Letter from GSM TU President

Summer is at full tilt and July 4th, 2018 is just around the corner. Our weather has run the gamut from 90 plus degree days to water levels we normally see in Spring. As I write this the Great Smoky National Park has evacuated and closed temporarily Elkmont campground, Metcalf Bottoms, and even Little River Rd due to high water concerns. We will have to wait and see what if any effect long tern effect it has on the streams. It is never a dull moment living in the shade of the Smoky Mountains!

I hope everyone is getting their vacation time in with family and friends and hopefully wetting a line when they can. Trout Camp in the park just ended for the campers and I am happy to say it was another big success. The young man we sponsored as the Great Smoky Mountain TU chapter looks like he had a great time based on the pictures I saw. It is due to our fundraising in January at the "Ironman Fly Contest" that enables us to make these trips possible for the sponsored campers, and I thank you for your participation.

Our next chapter meeting is Thursday, July 26th, 2018 and one of my personal favorite events. Once again we join up with the Little River TU chapter for a picnic at River John's, a private island right on the Little River. Just minutes from downtown Knoxville it is unlike anything in our area and if you have never been please make it a point to attend this year. In addition the Clinch River Clean-up sponsored by the Clinch River TU chapter is Saturday July 21st, 2018. This annual event has grown in to a large scale conservation effort with over 100 volunteers taking part each year from many different organizations.

We are excited to announce that the date has been confirmed for the "BATTLE of GATLINBURG 2018" Trout Fishing Tournament and will be held on Saturday September 22, 2018. The "One Fly Royale" is the most unique tournament where catching and releasing trout right in downtown Gatlinburg is just part of the contest. Add in the element of you can only have one fly and if you lose it you are done and the pressure really increases for the angler. Last year's competitors won $3,000 dollars in cash and prizes from our great sponsors. Look for an article in the August-September issue from our friends at "Southern Trout Magazine" and stay tuned for registration and information details. Please see the articles below for all the activities we have going on this summer.

As always spread the word that you never have to be a chapter member to attend a Great Smoky Mountain Trout Unlimited event. The only requirement is a love of the outdoors and fellowship with others who feel the same way.

John Reinhardt
GSM TU President