Letter From Great Smoky Mountain Chapter President

Letter From Chapter President

 

First, let's dispense with the most obvious......WE NEED RAIN! The roller coaster ride in the last 120 days from more rain then we could handle to drought like conditions is amazing. The month of June brought the cancellation of "Kids Fish Free Day" on the Clinch due to rain and storms to the cancellation of "Battle of Gatlinburg" because of lack of water in September. As disappointing as these outcomes were the main focus was and always will be the safety of people in addition to our Trout Unlimited mission of conservation and protection of cold water fisheries.

 

The good news is it looks like the high-record setting temperatures in the upper nineties are going to finally break and chances of rain here in the Great Smoky Mountains are a possibility. That is great news because our next chapter meeting on Thursday October 24 at 6pm back by popular demand is the presentation on to "How to Fish the Smokies".

 

If you want to increase your mountain stream fishing and knowledge of the waters in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this is the meeting you do not want to miss. Presented by Smoky Mountain Angler located in Gatlinburg and a long time supporter of the Great Smoky Mountain TU chapter we are excited to offer this event again!

 

Just a few days later "Fly Tyers Weekend" sponsored by another of our great chapter sponsors Little River Outfitters on November 2-3, 2019 takes place in Townsend TN. This annual weekend event will be located at Tremont Lodge & Resort this year, rain or shine. We are proud to be a part of what has grown into a top shelf weekend. Please see the article below for all the details.

 

We have a new volunteer opportunity at Farragut High School in Knoxville on Tuesday October 15th at 4pm. They are starting a fishing club and this is their first meeting. We have been asked to assist in helping the students as they take the "Fly Fishing 101" course being presented by 3 Rivers Angler. You do not have to be an expert to help, if you are comfortable with assisting in setting up a fly rod, or basic casting you are qualified. See article below for more details.

 

October also brings us our chapter officer and board elections for the coming year. If you are interested in serving in these positions please send me an email to be placed on the ballot. Send to: john711111@yahoo.com

 

As always thanks to everyone who attends our GSM TU meetings and events. It is your chapter and we invite you to get involved this year. Please bring family and friends and remember you never have to be a Trout Unlimited member to attend a Great Smoky Mountain TU chapter activity, just a love of the outdoors and the fellowship of those who feel the same.

 

In closing please follow us on the GSM TU Facebook page and chapter website. The Great Smoky Mountain Facebook page is the best way to stay up to date with current information or changes.

 

John Reinhardt
President