LETTER FROM PRESIDENT

Well…if March is going out as a lamb it’s gonna be one cold, soggy pile of wool!

Rain has definitely been in the picture the last week or so as you all know. Nashville suffered another historic flood and our region has been under the gun with flash floods. The mountain streams have been high and stained making for difficult fishing for many people. However, I know some of the local guides are still having decent days with clients. Using techniques like out West during the snow runoff they utilize edge fishing of streams where fish are pushed to the sides.

Our last chapter meeting with Tim Flagler of Tightline Productions was another success of our free “ZOOM To Your ROOM” live events. We had almost 300 viewers that night as we went live not only on ZOOM but on our host’s Smoky Mountain Anglers of Gatlinburg Live Instagram site. This winter’s fly tying series has been a bright spot for our chapter as indoor meetings have been stopped due to Covid concerns.

We are happy to announce that next month’s meeting will be a special event on Saturday April 24th, 2021. We will be hosting a “DAY on the WATER” at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located just off River Rd between Townsend and Gatlinburg we have secured the use of the Metcalf Bottoms Pavilion all day. It will be a day of fishing or just hanging out. We are rolling rain or shine as this large pavilion is roofed and has many tables underneath the sheltered area. Stay for the day or just a few hours it is going to be a laid back day in the Park.

We will start at 9AM and run until 7PM, bring the family, friends and even the dog as we have plenty of room. Adult beverages are allowed in the shelter area so bring your favorite and we will provide soft drinks and water. Pack a lunch or snack, your fishing gear and a comfortable camp chair. We will continue to require in the immediate Pavilion area the wearing of masks and hand sanitizer will also be available. The safety of our guests not only on the water but at our events will always be a focus of our gatherings.

In other chapter news we welcome our newest chapter board member, Jonah Duran. He is not only a GSM TU Chapter member but also the UT-Knoxville group leader for “VOLS on the FLY”. He was instrumental the last couple of years of revitalizing the UT campus chapter of TU 5 Rivers our partner group. This on campus group for young adults takes part in local conservation and community projects along with of course fishing. We welcome Jonah for his participation and look forward to his input.

In closing, please join us on Saturday April 24th 2021 at Metcalf Bottoms Pavilion for a “DAY on the WATER” in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Everyone is welcome to this free event so bring the family and friends. Remember you never have to be a Trout Unlimited member to attend any of the Great Smoky Mountain Trout Unlimited events or meetings. Keep in touch with the latest chapter information on our GSM TU Facebook page. LINK: http://m.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainTU/

John Reinhardt

President