Thornton River, Virginia

Sperryville, Virginia

One of the most bittersweet feelings known to fly-fishers comes after tearing oneself away from a beautiful trout stream at the end of a clear blue day. As we departed Thornton River on Saturday evening, with the sun dipping low over the northern Blue Ridge Mountains and a cool evening breeze settling in, we couldn’t imagine a better way to spend a day.

On Saturday April 21st the Northern Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited played host to three soldiers currently being treated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Organized by George Paine, the TU volunteers guided the group on a section of the Thornton River on Mount Vernon Farms at the base of Turkey Mountain near Sperryville, Virginia.

The three soldiers, SPC Rob Kislow, SPC J.R. Salzman with his wife Josie and PV2 Jeff Breezee, all hooked into some beautiful rainbow trout. Though the morning fishing started slowly due to the high, bright sunlight, this special section of the Thornton River would soon offer up some exceptional fish. Cliff Miller, the owner who generously donated this privately stocked portion of river running through his beautiful property, promised better action in the afternoon.

A relaxing mid-day break in the shade of the old silo was highlighted by a delicious lunch of cold sodas, homemade cookies and sandwiches from Rae’s restaurant in Sperryville. Fortified with great food and tall tales we were ready for a second attempt at the trout that we knew were waiting for us just out of sight.

As Cliff promised, with the shadows lengthening in the mid afternoon sun, the fish began to take the streamers that they had shunned all morning. Thanks to the expert guidance of Dave Cartier, Kiki Galvin, Bob Howard, Dan Kelly, Andy Manley and Bob Parsons, everyone was put onto fish. The honors for the most trout caught go to J.R. with two nice rainbows. But don’t tell that to his wife…she’s quick to point out that her monster 20-inch trout trumps any number of his “lesser” fish.

Many whoops and hollers were heard up and down the stream as the participants played, landed and released their fish. Jeff landed his first trout on a fly rod and, though he passed on the tradition of kissing your first fish, it was a moment that he is sure to never forget. PHW volunteers Ed Nicholson, Dale Harman and Matt Grimm captured much of the action in photos and can attest to the quality of the fish landed.

So as we departed for home and reflected on the bucolic day, we couldn’t help but wonder why every day couldn’t be like this one…far removed from the thoughts and concerns that consume us during the week. A special thanks to all who worked to make this day possible and who took us, even if just briefly, to a place where nothing exists but the hypnotic rhythm of the water, the gentle tug of the fly and the electricity of the take.

~Dale Harman