Little River Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Here’s hoping everyone came out of our deepfreeze without any major catastrophes. It has made us all look forward to a new spring enjoying getting on the water, walking around in the woods, and doing some great volunteer work for the GSMNP Fishery. This year brings another proud moment for our chapter, LRCTU membership is increasing while TU membership overall is decreasing. This says a lot about how our conservation work and overall efforts are being noticed.

Speaking of growing and looking forward, LRCTU needs an updated social media personality and a little help. Although we have volunteers helping with our social media, we need someone savvy and able to help LRCTU organize and stay on top of publishing across all platforms with upcoming events, happenings, and just us doing our thing. If you have the time and this talent PLEASE let me know if you are interested.

On another front, our website is in serious need of a big facelift. It is currently done in WordPress, and it would be easier to keep it in WordPress. The average quote for this is $2500.00 so if you happen have working knowledge of how to design in WordPress, your time and expertise could help tremendously. With an operating budget of around $5000.00 this can only be accomplished with help.

The volunteer training conducted by Matt Kulp at Twin Creeks Science Center is Saturday, February 28 at the Twin Creeks Science Center. If you are interested and have not already contacted Bernie Malloy 52bazzman@gmail.com, please do. In case registration is full, there is also an online option to join. This link and more information is provided in the Volunteer Updates article.

The February meeting will have a big moment while we present Matt Kulp our $11,400.00 donation for the GSMNP Fisheries Department. Also, if you are interested the Southeast Regional Rendezvous is March 13 through the 17th in Black Mountain, NC click here This link contains the agenda and registration. I have been on a few of the organizing meetings and know first hand that the organizers have worked hard to make this a great event.

Rise and shine, it’s fishing time!
Kim

Newsletter

Hope everyone was able to enjoy the “January spring” we had last week!

We kicked off 2026 with a bang thanks to the hard work and organization of Brian Murray and our Fly Tyers. Wilderness Wildlife Week couldn’t have gone any better. Both bus tours to the Gatlinburg Hatchery filled up (or came very close), and once we arrived, Gatlinburg Trout Facility Manager Travis Williams did a fantastic job with his presentation. During both bus rides, Bernie Maloy gave passengers a great overview of our chapter and the work we do.

Dave Tolliver also put in a tremendous amount of time creating a great presentation. Did you know that LRCTU has collected water samples in five watersheds in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park every two months since 1993? That’s 33 years and counting! That one surprised me, but then, so does the fact that 1993 was 33 years ago.

At the booth, we met a lot of new people, put faces to names we already knew, and had a great time sharing who we are and what we do. We had 16 people sign up for the newsletter, and quite a few of them also expressed interest in volunteering at upcoming events.

If you’re not familiar with Wilderness Wildlife Week, I encourage you to put it on your calendar for next year. If you love this area and the outdoors, there’s something there you would truly enjoy.

Please be aware the Norton Creek Clean-up is Saturday, January 24. It would be great to see you there! There is a lot of area to cover. Email Dan Spradlin danielspradlin93@gmail.com if you would like to join us.

Happy New Year!

Kim Emery
President

Newsletter

Little River Chapter exists because of generous people and the relationships that keep our mission moving forward. Our recent auction was a perfect example of that generosity in action. Volunteers donated hours collecting items. Professionals contributed days they could have spent earning income. Artists and makers crafted beautiful pieces specifically for this event. Earl Worsham opened the door to unforgettable experiences at the Norton Creek properties. And supporters once again stepped up with their dollars. Together, you made this another remarkable success.

Our relationships extend beyond our membership. We work side by side with dedicated professionals from GSMNP, TWRA, TVA, and many others. Over time, these partnerships have grown into friendships—built around a shared goal to conserve and protect our waters and the incredible diversity of life within them.

That sense of connection was echoed recently in a note from Steve Moore, who retired from GSMNP. At our December meeting, we signed a card wishing him well (with a special thanks to Sara Bishop—who always thinks of these things). Steve’s reply speaks volumes about the depth of our relationships:

“Bob, I received a wonderful card from you and members of the Little River Chapter. I can’t begin to express how much that means to me. I have been associated with the Chapter since it was formed. The wonderful memories I have from that partnership are too many to list. Not only that, but the friendships are near and dear to my heart. Please express my sincere thanks to each person who signed the card and to the Chapter for thinking about me.
—Steve Moore”

As we move into the holiday season, these are the things we should be grateful for—the generosity that surrounds us, the relationships that enrich our lives, and the shared ability to do good in the world.

Wishing each of you a wonderful holiday season, a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year.

See you in January!
Kim

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