Letter From President

I rarely wish for time to fly by but having the month of September in the rearview mirror is fine by me this year. This past month was a flurry of activity for our chapter and our region from the inaugural "Battle of Gatlinburg 2017" last weekend to the sale of the fly fishing collection of chapter member Les Graham. If you add in the football games, community events and all that September has offered here in the Smokies, nap time was at a premium.

October is shaping up to be a carbon copy of last month of things to do starting with the Cataloochee campout this weekend with the Little River TU chapter. If I have my facts correct this is year number five of our joint chapter campouts. The early fall leaf change especially at the higher elevations should be beautiful even though due to our lack of rain fishing may be tougher. Shh...here's my secret just between you and me, as much as I love chasing trout, sitting by the fire under the Smokies stars on a cold fall night with friends is a very close second to the perfect day!

In addition to the campout this weekend the Fly Fishing Museum in Bryson City, NC is holding their "Smoky Mountain Hook Hackle Rod" show October 6-7, 2017. If you go check out the other fishing events being held in Bryson City, NC. Here is the link: https://flyfishingmuseum.org/

I want to personally thank the members and friends who helped out with the Les Graham collection sale and the "Battle of Gatlinburg 2017" events. If not for the tireless work of these people it could not have happened, Bruce McNiel, Derrick Douthat, Mike Bryant, Richard Bumgarner, and Sherrill Greene. Thank you for your help and your volunteer spirit!

Our inaugural "Battle of Gatlinburg 2017" Trout Tournament featuring the first ever "One Fly Royale" was a success beyond our expectations. Our partner in this event was the Sugarlands Distilling Company in Gatlinburg, TN and I cannot express enough the level of cooperation we received from them and their staff's willingness to go the extra mile to make it happen. Please read the story below for all the details and results of the "Battle of Gatlinburg 2017"!

It is with a heavy heart that I must report the loss of one our members, Tyler Lowe. I ask you all to keep his wife and family in your prayers at this time. I have included an article below about Tyler and a link to his obituary, please take a minute to read about this amazing young man and celebrate his memory.

Please join us on Thursday, October 19th at 6PM for our next chapter meeting at the Blackhorse Pub in Knoxville, TN. It is time for election of officers and please see the article below for details and how to get involved

As always, bring the family and friends, no membership is ever required at a Great Smoky Mountain Trout Unlimited event.

John Reinhardt
President