The Appalachian Chapter of Trout Unlimited is an all-volunteer conservation nonprofit working to care for and recover rivers and streams and the trout that call them home. Working with TU staff and community partners, we bring people together to make our trout and salmon fisheries stronger, our water cleaner and our communities healthier. Join us and be a champion for your rivers and streams.
If you have the interest and time to make a deeper commitment to our local conservation and education work, we’d welcome you on the board or one of our many committees. To get started, connect with an Appalachian board member at one of our monthly gatherings or coming events, or contact us to learn more.
PRESIDENT
Steve Fry
Chattanooga, TN
Steve has been an active member of Trout Unlimited since the 1980s and has held several leadership positions, including multiple terms as Chapter President and Chairman of the Tennessee Council of TU for three years. He also served on the TU National Leadership Council and chaired the Tennessee Council’s Conservation Committee for over a decade.
A passionate angler, Steve enjoys all types of fishing, with a particular fondness for dry fly fishing in the Tellico River tributaries. His deep commitment to conservation and the protection of trout habitats has been a guiding force throughout his extensive volunteer work with TU.
VICE PRESIDENT
Brian Batka
Chattanooga, TN
Owner of South East Tackle (S.E.T.), Brian is a lifelong outdoorsman with a passion for fishing that runs deeper than most rivers. Originally from Redding, California, he now calls Hixson, Tennessee home—a place he’s proudly lived for over 20 years.
A devoted father and husband, he balances family life with his love for the water. Whether chasing bass in a tournament or casting a fly for trout and everything in between, he’s a true tackle junkie and conservationist at heart. With a deep respect for nature and a drive to protect it for future generations, he brings that same passion to Trout Unlimited.
SECRETARY AND TREASURER
Rob Prytula
Chattanooga, TN
Rob is a lifelong fly fisherman, writer, and educator based in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Known as the “Bream Bum” for his love of chasing big bream on the fly, he’s fished everything from Appalachian trout streams to Arkansas’s famed rivers. With over 30 years of experience in fly tying and fly fishing, Rob teaches courses at Chattanooga State, contributes to outdoor publications, and appears as “The Trout Professor” on WGOW 102.3 FM. He’s a proud member of Trout Unlimited, the Federation of Fly Fishers, and the Tennessee Outdoor Writers Association. When he’s not fishing, Rob teaches Chemistry at an all-boys high school
BOARD MEMBER
Brian Pendergrass
Chattanooga, TN
Brian is a longtime board member of Trout Unlimited and a dedicated conservationist with deep roots in the outdoor community. Over the years, he has actively participated in numerous river cleanups and volunteer initiatives, always working to protect and preserve the waters and wild spaces he holds dear.
In addition to his work with TU, he serves as Vice President of the Scenic City Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society and stays active in several other conservation and sporting organizations, including Fly Fishers International, Ducks Unlimited, and Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. His commitment to conservation runs as deep as his love for the outdoors.
He is also the owner of Chattanooga Fly Fish, a professional guide service helping anglers connect with the rich fisheries of the Tennessee Valley. Whether he’s guiding on the water or giving back through advocacy and education, Brian is all about sharing the fly fishing lifestyle and protecting the resources that make it possible.
MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Arlen Meline
Chattanooga, TN
Arlen serves as the Membership Chairman and Community Outreach lead for the Appalachian Chapter of Trout Unlimited. A retired U.S. Army Aviator and former Associate Vice President and Program Manager with SAIC, he brings leadership and dedication to every aspect of his work—on and off the water.
With a lifelong passion for conservation and fly fishing, he has been an active member of Trout Unlimited for many years. His past roles include President of the Wai Kahe ‘Olu Chapter in Hawaii and Membership Chairman for the Rapidan Chapter in Virginia. Since relocating to the Chattanooga area in 2021, he has continued to champion TU’s mission, focusing on growing community involvement and supporting new anglers.
He and his wife Janis have two adult children and enjoy exploring the streams and natural beauty of their new Tennessee home.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND TROUT IN THE CLASSROOOM COORDINATOR
Hunter Sims
Chattanooga, TN
Hunter is a lifelong angler and passionate conservationist who joined Trout Unlimited in 2024. He spends every free moment exploring mountain streams in pursuit of trout, combining his love for fly fishing with a deep respect for the natural world.
Whether he’s teaching new anglers the art of casting or sharing the importance of water conservation, Hunter is always eager to pass along his knowledge and passion. For him, it’s not just about the fish—it’s about protecting the waters that make the experience possible.
BOARD MEMBER
Tom Sayne
Chattanooga, TN
Tom is a lifelong angler and passionate conservationist who’s been a proud member of Trout Unlimited since the late 1970s. Since retiring, he’s become even more active in the fly fishing community, dedicating his time to mentoring and teaching new anglers the art and ethics of the sport. Whether he’s sharing casting tips or streamside wisdom, Tom’s love for the water and its wild inhabitants shines through. “See you on the stream!”