THOMPSON CENTER HOLDS FIRST ANNUAL FLY FISHING DERBY
Tuesday, September 20, 2011 

Seven intrepid Seniors gathered last week in South Woodstock to play at the very ancient sport of
enticing trout to take a fly. Most of the rainbows and brook trout were not fooled by man’s tiny representations of the real thing.   But two succumbed to Sam Grice’s wet fly and, Instructor, Ron Rhodes efforts. Noreen Huff eschewed the flies and netted three nice browns with good ol’ worms. 
No rules applied about bait. Just an opportunity for a challenging outing in a beautiful spot which is what fly fishing and most other kinds of sport fishing is all about. Trout Unlimited long time
Board Member and recent appointee as Vermont’s Representative to the Connecticut River Watershed Commission, Ron Rhodes donated his time to teach TSC members and staff the fine art of the cast or tips to build on existing skills.   

We opted for an indoor lunch as the sky still threatened a little rain.   Chef Ryan at the TSC had prepared a truly gourmet style bag lunch.   During this break Ron took time to answer many questions about flood problems both short term and long term affecting our rivers and streams.   He addressed the need to proceed with the restoration of residents’ property and state infrastructure, but also the need to keep stream health and ecology in balance. 80,000 trout were lost in the flooding from one hatchery and only 10,000 able to be returned to the streams. 

Fishing followed lunch for another hour for anyone not satisfied with the morning’s catch or lack
thereof.   With or without a full creel, the derby was a success.   Everyone is standing by for the Second Annual next spring!
 

Pam watches Sam tie on a fly