within the publish, we need develop extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing. . . . . .

  59. I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  69. Very nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to mention that I have really loved surfing around your weblog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing for your feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!

  72. I like this web blog very much, Its a very nice office to read and find information. “Anyone can stop a man’s life, but no one his death a thousand doors open on to it. – Phoenissae” by Lucius Annaeus Seneca.

  73. Wow that was unusual. I just wrote an very long comment but after I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not writing all that over again. Anyway, just wanted to say excellent blog!

  74. I really like your writing style, superb info, thanks for posting :D. “Much unhappiness has come into the world because of bewilderment and things left unsaid.” by Feodor Mikhailovich Dostoyevsky.

  77. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your website? My blog site is in the exact same area of interest as yours and my users would definitely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Thanks a lot!

  79. I’ve read some excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot attempt you put to create such a magnificent informative web site.

  80. Hey there, You’ve done an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this web site.

  81. I’ll immediately grab your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.

  83. F*ckin¦ awesome things here. I¦m very happy to peer your article. Thanks so much and i’m taking a look forward to touch you. Will you please drop me a e-mail?

  84. Good post. I study something more challenging on different blogs everyday. It’ll at all times be stimulating to learn content from other writers and follow a bit of one thing from their store. I’d choose to make use of some with the content on my blog whether you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a hyperlink on your web blog. Thanks for sharing.

  87. I’m very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that’s at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

  89. I’ve learned some new things as a result of your web site. One other thing I would like to say is always that newer pc os’s usually allow more memory to get used, but they in addition demand more memory space simply to work. If a person’s computer can’t handle additional memory as well as newest software program requires that storage increase, it can be the time to shop for a new Computer system. Thanks

  91. This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen

  94. Thanks for discussing your ideas here. The other matter is that each time a problem arises with a computer system motherboard, people today should not consider the risk with repairing that themselves for if it is not done right it can lead to permanent damage to the entire laptop. It will always be safe to approach any dealer of your laptop with the repair of that motherboard. They’ve already technicians that have an know-how in dealing with notebook computer motherboard issues and can have the right diagnosis and accomplish repairs.

  95. Excellent weblog right here! Additionally your web site rather a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I desire my site loaded up as fast as yours lol

  96. It’s really a nice and useful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  97. Hello There. I discovered your blog using msn. That is a really smartly written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read extra of your helpful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.

  98. What i do not understood is in truth how you are not actually much more well-preferred than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore considerably in terms of this matter, made me for my part believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like women and men are not fascinated until it is one thing to accomplish with Woman gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. Always maintain it up!

  99. Thanks for these guidelines. One thing I additionally believe is the fact that credit cards offering a 0 interest rate often lure consumers in with zero rate of interest, instant endorsement and easy over-the-internet balance transfers, but beware of the main factor that will void your current 0 easy street annual percentage rate as well as throw one out into the very poor house fast.

  100. My developer is trying to convince me to move to .net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs. But he’s tryiong none the less. I’ve been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year and am nervous about switching to another platform. I have heard great things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can transfer all my wordpress content into it? Any kind of help would be really appreciated!

  101. This is without a doubt one of the best articles I’ve read on this topic! The author’s comprehensive knowledge and zeal for the subject shine through in every paragraph. I’m so thankful for coming across this piece as it has enhanced my comprehension and ignited my curiosity even further. Thank you, author, for taking the time to craft such a phenomenal article!

  108. I do love the manner in which you have presented this problem plus it really does provide me a lot of fodder for thought. On the other hand, because of what precisely I have experienced, I just simply wish as other feedback pile on that folks remain on issue and not get started on a tirade involving the news du jour. Anyway, thank you for this exceptional piece and although I do not agree with this in totality, I respect the perspective.

  116. Thanks for this glorious article. One more thing to mention is that a lot of digital cameras arrive equipped with some sort of zoom lens that permits more or less of the scene being included simply by ‘zooming’ in and out. These kinds of changes in {focus|focusing|concentration|target|the a**** length are usually reflected inside viewfinder and on significant display screen at the back of any camera.

  117. With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has a lot of exclusive content I’ve either written myself or outsourced but it seems a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do you know any ways to help reduce content from being stolen? I’d really appreciate it.

  120. Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs and related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task.

  129. Thanks for sharing all these wonderful posts. In addition, the right travel in addition to medical insurance program can often eliminate those issues that come with vacationing abroad. A new medical crisis can before long become very expensive and that’s bound to quickly place a financial burden on the family’s finances. Putting in place the best travel insurance bundle prior to leaving is well worth the time and effort. Cheers

  130. Thanks, I have just been searching for information about this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. But, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain concerning the supply?

  137. Today, I went to the beach with my kids. I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She put the shell to her ear and screamed. There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell someone!

  138. Hello there, You have done an excellent job. I will definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they’ll be benefited from this site.

  139. This is the correct blog for anyone who desires to seek out out about this topic. You notice so much its nearly laborious to argue with you (not that I really would want?HaHa). You undoubtedly put a brand new spin on a topic thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, simply great!

  143. Hey I am so glad I found your site, I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Google for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a incredible post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great work.

  145. Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool. I’m impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you understand this subject. Bookmarked this web page, will come back for more articles. You, my friend, ROCK! I found just the information I already searched all over the place and simply couldn’t come across. What an ideal web site.

  147. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  153. I personally find that i’ve been active for almost a year, mostly for using the mobile app, and it’s always fast transactions. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.

  154. It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I am happy that you just shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  169. Good ? I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

  198. Another thing I have noticed is that for many people, less-than-perfect credit is the results of circumstances outside of their control. For instance they may be actually saddled having an illness and as a consequence they have high bills going to collections. Maybe it’s due to a job loss and the inability to go to work. Sometimes divorce proceedings can send the funds in the wrong direction. Thank you for sharing your ideas on this website.

  208. I personally find that wow! This is a cool platform. They really do have the intuitive UI. Charts are accurate and load instantly.

  213. I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are wonderful! Thanks!

  216. I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this web site. I am hoping the same high-grade web site post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing skills has inspired me to get my own site now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings fast. Your write up is a great example of it.

  217. Have you ever considered creating an ebook or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same topics you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my readers would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to send me an e-mail.

  218. I personally find that i was skeptical, but after since launch of using the mobile app, the intuitive UI convinced me. The mobile app makes daily use simple.

  224. I might also like to say that most people that find themselves with out health insurance are generally students, self-employed and those that are not working. More than half on the uninsured are really under the age of 35. They do not come to feel they are wanting health insurance since they are young in addition to healthy. Their particular income is often spent on real estate, food, in addition to entertainment. Most people that do work either full or part time are not supplied insurance by way of their work so they go without because of the rising valuation on health insurance in the country. Thanks for the thoughts you share through this website.

  226. Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to ?return the favor?.I am trying to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use a few of your ideas!!

  227. Thanks for the concepts you are giving on this blog site. Another thing I’d really like to say is always that getting hold of some copies of your credit file in order to examine accuracy of the detail would be the first activity you have to accomplish in credit restoration. You are looking to cleanse your credit reports from harmful details problems that mess up your credit score.

  230. Hey very nice blog!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?I am happy to find numerous useful info here in the post, we need develop more strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .

  233. You really make it appear really easy together with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be really one thing that I feel I might by no means understand. It seems too complex and extremely large for me. I am having a look forward for your subsequent publish, I?ll try to get the hang of it!

  237. When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Bless you!

  238. Nice post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful info particularly the last part 🙂 I care for such information a lot. I was looking for this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.

  240. Helpful info. Fortunate me I discovered your site by chance, and I’m shocked why this accident didn’t took place earlier! I bookmarked it.

  241. Charlie here — I’ve tried exploring governance and the reliable uptime impressed me. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.

  243. I am no longer certain the place you are getting your information, however great topic. I needs to spend a while learning much more or figuring out more. Thanks for excellent information I was on the lookout for this information for my mission.

  248. I have learned new things out of your blog post. One more thing to I have recognized is that in most cases, FSBO sellers will reject anyone. Remember, they’d prefer never to use your expert services. But if you maintain a steady, professional relationship, offering guide and being in contact for around four to five weeks, you will usually be capable of win a meeting. From there, a listing follows. Many thanks

  254. I am no longer sure the place you’re getting your info, however good topic. I must spend a while studying much more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful information I used to be on the lookout for this information for my mission.

  260. Greetings from California! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how quick your blog loaded on my mobile .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, great site!

  261. I have really learned new things by means of your blog site. One other thing I’d really like to say is always that newer personal computer operating systems tend to allow much more memory to be played with, but they in addition demand more memory space simply to perform. If a person’s computer is unable to handle a lot more memory and the newest computer software requires that ram increase, it usually is the time to shop for a new PC. Thanks

  263. I’m impressed by the seamless withdrawals. I’ll definitely continue using it. Perfect for both new and experienced traders.

  264. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very hard to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and visual appeal. I must say you’ve done a excellent job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Safari. Exceptional Blog!

  266. Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely magnificent. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful website.

  272. I used to be very pleased to search out this net-site.I wished to thanks on your time for this excellent learn!! I positively having fun with every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.

  275. Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a tough time making a decision between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your layout seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  279. I personally find that shawn here — I’ve tried portfolio tracking and the great support impressed me. Great for cross-chain swaps with minimal slippage.

  281. Thanks for giving your ideas on this blog. Furthermore, a myth regarding the banking institutions intentions while talking about foreclosure is that the standard bank will not have my installments. There is a certain quantity of time which the bank will take payments in some places. If you are very deep inside hole, they are going to commonly desire that you pay that payment entirely. However, that doesn’t mean that they will not take any sort of payments at all. In case you and the loan company can have the ability to work some thing out, your foreclosure method may stop. However, if you ever continue to miss out on payments wih the new plan, the home foreclosure process can just pick up where it was left off.

  283. I personally find that the best choice I made for cross-chain transfers. Smooth and clear transparency. My withdrawals were always smooth.

  292. Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It actually was a enjoyment account it. Look advanced to far introduced agreeable from you! However, how could we be in contact?

  293. Wonderful paintings! This is the type of info that should be shared across the web. Disgrace on the seek engines for now not positioning this publish higher! Come on over and discuss with my site . Thanks =)

  294. One thing I’d prefer to reply to is that weight loss program fast can be performed by the right diet and exercise. A person’s size not merely affects the look, but also the overall quality of life. Self-esteem, melancholy, health risks, as well as physical ability are damaged in weight gain. It is possible to make everything right whilst still having a gain. Should this happen, a condition may be the reason. While a lot food and not enough exercising are usually at fault, common health concerns and key prescriptions can certainly greatly help to increase size. Thx for your post right here.

  295. I personally find that fees are responsive team, and the execution is always smooth. My withdrawals were always smooth.

  297. Hello There. I found your blog the use of msn. This is an extremely smartly written article. I?ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your helpful information. Thank you for the post. I?ll definitely return.

  299. My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be exactly I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for yourself? I wouldn’t mind publishing a post or elaborating on some of the subjects you write related to here. Again, awesome blog!

  300. I personally find that the learning crypto basics process is simple and the easy onboarding makes it even better. The updates are frequent and clear.

  303. In accordance with my research, after a foreclosed home is offered at a bidding, it is common for any borrower to be able to still have a remaining unpaid debt on the mortgage. There are many financial institutions who aim to have all charges and liens repaid by the upcoming buyer. Nonetheless, depending on specified programs, polices, and state laws there may be several loans that aren’t easily sorted out through the shift of lending options. Therefore, the duty still lies on the lender that has acquired his or her property foreclosed on. Thanks for sharing your ideas on this site.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Species #63 — Fathead Minnow
Species #65 — Fallfish