Bryson City, North Carolina – The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians Hall of Fame announces the second class of inductees to be recognized at our annual museum luncheon event. The second annual Museum Hall of Fame inductions will be conducted on August 26, 2017 at the Southwestern Community College Swain Center located at 60 Almond School Road, Bryson City, NC 28713, west of Bryson City on US 19/74. From the downtown Bryson City, drive approximately 7 miles west. The old almond school is on your right.
Museum Hall of Fame nomination forms may be obtained electronically from Alen Baker alenandscottie@aol.com or picked up as hard copy at the museum. The Museum seeks to recognize those who have made outstanding and unique contributions to the art, science and sport of fly fishing. We encourage you to nominate those who meet the nomination criteria and are deserving of such recognition.
Our 2017 Museum Hall of Fame Inductees are Lefty Kreh, Mac Brown, Jimmy Jacobs, Steve Moore, Joe Messinger, Sr. and Starr Nolan.
Bernard “Lefty” Kreh – Inducted on April 8, 2017 at the Virginia Fly Fishing and Wine Festival in the Recreation category for his many contributions to fly fishing as an outdoor writer with 31 books to his credit, innovative fly tyer especially known for his world-renowned Lefty’s Deceiver of the late-1950s and as a fly rod designer.
Mac Brown – Inducted in the Recreation category for his varied contributions to fly fishing as a fly fishing volunteer of many organizations, guide, book author, instructor, coach and for his regional and national leadership in fly fishing competitions.
Jimmy Jacobs — Inducted in the Communications category as the author of numerous fly fishing books and articles, seminar speaker, and photographer.
Stephen Edward Moore — Inducted in the Conservation category for his years of dedication to the restoration of brook trout in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and his efforts in the discovery of the Southern strain of brook trout.
Joe M. Messinger, Sr. — Inducted in the Crafts category as a professional fly tier who is widely recognized for the creativity and wisdom in designing the famed Irresistible pattern as well as other noted creations including the Nitehummer, Messinger Frog or Bucktail Frog, Meadow Frog, Golden Frog, Dogcatcher, Bleeding Bucktail Popper, and Bleeding Hair Frog.
Phyllis Starr Nolan — Inducted in the Humanity category for her contributions to fly fishing as a fly fishing volunteer in many organizations, instructor, educator, clinical coach and for her regional and national leadership in the use of fly fishing as a method of therapy for recovering cancer patients.
The inductions will be held in Bryson City with Museum supporters as well as the family and friends of our inductees in attendance. Fly anglers from across the southeast will celebrate the Second Annual Museum Hall of Fame Inductions.
With limited space, advanced reservations are essential and are currently being taken. E-mail info@greatsmokies.com or call 828-488-3681 to reserve your place. The ticket price of $35 per person includes admission to the induction ceremony, lunch, and all weekend admission to the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians.