Rocky River Chapter Trout Unlimited
Charlotte, North Carolina
We Conserve, Protect and Sustain our
Coldwater Natural Resources
See RRTU on Facebook
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It's hard to see, but please hit the "play" button to see the video of all the fantastic auction items we have prepared for you for FORR!
The "Play" button is in the middle of the image below. (Put your midge powers to work...). 
Please Use The Button Below to Buy Your 2026 FORR Ticket
Register Now!
Saturday February 21, 2026 4:00PM - 7:00PM Friends Of Rocky River Trout Unlimited Banquet Admission: Adult $40/ Youth $15 Includes light refreshments, drink ticket, door prizes, a live auction, silent auction and time with friends old and new! Your generous donations and participation support: Each year RRTU participates in efforts to improve the environment, as well as the quality of life for those experiencing specific challenges. These include:
All of these activities are funded through the annual "Friends of Rocky River" benefit scheduled for Saturday February 21, 2026 We need your help in order to continue our work in the environment and the community at large. Specifically we ask that you consider one or both of the following : Donation of an item or service that would be suitable for auction or raffle. For example, in kind donations from TU members in the past have included :
A cash donation of any amount to fund the initiatives mentioned above, and those listed within our website. We are a 501(C3) organization and your contribution is tax deductible pursuant to IRS regulations. Your generosity will help us continue. Please donate by e-mailing Greg Norman ([email protected]) with an in kind donation of articles or services or by clicking the below link to offer a cash donation. Thank you for your consideration. Link to email a donation New LOCATION ! The Hamilton Event Spaces 820 Hamilton Street Suite 3A Charlotte, NC 28206 Directions to Hamilton Reserve Your Spot for FORR Online 
Friends of Rocky River TU 2026 Fundraising Drawing
Enter the 2026 "Friends of Rocky River Raffle for a chance to win a 3-day Montana Trip for 2, a Winston "Pure" rod or a New River Float Trip for 2. Please click here for more details and to purchase drawing tickets or click on the QR code above. Fly of the Month
Brillion's Stillwater Caddis
Fly of the Month 02.26 - Stillwater Caddis [Pupa]
The Stillwater Caddis Pupa is a great fly to utilize during early to mid-summer evenings on fly fishing ponds and lakes such as Max Patch, Boone Fork Pond in Mulberry, Coffey’s Pond in Gragg and Trout Lake delayed harvest in Alleghany County. Although this fly tying segment is dedicated to the caddis pupa, it is important to have a bit of an understanding of its entire life cycle of a caddisfly to know where the pupa fits in. The caddisfly life cycle consists of a full metamorphosis including stages as egg, larva, pupa, and adult. A female adult caddis mate then deposits her eggs in a body of water. In the case of still water it may be a pond or lake as well as a large, calm pool in a stream or river. The eggs hatch and become larvae. Once ready to emerge the larvae pupate and swims quickly in an angle upward using it’s long oar like legs, it’s antenna sweeping backwards the length of the body. changing into a final form that emerges out of the water to become an adult. Once free from the pupal shuck the adult will spend a few seconds with it’s wings upright drying, then it folds them down in a tent like shape over the body and begins to jump and scurry across the water surface attempting to fly. Once airborne it flies to the shoreline foliage returning during the day to drink. After mating has occurred the females return to the water surface to deposit their eggs by skimming across the surface, thus completing the cycle. Favorite Caddis pupa fly patterns 1. Stillwater Caddis [Pupa] - present here FOTM February 2026 2. Caddistrophic Pupa - A stillwater, pseudo-realistic caddisfly pupa or emerger (photo courtesy Umpqua) 3. Sparkle Pupa - Presented FOTM August 2014 4. Caddis Poopah - Presented FOTM June 2016 5. Iris Caddis Emerger - Tied in natural colors in size 14, 16 and 18 to fish as an emerging caddis. The curved shank hook pattern works very well in both still and moving waters . (photo courtesy Umpqua Much more content in the website including the recipe. Click the link for more content. Look below for the tying video link . Fly of the Month Tying Video
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Chapter Fly Tying Videos
These videos are from the RRTU Fly Tying classes, they are short. Enjoy and more to come.
RRTU Adv Tiers - Gierach's Hares Ear Stonefly
RRTU Advanced Tiers - Gierach's BWO Palm Emerger
RRTU Advanced Tiers - Atherton Dry No. 3
RRTU Advanced Tiers - Shane Stalcup Biot Nymph Brown
RRTU Advanced Tiers - Shane Stalcups Ice Emerger
RRTU Advanced Tiers - Shane Stalcup Loopwing Emerger
Gierachs Hares Ear Stonefly Nymph
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Cold Water Conservation In action: WILSON CREEK PLANTING EVENT FOR BANK PROTECTION
The Hickory TU chapter in cooperation with Catawba Riverkeeper has arranged for a livestake and tree planting event for bank protection on Wilson Creek, Saturday, February 28th, from 10-2. The event will take place at the middle bridge (just above the old mill foundation and handicap area). Park in the lot just above the bridge to the right and if full additional parking just beyond and to the left under the power lines. If you have a sledge or shovel, please bring them along. We will have soda and water, but please bring your own lunch. If you plan to attend, please email us at [email protected]. Directions: If you use Google Maps, you can plug in the GPS coordinates of: 35.984081, -81.757277. Another approach is to plug in the town name of Mortimer, NC and the bridge is just south of where this town was located before it was abandoned by several floods in the early 1900's. News Release for Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited (Charlotte) Receives $3,320 Grant from Arts & Science Council Funds will be used as a strategic investment for several Trout in Classroom projects in Charlotte Mecklenburg County Public Schools Charlotte, NC - Friday, January 16, 2026 - The Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) located in Charlotte has received a grant of $3,320 from the Arts & Science Council (ASC). The purpose of the grant is to make a strategic investment in several public school classrooms located in Charlotte Mecklenburg County hosting Trout In Classroom 55 gallon aquariums. Several hundred students raise rainbow trout from eggs to fingerlings and release the trout in South Mountains State Park in April or May in a hands-on indoor/outdoor education program working with the North Carolina Department of Parks and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The grant was awarded as part of the Strategic Investment Grant program, which was created to help invest in an organizations growth and sustainability. “We are thrilled to be able to do more great work providing a science, technology, engineering and math program to public school students located in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Area. We wish to thank ASC for their Strategic Investment Grant,” said Greg Norman, Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited President. “With this grant, we will be able to really make a difference by purchasing new equipment to ensure the aquariums have cold, clean water to raise the rainbow trout.” Last year, the Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited and its 715 members and supporters contributed more than 8,100 volunteer hours on conservation, education and community awareness programs and projects to protect and restore streams. “TU is a strong STEM organization thanks to the incredible amount of time and energy volunteers like the Rocky River Chapter members contribute each year,” said ASC President Adam Santalla Pierce. “ We’re excited to play a role in restoring local streams and providing meaningful science education experiences for youth.” About Rocky River Chapter of Trout Unlimited Founded in Michigan in 1959, Trout Unlimited today is a national nonprofit organization with more than 300,000 members and supporters in over 420 local chapters and councils dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring North America’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. Our volunteers and staff work from coast to coast to protect, reconnect, restore and sustain trout and salmon habitat on behalf of today’s anglers and coming generations of sportsmen and women who value the connection between healthy, intact habitat and angling opportunity. About ASC and Strategic Investment Grants The Arts & Science Council (ASC) is the designated local arts agency for Charlotte-Mecklenburg We sustain the region’s cultural ecosystem by providing grants to nonprofit cultural organizations of all sizes, stewarding the Public Art program for the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, investing in our local creatives and supporting everyday arts and cultural activities in every corner of our community. ASC combines financial resources from local and state government with those from the private sector to maximize community impact. The Strategic Investment Grant program stemmed from the research and development of the City of Charlotte Arts & Culture Plan, which outlined a vision to nurture and grow the arts and culture sector in Charlotte-Mecklenburg area. It is designed to provide funding to established nonprofits in Mecklenburg County with a primary misssion of arts, science, history and/or heritage. These grants support one-time strategic opportunities that help an organization invest in its growth or sustainability. For more information, visit: https://artsandscience.org/sig/. RRTU Chapter Meetings: |
Winter 2026 -- Lots Going on at RRTU! Please join us! The Public is Invited
Saturday, February 7th: Fly Tying: Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced Classes will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church located at 1000 E. Moorehead Street, Charlotte. You are welcome to sign up for individual classes. We have tools to rent out for the beginner level. This is a great way to get introduced to the wonderful world of fly tying.
Saturday, February 7th, Sitka Charlotte -- Open House for Fishing: Sitka is getting into fishing gear. Come see what is new from 11:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. RRTU will have a booth. The Sitka Charlotte store is located at 130 Camden Road (Near Jennie's Ice Cream - so now you know how we roll...).
Saturday, February 21st from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Our next meeting will be our annual meeting and fundraiser called Friends of Rocky River
You can purchase tickets - see the button at the top of this column. This is our biggest event of the year!
February:
Fly Tying Classes continue on March 21, 2026
🪶 It’s Time to Tie Some Flies!
Rocky River Trout Unlimited’s Fly Tying Program is back — a long-standing winter tradition that’s introduced countless anglers to the art (and addiction!) of fly tying. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your craft, there’s a seat at the table for you.
Choose Your Level:
· 🎣 Beginner | with Brian Esque — Perfect for those new to tying or looking to refresh the basics. Learn foundational techniques, essential patterns, and walk away ready to stock your first fly box.
· 🧵 Intermediate | with Alen Baker and Alan Buckner - After the Beginner class this is the next step with a look towards certification
· 🪱 Advanced | with Tom Adams - In depth tying with analysis of patterns and the authors from the best patterns and techniques, new and old.
Session Dates:
🗓 3/21
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location:
Covenant Presbyterian Church – Fellowship Hall
1000 E. Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28204
Rooms 206, 207 A&B
Join us for great instruction and even better conversation. Whether you’re learning your first whip finish or perfecting your parachute Adams, the Rocky River Fly Tying Program is one of our most beloved TU traditions — and the perfect way to spend a winter morning.
Meet the Instructors:
We have top notch instructors. Brian Esque teaches the beginner group. He is very patient and spends time discussing the history of the fly of the day and the best way to fish it. Brian is a past president of RRTU and currently serves as Chair of the North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited.
Alen Baker runs the intermediate class and recently published a book on tying flies from North Carolina. Alen is a former past president of RRTU, former vice chair at the North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited, current chair of the conservation committee, TU Southeast Region VP and TU National VP. Alan worked as Co-Chair for the national restructuring of Trout Unlimited in the mid-90's. Alen is co-author of Go-To Flies: Volumen I and Go To Flies Volume 2 which is available exclusively from RRTU. He is also the photographer for Fly Tying Lessons. He serves on the Board of Directors at the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians in Bryson City. Alan has been inducted into the Southern Fly Fishing Hall of Fame.
Tom Adams, runs our advanced level class of fly tying. Tom is also a past president of RRTU and served on the North Carolina State Council of Trout Unlimited. Tom ties commercially and has several personal creations. Tom began the first RRTU Fly Tying class along with Jack McNeary. Tom co-authors the Fly of the Month article series in our website (see the column to the left). Tom is co-author of Go-To Flies: Volumen I and Go To Flies Volume 2 which is available exclusively from RRTU. He is also the photographer for Fly Tying Lessons. Tom has also been an instructor at Rivercourse.
Register soon before classes fill !
March RRTU Meeting: We encourage our members to attend the Jesse Browns 20th Annual Fly Fishing Film Tour at the historic Visulite Theatre at 1615 Elizabeth Ave., Charlotte, NC on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Jesse Browns is a strong supporter of RRTU, Bill Bartee is our auctioneer at our Friends of Rocky River major fundraiser.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with members from the community fly fishing, conservation and advocacy groups (RRTU), as well as live music. The film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Link to purchasing tickets is here.
Doors open at 5 p.m. with members from the community fly fishing, conservation and advocacy groups (RRTU), as well as live music. The film starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25. Link to purchasing tickets is here.
Alarka Fall Trip: October 16-19, 20egistration is Open
Spring Alarka is Back ! April 16 to 19th, 2026
In October, we had a group of 32 folks - one of the strongest registrations in recent times! Everyone caught fish and we all enjoyed some great food. Many thanks to Greg Norman, RRTU Chapter President for all of his efforts to coordinate this outing. We also had folks from other North Carolina Trout Unlimited Chapters. Save the date on your calendar and we will publish registration materials as we get closer to the date.
Spring Alarka is Back ! April 16 to 19th, 2026
In October, we had a group of 32 folks - one of the strongest registrations in recent times! Everyone caught fish and we all enjoyed some great food. Many thanks to Greg Norman, RRTU Chapter President for all of his efforts to coordinate this outing. We also had folks from other North Carolina Trout Unlimited Chapters. Save the date on your calendar and we will publish registration materials as we get closer to the date.
RRTU Supports Kelly McCoy of RiverGirl Fishing Company in Todd, NC Following Helene Damage
At our Friends of Rocky River event, we announced we would provide support to several local guides adversely impacted by Hurricane Helene. Below see former RRTU Chapter President, Bill Thomas dropping off a check to Kelly McCoy of RiverGirl Fishing Company located at 4041 Todd Railroad Grade in Todd, NC. Bill also serves as the Trout In Classroom coordinator for North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited. RiverGirl is located on the banks of the South Fork New River in Ashe County. RiverGirl provides fly fishing and spin fishing guide services along with boating, tubing, biking and eco-tours. It was flooded in Hurricane Helene. RiverGirl is one of our supporters of Trout In Classroom (TIC). Kelly hosts a fish tank of trout eggs, raises the eggs to fingerlings. Kelly teaches youth about the importance of cold water conservation. This is how RRTU gives back to our community.
Kelly is a wonderful fishing guide and can take you to delayed harvest sections, hatchery supported and wild trout. For another recent video on RiverGirl and the recovery post-Helene, please see this video. Kelly also serves as the Fire Chief for the Todd Volunteer Fire Department.
Kelly is a wonderful fishing guide and can take you to delayed harvest sections, hatchery supported and wild trout. For another recent video on RiverGirl and the recovery post-Helene, please see this video. Kelly also serves as the Fire Chief for the Todd Volunteer Fire Department.
Mecklenburg County Council Fishing Committee Recognizes RRTU Member Jim Mackey!
July 2, 2025
The committee recently awarded the Certified Angling Instructor designation to Jim Mackey upon being awarded the title Master Angling Instructor. The Master Angling Instructor is the highest honor that can be conferred by the National Fishing Leadership Team. It is presented each year to a select group of individuals who are experts in angling knowledge, and have provided immeasurable service to the Scouting America fishing program.
Jim is a key member of the MCC Fishing Committee. He has spent countless hours teaching Cubs and Scouts to fish. Jim played a major role in converting the Lakeside Shelter at Belk Scout Camp into the modern fishing center that we can be very proud of.
Jim Mackey exemplifies the very best in Scouting. He is dedicated to providing a quality program for our youth. Through his expertise and hard work, he has made a significant contribution to the MCC and Scouting America fishing program that will live on for generations to come.
CAIs Bert Fox (Vice Chair of the MCC Fishing Committee) , Zach Tywater (lead fishing instructor), and Bill Kalbas (Chairman of the MCC Fishing Committee and a member of the National Fishing Leadership Team), had the pleasure of presenting the award to Jim yesterday at Camp Grimes
COMMITTEE UPDATES
Trout in the Classroom Spring 2025 Releases on Stream
TIC releases have been completed for Spring 2025. If you are interested in helping in the fall with tank setup, please advise Dr. Dana Hershey at [email protected].
Outreach
In February, we had our 2025 FORR Celebration and it was great to see so many of our chapter members at this event. We wish to thank everyone for their continued financial support. Special thanks to John Powell who organized everything. The monies raised go to support coldwater conservation and education efforts of Trout Unlimited. We also made several donations to local fishing related businesses adversely impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Conservation
Post Helene, we are monitoring clean up and restoration activities in the streams we cherish. We will keep you advised of opportunities as they arise. Please keep watching our Facebook page to get the latest on opportunities for you to help restore streams.
Please see the Fly Fishermen Magazine article which appears in their July magazine for a fine article on the local impact of Helene.
Please see the Fly Fishermen Magazine article which appears in their July magazine for a fine article on the local impact of Helene.
Diversity
RRTU is a proud supporter of Women on the Fly (WOTF). This group is for women anglers based out of the Carolinas. It is an inclusive angling community and strives to unite all women through advocacy and opportunity - all are welcome! We are committed to providing women with the education and resources needed to fly fish. Whether you are a novice angler or have never picked up a rod in your life, this is your group! We welcome women of all skill levels and have events suited as such. Our year round events include fishing stocked, wild and private trout waters. We also branch out into fly tying, educational clinics, ladies night out and much more!
We pride ourselves on being more than just a group through mutual encouragement and support we form long-lasting friendships and memories of a lifetime. Visit us on Facebook at Women On The Fly - Carolinas.
We pride ourselves on being more than just a group through mutual encouragement and support we form long-lasting friendships and memories of a lifetime. Visit us on Facebook at Women On The Fly - Carolinas.
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