Luck on the Lil' Smoky

Comrade of the R.F.A., Marc Ballantyne

Let me start off by applauding Marc Ballantyne for completing the requirements for membership to the R.F.A. and officially being initiated into its esteemed ranks. Simply put, he makes an invaluable addition to our organization and has already contributed to make unprecedented progress in our mission. Congratulations Marc.


There is no bad time to fish the Little Smoky, but historically we have always fished it in the Autumn when the ice has just started to creep out from the banks, the Grayling are aplenty and the otters are up to their usual light-hearted antics.

Two Revered Forces of Nature: The Little Smoky and Denis Charron

This past weekend, we decided to try our luck on this Woodlands County gem in the spring... and it did not disappoint. With the unseasonable amount of rainfall we've had, the water levels were high and the flow was fast. Being that are party consisted of 3 Senior R.F.A. Members (Scott Wilson, Denis Charron and James Cocchio) along with new recruit Marc Ballantyne we were undaunted by the prospect of fishing such imposing waters. There was a rather excitable King Fisher a stone's throw away from our camp that eagerly dove into the river searching for a prize. We followed her lead and spent the day at the water's edge plying our trade.

Local Laureate Peter Grelli

The Smoky was indeed productive and everyone hooked into a few of those dapper little Grayling that the river is known for. As much as we at the Alliance love fishing, the real highlights of this trip were the simple joys that come with spending a weekend at the riverside in good company. We filled the evenings by relaxing around the campfire, sipping on some fine whiskey, indulging in a savoury cigar or pipe, musing over the day's catches, listening to the sizzle of grilled steak and asparagus mingle with the crackle of the coals and flames, and enjoying the type of casual and sincere conversation that only seams to happen in these sorts of settings. To top it off, we had local writer/musician/barista/raconteur Peter Grelli along for the trip. His presence around the campfire should be included amongst the other 7 Natural Wonders of the World. It was an unforgettable experience. He happens to be a close friend of the Alliance and has joined us on a couple of memorable outings over the past year.

A weekend along the Little Smoky has always meant writing a new chapter of memories with friends, and I can't help but reminisce a little on some of the earlier chapters we wrote here with Ron and Nina and the Legendary Scott Middleton. It's experiences like this that make fishing a life's passion rather than a past-time... Alas, one weekend is far too short a time to spend among such excellent and admirable company.

(Photo Credit: Scott Wilson, Peter Grelli)