President’s Corner
Mike Bryant (mjbryant1954@hotmail.com)
Craig, Montana – A small town that has a law office, one restaurant, one bar and three fly shops. A town that has more drift boats than citizens. But it all makes sense when you realize 
Craig sits on the Missouri River, an incredible river full of trout and lots of big trout. Five of us made the journey to Montana for a couple days fishing on the Smith River followed by a week on the Missouri. We had a great time despite the lousy weather complete with cold wind and snow. But the fishing was great. Dave and I did a float trip with guide Ben Hardy from Holter Dam to Craig on the best weather day of the week. The fish were happy and eating. Scuds and sow bugs fooled more fish than we could count and we lost track of the number of double hook-ups we had. On the other days, we either waded or used personal pontoon boats. Midges, scuds and sowbugs were the ticket most of the time, though I did catch 18” brown on #12 Purple Haze parachute fly that I was using as an indicator. Go figure!! If you ever have the opportunity to fish the Missouri River, I highly recommend it.
Closer to home, low clear water along with sunny skies (or smoky skies) only heightened the need to be very stealthy in the Park. In the fall, I can’t resist trying to fool bigger rainbows feeding on midges. This is a time when these fish
can be very selective. I usually pull my hair out when a good size rainbow still refuses my #26 midge pattern on a 12 foot, 7X leader. I love it. On the tailwater scene, Bill, David and I have been chasing large browns and rainbows on the Caney Fork. The Caney has fished very well this year.
Well, it’s that time of the year to elect the Little River Chapter Board of Directors at the December 1 meeting. After four years as Chapter president, I will be rotating out of the role. Ernie Frey has agreed to take on the President’s role next year. I will serve a past president, supporting Ernie and the BOD as needed. It’s been a great ride. I truly appreciate all of your support. We have a great chapter and I’m very proud of what you all have (and will) accomplish. Many Thanks!!
Remember that the combined November – December meeting will be held on the first Thursday in December (December 1). We will meet at Calhoun’s in Maryville (you do not need to buy dinner to attend). Social hour starts at 6:00pm, followed with a short meeting and presentation at 7:00pm. The program is a big one, 2014 Orvis Endorsed Guide of the Year Patrick Fulkrod, owner of the South Holston River Company.
Mike
