Enjoy a 1-Day School and 3 Days of Fishing on the New River in Virginia
January 8th - 13th, 2024- TRIP NOW FULL
Clay Corner Inn near Narrows, Virginia
Join hosts Josh Trammell and Blane Chocklett along with Josh Laferty and Austin Conrad of Virginia Trophy Guides for a 1-Day MasterClass followed by 3 Days of Guided Fishing on the legendary New River!
Trip now Full
Days two through four, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, we will be fishing the New River targeting Musky. Guests will fish one day each with Blane, Josh Laferty and Austin Conrad in groups of two per boat/guide.
All tackle and flies can be provided although you are welcome to bring your own. An equipment listing will be provided upon registration.

A piece from the Virginia Trophy Guides Website:
"The New River is the second oldest river in the world. Floating it feels like stepping back in time."
As you float through the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you'll be met with some of the finest fishing in the state. The New River starts in North Carolina and moves through the Southwest corridor of Virginia and into West Virginia before flowing into the Kanawha River. Virginia Trophy guides, as well as Blane himself, guide nearly every stretch of the New River in Virginia, but some areas are better for certain species than others.
You are going to be targeting Musky in one of the best locations in the country and with the areas most experienced guides. Mad River Outfitters is honored to be working with this group and thrilled to offer this unique and exclusive experience to our friends and clients.


We will organize fishing times and locations the evening before each day. Boat launches will be under 50 minutes from the Inn. Breakfast items will be available each morning for you to choose from and lunches will be provided by the guides while out on the water. We like like to get as much fishing time in as possible for these species so a quick, hearty sandwich and a bag of chips is the norm.


At the end of each day, we'll meet back at the Clay Corner Inn to share stories from the day and enjoy dinner together. Blane will join us on the evening of the last day of fishing (Friday, January 12th) to have dinner and a few drinks with the group. He'll be happy to sign some books as well of course!
Breakfast items will be available for guests on the morning of Saturday the 13th before we check out at 10 a.m.

Blane Chocklett
Guide, fly designer, author, Blane grew up fishing the small mountain streams near his home in Blue Ridge, Virginia. As a youngster, he started a guiding service and, in the late 1990's, opened Blue Ridge Fly Fishers in Roanoke, Virginia. Blane has worked for years to create fly patterns that have all the intricate nuances of flies with the strike-generating action of conventional lures. His fly patterns have revolutionized the fly shop industry! No other way to put it.
Over a decade ago, Blane returned to the river where he now owns and operates his guide service specializing in float trips for Musky, Smallmouth Bass, Stripers, Trout and many other species. Blane also hosts trips at home and abroad. He is the Southeastern Field Editor for Fly Fisherman magazine as well as a brand ambassador for some of the industry's top brands: Patagonia, Temple Fork Outfitters, Scientific Anglers, Costa, Yeti, Sightline Provisions, Renzetti, Adipose Boatworks and Hog Island Boatworks.
Josh Trammell
Your host from Mad River Outfitters and Ohio Fly Fishing Guides.
Josh was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and caught the fishing bug early in life as he watched a neighbor fly fishing their backyard pond. At the age of 10 he started exploring all things fishing that Ohio had to offer.
From there he has gone on to chase steelhead and warmwater species across the southern shores of Lake Erie and beyond, always looking for that next opportunity.
Josh has also spent his last six summers guiding in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska for Naknek River Camp, where he also enjoys pursuing fish on two handed rods in his downtime.
While not on the water, Josh can often be found hovered over a vice somewhere whipping up all sorts of fishy flies. Josh enjoys sharing his passion with others and hopes they can catch the bug as bad as he’s got it!
Josh Laferty
Captain Josh Laferty is a Roanoke native and has been guiding the region since the early 2000s. Josh is A well-traveled outdoorsman who has a passion for this craft and the places/fisheries he guides.
As one of the original musky fly fishing guides in the region, Josh has a unique level of experience and a clear understanding of what it takes to be successful on your hunt for southern musky. The angling opportunities in Virginia are as diverse as our seasons and with over three decades of practical outdoor experience, you’re in good hands.
Summer brings Josh to Alaska, where his guiding turns to Pacific salmon, and one of the world’s finest rainbow trout fisheries. A longtime Bristol Bay guide, he’s known for his large personality and southern hospitality that ensures a great time afield.
Guiding year-round from Virginia to Alaska, he welcomes you to spend the day with an accomplished Captain and guide who can accommodate all skill levels.
Austin Conrad
Captain Austin Conrad grew up in oak hill– a town in Southern West Virginia– where he cut his teeth fishing for trout and smallmouth bass in the creeks and rivers of the area.
Austin has spent the last 15 years in Virginia, fishing and guiding folks to wild trout, smallmouth bass, and musky. Austin spends a couple of months of the year in Bristol Bay, Alaska guiding clients to Silver Salmon, the world’s largest wild Rainbow Trout, and the other beautiful species of the region.
Outside of guiding, Austin likes to spend time with his family and dogs and loves to cook a good southern meal. Captain Austin welcomes anglers of all experience levels in pursuing some of the finest freshwater predators in the South!
We have arranged use of the amazing Clay Corner Inn. An amazing cabin located in Narrows, Virginia which is about 40 minutes West of Blacksburg. Located right on Wolf Creek, this property hosts some beautiful views as well as provides a perfect spot to conduct the casting class. It is newly renovated and is an awesome place to gather, relax and wind down after a long day of Winter fishing.


From the Clay Corner website:
"This huge, 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath newly remodeled cabin is the perfect getaway. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, right on the river, your relaxing escape awaits you. Where luxury meets seclusion. From new, modern and sleek bathrooms to a huge kitchen, with views that will take your breath away. We have spared no expense in making this slice of heaven somewhere you won't soon forget."




Two rooms will be single occupancy and two will be double occupancy.
MRO/Blane Chocklett Musky School and Trip
January 8th- 13th, 2024
$3,300 per angler


Included in the trip: 5 nights loding, 1 day masterclass with Blane Chocklett, 3 days of guided fishing with Blane and VTG, shuttles on fishing days, all meals and equipment for the week excluding waders, rain gear and polarized sunglasses.

Not Included: Transportation to the location, alcoholic beverages for the week, VA fishing license and daily gratuities for the guides.
Register Now!
Mad River Outfitters Presents:
Blane Chocklett Musky School and Trip
January 8th - 13th, 2024
Held on the New River at the Clay Corner Inn located in Narrows, Virginia
This trip is limited to 5 Anglers and our host Josh Trammell
Trip now Full