Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Wow, another Trout in the Classroom session comes to an end. This program is a bounty of enthusiasm and feel good for so many people and students. As volunteers we have had the privilege of watching eyes go wide when they see a river for the first time or a piece of knowledge sparks their interest.

The adults involved receive many benefits as well. Teachers get a day out and a sort of day off, while volunteers participate in something very special. I am not sure everyone appreciates all that the volunteers do and we should. We have volunteers that drive over an hour one way to be bright eyed and bushy tailed first thing in the morning, some donning their boots and waders to get into the river in search of a bug collection worthy of a presentation. Then there are the school coordinators that spent time all semester watching the tank, talking with classes, bringing the fingerlings to the release, then cleaning up and closing down the tank until the next session.

Being involved with Trout in the Classroom is one of my favorite things. I always feel I personally gain something from each release. I love fishing, but the gratification from this, well, it beats even the moment of the largest brown I ever caught. I’ll even throw in the time I caught the big Brookie on the Tuck!

Summer is upon us and many will start traveling soon. If you are one of those, here’s wishing you safe travels and a wonderful vacation, or family time, or whatever it is you will be doing. If you aren’t traveling, we have a great summer of presentations and a picnic for you to enjoy!

As always, our Newsletter Creator in Chief, Joyce Frey, has all of the information you need for upcoming events. Please continue scrolling!

Here fishy, fishy, fishy!

Kim
LRCTU Chapter President

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My life has been filled with serendipity.  Many years ago, my brother asked if I wanted to split the cost of a casting lesson with him and on that day fly fishing became one of those serendipitous events. That day began a journey for both of us and we were able to share a gift of some amazing days on the water.

Fly fishing isn’t just fishing.  It takes you places.  It exposes you to some of the most beautiful scenery you could ever hope to see, even if it is just being on The Little River on a beautiful day, while feeling that burning hope for the big one.  As a friend of mine always says, “the tug is the drug!”  This spring I found that to be true even when catching a stick while floating on the Tuckaseegee!

Serendipity also brought me to the Little River Chapter where I have found more passions; Tie and Lie, Trout in the Classroom, or even getting some good exercise while picking up trash. There is an added bonus of spending time with amazing people and building friendships while sharing the common purpose of caring for the park, its fisheries, and the beauty that surrounds us.

As president, I share a responsibility to keep LRCTU strong and healthy.  I can’t believe my fortune of being surrounded by so many passionate people willing to give their time and talents to help along the way.  I am always in awe of how many volunteers and volunteer hours we have each year.

Our newsletter editor, Joyce Frey, does a great job with dates, descriptions, and goings on, so please do some scrolling and see what ’s coming up!  I do know we could use a few more volunteers for our Trout in the Classroom releases and there are a couple of more dates open for Norton Creek.  Man, talk about some great fishing!

Here fishy, fishy, fishy!

Kim Emery
President

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The Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s (LRCTU) mission is to conserve, protect, and restore the cold-water fisheries and their watersheds in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP).   Our commitment to this mission has remained strong for over thirty-three years.  More than seventy LRCTU members and guests attended the February Chapter meeting to show appreciation to the GSMNP Fisheries Department and our volunteers.  The Chapter presented a $15,000 donation to the GSMNP Fisheries Department and eighteen members received the LRCTU Volunteer Medallion for contributing over 100 hours of volunteer service.

LRCTU volunteers have already contributed over 3,000 hours of volunteer service this fiscal year.  Please remember to enter all of your volunteer hours on the lrctu.org website under the “Volunteer Hours” tab.  These volunteer hours are more than just a number.  Volunteer hours can be used for “in-kind” offsets for grants and demonstrate to our supporters that LRCTU members work hard to support conservation and education efforts in the local area.

If you have any questions or interest in our volunteer opportunities, contact any of the volunteer coordinators listed below.

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)
Norton Creek Projects – Daniel Spradlin (danielspradlin93@gmail.com)

The March Chapter Meeting will include a feature presentation from local guides Ian and Charity Rutter of R & R Fly Fishing.  The Rutters are longtime supporters of LRCTU through contributions to our on-line auction as well as participation in numerous LRCTU projects such as Trout in the Classroom and conservation efforts with GSMNP Fisheries. 

A brief Annual Chapter Business Meeting will be held after the Rutter’s presentation and is limited to election of officers and board members and a financial summary.  The point is, do not avoid the Chapter meeting because of the word “business.”  

It was standing room only at the February meeting with Matt Kulp, GSMNP Supervisor Fishery Biologist.  Thanks to everyone who came out!

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