PRESIDENT’S LETTER
FISHING QUOTE OF THE MONTH
‘THE GREATEST GIFT YOU CAN GIVE TO ANOTHER FISHERMAN IS TO PUT A GOOD FISH BACK’ LEE WULFF
So—by now you may have figured that when I put another water picture up (this one is of Wolff Creek Falls aways back in the Cherokee National Forest near an area the TWRA is considering reclaiming for Brook Trout) means I haven’t done well in the catchin’ department. Right On!! Several tries with less success including at the base of these falls (one success on Tremont was a kinda accident—fly in water not being observed while negotiating rocks, pull up rod to cast and… FISH ON!!). Even extended to Oregon where we spent some beautiful days with family; on North Umqua, fish hitting surface, many casts and no takes. However, the Dogwood, Redbud, and wildflowers blooming are reminders that spring has sprung despite a possible step back or two in the near future. Fishing will get better I am sure of it!
With spring in the air, I hope y’all can get out and enjoy the nature on our doorstep. There are a couple of opportunities through TU coming up. The Smoky Mountain Chapter is hosting a meet and greet at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area (see associated article below for details) and we are still planning to have our live meeting at River John’s in July. Also, remember the volunteer opportunities in the Park, both those that the Little River Chapter coordinate as well as other VIP programs coordinated by the Park Staff (I myself go out and look at trees as part of the Phenology tracking program—great excuse to get outdoors)
In last month’s Newsletter Joyce put together a great summary of Eddie George, a founding member of the Little River Chapter, the namesake of the Chapter Award for the most volunteer hours in the Park during a calendar year, and the originator of the Eddie George Nymph. However, many of us never got to meet or know him. Somehow a picture brings him closer; I have forgotten where I found this (and I am not sure that is a big trout he is holding up) but it reminds me we were all young once and have caught a ‘big-un’ now and (maybe) again.
Best wishes and tight lines! — Steve Young
