Avid readers of this website have no doubt read my posting on the Lake Erie "Fish Camp." Those of you with higher standards (or with a spouse in tow who forces higher standards upon you) Harman's North Fork cottages is the answer. Resting in the foothills of the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area on the North Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac in the heart of West Virginia's prime fishing country, Harman's offers 21 log cabins with fireplaces (most with private outdoor hot tubs) positioned along the river. That river is the key attraction of this property. In addition to the many fishing options offered by West Virginia, Harman's heavily stocks the 1.75 miles of the North Fork that runs through its property.  When you arrive, you may feel like you are experiencing a "déjà vu" moment. If you feel like you've been here before, it may be that you have been watching too many episodes of the "Fly Rod Chronicles with Curtis Fleming." Several of their shows were filmed on-site.

When you consider what you pay to fish private water, Harman's is a huge bargain.  With 2010 rates starting at $119.00 a night, you get access to a massive amount of superb fishing.  Subtract out the typical $60 - $100+ you pay just to fish a private stream for a day and this is a stunning deal.. fish + a great place to stay for a few bucks more than the cost of private fishing!

There are two sections of the fishing area. The first starts at the entrance to the facility and ends above Cabin 15. In Section 2 above Cabin 15, the terrain becomes more remote and access is limited to a hiking path. Currently, Harman's permits the use of both spinning tackle and fly rods in both sections (no bait). At some point in the future, they may restrict Section 2 to fly fishing only. Access is controlled and limited to guests who must wear a visible fishing permit.

This is true trophy trout water! Harman's begins its program in January with regular stockings occurring all the way through Memorial Day weekend. After a break over the summer, stocking resumes in September and runs into November. Some of the stockings involve inserting over 1,500 lbs of fish - many in the 2 to 6 pound range.  The heaviest stocking occurs in March as well as during the time leading up to their fly fishing tournament normally held in early June. The bottom line is that if you're not willing to fight the cooler weather of March, late May and early June provide the best opportunity for trout fishing  for "big game" in perfect weather.

If you have additional time, you will want to use this comfortable location as your headquarters to pursue plenty of other fishing options in the area. These include catch and release, put and take as well as wild trout streams that include Seneca Creek, Gandy and Glade Fork. If you have non-anglers in your group, they can stay busy with the areas other outdoor attractions in the Spruce Knob-Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.

Curtis Fleming of the Fly Rod Chronicles
with a Harman's Trophy Trout

But fishing not is not the only activity offered by Harman's. There are a number of hiking trails that take you to many scenic outlooks where you can enjoy the spectacular West Virginia scenery. Bring your bike and enjoy the Hopeville Canyon section where there is a one-mile gravel access road following the North Fork river. In fact, use that same bike to move quickly from fishing place to fishing place.

If you come during hunting season, Harman's is just as good a central location for hunting as it is for fishing since it has direct access the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding hunting lands. In fact, Harman's offers special reduced rates for bow hunters during the season in early November. Beyond the activities associated with the property, the local area offers additional opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, caving, skiing, golfing, birding and even train excursions on the CASS Scenic Railroad or Potomac Eagle.

A final word of advice. Even though Harman's offers wireless Internet connectivity, this is the perfect place to leave your laptop at home.

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