Smith speaks on Floyd fishing

Dr. Smith Speaks about Fishing in Floyd County
The Floyd County Historical Society hosted a well-attended program on local fishing on Saturday, June 28th.  Dr. Mike Smith was guest speaker on the topic and he focused on fly-fishing in Floyd County streams and rivers.  Dr. Smith has written several books about local fishing and he is the owner of Greasy Creek Outfitters, a fishing guide service based in Floyd County. Dr. Smith said several local streams are stocked with trout but some wild trout can also be found in the area. He said May is the best month for catching small-mouth bass – especially the bigger ones. He also talked about the environmental impact on steams and fishing – especially in other parts of Virginia.  He said the Shenandoah River has a big problem with pollution. Few fish can survive there and the river is no longer suitable for fishing.
Dr. Smith’s roots are in Floyd County and he and his family live in Willis at the home place of his grandparents, Harry and Elva Smith Keith. He is a professor of English at Bluefield State College.
Rebecca Weeks, president, presided over the June 28th business meeting and gave updates on some of the Historical Society’s projects.  New members are always welcome to join the Society.  Dues are $15 per year and should be sent to the Society at P.O. Box 292, Floyd, VA 24091 for the 2009 calendar year.
Ricky Cox will be guest speaker at the Historical Society’s next meeting.  That meeting will take place on Satur day, September 13th at 11 a.m. at the library.  Ricky will speak about Floyd County gristmills and the book he is in the process of publishing on the topic.  Please note that the program is at 11 a.m. that day, rather than in the afternoon.  A business meeting will begin at 10 a.m. For more information about the September program or Society projects, phone 745-4256.  The public is always welcome to attend Society programs.