Fifteen Fun Native Fish Facts!
Summer Fly Fishing Camp is back! Join us August 6-10 for a week of tying, casting, and catching! To celebrate the return of this beloved BRDC camp, here’s fifteen fun fish facts.
Summer Fly Fishing Camp is back! Join us August 6-10 for a week of tying, casting, and catching! To celebrate the return of this beloved BRDC camp, here’s fifteen fun fish facts, all about some of the awesome freshwater fish found natively here in Virginia’s creeks, streams, and rivers!
1) There are 226 species of freshwater fish in Virginia.
2) Fish in the family Ictaluridae (the catfish family) do not have scales.
3) Fish in the genus Etheostoma (which includes many darters, though ‘darters’ is a broad term that applies to a few genuses) do not have a swim bladder! This helps them stay safe and sheltered near the bottoms of streams.
4) The Banded Sculpin, Cottus Carolinae, is nocturnal. They prefer to rest during the day, and hunt at night.
This Bluegill, a native member of the perch family, is so named for the silver-blue band and dark blue spot along the gill slit
5) There are 48 species of perch in Virginia (members of the family Percidae), including species of darters and dace. These beautiful, vibrantly colorful fish are referred to as “aquatic butterflies” or “living jewels.”
6) The Candy Darter, Etheostoma osburni, is a particularly colorful darter. Featuring bold red stripes across its blue, green, and yellow body, this rainbow of a fish would look right at home in a tropical coral reef. But it wouldn’t feel at home there - the Candy Darter’s only home is the Kanawha River system, which flows through West Virginia and Virginia.
7) The Channel Catfish, Ictalurus Punctatus, can lay 10,000+ eggs per spawn! Of course, many of these eggs are eaten before they fully develop, providing a great source of food in our aquatic ecosystems.
Brook Trout play a big role cycling nutrients through the ecosystem
8) Freshwater fish help cycle nitrogen, phosphate, and other key nutrients through the ecosystem, and help maintain the balance of these nutrients in streams. Fish move nutrients from aquatic to terrestrial environments when they are consumed by terrestrial predators, and they carry nutrients upstream to small tributaries when they migrate to spawn.
9) The Northern Hogsucker, Hypentelium Nigricans, is a messy bottom-feeder that sucks up debris in the beds of moderately sized creeks. Darters and dace will follow behind the hogsucker as it forages, eating the food it stirs up.
This Banded Sculpin has left its hiding spot between rocks. Notice its camouflage and large mouth
10) Banded Sculpin, a species in the Cottidae family, are skilled ambush predators. They’ll hide in cavities under rocks and logs, waiting until the moment is juuuust right, then BAM! They’ll strike in a split second, opening their mouth fast enough to suck in their prey! In a flash, whoever was unlucky enough to pass by is gone and the sculpin has already retreated back into hiding.
11) Many freshwater fish are living hosts for freshwater mussels. Some mussels have adapted to develop organs that look very convincingly like fish food. They’ll tempt fish into trying a bite, but instead of food, the fish receives a mouthful of hitchhiking mussel larvae! The baby mussels catch a ride throughout the river system before dropping off somewhere new.
12) Before spawning begins in late spring, male central stonerollers, Campostoma anomalum, grow large facial tubercles. These modified scales on their heads help them to- you guessed it- roll stones and build a nest. From May through early June, females pick suitable nests to lay their eggs.
13) River chub get their species name Nocomis micropogon from a pair of small organs on either side of their mouth called barbels. In fish with well-developed barbels, such as catfish, these are the sensitive “whiskers.” But the river chub’s are very small, so its latin name micropogon literally translates to “tiny beard”
14) Brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, like many of their Salmonid cousins, make an incredible migration before spawning each fall. During summer, a brook trout may swim up to 80 miles upstream into small tributaries in search of a suitable spawning location before October. There are three populations, which are named for where they travel between spawns- the Great Lakers, the Salters/Sea-Runners, and the Eastern Brook Trout, which is the population we have here in the Blue Ridge and spends its entire life between large rivers and tiny mountain creeks.
Brook Trout rising on a fishing fly, showing off its defining pattern
15) We had to include a second fun fact for a fan-favorite! The Brook Trout is the only native trout to our waters in the Blue Ridge, while other species- brown trout and rainbow trout- were introduced as game fish. The best way to identify brook trout is by the beautiful squiggly design on their top side. This pattern is called a Turing pattern, and it appears all over in nature!
Summer Camp Wrap-Up
As summer 2021 closes in, so do BRDC’s summer camps. The camps may have only lasted 4-5 days, but the camaraderie and memories will last a lifetime. Each camp brought unique experiences and challenges, as well as new skills and admiration of the Blue Ridge.
As summer 2021 closes in, so do BRDC’s summer camps. The camps may have only lasted 4-5 days, but the camaraderie and memories will last a lifetime. Each camp brought unique experiences and challenges, as well as new skills and admiration of the beautiful Blue Ridge.
New River Expedition
25 miles down the winding New River made for an exciting start to the overnight camps. Snorkeling, swimming, games, and hikes were all included in this exhilarating trip. Battleship and Ninja were games that sparked competition and fun; while exploring riverside plants and animals, kept us curious and enthusiastic. The heavy rain didn’t cause us to lose our spirits, but the occasional rock in the water may have caused a lack of balance! We waited for the rain to pass by skipping rocks and adventuring along the riverside. In the heat of the day, we cooled off by swimming in the river and resting under a refreshing waterfall. Fishing spiders, slimy salamanders, and crayfish were some of our favorite critter friends found along the way. The campers were always a delight, especially during our fun games or as we bonded around the fire.
Primitive Skills
During this week, campers learned primitive technology that can be used in survival situations. By the end of camp, they were no strangers to fire building; as Joe Flowers helped teach several methods to catch a spark. We were also involved in shelter building, flint knapping, and foraging. Something often asked while pointing at a plant or fungus was, “is it edible,” as we walked through the woods. Using the wild plants and fungi that we harvested, we made teas, dyes, and salad toppings. Carrie Sparks showed us other ways to utilize wild plants that we may initially consider weeds and appreciate them for the medicinal or edible properties they hold. Other skills gained from camp were basket weaving, cordage making, knife safety, and primitive trapping. Perhaps the greatest things from this week were the appreciation for primitive skills and friendships that go beyond camp.
Wilderness Camp
Adventure was no stranger to us during this week in the Lewis Fork Wilderness. Days were spent hiking and exploring the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, finding critters, eating blueberries, and singing our way into the mountains. We spent our nights under the stars, with the Milky Way visible in the clear night sky as lightning bugs flashed and the campfire crackled. The highlight of our trip was backpacking to the highest point in Virginia to the peak of Mt. Rogers, then sleeping in the clouds. Journaling our findings was a must, as we encountered many different species of plants, animals, and fungi. Campers learned basic navigation skills, binocular usage, and proper backpacking techniques. Birding was one of many interactive lessons, especially being on the hunt for the Northern saw-whet owl.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing in the Blue Ridge was a great way to send off the summer. We fished in creeks, ponds, and rivers, in hopes that everyone could catch a big one. Fishing for the endemic brook trout made for a challenge to the campers, but the beauty of the pristine mountain streams made it worthwhile. Campers practiced casting daily in order to ensure they all could perform “the perfect cast.” Fly tying became a nightly ritual before turning in for bed. Music by the fire (and in the van!) was a great way to bond. Many of the campers were friends of years past. It was an enjoyable and unforgettable experience where old friends were reacquainted and new friendships were formed. And...everyone caught a fish! We consider that a success!
Thank you to the campers who participated this summer. All of you brought something special to each trip. We hope to see you all again soon!
2018 Summer Camp registration is now open!
We are excited to announce our 2018 Summer Camps. Online registration is now open!Blue Ridge Discovery Center has put together six exciting camps for next summer, including backpacking, fly fishing, kayaking, ornithology, and two discovery day camps.
We are excited to announce our 2018 Summer Camps. Online registration is now open!
Blue Ridge Discovery Center has put together six exciting camps for next summer, including backpacking, fly fishing, kayaking, ornithology, and two discovery day camps. Even though each of these camps originates with different subjects of focus, they are all ultimately gateways to exploring the rich natural history of the Blue Ridge. There is nothing more powerful than spending time outdoors with mentors who can connect you to the wonders of nature.
ORNITHOLOGY CAMP
$355 (Members) / $395 (Non-members)
Wednesday-Saturday, June 6-9
4 days / 3 nights
Ages 9-13
NEW RIVER EXPEDITION
$355 (Members) / $395 (Non-members)
Wednesday-Saturday, July 11-14
4 days / 3 nights
Ages 11-15
WILDERNESS DISCOVERY
$455 (Members) / $495 (Non-members)
Monday-Friday, Jun 30 - August 3
5 days / 4 nights
Ages 11-15
FLY FISHING
$795 (Members) / $755 (Non-members)
Tuesday-Saturday, July 24-28
5 days / 6 nights
Ages 11-15
DISCOVERY DAY CAMP: KONNAROCK
$50
Monday-Friday, June 11-15
8:30am-3:30pm daily
5 Days including lunch and snacks
Ages 6-10
DISCOVERY DAY CAMP: GALAX
$50
Monday-Friday, June 25-29
8:30am-3:30pm daily
5 Days including lunch and snacks
Ages 6-10
We are keeping the limits of the camps low to provide an engaging experience for the kids and allow us to take flexible trips in the BRDC van. With this slate of camps we have the opportunity to serve 64 kids throughout the summer. We need your help getting the word out and connecting us with youth who could really benefit from our camps! Tell your friends and family about BRDC and get them signed up! You can sign-up and learn more on our webpage.
Of those 64 kids, we aim to offer 22 full scholarships to our camps, opening the door for everyone in our community to participate in these opportunities. If your child has a real drive to attend camp or your family has a financial limitation, we encourage you to apply for one of our scholarships at: Summer Camp Scholarships
BRDC Receives VDGIF eStore Grant Award
BRDC is very excited to be a recipient of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries eStore Grant! This grant will provide vital material support for the programs we offer. As you all well know, birding and fly fishing are two subjects that inspired BRDC from the very beginning. This generous grant is going to boost these two programs to another level!
BRDC is very excited to be a recipient of the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries eStore Grant! This grant will provide vital material support for the programs we offer. As you all well know, birding and fly fishing are two subjects that inspired BRDC from the very beginning. This generous grant is going to boost these two programs to another level!
The birding award has already helped us purchase 12 new binoculars in partnership with Vortex Optics and the Blue Ridge Birders. If you have ever been birding, you know how much "good glass" can mean to the experience. For years we have worked with the lowest level of binoculars on the market and the kids, even though they could kind of see the birds, couldn't get that wow moment looking through them. Thanks to the VDGIF eStore grant we are now working with excellent glass in the 8x32 Vortex Diamondback Binoculars. These are small (great for kid hands), lightweight, a broad field of view (makes it easy to find the target), close focus (awesome for butterflies), waterproof, and have a lifetime warranty. Vortex also included their harness strap system which is perfect for kids. It takes the weight off of their shoulders and keeps them from twirling the binos like a lasso :) These binoculars will prove invaluable to connecting our youth to wildlife, whether it is school field trips or summer camps. Immediately, however, we are taking them on a youth birding trip to OBX next week!
Over the years our fly fishing programs have proved to be an excellent way for BRDC to connect youth to the outdoors. We do this by studying aquatic ecology, mimicking prey through fly tying, and teaching the kids a potential lifelong hobby that gets them outdoors. Key to this program is proper equipment. The VDGIF eStore grant will provide BRDC with new waders so the kids can explore water habitats during the cold months (the school year) and complete our collection of snorkels and masks so that the kids can see the underwater world. The grant will also supply a much-needed library of fly tying materials that give the kids the opportunity to exercise their creativity and learn about life cycles. Perhaps most importantly, this grant will provide eight new fly rods that give participants the chance to fly fish one of the great water systems in the region: the New River. For many years we have utilized 5wt Orvis rods, which work great for mountain trout streams, but do not work with the larger flies and larger water of the New River. These new rods will be perfect for our trips down the New!
Many thanks to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, Vortex Optics, and Blue Ridge Birders for making this possible!!
The Virginia Wildlife eStore Grant Program is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia. Support of the Grant Program is generated through the sale of gear and other merchandise from www.shopdgif.com. Shopping on their webpage is an excellent way to support programs like ours!
Fly Fishing during Galax Intersession
Nine eager young fellas joined BRDC for the week to learn all about fly fishing
Nine eager young fellas joined BRDC for the week to learn all about fly fishing. For several hours each afternoon, we dove full force into the art of fly fishing. First thing was knowing the parts of the fly rod and reel. The students drew pictures and labeled them. We moved on to the three parts of the line and how to build a leader. Using paracord and a ring, they learned essential knots needed to build said leader and how to tie on a fly.
We moved on to aquatic insects and played relay games that enhanced this information. Using velcro cards and a "Castarget" replica of the water column, the guys were able to identify and match the life cycles of the three primary aquatic insects of the fly fishers world; mayfly, stonefly, and caddisfly.
A full afternoon was spent perfecting the cast readying for our fishing day but first, they spent an afternoon in the creek. Using seines and nets, they tossed and turned over rocks to reveal what lurked underneath. They found live versions of the insects studied on the cards; mayflies, caddisflies, helgramites and water pennies and did their best to catch the few little minnows they spooked with their splashes!
Fly imitation is a large part of fly fishing, so this was incorporated into a day. All made their own Griffith's gnat dry fly and then set out to catch a lunker trout in Chestnut Creek. For this, the boys used the Japanese style, Tenkara Rod. Its ease and simplicity is a great option for the beginning fly fisher.
On the last day, these guys built their own leaders demonstrating their skills with the knots learned earlier in the week. This day was pond fishing using an Orvis 5 weight fly rod. They all did an excellent job of casting with few flies lost. ONE young man, hooked into a mighty trout that fought hard, jumped high and gave us all a thrill!
Fly Fishing in School?
National Fishing in Schools Program is a nationwide, in school program that teaches a positive lifetime activity to students.
National Fishing in Schools Program is a nationwide, in school program that teaches a positive, lifetime activity to students.
BRDC brought this national program to Grayson County High School boys ninth and tenth grade PE classes in December. Parts of the fly rod, fly reel and fly line; knots used to build leader; aquatic insects: mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies; fish species, fly casting and fly tying were part of the curriculum for the week.
In addition to basic casting skills and an understanding of aquatic habitat, the students learned stewardship through catching and releasing real "fake" fish. Each day, new skills and information were added in a hands-on fashion to reinforce the lesson. On the final day, all the classes used their knot tying skills to build their own leader. Attached to the tippet end of that leader was a Woolly Bugger, a fly that imitates many aquatic species, that they created. By the end of the week, students had achieved a skill level that allows them to go out to a stream and have confidence in catching a fish using a fly rod.
BRDC receives VDGIF eStore Grant!
Thanks to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia for supporting the Blue Ridge Discovery Center's efforts to connect our youth to the outdoors!
Thanks to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia for supporting the Blue Ridge Discovery Center's efforts to connect our youth to the outdoors! This grant will provide a cache of fly tying materials and tools for our fly fishing programs. Fly fishing is a potential life long hobby that connects people directly to their surroundings. Learning to tie flies is a hands-on interest-driven activity that studies food chains, aquatic macroinvertebrates, and grand outdoor traditions.
Virginia Wildlife eStore Grant Program is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia. Support of the Grant Program is generated through the sale of gear and other merchandise from www.shopdgif.com.
Impromtu Fly Fishing Camp!
At the request of a couple of campers from a previous camp we put together another Fly Fishing Camp to end the summer. Shortened by a day, it became an action packed three day initiation by fire. On the ride to camp we all agreed to treat this as an intensive course rather than the typical shenanigans of a summer camp. The result was one seriously focused group of kids.
At the request of a couple of campers from a previous camp we put together another Fly Fishing Camp to end the summer. Shortened by a day, it became an action packed three day initiation by fire. On the ride to camp we all agreed to treat this as an intensive course rather than the typical shenanigans of a summer camp. The result was one seriously focused group of kids.
We began the camp by squirming into wetsuits to snorkel the cold waters of Fox Creek. Learning to fish from the perspective of a fish can really change the way one approaches the hobby. We all lined up in our super hero outfits and crawled up the creek, imagination immersed in the underwater world. Along the way we observed the reds of big mouth chubs, hog suckers nestled in the substrate, darters in the riffles, and sculpin peaking their heads out between rocks. We saw white suckers, red-eyes, rainbow trout, brown trout and shiners. The most exciting part was a small shady run below a set of rapids where a variety of species darted about the water currents. Swimming across a deep pool we spooked up two 18" rainbow trout to the excitement of the inner fisherman in us all.
After some field casting lessons and sustenance we headed to the farm ponds for experience on how to set the hook, land and release the fish. As we got on the water heavy bands of rain crossed over us. Although the kids didn't mind one iota, the fish shut down. Once the rain passed the bluegill and largemouth bass returned as hungry as ever. One massive bass in particular was relentless with bluegill that we retrieved. With the fishing biting, we stayed until the light faded away. Only the promise of s'mores took them off the water. After a brief journaling session the camp went silent for the night.
The kids awoke at 6:30am and immediately went to the fly tying desk while breakfast sizzled on the grill. With a long day ahead on the river, we needed some fresh ammo for the trip. Everyone tied their best version of a leggy popper designed to be a cross between a dragonfly, frog and a minnow. This big buggy creature is a classic "terrestrial" used for smallmouth on the New River during the heat of summer.
While we ferried the raft trailers downriver the kids got a lesson in casting in moving water. Jane's first cast produced a smallmouth! The pride that she had in catching a fish with a fly she had tied was priceless. Down the river we headed, with the kids learning the ins and outs of casting from a raft, including not casting over the boat, not casting simultaneously and not trying to be Brad Pitt with twenty false casts! The day was hot and the fishing was slow but the fishermen were determined! Ultimately they brought four fish to the boat but missed a dozen more.
To cool off from the hot day we leaped into the swimming hole, again and again and again until our stomachs growled for dinner. Upon returning to camp out came the headlamps and bobbins to tie flies for the next day's adventure. They learned a streamer pattern, a never sink dry fly and a giant stonefly.
The next morning the kids were up knocking on the door of the counselors tent ready to keep tying! After breakfast we had a relay contest to learn the life cycles of three major families of aquatic insects that trout eat: mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies.
With a bit of rain from the previous night Fox Creek was primed for chucking streamers so we headed to the house pool to try our hand at those 18" rainbows. After each kid took a shot, the counselors each tried their hand but all struck out so we moped back to camp and packed away the western style gear.
After a quick lesson on Tenkara Fly Fishing we packed the cruiser and headed up the mountain to the high elevation plunge pools of Wilson Creek. The kids tied on their never-sink caddis flies and practiced the art of stealth fly fishing. A series of missed strikes, tree snags and tangles ensued before they landed a native southern Appalachian brook trout and a wild rainbow trout! The brookie in its spawning colors was identified as "the most beautiful fish in the world". Their pride soared in the success of their tiny creations as fish after fish mistook it for the real mccoy. Navigating the boulder filled creek proved to be as entertaining as fly casting and the kids took some time to marvel in the unique landscape and continuous white noise of the plunge pools.
The camp finished with an ice cream sundae bar provided by Charlotte Hanes at the day camp site. After gorging our taste buds we had a little time to spare so we got out the seine and surveyed Saddle Creek for aquatic macroinvertebrates. In the net we saw a fish version of a sundae bar - stoneflies, hellgrammites, caddisflies, mayflies, midges, crayfish and minnows...
Upon graduation of the beginners course these kids were ready for the intermediate level but they will have to wait till summer to enroll!