Meeting is Canceled due to the weather.
Hope to see you at our next month meeting.
P r e s i d e n t ’ s C o r n e r
Mike Bryant (mjbryant1954@hotmail.com)
After watching the weather and heavy snow falls up in the Northeast, I realize how fortunate we have been. Having said hat, I’m ready for spring. Jan and I will have the opportunity to spend some time in southern Florida. With any luck (and determination), I hope to chase some snook, baby tarpon, and redfish with my trusty 8 weight. When we return, not only will we be gearing up for better trout fishing in the Park, we will also be busy working details for Troutfest, monthly meetings, river clean-ups and new monthly education classes. I can’t wait!
Our 2015 Troutfest Banquet & Auction plans are in full swing. The basic format will follow last year’s event with several improvements. Check out the article in the Newsletter for additional information. It’s important to remember the date, Friday, April 24 and bring a friend. Also check out the new updated website (www.troutfest.org). Many thanks to Joe Hatton for all his time and efforts in updating the website.
Our Little River Chapter TU Coordinators picked up their trout eggs from the hatchery and all four schools have their Trout-in-the-Classroom programs up and running this winter / spring session. We are off to a great start with the TIC programs this year, and have plans to expand. As I have stated in the past, we have a responsibility to engage our youth with nature and the outdoors. TIC is one of the great ways to connect our kids with the great outdoors. More good things to come!
One request we often hear from our members and visitors is how to fish for trout up in the mountains. We all know how hard it can be to “crack the code” chasing wild trout in the Park. To help with this need, the Chapter is starting a new LRCTU Smoky Mountain Fly Fishing Education Program. You can read more about the program below in this newsletter.
Thanks to Matt Kulp for another great program at the January meeting. We had the largest attendance that I’ve seen in the last several years with standing room only during Matt’s presentation. Matt covered multiple topics regarding activities in the Park including the future opening of Lynn Camp Prong. Also, thanks to Willow for her great review of the TIC program at Townsend Elementary!
Finally, I hope you will attend the February 26 Chapter Meeting. Alex Bell will be providing a presentation the “Western North Carolina Fishing Trail.” This is a great opportunity to learn about new fishing opportunities in our region. So much water, so little time!!
Stay warm, be safe!
Mike Bryant
