The Mountain Bridge Trout Unlimited Warriors Family Day is a heartfelt community event dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans and local first responders through the peaceful and restorative art of fly fishing. This event brings together local volunteers and service members for a day of mentorship and camaraderie.
It serves as a powerful reminder of the healing connection between nature and those who have served, fostering a supportive environment where stories are shared and new skills are mastered.
Veterans & First Responders,
At Mountain Bridge Trout Unlimited (MBTU), we believe that selfless service is the highest form of leadership. To honor the dedication of our MBTU Warriors, we invite our Veterans, First Responders, and their families to our annual Warriors Family Day celebration.
When: March 21, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 3:30pm (come when you can)
Where: Fork Grove Barbecue, 1721 SC-187, Anderson, SC
Activities: Delicious BBQ, fly tying instruction, fly casting clinic, and more. We look forward to an afternoon of camaraderie and relaxation.
Thank you for your continued service to our community and country,
Josh Taylor
MBTU Veterans Services / Warriors Program
To ensure your spot at the Mountain Bridge TU Warrior Day, please complete your RSVP as soon as possible so we can properly prepare for all attendees. Because we are only able to provide food for 50–60 people, early registration is essential to guarantee your meal and participation.
You can easily secure your place by using the email button below or by reaching out to Josh directly via call or text at (864) 844-6010.
Fork Grove Barbecue is a highly-rated, Texas-inspired barbecue destination located in Anderson, SC, approximately 35 miles (48 minutes) from Abbeville. Owned by Dylan Cooke, the restaurant is known for its wood-fired, slow-smoked meats and "soulful fixins".
Fly Casting Clinic
We are excited to have Callie Freeman support us for this event. Callie Freeman, an Upstate South Carolina-based fly fishing instructor, has a long-standing relationship with the Mountain Bridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited, having previously served as an invited speaker for sessions like "Bugs for Beginners" and "Fishing the Historic Deschutes River Salmonfly Hatch".
She leverages her expertise as a certified fly fishing instructor and educator to host specialized casting clinics designed to empower participants through hands-on skill development. These clinics focus on making the sport accessible and fun, helping veterans and other attendees "cast smarter, not harder" by mastering mechanics like basic loops and roll casting while eliminating common frustrations like "wind knots". By integrating her background in science and education, Freeman provides a supportive environment where participants can gain the confidence needed to enjoy their time on the water.
Callie Freeman
(919) 455-5000
Fly Tying
We’re excited to announce that Chattooga River Fly Shop will be leading fly tying sessions at the upcoming Mountain Bridge TU Warrior Day! Whether you're a beginner or a pro, come pull up a vise and tie some flies with us. If you’ve ever wanted to learn about tying flies this is a great introduction.
MBTU Warriors Program
As a Veteran or first responder, you are eligible to take part in a TU Service Partnership Program, which gives you a complimentary membership to TU for free for one year.
The complimentary membership also includes several bonuses! (TROUT Magazine-4 issues, exclusive deals and discounts, The Veteran/First Responders chapter membership in a nearby TU organization).
Please feel free to invite a Veteran or First Responder to our next MBTU meeting and share with them this amazing membership offer.
This program which provides activities and encouragement for former and current military, first responder members and their families. These activities include fly casting, fly tying, fly fishing education and fly fishing outings.
TU Service Partnership Program
Trout Unlimited
South Carolina Plate
The Trout Unlimited plate is available to all South Carolina residents. The cost for the plate is $70 every two years in addition to the registration fee.
Proceeds from this plate will be used for cold-water conservation efforts.
MBTU Shirts
Another way to show your support is by placing an order for one of our MBTU shirts!
About the design: Mountain Bridge Trout Unlimited is committed to restore and protect the last remaining Brook Trout of South Carolina.