We started out the day with lots of fog and rain. You could barely see the river from its bank. It may have discouraged some folks from coming to the river, but it didn't stop over 80 kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends from gathering on the banks of the Clinch River at Miller Island.  In fact, it was the perfect size crowd for some one-on-one fishing experiences.

Usually, when you have 40 or 50 kids gathered together, you hear screaming, hollering, whining, crying, etc.  We have noticed the last few years, that when the kids are in the calm, beautiful setting of nature with the Clinch River flowing alongside them, those sounds are not heard. 

The Clinch River Chapter's Kids Fish Free Day event is all about a peaceful, relaxing, fun, educational experience on the river. 

The day was held on the Tennessee statewide “Free Fishing Day” when no fishing license was required.  The Clinch River Chapter of Trout Unlimited in cooperation with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) sponsored the event between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.  The activities took place at the TVA Miller Island Access on the Clinch River in Norris. TWRA stocked the river with fish and TVA kindly held off their generation for the hours of the event.

THANKS!!!

Thanks to TVA for the loan of boats and of waders and life vests to keep the kids safe.

Thanks to TWRA for stocking the river the day before the event.

Thanks to TVA for traffic control and security.

Thanks to Bill Shipman for providing drinks, Barry Thacker for bringing his grill, and Buzz Buffington for providing a few prizes.

Thanks to Bill Shipman and Frances Oates for additional photos.

Duane Wilder from The LaFollette Press newspaper attended and let the kids know how important this day was for them. 

Congratulations to the grown-ups for taking the time to bring their kids to this event and giving them a great experience with nature.

BIG THANKS to all who brought their boats for the rides down the river!  Boat rides are one of the favorite activities of the day!

Thanks to all the volunteers and friends who helped out today. 

See a list of volunteers at end of page.