Below Pleasant Valley Campground—barbless flies and lures only, catch and release, open all year.

When wind, temps, and snow affect the Upper, the Lower becomes our winter fishing ground, mainly for lure fishing and sometimes fly fishing. We made one trip there in mid-October, getting a good amount of Browns and Rainbows up to 18”. The brush and reeds are thick in some areas, cutting off access, but that should improve as they go dormant.

Lure-wise, we’re using Panther Martins, Thomas Buoyants, and Rapalas with the belly hooks removed. When fly fishing, it’s much the same as at the Upper. Even in winter, due to warmer temps, there’s a consistent mid-day Mayfly hatch—perfect for BWOs and Caddis patterns.