LETTER FROM CHAPTER PRESIDENT

LETTER FROM CHAPTER PRESIDENT 

March…so far, a typical lead up to a Tennessee Smokies spring, a week or so with people wearing shorts followed by days in the mid-thirties. Yet we always fall for the idea of early spring while knowing we can get snow right up into April. Hope blooms eternal as do the early daffodils and dreams of spring fishing, don’t worry it will be here soon we promise.

Our March meeting was a standout as Jesse Huddleston of Smoky Mountain Angler in Gatlinburg gave a presentation of “Smoky Mountain Spring Flies”. Jesse guides and fishes in the Park and local rivers with an focus on that side of the mountain. He gave some great tips on rigging and tied some winning patterns.

The next GSM TU chapter event is on Saturday April 22, 2023, as we feature another “Day on the Water” at the Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Pavilion. It is located just off Little River Road, halfway between the Townsend Wye and the Sugarland Visitor Center.

We have the Pavilion reserved from 10:oo am to 5:00 pm that day which coincides with Earth Day on April 22, 2023. Join us for a few hours or spend the day fishing or just hanging out. We will serve a grilled hot dog lunch and all the fixings but please feel free to bring a side item to share. Adult beverages are allowed in the Pavilion area if you wish to bring your favorite drink. We may do some fly tying and even a casting competition along with some trash pickup in the immediate area.

Another event in our area is occurring the first week of May at the Fly Fishing Museum in Bryson City, NC.  This is a big weekend where the latest inductees are introduced for induction. We are happy to announce our own Walter Babb, an original Great smoky Mountain Trout Unlimited founder is being inducted this year. Walter is known for his bamboo rods and fly tying and I am happy to be a part of this event. This is the second time I have been invited to be the Master of Ceremonies and it is an honor and pleasure to have this opportunity. Here is a link to purchase a ticket to this event.

LINK: Bryson City - 2020 Hall of Fame Weekend at the Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians

Remember to follow us on the GSM TU Facebook page and the chapter website. Our Facebook page is the best way to see the latest chapter and updates. As always, we remind you that a Trout Unlimited membership is never required to a GSM TU event or meetings. All are welcome!

GSM FACEBOOK: http://m.facebook. com/GreatSmokyMountainTU/

John Reinhardt

President

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