Brian Esque Chapter Past President 2018-2020
Rocky River Officers 2020-2022
Greg Norman Chapter Treasurer
Ken Thompson Chapter Secretary
Veronica "Ronnie" Vagnone
Chapter 2nd Vice President
Paul Duffy Chapter Vice President
Greg Record
Chapter President
For the tiers in our chapter we are posting a quick video of the tying for the Fly of the Month. In a new approach, this year the patterns for each month are companion to the patterns in the FFI tying certificate program which is also being taught in the Intermediate Fly Tying classes. Along with it there will be a still photograph, background on the pattern and tying instructions as usual.
The video below is produced for Rocky River Trout Unlimited and not authorized by FFI. This is an expansion of the offering for tying on our site and not intended to be or replace the official video from FFI.
If this is a positive it will continue for patterns that are not part of the FFI certificate program.
The video below is produced for Rocky River Trout Unlimited and not authorized by FFI. This is an expansion of the offering for tying on our site and not intended to be or replace the official video from FFI.
If this is a positive it will continue for patterns that are not part of the FFI certificate program.
Fall Alarka 2019
Snow, What snow ?
Great event this year. Terrific turnout. Great raffles, and auctions. Great conversation. Great food. Great to see everyone out to support our chapter. Bill Bartee, Jesse Brown's Outdoors, gave an amazing talk and then led the best Live Auction ever. Brian Esque, RRTU president gave the Volunteer of the Year Award to Paul Duffy, the Committee Volunteer of the Year Award to Dana Hershey, and the Program Volunteer of the Year Award to Charlie Campbell. In addition, Joyce Shepherd was honored for her tireless dedication for many, many years to the Rivercourse by a new sponsorship to Rivercourse in her name.
Congratulations to everyone that won an auction or raffle and thanks for making this the best FORR ever.
Great event this year. Terrific turnout. Great raffles, and auctions. Great conversation. Great food. Great to see everyone out to support our chapter. Bill Bartee, Jesse Brown's Outdoors, gave an amazing talk and then led the best Live Auction ever. Brian Esque, RRTU president gave the Volunteer of the Year Award to Paul Duffy, the Committee Volunteer of the Year Award to Dana Hershey, and the Program Volunteer of the Year Award to Charlie Campbell. In addition, Joyce Shepherd was honored for her tireless dedication for many, many years to the Rivercourse by a new sponsorship to Rivercourse in her name.
Congratulations to everyone that won an auction or raffle and thanks for making this the best FORR ever.
March 5, 2020 :
Charlie Campbell, Walter Hazelrigg, Paul Duffy and Tom Adams were given the opportunity to teach fly tying in Doug Clark's Trout Club in Lincolnton how to tie a Wooly Bugger. Sixteen, fourth and fifth graders were enthusiastic and even quite skilled in their first exposure to tying trout flies. A great day with the TIC tank full of happy, soon to be released trout keeping eye over the afternoon.
We at RRTU are soooo lucky as a chapter to have this sort of experience.
Thanks to everyone who attended and thanks to all those that helped !
Charlie Campbell, Walter Hazelrigg, Paul Duffy and Tom Adams were given the opportunity to teach fly tying in Doug Clark's Trout Club in Lincolnton how to tie a Wooly Bugger. Sixteen, fourth and fifth graders were enthusiastic and even quite skilled in their first exposure to tying trout flies. A great day with the TIC tank full of happy, soon to be released trout keeping eye over the afternoon.
We at RRTU are soooo lucky as a chapter to have this sort of experience.
Thanks to everyone who attended and thanks to all those that helped !
Corvid 19 fly pattern photo used with permission from MIDCURRENT
HALL OF FAME WEEKEND APRIL 17-18, 2020 IN BRYSON CITY
Bryson City, NC – The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians 5th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Fryemont Inn, located at 245 Fryemont Street in Bryson City. Reservations are required and may be made by using the order form on flyfishingmuseum.org/fame or e-mailing [email protected].or calling 828-488-3681. The cost is $40 per person.
Please note this is a change from past years' luncheons to an evening event.
A 'Meet and Greet' will be held from 5:00 - 6:00 pm, when dinner will be served. Master of Ceremonies for the evening is John Reinhardt, TN 5 Rivers Coordinator and President of the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
A Friday, April 17 a pre-event ‘Lagers with Legends’ fundraiser will be held at Mountain Layers Brewery, 90 Everett Street, beginning at 7 pm. Each inductee will select a beer to be renamed after them during the event, and Mountain Layers will donate $1 per renamed beer sold during the evening. The event will honor the inductees and raise funds for Casting Carolinas, and the Museum. There will be a raffle and silent auction also at this event. No cover charge.
Bryson City is one hour west of Asheville; two hours from Knoxville, Greenville/Spartanburg and Chattanooga; and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.
Hall of Fame inductees
The 2020 Hall of Fame inductees are (left to right): Jackie Green, Don Kirk, Davy Wotton, Ryan Harman, and Malcolm Leaphart. Dave Whitlock (2019 Hall of Fame) is also being inducted.
For more information about the inductees, visit flyfishingmuseum.org/fame
For 2021 nominations, the Museum Hall of Fame nomination forms may be obtained from the museum website or pick up a hard copy at the museum. Categories include: Ambassador, Communications, Crafts, Humanity, Conservation and Recreation.
Bryson City, NC – The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians 5th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner & Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, April 18 at the Fryemont Inn, located at 245 Fryemont Street in Bryson City. Reservations are required and may be made by using the order form on flyfishingmuseum.org/fame or e-mailing [email protected].or calling 828-488-3681. The cost is $40 per person.
Please note this is a change from past years' luncheons to an evening event.
A 'Meet and Greet' will be held from 5:00 - 6:00 pm, when dinner will be served. Master of Ceremonies for the evening is John Reinhardt, TN 5 Rivers Coordinator and President of the Great Smoky Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
A Friday, April 17 a pre-event ‘Lagers with Legends’ fundraiser will be held at Mountain Layers Brewery, 90 Everett Street, beginning at 7 pm. Each inductee will select a beer to be renamed after them during the event, and Mountain Layers will donate $1 per renamed beer sold during the evening. The event will honor the inductees and raise funds for Casting Carolinas, and the Museum. There will be a raffle and silent auction also at this event. No cover charge.
Bryson City is one hour west of Asheville; two hours from Knoxville, Greenville/Spartanburg and Chattanooga; and three hours from Atlanta and Charlotte.
Hall of Fame inductees
The 2020 Hall of Fame inductees are (left to right): Jackie Green, Don Kirk, Davy Wotton, Ryan Harman, and Malcolm Leaphart. Dave Whitlock (2019 Hall of Fame) is also being inducted.
For more information about the inductees, visit flyfishingmuseum.org/fame
For 2021 nominations, the Museum Hall of Fame nomination forms may be obtained from the museum website or pick up a hard copy at the museum. Categories include: Ambassador, Communications, Crafts, Humanity, Conservation and Recreation.
Entomology for Anglers HD Video
January Chapter Meeting :
Haley Tedder from Catawba Riverkeepers brought our chapter an animated and informative session with the inside information on what the Riverkeeper does for our local and beyond river environmental quality. More than a watchdog, they are active on every level to promote and educate the primary needs of high quality water for our region's economic and physical health. A great program for everyone that attended
November Chapter meeting :
Angler Entomology : A Practical Guide to Insects and Fly Patterns
CHAPTER MEETING THIS THURSDAY 11.21
This photo was taken at RRTU Nantahala streamside -
Can you identify this one ?
With the thousands of aquatic and terrestrial insects on trout streams, it can be an overwhelming task to determine what fly to tie on. However, selecting a fly pattern isn't impossible. This presentation will explore a common sense approach to determining what insects are important and selecting a fly pattern. It will introduce some of the major insect hatches found on the eastern streams and patterns that will represent the insects.
Patrick Weaver is an educator and fly-fishing instructor for North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. He began fly fishing at an early age on midwestern streams in Indiana and Michigan. After 35 years of fly fishing, he has worked as a fly-fishing guide, fly tier and instructor. A former high school biology teacher and river monitor, he now spends his time teaching stream studies and fly fishing for the NCWRC. He currently lives near Brevard and fishes on local streams, as well as, rivers in other states.
Patrick Weaver is an educator and fly-fishing instructor for North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. He began fly fishing at an early age on midwestern streams in Indiana and Michigan. After 35 years of fly fishing, he has worked as a fly-fishing guide, fly tier and instructor. A former high school biology teacher and river monitor, he now spends his time teaching stream studies and fly fishing for the NCWRC. He currently lives near Brevard and fishes on local streams, as well as, rivers in other states.
October Chapter meeting with Lorie Stroup
"The Last Dragons"
Our newest additions to Trout in the Classroom, newly hatched at Whitewater Middle School, we are new parents.....
Fresh in, take a look !
Sugar Creek Streamside Cleanup 8.17.2019
Just a few of the folks from Saturday...
A short essay on the experience from our Fall trip, enjoy.
Alas, the RRTU Fall Alarka camping and fishing trip has come and gone…. What a wonderful break from our everyday stresses of life. It truly was an awesome trip from the various people I met, to the natural sites and sounds of the mountains and streams, and from the welcoming vibe from both Women on the Fly to RRTU. This trip was much more than just about fishing.
Some of the people in attendance I had met before, however, there were some new faces both to me and to both organizations. The people I got to know , like Ken Walker, and Jim and Anne Brantley, had entertaining stories from various trips and adventures. Jenny and Joel were intriguing with their laid back way. Also, the interesting historical, cultural, and scientific information I gleaned from a variety of people was an added bonus. These really resonated with me when we ventured to fish Big Snowbird Creek.
When out on the various streams, I sometimes felt voyeuristic as I would take a break from fishing and take in the vistas Mother Nature had to offer: A heron coming to stand and fish near me; the river rippling and sometimes rushing over rocks to create waterfalls; the distant calls from birds in the trees; and of course, catching a nice size brook who hooked my line and came in like a piranha. Whether the wind was blowing or sun was shining or the sky was raining, I enjoyed all the places we ventured.
During the times we weren’t fishing was just as fun. Both club members welcomed me with hugs, handshakes, and smiles. The guys from RRTU were great at giving tips and advice as well as adding lots of humor to the weekend. A shout out to Dana and Brian and the guy with salmon shorts, black leggings, and cowboy boots. But the best time was in cabin 5 in the evenings with Women on the Fly. Some of us learned to tie our first fly, in fact. Thanks Stephanie. We had lots of laughs which felt really good, albeit the fireball may have helped with that. Just a few words…( thanks Celia for making these laughs possible) lottery ticket, lost and found net, wrestling a trophy water fish for pic, group photo funny face, ….
On a more serious note, both groups were really good at being conscientious of my limited mobility issues. They discussed easy access points which allowed me to be included in the fishing experience. Thank you Linda and Ronnie for thinking about me.
Overall, this trip really made me feel alive and present and part of a shared community of love of fishing, fellowship, and freedom to enjoy our beautiful state. I’m looking forward to the next trip
from a Rocky River Trout Unlimited chapter member
October 22, 2018
Some of the people in attendance I had met before, however, there were some new faces both to me and to both organizations. The people I got to know , like Ken Walker, and Jim and Anne Brantley, had entertaining stories from various trips and adventures. Jenny and Joel were intriguing with their laid back way. Also, the interesting historical, cultural, and scientific information I gleaned from a variety of people was an added bonus. These really resonated with me when we ventured to fish Big Snowbird Creek.
When out on the various streams, I sometimes felt voyeuristic as I would take a break from fishing and take in the vistas Mother Nature had to offer: A heron coming to stand and fish near me; the river rippling and sometimes rushing over rocks to create waterfalls; the distant calls from birds in the trees; and of course, catching a nice size brook who hooked my line and came in like a piranha. Whether the wind was blowing or sun was shining or the sky was raining, I enjoyed all the places we ventured.
During the times we weren’t fishing was just as fun. Both club members welcomed me with hugs, handshakes, and smiles. The guys from RRTU were great at giving tips and advice as well as adding lots of humor to the weekend. A shout out to Dana and Brian and the guy with salmon shorts, black leggings, and cowboy boots. But the best time was in cabin 5 in the evenings with Women on the Fly. Some of us learned to tie our first fly, in fact. Thanks Stephanie. We had lots of laughs which felt really good, albeit the fireball may have helped with that. Just a few words…( thanks Celia for making these laughs possible) lottery ticket, lost and found net, wrestling a trophy water fish for pic, group photo funny face, ….
On a more serious note, both groups were really good at being conscientious of my limited mobility issues. They discussed easy access points which allowed me to be included in the fishing experience. Thank you Linda and Ronnie for thinking about me.
Overall, this trip really made me feel alive and present and part of a shared community of love of fishing, fellowship, and freedom to enjoy our beautiful state. I’m looking forward to the next trip
from a Rocky River Trout Unlimited chapter member
October 22, 2018
photos by George Fleszar
Enjoy some snaps from our recent Trout in the Classroom releases :
One of the most successful programs our chapter is the TIC (Trout in the Classroom) and it is one of the most most enjoyable for participants. Raised from eggs and releasing small fish in a trout stream, involving a classroom's participation for nearly the entire school year. Learning why trout environments are critical to their success is knowledge and hands on experience will last a lifetime. The year's work culminates in a wonderful day for the children, teachers, parents and RRTU releasing the fledgling trout into a trout stream in a NC state park. The smiles are priceless.
Chapter Meeting June 2019
It's not often we have the opportunity to meet and learn about our native living companions, the snake. Misunderstood, but vital to our environment. Thanks to our guest speaker and herpetologist, Grover Barfield. Enjoy these photos from Dana Hershey.
Spring
Alarka
2019
US Forest Service Fishing Day at Boone Fork Pond
RRTU was very fortunate in being invited to the annual Fishing Day by the US Forest Service. Over sixty area folks with special needs were there for trout fishing and a hotdog lunch. There were over 550 hungry trout stocked the day before the event on May 10 and I bet there were not many left by the end of the day !
It is truly difficult to say who had more fun, the volunteers or the fisherfolk. It is not often we at RRTU have an opportunity like this and it sure was a swell day.
A shout out to George Wilson, Stuart Tucker, Jason Yepko, Cliff Blaney, Peter Valenti, Jeff Bradley, Greg Norman, and Michael Nichols who all volunteered for RRTU.
What a wonderful day.
It is truly difficult to say who had more fun, the volunteers or the fisherfolk. It is not often we at RRTU have an opportunity like this and it sure was a swell day.
A shout out to George Wilson, Stuart Tucker, Jason Yepko, Cliff Blaney, Peter Valenti, Jeff Bradley, Greg Norman, and Michael Nichols who all volunteered for RRTU.
What a wonderful day.
Enjoy this video of our November chapter meeting. It was informative information and good to see again or for the first time.
"Many of us live around the Catawba River. We see parts of it from here and there as we drive around Charlotte and other environs. Do you know how big the Catawba River actually is? How many counties its basin covers or how how far it reaches? More importantly, how do the urban, suburban, rural populations affect the river and, in turn, how does its quality affect us?
At a recent RRTU meeting, we were presented with this information and how each of us can help protect this major source of water for the future."
"Many of us live around the Catawba River. We see parts of it from here and there as we drive around Charlotte and other environs. Do you know how big the Catawba River actually is? How many counties its basin covers or how how far it reaches? More importantly, how do the urban, suburban, rural populations affect the river and, in turn, how does its quality affect us?
At a recent RRTU meeting, we were presented with this information and how each of us can help protect this major source of water for the future."