The Veterans' Fly-Fishing Program finished its 2023 season with a quiet day on the Etowah River in North Georgia. The program is a partnership between the Cherokee County Homeless Veterans program and the Cohutta Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Started four years ago, this program is part of our veteran mental health program to help veterans who are disabled, homeless, elderly or just curious about learning how to fly fish.

"We run two classes each year that have been completely filled since we started this program," noted Jim Lindenmayer, Director of Cherokee County Homeless Veteran program which is part of American Legion Post 45 in Canton. The program consists of three or four classroom days done on Tuesdays, learning about such things as casting, equipment, insects, and fly tying which is done at the local Boys and Girls Club in Canton. Once they have somewhat mastered what they have learned, the last day is done on the Etowah River in North Georgia where the river has plenty of brown and rainbow trout.

This program would not be able to be done without the leadership of Rob Hilton, Army veteran, and his members of the Cohutta Trout Unlimited chapter. They provide all of the training, gear and knowledge for the veterans to use.
This program is not only for men, as we have had a number of female veterans participate in this program.