The aquatic community of McNabb Creek has suffered since the late 1970’s when construction of the Tellico-Robbinsville Road exposed an extremely acidic rock formation known as Anakeesta.  Initial efforts to mitigate the effects of the acid were unsuccessful and McNabb Creek became a sterile stream devoid of fish and most aquatic invertebrates.

What: Appalachian Chapter of Trout Unlimited Meeting
Where: Greenway Farm off of Gann Store Road in Hixson
When: Thursday, June 19th, at 6:30 PM

“How to make handmade Silk Fly Lines”

This month we will have a special guest, Jonathon Busse from Knoxville, TN. Jonathon is reportedly the only person in the United States to make hand-made furled and braided silk fly lines. He will be presenting the process that he goes through in making a silk fly line in addition to discussing the advantages of using silk over plastic. He should have a fly rod available for anyone who would like to “test drive” a silk line. Jonathon possesses a wealth of information in the area of making and using silk fly lines. He also invented and built some of the tools and machines he uses for making silk fly lines in a uniform and consistent manner. Snacks and drinks will be provided. 

Woke up with a big day planned—mow the grass, weed the garden, and fix a bookcase for my lovely wife.  While drinking coffee on my sun porch  after my morning run with my Britt, Bama, my wife suggested that I go fishing.    Well, it took me about 2 minutes to call Charles Bagley and get my gear in gear.  Of course, Charley was ready to go.

Our tailwaters have fished very well for spring. As May rolls around everything becomes more predictable. Here is a snapshot for the next 45 days.

Hiwassee River - TVA will begin summer recreational flow schedules on the river beginning Saturday, May 24th. This means that we will begin drift fishing from the powerhouse to Reliance daily. This is our favorite section through the national forest and the quality fishing zone. All three of the major reservoirs that feed our river system are in great shape. TVA has told us to expect plenty of cold water this season. We are anxiously awaiting the start of the sulphur hatch. Our crystal ball says that the next few months should be very good here.

What: Appalachian Chapter of Trout Unlimited Meeting
Where: Greenway Farm off of Gann Store Road in Hixson
When: Thursday, May15th, at 6:30 PM

This month’s meeting will be conducted by several of our members.  This will be especially fun for children and teenagers.  We will be providing free instruction in fly casting, rigging a rod properly, line mending, tandem rigging techniques, and how to read water.  Some contests are planned for casting with prizes, so you won’t want to miss this event.  Most likely we will also be demonstrating, but NOT teaching how to untangle your leader as well.  Please join us for some fun and make some contacts to plan your next fishing outing with a friend from TU.  Snacks and drinks will be provided.