Letter From Chapter President

Finally, it is May! The time of year when the thoughts of cold weather soon fade in the rear view mirror as we head toward summer. The mountain forests begin their race toward green as the streams still flush with spring rain release their insect hatches that we have been dreaming of all winter. Even the tailwaters slow their scheduled torrent of water as the reservoirs above fill to summer pool and make for long days of wading below. The month of May along with September are two of my favorite times of year.

Last month we held the first of the two annual campouts with the Little River TU chapter at the Cataloochee campground on the North Carolina side of the Smokies. We had every kind of weather possible from wind, snow, sleet, and rain with temperatures at night in the 18-20 degree range. Sometimes all at the same time! It was typical spring time camping at the Cat, yet the daytime temps rose to 50 degrees along with the water temps as the sun came out as we fished beside the elk. In a word it was fantastic, if you ever get the chance to go with us on a group campout or anytime to Cataloochee, go! It is one of the most beautiful and remote sections of the park and truly a crown jewel of the Smokies. Our next campout with the LRO TU chapter is in September at Smokemont near Cherokee.

As I sent out in an earlier email, our May chapter meeting is an "on the water event" with the date chosen by you the chapter members. This month's chapter meeting will be held on the Clinch River, with the date choice of Saturday May 14th or Saturday May 28th. It is time put into practice the information we have learned from our guide presenters this winter and get out and enjoy a day of fun, fishing and fellowship with our chapter. We will provide hot dogs and fixings and your only requirement is to maybe bring a side item like chips, baked beans or simple dessert to share with others. This is another family friendly event so bring the kids, dog, and friends as we trade tips, stories and food on the water. Just shoot me an email to link below to choose the date of either Saturday May 14th or May 28th.

On a side note if you choose the May 28th date as a majority vote, we can possibly combine it with a Project Healing Water event sponsored by theClinch River TU chapter, where veterans are partnered with TU chapter members for a day on the water!

Email link for vote: john711111@yahoo.com

The month of May also brings us our annual Southeast Regional Trout Unlimited Meeting, this year in Roanoke, Va on May 21-22. I will be attending as your chapter president and looking forward to bringing back ideas and learning tools again this year. Last year's meeting was held in Asheville, so this one entails a bit more travel but will be worth it as we meet and exchange ideas with the other chapters in the Southeast.

Also keep in mind that coming up on Saturday June 11th is the "KIDS FISH FREE DAY" on the Clinch River sponsored by the Clinch TUchapter. This annual event is the very definition of family friendly, whether you bring out your own kids or work as a volunteer; a fun day is guaranteed. Seeing kids catch their first trout or spend their first day fishing is what that day is all about with lunch and gear provided at no cost!

John Reinhardt

President
Email address: john711111@yahoo.com