LETTER FROM PRESIDENT 

October…cool weather and falling leaves have started but best of all the crowds have started to thin on the water. Yes, the roads in the Park will fill up for the next few weeks with leaf peepers, but that will be over soon. Last week was textbook beautiful in the Smokies and I took a chance on fewer people in the Park as many locals went to the UT game or had watch parties at home.

I am not sure why this time of year makes us look back and reflect, maybe as summer ends, we know the days are getting shorter and winter is on the way. I have been thinking about friends and members we have lost the last few years and I had an idea as the weather forecast showed beautiful weather Saturday.

Last year right before the Fly Fishing Hall of Fame in Bryson City my good friend and mentor Don Kirk, author, publisher and founder of the Southern Trout magazine among other magazines passed. Don passed just a few weeks before he was to be inducted. He was planning on being there even as his health was failing, and we were grateful he was aware of the well deserved honor. Don was not only my friend, but he and his wife supported our chapter and many outdoor oriented groups over the years. Don was known to be a rascal and fence rattler and I think that is why we were friends. It takes one to know one, it was my honor to be the master of ceremonies of that event and induct him.

I was also thinking about our chapter member Michael Bachman, (Lt. Colonel Retired) who passed a year earlier. Mike was one of the first people I met in the chapter, and I had known him earlier from the business side of life. Mike, a true gentleman and was a volunteer for any event or need our chapter had. Mike’s family as his final wish donated his extensive fishing collection to be auctioned and funds given to the Boy Scouts and Trout Camp. Many of you attended our auction that night as we raised $3,000 dollars divided equally to each organization to fund their work.

 As last Saturday morning broke on a picture perfect day, I thought what could be more fitting then to take them both fishing in the Smokies. I know you think at this point I may have finally gone off the deep end but let me explain. Don’s wife after he passed sent me one of his favorite Smoky Mountain rods he wanted me to have and I had a box of flies that Mike had hand tied himself at his first Little River Outfitters fly tying class years ago.

I rigged up Don’s 4wt rod and tied on one of Mike’s dry flies on a stash of water away from the crowds and let it fly. After a few casts a few trout were brought to hand, not large but just right for the mission at hand. The end of the day was perfect with a cigar and drink on the bank as I sat and reflected with two friends on a beautiful stretch of water as dusk fell in the Smokies.    

October is going to be packed with events and your participation is needed. We start next week with the infamous “Battle of Gatlinburg 2022” on Saturday October 8th 2022 in downtown on River Rd. Just a few spots for competitors are left but we still also need stream judges. It’s easy, fun and you can have a chance to see some great anglers battle it out for “King of the Mountain” for thousands in cash and prizes from our sponsors. See below for all the details.

Next up is a “Day on the Water” at Twin Creeks Pavilion in the Park on Saturday October 15th. Twin Creeks is a covered shelter and restrooms with plenty of room streamside no matter the weather. Bring the family, friends or dog, we will be grilling lunch and your favorite beverages are allowed. Stay for a couple hours or stay the day and yes bring the fishing gear if you want to wet a line.

Our next chapter meeting is at 6PM on October 27th at Dead End BBQ. Located at 3621  Sutherland Ave Knoxville join us for great food and company that evening, we may even have the fireplace going if the weather is cool.

  Remember to follow us on the GSM TU Facebook page and the chapter website. The Great Smoky Mountain Facebook page is the best way to follow us for the latest chapter information and changes. As always remember you never have to be a Trout Unlimited member to attend our events or meetings, all are welcome.

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

President