Trout Unnlimited Chapter 692 Activities

Besides our regular monthly meetings (second Thursday of the month) and our second fly tying sessions at Appalachian Outfitters in Murphy, NC (last Saturday of the month), TU 692 has many public service events scheduled throughout the year. Often we take part in stream sampling activities as well as stream improvement/restorations. Many as yet unscheduled events also take place during the year.

The conclusion of our 'Southern Appalachian Fly Tying Championship' took place at our March monthly meeting. Our second year of running the contest was rewarded with many more contestants and some incredible flies. (Click Here to see this year's winning Flies). Prizes were donated this year and replaced the monetary prizes offered last year (Click Here to see the Prize Page). Many thanks to Appalachian Outfitters, Echo Fly Fishing Rods, Fishpond Fly Fishing Accessories, Mike Valla, Charlie Craven and Wapsi Fly Tying material for their donations.

Our spring fishing trip is to the South Holston and Watauga Rivers in Tennessee. Fifteen TU 692 members will be staying in Bluff City, Tennessee for four days at the Castaways. There will be two days of floating combined with ample opportunities to explore wade fishing this wonderful area. (Click Here to see photos from last year's trip)

On April 10th, 4 members of TU 692 traveled to Paces Mill Park in Atlanta, Georgia to participate in the 2nd Annual Georgia Fishing for Vets Day. Sponsored by Fly Fishing for Vets, the day gave us the opportunity to "Show our appreciation to the men and women who gave so much asking nothing in return." Click Here to see photos.

On the 24th of April we attemped to present a Fly Tying and Fly Casting activity for an Earth Day Celebration. The salute to Earth Day was held at the Crane Creek Vineyard in Young Harris, GA. The weather was miserable! The Vineyard personel were kind enough to allow us to move our activites under the pavillion but attendance was sporatic at best. Those in attendance did recieve personalized attention in both fly tying and casting. Rumor has it that there was some tasting of wine, as well!

On May 6th, rain date the 7th, TU 692 will be at the Special Kids Fishing Rodeo at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery. Special needs children from Fanin and Union Counties will be assured of catching their limit of beautiful Rainbow Trout. Fishing gear and fishing buddies will be supplied by TU 692 (Click Here for photos from last year).

Two days later we will return to the hatchery to assist the Blue Ridge Mountain TU Chapter with a Cub Scout Fishing Program.

We will, once again, return to the Hatchery on the 4th and 5th of June. The Seniors' Fishing Rodeo on June 4th will have adults age 55 and older invited to the hatchery to enjoy great trout fishing opportunities and prizes. The very next day the Hatchery will host a Family Fishing Festival. Youth ages 16 and under have excellent trout fishing opportunities, along with expert demonstrations, free food, educational exhibits, fun activities and prizes. TU 692 will demonstrate fly tying, offer casting instruction and serve an estimated 400 lunches each day! (Click Here to see photos from last year's activities)

The 2010 week long TU's Georgia Trout Camp will be held in Clayton Georgia from June 6th trough 11th. Those who attend will be taught fly casting, how to rig their fly line, useful knot tying, how to read a stream, safety and first aid, entomology, stream care and restoration, fishing etiquette and ethics, as well as fly tying skills. While at camp they visit a hatchery, stock streams, build habitat for Brookie's, and fish everyday they are at camp. This is a lifetime experience and opportunity for future fisherman. Our chapter sponsors two children each year for this camp; they must be between the age of 12 and 15. There is no charge to them. All equipment is provided and is theirs to keep. If you know of a child you would like to recommend please let our president know so they can be add to our list of potential candidates.

In August we will sponsor a Trout in the Classroom project for the fifth year. This year's classroom will be, once again, located at the Tri-County Community College in Murphy, NC. We have had a tremendous amount of interest the past two years by their students and the teacher, Mr. Zack. He has made more progress than all of the previous years. Last year, eggs progressed to fingerlings but required an early release in the Hiawassee due to a chiller failure.

On August 28th we will be returning to the Scott Hogsed Memorial Conservation Day! The event is free to youth 7-17 years of age. Held in Brasstown, NC, attendees will be taught the importance of conservation and enjoy hands-on learning experiences in hunting and fishing. TU 692 members will provide experiences with fly tying and fly rod casting. Over 800 youngsters are expected to attend. (See Photos from last year)

In October we will hold our annual Chapter Picnic and Auction at the Hiawassee River Trout Lodge. (See Photos from last year)

On November 1st we will kick off our third annual 'Southern Appalachian Fly Tying Championship'

L Bundy
Webmaster - TU 692