The Connestee Fishing Club

By Al Byrne

The Connestee Fishing Club is just one of the many clubs and amenities available to residents of the community, which make Connestee such an attractive place to live. (Note that there is no public fishing in the Connestee Falls lakes. Fishing is restricted to Connestee residents and their guests).

The Connestee Falls Fishing Club, begun in 1980 with 6 members, has grown to our current membership of 258 households.

The activities of the Club include:

Fishery Management:

  • Monitor the water quality of the lakes
  • Monitor fish populations and health
  • Manage fish stocking

Community Outreach:

The Outreach program serves hundreds of our county’s youth and adults each year, providing half-day fishing excursions at one of our Connestee Falls lakes. The program teaches fishing skills and good sportsmanship while emphasizing the fun and relaxation available from fishing. During 2018, Outreach held 19 events, hosting approx. 300 children and adults from many different organizations, including: Boys & Girls Club, Sheriff’s Shield Camp, Special Olympics, Transylvania Vocational Services, Cedar Mountain House, PARI, Brevard Elementary, Bound For Glory Literacy Camp, to name a few.

Annual Fish Fry:

The Club’s Fish Fry is the largest social event of the year in Connestee, attracting about 260 Club members. The yummy meal typically includes fried catfish or baked cod w/salsa and all the sides, plus fresh corn roasted on the grill, and an open bar with draft beer and soft drinks. The big highlights of the event, in addition to the great food, are the famous raffles and silent auctions, including a Wine Bonanza.

Many other activities, including fishing contests and events, community projects, and boat shows & sales. For more information visit www.cffishclub.org.