LETTER FROM CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Welcome to Fall 2020...and not a moment too soon for me, I was over the hot weather and looking forward to cooler temps and Fall fishing on less crowded waters for sure. I am hoping everyone has managed over the summer months to spend some time outdoors with family or friends. I have traveled pretty heavy the last 90 days while still working and being cautious with all the procedures necessary for safe as possible travel. Besides our annual trip to Colorado and a week surf fishing on the North Carolina coast as usual I was able to make a quick 4 day run to Montana for the first time fishing the Yellowstone River on an all-day float. Please excuse the vanity picture above but it was my first large wild brown trout in Montana which the guide is holding while I hold up the number one sign.. It would be an understatement to say the day was epic with picture perfect weather and a total count of 54 fish to hand. It was lights out fishing with 29 trout including a rainbow just a bit smaller then the brown in the picture along with 25 whitefish one being 18 inches. Needless to say I have been fishing and skiing Colorado for over 14 years but Montana is a whole another vibe and .....yes like the fish above I am hooked!

Coming off the heels of Montana the "BATTLE of GATLINBURG" was just 5 days later and was another rousing success thanks to the competitors and volunteers. The winner of America's most unique fly fishing tournament was Brayton Bird of Chattanooga. He set the new record of 344.50 inches of trout caught and released in just 3 hours. I'll do the math for you....that is 28 feet of trout brought to hand. Amazing to say the least! Our second place winner was Brian Pendergrass who has competed in every "BATTLE of GATLINBURG" since we started the tournament. He has literally worked his way from the bottom to the top over the years because of hard work and perseverance. I was proud to hand him over $650 in cash and prizes as he placed second this year. Our third place winner was Zach Lambson, a first year competitor to the "BATTLE of GATLINBURG". Zach quietly put his time to work on the water and took home almost $500 in cash and prizes. I look forward to seeing him return next year.

We cannot say enough thank yous to our sponsors this year. It is because of their support and donations we are able award over $3,000 in cash and prizes this year. Due to their generosity we were able to award fishing gear to our first 9 competitors. Our thanks and appreciation to TFO Rods, Smoky Mountain Angler, Little River Outfitters, 3 Rivers Angler, Rivers Edge Outfitters and Dead End BBQ. We also want to give our heartfelt thanks to our volunteers and stream judges. Their hard work and dedication make this event possible and keep the "BATTLE of GATLINBURG" running smoothly! We will be posting pictures as they come in so stay tuned to the Great Smoky Mountain Trout Unlimited Facebook. http://m.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainTU/

Our next chapter meeting is at 6PM Thursday October 22nd 2020 at DEAD END BBQ located at 3621 Sutherland Ave Knoxville. We are happy to present special guest Josh Pfeiffer, owner and guide of Frontier Anglers Tennessee. Josh was scheduled for this spring but with all the closures we had to cancel and reschedule. It has been four years since Josh has been our guest and it was one of our best presentations.

We are excited to welcome back Josh Pfeiffer, owner and guide of Frontier Anglers TN. Josh is one of the leading experts in our area for chasing smallies along with years of guiding for trout in the Smokies and our tailwaters. He will be tying and demonstrating his choice of flies for Fall fishing along with tips & techniques for a great day on the water. Join us as Josh presents "Fall Fishing for Smallies & Trout."

In closing please follow us on the GSM TU Facebook page and chapter website. The Great Smoky Mountain Facebook page is the best and fastest way to stay up to date with current chapter information or changes. http://m.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainTU/

John Reinhardt

President

Email: john711111@yahoo.com