Debbie Griffith holds a heavy rainbow trout caught on the Watauga River, May 2, 2009 (click image for larger view).

Debbie Griffith's co-workers at NC State, in Raleigh, NC knew just how to honor her when she left for a new position with UNC Asheville last October: they chipped in for an Altamont Anglers Gift Certificate good for a float trip on one of the great trout streams near to her new home.

When Debbie contacted us to schedule the trip she'd already made up her mind: "let's play two!"--and booked another float trip for the next day. That was a wise decision, as the hefty rainbow on the left illustrates...

 

Everette Melvin holds a colorful rainbow trout over the "safety net" on the Watauga River (click image to enlarge)

Altamont Anglers guide Teo Whitlock manned the oars (and knots and flies and all the other duties that fall to a fly fishing guide) for the two days of floating on May 2nd and 3rd. 

Debbie's fishing buddy, Everette Melvin--pictured on the right with the pretty Watauga River rainbow--provided the proper competition, conversation and balast in the boat to make the two days the memorable event it became.

Thanks to the staff down at NC State for the Gift Certificate that inspired it all!

Click the images below for larger views of more of Debbie & Everette's success on the Watauga River...

(Altamont Anglers operates on Pisgah National Forest Rivers under USDA Forest Service Permit #PIS6560)