Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited

President’s Corner

Mike Bryant (mjbryant1954@hotmail.com)

March Newsletter

Jan and I spent a week in southern Florida in February.  The weather for the most part was good. Even on the couple of days it rained, the high temperatures were still in the mid-60’s. It’s all relative I guess. Mid-60’s in Tennessee I’ll have a T-shirt on. Mid-60’s in Florida (after three days in the 80’s and sun) I’m wearing fleece. Go figure. Anyway we had a great time.  We fished a bit, but without a boat or kayak our options were limited. But the good news is I struck a friendship with Rich who fly fishes and owns a flats boat.  I’m already looking forward to next year.  We met when he saw that I was tying flies on the picnic bench by our camper. He stopped his truck in the middle of the road to see what I was tying! I’m seriously thinking about buying kayaks for Jan and I.  I could haul a couple of kayaks in my truck while towing the camper, and we could use them just about anywhere. So I’m in the research mode. Anyway, I would definitely appreciate any experiences and comments on types / makes.

Meanwhile, back in east Tennessee,  Josh and I manage to chase some of the big browns in the Park.  Well, actually it was more like me spooking big browns. I have a lot to learn when comes to stalking, hooking and landing big browns.

 Many thanks to Ian and Charity Rutter (R&R Flyfishing) for a great program on Hazel Creek!  The more I learn and the more I’m fascinated by the history, culture and opportunities in our area.

Upcoming Events

New Chapter Fishing Trip Opportunity – Mike McKinsey is organizing our first Chapter fishing trip of the year. Currently scheduled for Saturday, March 23, Mike is designing a day of fishing in the Park where folks can buddy up with someone new. This is a great opportunity for folks new to fishing in the Park to pair up with more experienced members of the Chapter.  Take advantage of the opportunity to either learn or teach someone.  Please contact Mike McKinsey at missionflyrod@charter.net or mobile 865-806-0761 to sign up or if you have any questions.

Southeastern Fly Fishing Festival – For those who were able to attend the February Membership meeting heard Marvin Cash (SEC – FFF President) discuss the upcoming Fly Fishing Festival being held on Friday & Saturday, May 17-18. The event will be held at the Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC.  The Festival promises to be a great time and a great opportunity to learn as well. More information will be posted at www.southeastfff.org.  Our Chapter will have a booth attempting to raise funds for future brook trout restoration in the GSMNP.  This will be a shared fundraiser with the Southeastern Council of the FFF.  I believe Marvin and his leadership are still looking for regional fly tiers to tie at the event, so if you are interested, please let me know.

Upcoming River Clean-up – Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20.  We will hold our annual Little River Clean-up. More details to come, but given our Chapter’s mission is to preserve and protect watersheds in the Park, this is a great way to give and contribute. Consider bring a kid – this is a great opportunity to get kids out into the Park and expose them to the concept of service.

March Membership Meeting

At the March 28 Membership Meeting, we’re going to do something a little different. The meeting will be held at the Orvis Store in Sevierville.  Our Chapter covers a fairly wide geographical area, and this is an opportunity to hold one of our meetings to the eastern end of our range.

This will be a fun event.  First, the folks at Orvis are going to be grilling dinner outside – burgers, hot dogs, and chips, and soda.  Then we’ll have the opportunity to cast new rods down on the Pigeon River, (including the new, latest and great Orvis fly rods), check on other new gear and ask questions.

• 5:00 – Casting rods start time

• 6:00 – Dinner served

• 7:00 – Short Membership Meeting

We’ll see you at the March meeting.  As always, if you have a question or comment, please email or call me. Be safe and it’s time to fish.

Thanks,

Mike

Little River Chapter of TU will have it’s first fishing trip of the year on Saturday March 23^rd.  We will meet at Little River Outfitters at 9:00 AM and pair up to fish the Smoky. The chapter  will provide you a biscuit and coffee. If you are new to fly fishing or inexperienced fishing the park, we will try to pair you up with a seasoned veteran. We encourage all to attend our first event this year. The park is traditionally exceptional with Quill Gordons, Blue Quills, and other bugs appearing on the water this time of the year and don’t forget the other ingredient, HUNGRY TROUT.  Please contact Mike McKinsey at missionflyrod@charter.net or mobile 865-806-0761 to sign up or if you have any questions.

We would like to have an accurate count so please don’t forget to sign up.

Hope to see you there.

Mike

Program – Hazel Creek

We have a great program set for the February Meeting (Feb 28). Ian and Charity Rutter will provide a presentation about Hazel Creek in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hazel Creek is one of the most remote and legendary trout streams in the eastern United States. There is no road access and is a favorite backcountry destination in the Smokies. Ian & Charity have been guiding this stream for years and will share their knowledge about this colorful area including history, wildlife, and the details of fishing and camping. So plan on joining us for a great evening.

For most of us, there’s no need for an introduction for Ian and Charity. Both are local guides who operate R&R Fly Fishing guide service in Townsend, Tennessee where there are hundreds of miles of trout streams and tailwaters right out their back door. They have authored several books on fly fishing in southern Appalachia, Smokey Mountains and Tennessee.

The meeting will be held in the Fellowship Hall at the Monte Vista Baptist Church as usual. The meeting will start at 7:00pm.  (Newsletter)

President’s Corner

Mike Bryant (mjbryant1954@hotmail.com)

Though I’ve enjoyed building fires and tying flies this winter, I’m definitely ready for spring, warmer weather and more flyfishing. Jan and I will be taking a trip to southern Florida in February to hopefully enjoy some warmer weather, good seafood and a chance for some saltwater fishing. Then back hopefully to some Quill Gordons, early stoneflies and hungry trout.

Well, I’m proud to say I’ve completed building my first bamboo rod. WOW, do I have a whole new admiration for those take up this hobby/sport/obsession. I’ve assembled graphite rods in the past, but this is a totally different animal altogether. The rod was a retirement gift from my family. I had no clue about the skill, artistry and time that goes into building bamboo rods. I know I committed 80+ hours in the building and finishing of this rod (ok – maybe I’m not the fastest car on the track). I built the rod under the tutelage of Dr. Jerry Snider (Otter Creek Bamboo Rods). Jerry is a retired University of Cincinnati Biology Professor. He has a great workshop. He is an excellent instructor and was very patient given my limited time in Cincinnati. The skill and artistry is amazing. As an example, the wraps on the guides have two coats of epoxy and five coats of varnish. The rod turned out great. It’s a 6’ 3”, 4 wt. Paul Young Midge taper. I can’t wait to chase brookies with it up in Greenbrier, Road Prong, and Sam’s Creek.

Many thanks to Steve Moore. At the January Meeting, Steve discussed the extraordinary collaboration between members of the Little River Chapter, UT, and the Fisheries Department over the past 15 years. The Chapter should be proud of the impact we have had and will have in the future. Steve highlighted how acid deposition will continue to be a major threat to the preservation and health of fish and streams, both in and out of the GSNMP. Our conservation efforts will be needed more than ever in our on-going drive to preserve our natural resources for future generations.

Chapter News

We’ve had several changes to the Board in the past month. Bill Bolinger was elected as the Secretary, and Mike McKinsey was elected as a Director. Mike will serve as the Trips Chairman. With Mike’s leadership, we hope to sponsor several fishing trips this year. More to come on this, but I thought I would provide a small teaser. Caleb Abramson has resigned from the Board. He was offered a full scholarship for graduate school at Penn State University! This is his dream and a great opportunity for a great person. We wish Caleb all the best!!

Help Wanted

We’re still looking for help in leading and / or supporting a Chapter education program. We would like to get back to basic fly fishing education for our members. We’re looking for someone or several folks to help pull together a plan. We are not asking for you to do it all, but help generate plans, communicate to our members of upcoming opportunities and find volunteers.

And we need for someone to take on the Monthly Programs Chair vacated by Caleb. The role can be shared by a couple of folks. The role includes contacting and arranging for monthly program speakers, and securing program information to be communicated on our newsletter and website. We can provide a database of possible speakers.

Upcoming River Clean-up

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 20. We will hold our annual Little River Clean-up. More details to come, but given our Chapter’s mission is to preserve and protect watersheds in the Park, this is a great way to give and contribute. Consider bring a kid – this is a great opportunity to get kids out into the Park and expose them to the concept of service.

We’ll see you at the February meeting. As always, if you have a question or comment, please email or call me. Be safe.

Thanks,

Mike