Lindsay Long is instructed by Dr. Hiroshi Toyohara at a Clinch River Chapter fishing seminar.

NORRIS -- How to fish the Clinch River tailwater for trout (spin casting and fly casting) will be the topic Saturday, May 3, of a free, public on-the-river seminar sponsored by the Clinch River Chapter, Trout Unlimited.

Experienced Clinch River anglers will introduce newcomers to fishing the Clinch through classroom instruction and guided fishing in the river. The group will gather at 8:30 a.m. in the parish hall at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 158 W. Norris Road, Norris (children must be accompanied by an adult).

Classes start at 9 a.m., with John Thurman discussing the Clinch tailwater and its history, trout biology and what trout eat; Buzz Buffington discussing fishing safety and sportsmanship; Steve Brown leading a class on fly fishing for trout; and Scott Hahn leading a class on spin fishing for trout.

Participants are asked to provide their own lawn chairs, picnic lunches, beverages and, if possible, fishing gear (rods, reels, waders, boots, flies/lures). With advance arrangement, some fishing gear will be available to borrow; contact Jerry Van Fossen, jerryvanfossen@comcast.net, or (865) 463-8999.

From about 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., newcomers will be paired with experienced anglers and will disperse along the river to fish. From 12:30 to 1:30, participants will picnic and discuss the day's events before heading for home. If there is light drizzle that day, the entire event will proceed as scheduled; in case of lightning or heavy rain, classes will be held at the church but fishing will be canceled.

The Clinch River Chapter's mission is to conserve and protect the Clinch River tailwater trout fishery and its watershed, through conservation projects and through education of children and adults in aquatic natural resources. Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month at St. Francis Episcopal Church except when outdoor activities are scheduled.