Fly fishing legends make joint appearance at South Holston Fly Fest

BLUFF CITY, Tenn. – With a slight flick of the wrist, Lefty Kreh executed a flawless cast. Seconds later, Joe Humphreys deftly demonstrated his time-tested form.

To the novice, the intricate unfurling, pulling and adjusting techniques appeared complicated. For fly-fishing fans, Saturday’s meeting of the masters was a must-see experience.

“These two guys are the vanguard of fly fishing in the world, so it doesn’t get any better than this,” said Tim Landis, a longtime fly-fishing guide based in the Bristol area.

The “Casting with the Legends” presentation served as the highlight for the opening day of the second annual South Holston Fly Fest at the River’s Way Outdoor Adventure Center.

Kreh, 85, and Humphreys, 81, shared secrets, stories and laughs with a diverse collection of sportsmen gathered on the banks of the South Holston. Both men have earned reputations as innovators and humble experts in the ever-evolving sport.

“Lefty and I have done stuff together for years, but we’ve never bounced ideas off each other like this before,” said Humphreys, who lives in State College, Pa. “We’re having a good time.”

For Kreh, the day began with an early morning adventure on the bountiful waters of the South Holston. He caught four brown and two rainbow trout.

“There are a number of rivers here with good trout fishing, but it’s kind of a fly fishing secret,” Kreh said.

Kreh has written 30 books on various aspects of fly fishing and continues to write articles for magazines, including thriving publications in Australia and South Africa.

Like all fishing gurus, Kreh is often asked by fishing fanatics for hot fishing locales. Increasingly, Kreh points his followers to the mountains of Northeast Tennessee.

“A lot of people were asking me last year where they should go fishing in Idaho or Montana, and I told them to go to Tennessee,” said Kreh, who lives in Maryland. “Fishing has just become so crowded in Idaho and Montana.
“We only saw one other fellow when we were on the South Holston this morning. This area has some of the best trout fishing in the country. The people here are great, and the waters are not crowded.”

The two fly fishing legends will serve as the headliners for day two of the South Holston Fly Fest today. Kreh will speak at 11 a.m., with Humpreys conducting a nymphing workshop at noon.
Kreh was encouraged by the large crowd at the scenic River’s Way complex.

“This event is fabulous, and it gets bigger every year,” Kreh said. “I think fly fishermen just like to get together.”

Before his formal presentation Saturday, Kreh fielded questions and greetings on a variety of topics. Kreh, who has made three previous speaking appearances in Bristol, dispensed his advice with a wide smile and firm handshake.

“Fly fishing people have a little bit of a different attitude,’ Kreh said. “They remind me a little bit of upland bird hunters, in that they enjoy sharing things with one another.”

Kreh contrasted the welcoming ways of the fly fishermen to the secretive world of bass fishing.

“The bass fisherman sticks his rod down in the water when a boat goes by because he doesn’t want that guy to know he’s got a fish,” Kreh said. “And he sure ain’t gonna tell him what plug he’s using.”

According to Kreh, who still gives private fishing lessons, the growth of fly fishing has been fueled by women anglers.

“Men used to bring women because they wanted to learn to fly cast,” Kreh said. “In the last couple of years, I’ve seen lots of women bring their significant others along.”

Humpreys has visited the South Holston before, both for relaxation and to film instructional DVDs.

“There are wonderful trout waters in this area,” Humpreys said. “This event is a great fundraiser and I hope the kids benefit.”

Festival goers can sample from an array of booths, ranging from guides and rod builders to fly shop representative and artisans.

Bethany Wilson manned a booth for the Blowfish Emporium, a popular State Street business which offers a collaboration of local and regional art mediums.
“I love this event,” Wilson said. “This is whole different type crowd, but they have all have a common interest and support each other.”

One of the most popular exhibits Saturday featured Possum Retreat Creek. Located on Bullock Hollow Road in Bristol, Tenn., Possum Creek offers luxurious accommodations and has developed a national clientele of individual fly fisherman and corporations.

All the proceeds from the South Holston Fly Fest are directed to the mission of River’s Way, a non-profit operation which provides goal-oriented outdoor adventures for disabled and disadvantaged youth.

agregory@bristolnews.com | Twitter: @Greg_BHCSports | (276) 645-2544