It’s fishing time in the Smokies as our members who fished Norton Creek this past Saturday can attest. The article later in this newsletter highlights the attributes of a trip to Norton Creek. Speaking of fishing, please consider booking a trip with one of the local guides listed below who have supported the Little River Chapter through contributions to our annual fundraiser auction.
Tellico Outfitters – https://www.tellicooutfitters.com
Headwaters Outfitters – https://headwatersoutfitters.com
R & R Fly Fishing – https://randrflyfishing.com
Richard Witt Fly Fishing – https://www.richardwittflyfishing.com
Trout Zone Anglers – https://troutzoneanglers.com
Gary Pickens and Harry Fetterman recently completed an update to our Chapter website. If you haven’t looked at the website in a while, now would be a good time to check it out. A picture gallery is being added to the website later this summer to showcase photos of members fishing or participating in various Chapter activities. Start saving photos you would like to share with the Chapter. You can also send them to Dan Spradlin (danielspradlin93@gmail.com) who manages our Instagram account.
Congratulations to the Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Stream Barrier Survey team volunteers who recently completed Phase II of this project. These volunteers completed surveys of over 250 stream crossings which could be potential barriers to aquatic organism passage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP). See more information in the Stream Barrier Survey section.
Now that the AOP surveys are complete, Bernie Maloy will be transitioning into the role of Tennessee Fisheries Coordinator for GSMNP and Kim Emery will assume the role of Little River Chapter Director of Volunteer Operations. Bernie will be responsible for coordination with GSMNP Fisheries Group leadership to ensure projects are properly staffed with volunteers and respond to all volunteer requests regarding opportunities with the Fisheries Group. Kim will be a single point-of-contact for members who are interested in becoming involved with volunteer opportunities, ensure frequent and clear communication with all volunteers and volunteer coordinators, and be a back-up for the volunteer coordinators. Feel free to contact any of the volunteer coordinators listed below if you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities.
Tennessee GSMNP Fisheries – Bernie Maloy (52bazzman@gmail.com)
Trout in the Classroom – Kim Emery (kim@topshelfedu.com)
Pistol Creek Clean-Up – Ernie Frey (ernest.frey@comcast.net)
AOP Barrier Surveys – Bernie Maloy (52bazzman@gmail.com)
Norton Creek Projects – Daniel Spradlin (danielspradlin93@gmail.com)
It is a privilege to host Dr. Bernie Kuhajda, PhD from the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute as the featured speaker at the June 27 Chapter Meeting. Try and arrive early so you will have an opportunity to visit with other Chapter members, and it is a great time to talk fishing.
Bob Bishop
President
June 2024 Newsletter
