Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing Museum Induction
The second annual Hall of Fame induction for the Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing Museum took place on August 26, 2017, at SCC in Bryson City, NC. This blog post is to give thanks and share lessons learned from those friends who have helped to influence me over the years. There are many others, but the ones mentioned herein have assisted me on my personal journey in this great sport of fly fishing. The following is the speech I gave that day.
Today I am honored, humbled, and grateful to be here. Thank you. We all stand on the shoulders of many brilliant fly fishing giants and great minds. It is what furthers our knowledge as fly fishers.
I feel fortunate to have met and taught with many of the icons who were huge in our sport. There are many who shaped how I think about casting, instruction, and this beautiful pursuit. The contributions of the fly fishing and casting community are what make this a sport worth dedicating a life to.
Lessons From the Journey
Mac Brown is a fly fishing guide and educator based in Bryson City, NC, since 1987. During his years as Associate Professor at Western Carolina University, he conducted numerous teaching and product studies. His text, Casting Angles, is endorsed by FFI and raises the bar for fly casting instruction, presenting a radical challenge to traditional mantras.
This Hall of Fame induction recognition honors his contributions to the sport of fly fishing and fly casting globally through instruction, research, writing, and the development of guides and instructors who carry that knowledge forward on waters across the country.
Mac Brown is active in introducing young people in the Smokies to fly fishing and the outdoors, helping to create responsible citizens and foster deep connections with wild places. Fly fishing helps nurture those connections in ways few other sports can match.
Thank you to the Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing Museum and to everyone who has been part of this journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing Hall of Fame?+
The Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant contributions to fly fishing in the Southern Appalachian region. Mac Brown was inducted in 2017 in the Recreation category, recognized for nearly three decades of fly fishing education, guide training, conservation work, and contributions to the sport through instruction and research in Bryson City, North Carolina.
Why was Mac Brown inducted into the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame?+
Mac Brown was inducted for his contributions to fly fishing and fly casting education globally — through 30+ years of professional instruction in Bryson City, NC, university research at Western Carolina University, the publication of Casting Angles, training of competitive Team USA anglers, and development of the Fly Fishing Guide School as the premier guide training program in the eastern United States.
What is Mac Brown's book Casting Angles?+
Casting Angles is a fly casting handbook written by Mac Brown — the only FFI Master Casting Instructor in North Carolina. Endorsed by FFI as a reference for fly casting mechanics, it presents a mechanics-based approach to understanding and improving the fly cast. Available signed directly from Mac Brown for $34.95 plus shipping.
How long has Mac Brown been guiding in Bryson City NC?+
Mac Brown has been guiding and teaching fly fishing in Bryson City, North Carolina since 1987 — founding the first full-time fly fishing guide service in Western NC. Over 38 years of daily on-water experience across thousands of guided trips and school sessions.
What awards has Mac Brown received for fly fishing?+
Mac Brown has received the FFI Lifetime Achievement Award (2023), the FFI Mel Krieger Casting Instructor Award (2021), Field & Stream Angler of the Year (1999), Southern Appalachian Fly Fishing Hall of Fame inductee (2017), and multiple Fly Fishers United Best Guide School awards. He serves as Director of Teacher Development for FFI Casting Instructor Education and Associate Editor of The Loop Journal.
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