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. Our spring fishing trip was to the Spruce Pine, NC area. Eight TU 692 members stayed in Bakersville, NC in a Old Farm House supplied by Rivers Edge Outfitters. The first day we divided up to to enjoy the many fishing opportunities of the area, including fishing in the Trophy Trout Stream adjacent to the Farm House. We were rained out the second day but a tremendous time was had by all. (Click Here to see photos) On May 8th TU 692 assisted the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery to kickoff a new program, the Veterans Appreciation Fishing Rodeo! Over 70 Veterans attempted to pull in some beautiful Rainbow Trout stocked by the hatchery staff. Afterwards the entire group was served lunch by TU 692. (Click Here to see photos) On May 9th TU 692 participated in the Special Kids Fishing Rodeo at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery. Special needs children from Fanin and Union Counties caught their limit of beautiful Rainbow Trout. Fishing gear and fishing buddies were supplied by TU 692 as well as the Gold Rush Chapter and the Blue Ridge chapter. (Click Here to see photos). We returned to the Hatchery on the 1st and 2nd of June. The Seniors' Fishing Rodeo on June 1st had adults age 55 and older invited to the hatchery to enjoy great trout fishing opportunities and prizes. TU 692 will served lunch to over 200! (Click Here for Photos) The very next day the Hatchery hosted a Family Fishing Festival. Youth ages 16 and under had excellent trout fishing opportunities, along with expert demonstrations, free food, educational exhibits, fun activities and prizes. TU 692 will demonstrated fly tying, offered casting instruction and served lunch! (Click Here for Photos) The Hatchery continues to face economic turmoil. While no longer facing immediate closure, thanks to your support, the Hatchery funding is still in limbo. Please go to our Save the Hatchery page and read what you can do! On May 14th a group of hearty campers ascended on Elkmont, TN in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. While tent camping and fishing the wild mountain streams everyone had a great sampling of what the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is all about! Click Here for Photos. The 2012 week long TU's Georgia Trout Camp was held in Clayton Georgia from June 10th through June 15th. Those who attended were 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. Campers visited a hatchery, stocked streams, built habitat for Brookie's, and fished everyday. A lifetime experience and opportunity for future fisherman was enjoyed by all. Our chapter sponsored two youngsters for this camp! There is no charge to them. All equipment was provided and is theirs to keep. This year TU 692 provided memebers as full time counselors for the camp! In October we will held our annual Chapter Picnic and Auction at the Hiawassee River Trout Lodge. The event was catered by TU 692's Tim Fisk and Rib Country. Once again the food was tremendous! The Auction part of the picnic was, again, a great fundraiser. There were many 'Red Ticket' items, a Silent Auction and a Live Auction for a great selection of items collected by members. Steve Banakas and Harold Hogan really did a great job! Thanks fellas... (Click Here for Photos) L Bundy Webmaster - TU 692 |