2016....Already?  Like the front car on a roller coaster, 2015 flew by month by month day after day! Our chapter year was filled in 2015 with everything from campouts, clean-up events, guest speakers, fundraisers, and get-togethers with other local chapters.

We added and strengthened our relationships with fellow members in our chapter and the Little River and Clinch River TU chapters. I am proud of that and will continue to encourage us all to expand our contact and interaction with Tennessee Trout Unlimited chapters across our state. When you add the new University of TN-Knoxville "VOLS on the FLY"  student organization as our partners; we have something for everyone in 2016 to participate in this year.

I am proud to serve as the chapter president and appreciate your confidence but I also want to stress this is your chapter! In 2016 I would like everyone to step up to the plate and get involved. If you see an event, meeting, or fundraiser that sparks your interest, take that step to come out, attend, maybe even help out.

Yes, sometimes it's hard to meet new people, go to new places and not feel out of your comfort zone. I think what you will find are our members who value the same things; love of the outdoors, time with friends whether old or new, family, and of course fishing!

January 2016 kicks off with a bang with our next chapter meeting on Thursday, January 21st at 6 PM at the Blackhorse Pub at 4429 Kingston Pike. We are proud to present the "IRON MAN FLY CONTEST", in conjunction with Southern Trout magazine, Syndicate Fly Fishing of Knoxville, Orvis-Sevierville, and Little River Outfitters of Townsend, TN.

This first ever chapter event in addition to a fun filled evening could also be titled "Tying with a Purpose". The field of tiers is limited to just 25 people who pay a registration fee of $25 to compete for a chance to win a Syndicate rod, or Orvis Access reel, or a fly tying kit from Little Rivers Outfitters! The registration fees are going to sponsor a child to this year's Great Smoky Mountain Trout Camp this summer. As you can see in the article below, whether a pro or beginner this contest levels the field and at least three people are carrying home a prize; and best of all feel great about helping a child. The value of Trout Camp is paid back tenfold when that young boy or girl gets to experience maybe that first time outdoors in the Smokies and that first wild mountain trout. Email me today: john711111@yahoo.com to get registered.

You will also see below we are continuing our chapter fundraiser where donations can be mailed in or paid by credit card. All donations are appreciated and if you donate $50 or more you will receive a collection of 12 flies to use in the Park or tailwaters in our area!

Again thanks for your help and lets make 2016 another banner year for our chapter!

John Reinhardt

President