Smith River - 6 June 07

[al k]

Awwww the joys of owning your own place back in the woods. In addition to having two lawns to mow, two places to maintain, two utility bills and two tax bills to pay, you also have to cope with the havoc that mother nature may throw your way.

I arrived at my "get-a-way" early in the week to find that a recent storm had toppled a big tree across the power line which runs for four or five poles back through the woods to my place. In addition to laying the primary wires on the ground it had broke a pole which was half way between the nearest road and no where. As you might guess, I was going to be without electricity for a little while. The telephone was also out. Here is a photo of my place during better times.


No need in crying over spilled milk, or downed power lines as the case may be. I whipped out my cell phone and called a buddy who owns a little place not too far from mine and secured permission to bunk there for a few days. My buddy's place even has a 6 acre pond filled with big bream and respectable size bass, so all was not lost.

On Wednesday, June 6th, after checking on the progress being made to restore my electricity, I figured there was nothing else to do but go fishing. I headed for the Smith River below the town of Bassett so as to be well down river when they started generation at one o'clock. It took me a while to hook and land my first fish, which was a small brown trout, but just the peace and tranquility was well worth it.


The day was a perfect one to be on the water. It was a warm but not too hot, there was a slight breeze blowing and the fish, although not in a feeding frenzy were hungry enough to make things interesting. The river still holds a few rainbows from the last stocking for the summer.


It was such a delightful day that I took a break from time to time and just sat on a rock in midstream and thought about the meaning of life.


By the time I reached my "get out point" the Allieworm had fooled enough stream spawned browns and stocked rainbows to push me well into the double digits.


What about the status of electricity at my cabin? Appalachian Electric Power (AEP) did a great job of getting me back in business by late Wednesday evening. They still have a "right of way crew" working to clear brush and overhanging trees so that the same thing, which has been happening with a degree of regularity will hopefully not reoccur.

Before I close this out I would like to invite anyone who would like to learn more about the Smith River to join the Smith River Trout Unlimited on Saturday, June 16, 2007 for a picnic and fishing event.

We will kick it off at 8am with a gathering at the Mirror Factory of anyone who wants to fish or learn more about the Smith River. If you are new to the river and can make it there by 8:30am we will pair you up with a "Smith River Regular" who will help shorten your learning curve.

Lunch is on your own but be sure to save some room for a hamburger and hot dog cookout at 4pm at the foot of the dam ((Hwy 727 which is the first side road to your right as you leave the Mirror Factory heading back to town of Bassett - road turns to gravel and dead ends at COE area at foot of Philpott Dam).

We will provide the main course, i.e. burgers and hot dogs along with the condiments. We will also provide soda and water (No beer or booze in COE picnic area - O'Doul's or Near Beer ok). Participants are asked to bring a covered dish or finger food to add to the table.

SRTU will have items for raffle so bring your wallet and walk away with some fishing related bargains.

You do not have to be a member of TU to attend this event. (You must be a member in order to vote on Chapter business) Anyone who has an interest in the Smith River Fishery is encouraged to attend.