Rocky River Chapter Trout Unlimited
Charlotte, North Carolina
We Conserve, Protect and Sustain our
Coldwater Natural Resources
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Fly of the Month
Olsen's Blowtorch
Fly of the Month 01.26 - The Blowtorch
The “fly of the month” series for 2026 will include a number Euro nymphs to recognize the competitiveness of fly fishing, As with any sport, fly fishing often has innovations. One of the most popular and highly productive—is a technique called European style nymphing or Euro Nymphing. Currently, magazines are filled with articles about Euro-nymphing and companies are building special rods for it.
Euro nymphing is a specialized fly fishing technique that originated in Eastern Europe yet very similar to the old Southern Appalachian method called “dapping” or the Japanese method called “Tenkara” or the modern method called “high-sticking.” Anglers in Czechoslovakia, Poland, and France perfected Euro-nymphing and competitive fly fishers adopted their tactics to win tournament after tournament around the globe. It involves using heavily weighted nymphs and long, thin leaders to fish the water column and near bottom to imitate the behavior of nymphs. This method eliminates the need for traditional indicators by emphasizing direct contact with the fly or flies and allowing anglers to detect subtle strikes to improve hookup rates. The productivity of Euro nymphing has lead to its use in fly fishing competition world-wide. Euro nymphing is characterized by its simplicity and efficiency, making it accessible to anglers of all skill levels. As other fisherman discovered just how productive Euro-nymphing is, this technique showed up online and invaded North America. The Blowtorch The Blowtorch fly was developed by Devin Olsen in 2014 during a training session at the World Fly Fishing Championship in the Czech Republic. This tag-style nymph features a black-peacock body with a hot orange tag and hot spot, designed to attract trout with high effectiveness. The Blowtorch has gained popularity for its versatility and performance in various fishing conditions, making it a favored choice especially among the new generation of anglers. This pattern by Devin Olsen is widely known as a fish catcher. The Blowtorch has a good mix of buggy features and a bright hotspot that help getting fish to take it. One tweak made on this fly is swapping the collar from soft hackle to a squirrel-CDC blend, but either version will fish really well in a variety of situations. To get a good dubbing blend, take a clump of squirrel dub, a clump of CDC dub, and pulse them a few times in a coffee grinder - do not overdo it! The Blowtorch can be tied in a wider range of sizes, but most commonly from size 12-16. 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 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
Friends of Rocky River TU 2026 Fundraising Raffle
RRTU Chapter Meetings: |
Winter 2026 -- Lots Going on at RRTU! Please join us! The Public is Invited
Next Fly Tying Class is January 17, 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:
🗓 12/20, 1/17, 2/07, 3/21
🕘 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM (come and go as you please)
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 !
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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