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. Other unscheduled events also take place during the year.

The year is off to a fabulous start with a group of 20 making a trip to the White River in Arkansas. Three days of guided fishing with 'Crazy Mike' Neher (www.crazymikefishing.com) and his fleet of fishing guides. (See Photos from last year!)

On May 8th and 9th, The Special Kids Fishing Rodeo will be held at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery. Almost 200 children were able to participate last year! Watching special needs youth experience the joy of fishing is all the reward anyone needs. The event is open to special needs youth, pre-registration is required. Fishing poles wil be supplied by TU 692. (See Photos from last year!)

On June 13th members will assist seniors and provide lunch at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery's Senior Fishing Rodeo. Seniors, age 55 and older, will catch their limit of beautiful trout stocked from the hatchery. Participants must bring their own fishing gear and bait. Last year Hatchery staff handed out donated door prizes and Chapter 692 served more than 400 hotdogs! (See Photos from last year!)

In August members will participate in the Scott Hogsed Memorial Youth Conservation and Education Day. The event was 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 members will provided experiences with fly tying and fly rod casting. Over 500 youngsters attended last year and everyone, volunteers included, had a fantastic experience.(See Photos from last year!)

With the opening of the school year, this year's Trout in the Classroom project will begin. With equipment provided by TU 692, students will raise Brook Trout from eggs. When they reach fingerling size they will be released to the wild. Classroom activities include monitoring tank water quality, studying stream habitats and understanding the Trout's ecosystem. (www.troutintheclassroom.org)

On September 27th we will return to the Hatchery for the Family Fishing Festival. Held to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day, the hatchery and TU 692 will provide excellent trout fishing opportunities. TU 692 members will tie flies and teach fly rod casting for youth as well as offer them the opportunity to fly fish. Many other expert demonstrations, educational exhibits, and fun activities will be available. And, of course, a free lunch will be prepared by TU 692! Last year we prepared more than 500 lunches! The event is open to youth 16 and under. Participants must bring their own fishing gear and bait. (See Photos from last year!)

Once again this year we will participate in the John C. Campbell Folk School Fall Festival. Held on October 4th and 5th in Brasstown, NC, the festival is a celebration of Appalachian heritage. TU members will be tying flies and teaching fly rod casting. Last years festival was attended by thousands! (See Photos from last year!)

In October we will hold our annual Chapter Picnic at the Hiawassee River Trout Lodge. Last year's picnic was well attended and everyone had a blast! (See Photos)

L Bundy
Webmaster - TU 692