LETTER FROM GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER PRESIDENT

Summer has arrived and the fishing is great....I hope everyone has managed to find some time to wet a line! Yes, the rain and tailwater releases have made a schedule difficult to accomplish but most people are finding the trout are ready and eager. I have been hearing from many who are making their vacation plans or have already started one when school let out. This is why we usually do not have a June or August meeting due to so many people hitting the road in June or trying to squeeze that last trip in before summer ends in August.

 

Do not fear we have plenty of summer events from volunteering or just a day on the water with other chapter members and chapters. The first volunteer need is on Saturday, June 10th, Kids Fish Free Day on the Clinch River at Millers Island. This annual summer event sponsored by the Clinch River TU chapter is the best family fun day you will find all year in our area. It is no secret that the adults have quite possibly more fun than the kids. The day consists of fishing, boat rides, hot dogs, great prizes for the kids and best of all no cost. Everything is free that Saturday but we need your help to make this day possible. [See below for all the details on volunteering]

 

It's almost time for our annual event with the Little River TU chapter down on the banks of the Little River at "River John's". This cookout now in our fifth year with them is a summer highlight. If you have never been to "River John's" you will not believe this jewel of a place just minutes from downtown Knoxville. Throw a line to some smallmouth, enjoy some great grilled burgers and dogs under the covered pavilion and spend an evening with the gang from the Little River TU and Great Smoky Mountain chapters. The cost... again free, bring the family, bring your friends even the dog! Just let us know how many in your party so we can plan. Stay tuned for dates and time!

 

Big news! We now have our new Great Smoky Mountain TU chapter Facebook page up and on line. This Facebook pages gives us the chance to keep you current and up to date with the latest news. It also makes communication to our members almost in the blink of an eye if we need to make a change to an event or meeting. Please see the link below and become familiar with navigating through the page as we expand and add material. LINK: http://m.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainTU/

 

We want to give a special shout out to our University of Tennessee "VOLS on the FLY" 5 Rivers chapter. Two of the chapter members were chosen from over 65 TU college chapters to be among just five students to spend 8 weeks on a cross country journey combining fishing and conservation projects across 10 states, including New Mexico, Colorado, Utah and Montana. Brett Winchel and Matt Crockett, graduating seniors at University of Tennessee are starting the journey this week here in East Tennessee in our own Cherokee National Forest as the remaining members travel to join them.

It has been an honor to watch these young men and the other UT "VOLS on the FLY" members start their own campus chapter in a classroom two years ago. Many of you have come to know them at our meetings and at the numerous volunteer events they have participated in around our area. Please join us as we follow them on their adventure this summer. Look for updates and posts as they experience one of the greatest trips of their lives. [See article below]

 

The big news keeps rolling as we formally announced at our May chapter meeting at the Blackhorse Pub, the inaugural "BATTLE of GATLINBURG TROUT FISHING TOURNAMENT 2017". In association with the Sugarlands Distilling Company of Gatlinburg, TN we are presenting not one but three fishing tournaments on Saturday, September 30, 2017 in downtown Gatlinburg. As part of the four day Sugarlands Mountain Fest which will feature bike racing, marathons and live music, the Great Smoky Mountain Trout Unlimited Chapter will be the host for the three fishing tournaments. We have something for everyone, a One Fly Royale contest for just 30 anglers competing for $3,000 dollars, a Spin 'R" Fly, contest your choice of rods, and a Kids contest on their own stretch of water for those under 12 years old. Yes this is an all hands on deck event and we need you. Stay tuned for volunteer committee information. [See article below]

 

Don't forget chapter hats are available for just $15 dollars and going fast. We are now on a second order so don't wait get your summer lid today! [See ordering information below] 

Check payable to: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN TROUT UNLIMITED

MAIL TO: GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN TROUT UNLIMITED

P.O. BOX 1103

KNOXVILLE, TN 37901-1103

(Any funds generated by sell of hats goes to GSM TU chapter for projects, and volunteer operations. Your donation is always appreciated.)

 

Wow... what a summer lineup for our chapter! Make this the year you step up and get involved with your chapter. We literally have you covered no matter what your interest. As always thanks to those who are helping already and I look forward to seeing you on water!

 

John Reinhardt

President