Trout Fillets

From Lake to Bake

Rainbow Trout are one of the few fish that has an unlimited West Virginia consumption advisory. Most rainbows are hatchery raised and have not been in natural water long enough to absorb contaminants such as PCBs, Dioxins and Mercury. Trout, crappie and sunfish eat insects and are less likely to contain chemicals. However, Channel Catfish, a bottom feeder, is recommended to consume only once per week. The American Heart Association recommends eating two to three fish meals each week. Therefore it is of extreme importance to know what type of fish you are consuming and from which area, or you could very well be undoing your health benefits. It is always healthier to eat fillets since most contaminates are stored in the skin and fats concentrated in the belly.
To fillet you will need a thin, sharp knife. Some electric knives are suitable. You can start from the tail or head area and follow through between the flesh and ribs along the backbone. Flip and scrap against the skin to remove. A video on how to is included below. I prefer to leave mine stand in salt water over night in the refrigerator for an extra sanitation precaution, since salt is a natural cleanser.
To deep fry, flour well and sprinkle with sea food seasoning or lemon pepper. Fry for 1-2 minutes, depending on size, until golden brown. Add salt before cooling. Also drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
To bake, line a baking pan with foil sufficient enough to cover top , bottom and fold. Place fillets in and sprinkle with seasoning and completely fold and seal foil. Bake at 350 F for 20- 30 mintues.
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Brandywine Lake

Brandywine Lake is a six acre impounded lake and camp ground. It is in the Dry River District of the George Washington Nation Forest. Located on State Route 33 approximately 10 miles west of the Virginia State Line. It is stocked un the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources code BW-F. Which means , one trout stocking in February, every other week, March - May and once each week October 13 and 20. DNR sponsors Free Fishing Days June 7-8.

Electric motor boats are allowed. Since the area is secured, the gate below the parking lot is closed during the off season. That doesn't stop the locals. They have devised low, hand pulled trailers to pull beneath the gate. There are a number of walk in bank fishers as well. Everyone was catching their limit, except me... I was too busy photographing to share with you. Hope you enjoy it. They were fishing with corn and night crawlers. Besides the stocked trout, are crappie, bass, perch, and catfish.



Brandywine lake has a beautiful sandy beach for swimmers on one section of the lake, with a lovely arched wooden bridge access. Their rest room facilities, include showers and are exceptionally clean. The grounds are wheel chair accessible. I'll post some more pictures of the swimming and camping facilities when the gates are unlocked. Also, I'll update you on the fishing at that time.

South Mill Creek,

South Mill Creek Lake is a beautiful little lake in nestled amongst the rolling hills of Patterson Creek Mountain in the shadow of the WV mountains.It is a tributary of the South Branch of the Potomac River which flows to the Chesapeake Bay. It has a easily accessible boat dock for small boats. Only electric motors are allowed. Large gas engines are off limits to this quite peaceful retreat. The gates are opened at 6:00 until 10:00 pm. No over night camping is allowed, but night fishing can be accomplished by parking out side the gate and walking.



Their picnic area is well maintained with numerous picnics tables. Cooking grills are also supplied. You can grap some food and head for the lake for a lovely day of fishing. A deck and walking trails make fishing from the banks possible. It's not necessary to have a boat to enjoy this beautiful little hid away.



The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources stocks rainbow trout under their BW code, which translated means, once in February and every other week March - May. WV is known for stocking big fish. Some times they release their breeders. They are really big fish. There are numerous big bass, crappie and cat fish. Both blue cat fish and channel cat occupy this lake. Don't forget Free Fishing Days June 7th and 8th. There is a limitation sign posted at the dock, so please check with DNR before you start reeling them in.





The fishermen on the boating dock have a stringer full of rainbow trout. The deck is located directly beneath the picnic area. The grass is mowed regularly during the summer. There is ampule parking and I the picnic tables are handicap accessible.



Do remember to bring a snack for the greeter duck. He looks forward to it.

Brushy Fork Lake

Brushy Fork Lake is located three miles south Sugar Grove area of WV. It is adjacent a paved state maintained road. There are no gates, picnic tables, or rest room faculties. Totally primitive. It lies in the Dry River District of the George Washington National Forest. It is on the South Branch of the South Fork of the Potomac River. They mow about twice during the summer months. Depart from the paths, at your own risk. The DNR stock trout under their BW code, which means once in February and every other week in May - March. There should still be a few left by Free Fishing Days on June 7th and 8th.

Please check with our Division of Natural Resources, before planing any trips to this area. Especially if you are for out of state. There are a number of Game Wardens residing in the area and they do regular patrols. Do carry all your documentation with you. It can be a long hike back to the parking area. I carry mine in a zip lock baggie and placed again inside a plastic bag. I look like a bag lady when I'm carry my personals to the electric motor boat. Especially beside my fishing buddy, that has everything neatly organized in a water proof tote. We look like the King and Pauper traveling with out survival gear.

It was sunny today for the first time in a week... the water hadn't warmed enough for any really good fishing. Most of what were caught were too little to keep... much less clean, but it was a ice quite, peaceful trip around the lake. Oh we weren't the only fishers not having any luck. Mr Bald Eagle was looking for a meal too. He never moved from his perch the whole time we were there. Patiently waiting for that one fish that swims too close to the surface. Don't ya just have to love WV? Living amongst the eagles ... it must be almost heaven,