OK.....Its been a weird summer...no make that a weird year so far! All kidding aside I sincerely hope everyone and their family are well and adjusting to the world as we now know it. As all of us are aware this is a time in our life unlike any time in the last 100 years probably since the 1918 flu epidemic.

Trout Unlimited like any social organization is not an essential business for a daily living requirement for survival. However it does serve as a mental and physical element of one's life with it's emphasis on the outdoors and community involvement. During this health crisis the very nature of fly fishing lends itself to the ability to social distance as we pursue the sport. That being said of course it has been disappointing to have canceled not just our chapter events but many Trout Unlimited events.

I was fortunate in July to make my annual trip to Colorado for a week of flyfishing. Being able to fish familiar waters like wading the Frying Pan river and floating the Roaring Fork for Colorado trout definitely filled the soul. Noel Hudson, GSM TU board member and my friend was able to connect and meet up as usual and we spent the week laughing and catching fish!

Going forward in August we are holding our "Day on the Water" event at Metcalf Bottoms Pavilion in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park off Little River Rd. The article below will give all the details on this day of "Fishin with No Mission" event on Sunday August 9th, 2020. Please note social distancing guidelines in the article below that we will follow while outdoors.

One of our biggest events of the year is coming up on Saturday September 19th, 2020. The annual "BATTLE of GATLINBURG" returns for the 4th year to Downtown Gatlinburg TN. The "One Fly Royale" Tournament is unlike any fly fishing contest in America as competitors fight it out for cash and prizes. Please see the article below for all the details and registration information.

Our next chapter meeting will be on Thursday August 27th at Dead End BBQ. We meet on the outdoor patio with the doors rolled up under the roof with the big fans blowing while enjoying great BBQ and brews!

Thank you to everyone for helping the Great Smoky Mountain chapter be a vital part of our area. We have some great events coming up and invite you to attend and bring family and friends.

Remember to follow us on the GSM TU Facebook page and chapter website. The Great Smoky Mountain TU Facebook page is the best and fastest way to stay up to date with current chapter information or changes.

GSM TU FACEBOOK

http://m.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainTU/

John Reinhardt
President
Email: john711111@yahoo.com