Fishing on the Clinch; image by Frances Oates

The Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited is going to have its Kids Fish Free Day on Saturday, June 12, from 9 AM to 1 PM. It’s open to all youth up to 16 — registration is required and participants will be limited to the first 50 youngsters.

Because we will be continuing to observe CDC protocols for Covid-19, masks will be required when social distancing is not possible. Lunches and drinks will be provided free to the registered kids and volunteers, which necessitates pre-registration by June 10. To register, please send your name and the number of persons in your group to clinchriverchapter@gmail.com. Children will be fishing, tying flies, riding in boats and signing up for door prizes As always, the event will be at the Miller Island boat access on the Clinch River in Norris.

Kids Fish Free Day coincides with the statewide Tennessee Free Fishing Day for everyone, so no fishing licenses are required. Cooperating in the event are the Tennessee Valley Authority and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.

The Miller Island boat access is on River Road just off Highway 441 in Norris. To get there from I-75, take Clinton/Norris Exit 122 and turn east; pass the Museum of Appalachia and turn left on Highway 441 toward Norris Dam; just past Island Home Baptist Church, turn left on River Road; drive about a quarter-mile and take the first right into the parking lot.

Clinch River Chapter TU works to preserve and protect the Clinch River tailwater and its watershed through conservation projects and through education of children and adults in aquatic natural resources. As soon as we can resume gathering, meetings will be held the second Thursday of the month at St. Francis Episcopal Church, Norris, except when outdoor activities are scheduled. For more information, visit crctu.org.