Several members of the Asheville Project Healing Waters chapter attended the 2010 Harman’s North Fork Invitational Fly-Fishing Tournament on June 3-5. Held on the North Fork of the Potomac River in Seneca Rocks, WV, the gang competed against competitors from Colorado to Florida. The event spanned four 3-hour sessions over 2 days, with varying rules in play for each session and total length of fish caught determining the winners.
The two-man teams included our own Brandon Wilson fishing with PHW angler Josh Williams, and Barry Murphy teaming with Rick Queen. Josh and Brandon showed moments of brilliance, with Josh’s awe inspiring casting serving as a testament to his overcoming any challenge.
Barry and Rick filled up the score sheet by consistently landing the fish early in each session, helping settle their nerves and building confidence. Barry helped vault the team up the leader board by scoring several large fish in Saturday’s hot morning conditions.
The final session began with Brandon and Josh eying a top-three finish, while Rick and Barry drew a run littered with size 20 Blue Wing Olives, but having only four nymphs between them. However, despite losing two of their nymphs, Barry and Rick managed to finish strong and take top honors. Barry “Big Stick” additionally walked away with big fish honors, netting a 20+ inch rainbow. For more about the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac go to South Branch Potomac River West Virginia at Trout University. This articel reprinted from the Western North Carolina Chapter of Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing.