Last weekend, on the catch and release water at
Cherokee, I tried my best to catch the monster trout that I
could clearly see at the bottom of a deep pool of clear
water. Although I threw them everything in my fly box,
those trout just sat there contently watching my flies drift
slowly by. Copper Johns, egg patterns, pheasant tail
nymphs, elk hair caddis… none of my standard fare was of
any interest to those big rainbows! On the other hand, the
fish that were in faster water eagerly chomped on my flies,
and I caught (and released) the biggest fish I’ve ever
caught in NC. Obviously, these fish (and this angler) like
to be in the fast stream, where they have to stay active
and not just sit around watching the world go by in slow
motion.

I see Trout Unlimited much the same way. It is much
more fun to be in the fast stream, actively participating,
rather than just hanging out and waiting for things to
happen. It is an honor and privilege to have been elected
President of the Blue Ridge Chapter. I look forward to
continuing with the projects that have been started under
Peter Lloyd’s leadership, such as Trout In The Classroom,
the Muddy River project, and river cleanups. Your BRTU
is recognized as one of the most active TU chapters in
North Carolina! Let’s have fun, stay active, and keep
moving toward the TU vision: By the next generation,
Trout Unlimited will ensure that robust populations of
native and wild coldwater fish once again thrive within their
North American range, so that our children can enjoy
healthy fisheries in their home waters.

David Richards