LETTER FROM PRESIDENT

Happy July 4th to everyone and hope you are enjoying the long weekend with family and friends! The heat has been full on the last couple of weeks making fishing harder with low water and high stream temps. No surprise there, it is July and that is standard procedure here in our area.

I know some of you started your summer getaways in June and already had some great trips so far. June also brought another great year for Trout Camp in the Smokies at the Tremont Institute. Be sure and read the story below about our annual contribution to Trout Camp which was hand delivered last week to camp director Sean Fagan. In some

After stopping at Trout Camp I was able to grab a couple of hours casting in some shaded evening pools along Tremont. Everything was hatching from caddis to sulfur flies and it was pure joy slinging dries to willing fish. I was using my 4wt 7ft. 6in. ba mboo rod built by GSM TU founding member Walter Babb that I got last year. Walter is liquidating a large collection of his rods and a few are still available. If you have ever wanted to own a classic bamboo rod built by one of the best this is your chance to own one.

 Our next chapter meeting is a summer tradition on Thursday July 21st, 2022, where we join with the Little River TU chapter for a summer evening at River John’s. Located only 20 minutes from downtown Knoxville it is a private island right on the Little River. Burgers and dogs are provided and everyone brings a side item or dessert to share. Bring a favorite beverage, chair and rod to cast to warm water fish right in front of the island. It is a great evening and family, and friends are invited. See the article below for more detail.

A final note, the date has been set for the “Battle of Gatlinburg” One Fly Tournament on Saturday October 8th 2022. This is one of the most unique contests in America set right in the heart of Gatlinburg, TN on a fall day in the Smokies. Our friends at the Gatlinburg Parks & Recreation make sure we are loaded with willing trout to help decide this year’s “King of the Mountain”. Stay tuned on how you can have your chance at cash and prizes from our sponsors and the Great Smoky Trout Unlimited chapter!

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 a Trout Unlimited member to attend our events or meetings, all are welcome.

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

John Reinhardt

President⁸I