On Friday, October 6, 2023 the St. John’s Fly Fishers ventured to Rosman, North Carolina near Brevard for a long weekend of trout, fishing and exploration. We had five trip goers: Jeff Pruitt, Dan Robertson, Jimmy Medlin, Larry Bennett, and Craig Murden. We stayed in an Airbnb home near the Headwaters Outfitters fly shop which was an important hub for information, flies to use, where to fish and related gear (like leaders, tippet, floatant, etc.)
Several of us got up to Rosman early to fish and explore on Friday. This gave us a chance to get our bearings for water level, places to access the river, and even catch a few fish. We settled in and enjoyed a spaghetti meal prepped by Jeff Pruitt and then campfire at the house. We had a great view of a mountain ridge across the street and a host of roosters sharing their tunes.
Saturday was time to gear up and head out for some fun. Dan and Larry teamed up and followed Jeff to one of the very best runs and pools along the river. They had great success with a variety of flies and found that they had to change things up pretty often to catch fish. They were very successful and each caught over 10 apiece. Jimmy and Craig teamed up in another area upriver, and focused on helping Jimmy get acclimated to reading the water and learn to cast. Jimmy got a great start by wading in and giving it a try. By the end of the day he had caught his very first trout on the fly, in a technically challenging area of the stream. He was thrilled, as were the rest of us — knowing how much effort it takes and patience.
Saturday night was special for us as we had Larry Bennett prepare a “cloth-napkin” dinner that we were not expecting. London broil, peas, mashed potatoes, and cooked carrots brought together quite a dining experience. After dinner, we headed to the fire pit and enjoyed time together, talking about the experiences of the day. Jeff brought out his guitar and we enjoyed some familiar tunes that he shared with us.
Sunday was another fun day of fishing as we were going to spend another night at the house, and head home on Monday morning. On Sunday we got access to a few other places that were full on Saturday. We all caught fish and enjoy the weather and beautiful scenery along the stream.
For Sunday dinner, we headed into Brevard to a very nice restaurant with an interesting ordering system, and enjoyed another evening of nice weather, good food, and fellowship. Monday morning, we had a full breakfast, bacon, and eggs and some leftovers then a nice devotional and set of prayers lead by Dan Robertson.
We had a deep feeling of thankfulness and togetherness on this trip. We look forward to the opportunity to go on another adventure together with the fly fishers. We encourage folks to consider going with us, even if you have not fly fished before. In Jimmy’s case, he spent time with us in advance, asking questions and coming to some fly-casting sessions we had within our monthly meetings, and was prepared to wade deeper and learn as you go. “Fly fishing is definitely an experience that is one step at a time,” Jimmy shared.
“Good things come to those who wade”. (Unknown)
Please join us for future St. John’s fly fishers trips and outings. Our monthly meetings are the 3rd Thursday of each month in room 201 at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Carmel Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. Newcomers are welcome!
Visit our web site anytime: stjeflyfishers.org
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