Elk River

The Elk begins where Old Field Creek and Big Spring merge near Slatyfork off State Route 219. The river is nicknamed "The Lady" and is considered to be one of the most beautiful trout streams in the East. The river contains healthy populations of native brook trout along with wild browns and rainbows. Most of the fish her average between 12 - 16" but a few have been released over 24.

The Elk has a catch-and-release-only section that begins at its headwaters and runs about 5 miles downstream before the river disappears underground. This section, ironically named "The Dries," runs for a few miles before it bubbles back up from the ground.  After it re-emerges with the help of three big underground springs, there is a second catch-and-release section that fishes really well. Access is available at Elk Springs Resort and Fly Shop with proper permission. Just tell them you know Curtis Flemming and all should be well.

This section of river contains some very large rainbows and anglers should be prepared. Every hook up could be a potentional fish of a lifetime so make sure you've tied the best knot to your fly you've ever tied.  This portion of the Elk is catch-and-release only for 2 miles before it hits Rose Run Bridge. Anglers can easily access the river from County Route 49, which is directly past Elk Springs Resort. Parking and public access are available thanks to the efforts between Trout Unlimited, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, and the Grafton family, who donated land for public use.

The water in the Elk is made up of everything from great broken water fishing, to big deep pools and long riffle runs. Nymphing is the most effective technique used here, but some good hatches of caddis, stoneflies, and mayflies, make for some great dry fly fishing at times. If your looking to target the biggest fish this river has to offer, make sure to carry some large trophy streamers with you.