What: Appalachian Chapter of Trout Unlimited Monthly Meeting
Where:  Greenway Farm off of Gann Store Road in Hixson
When: August 17th, at 6:30 PM
Why: Learn about tying flies and electrofishing.

Robert Prytula will start the meeting by demonstrating how to tie a couple "five-minute" flies. He'll demonstrate how to tie a pheasant tail and an ant pattern. Following Robert's demonstration, Jim Herrig from the National Forest Service will introduce electrofishing and discuss how we'll use the electroshockers at our  annual Brook Trout survey on August 26th.  He'll bring an electroshocker and discuss how they work.  

Chef Fry will cook hamburgers, so plan on eating with us. 

Volunteers Needed! 

The Appalachian Chapter and volunteers from other chapters and organizations will work with Jim Herrig from the National Forrest Service on the annual Brook Trout survey on Saturday, August 26th at 9:00 AM. We will meet at McNabb Campground off of North River Road. Although physically challenging, the rewards are great. You'll learn about electrofishing, meet some great people, and see a large number of Brook Trout. Generally, Jim does a brief presentation on what we hope to accomplish, we split into four teams, and head off to electrofish four streams. This is one time where it isn't a good idea to wet wade, so bring your waders!

McNabb Campground will be open for all TU members wanting to camp on the nights of Fri. Aug.25 and Sat. Aug.26 and ACTU will host breakfast between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM on Saturday. If you want to stay longer and camp and fish later Saturday and Sunday, plan on camping.

 Directions to McNabb Creek Group Campground

In Tellico Plains (at the junction of Hwy 68 and 165), drive east on Hwy 165 (Tellico-Robbinsville road or Cherohalla Hwy).  At the east edge of town stay on Hwy 165; do not turn onto Hwy 360.  Continue on Hwy 165 for about 5 miles.  It parallels the Tellico River and crosses it once.  Just passed the Oosterneck pulloff, take Forest Service Road (FSR) 210 toward Bald River Falls and the Ranger Station.  Continue on FSR 210 for about 11 miles to North River Road (FSR 217).  It parallels Tellico River and crosses it once.  Continue on FSR 217 for about 2.5 miles.  It parallels North River.  You will cross a bridge over Hemlock Creek.  When the road turns right to cross the bridge over North River, turn left into McNabb Creek Group Campground.

Abstract:  Meadow Branch is a tributary stream to North River in the Cherokee National Forest (Big Junction Quad Map). It has stretches that are difficult to access but also an area that is easily accessed.   The difficult stretches do not have a trail associated with them.  Brook trout dominate the entire stream but rainbow trout are present in the lowest stretch. Meadow Branch is a beautiful stream that requires some climbing in a remote setting but also an area that is right beside the road.

The Appalachian Chapter or Trout Unlimited is selling hats. They will be available at our chapter meeting on August 17th. Hats are $15.00 a piece or two for $25.00.  If you are unable to make the meeting and are interested in purchasing one, contact Steve Fry at 423.432.2210.

A few members on the Appalachian Chapter of TU attended the semi-annual Cold Waters Meeting and the quarterly Tennessee TU meeting.  We would like to extend our appreciation to TVA for hosting the meeting and for providing detailed information and answers at the meeting and on their outstanding website.  All briefings were succinct and informative.