Gold Rush TU Chapter s Meeting Place

Transcription

1 March 2008 Volume 5 Issue 3 Gold Rush TU Chapter s Meeting Place Camp Glisson, Ivie Lodge, Dahlonega, GA visit their website at 1st Tuesday of the Month 6:30 PM Social & Dinner 7:00 PM Program & Meeting Next Meeting: Tuesday, 4 March 2008 Program: Swap Meet Bring items for trade. Fishing, hunting, camping or any item to make trade with. Clean out those drawers and shelves of stuff you haven t been using and make some good trade. We meet the first Tuesday of every month in Ivie Lodge at beautiful Camp Glisson just north of Dahlonega. Dinner is served at 6:30 PM. while it lasts, and programs start around 7:00 PM. All members and guest are welcome! Camp Glisson is just two miles north of Dahlonega on Highway 60. Turn left onto Camp Glisson Road and continue about one mile through the camp to the bridge on your right. Cross the bridge and Ivie Lodge is 100 yards on the left. See you there! At every regular chapter meeting there will be a raffle for fishing or camping items. These fundraisers help pay the bills. Bring an item to donate and a dollar or two for raffle tickets it s FUN and you might win something. We also do FLYSWATTERS You bring two flies that you have tied or bought, one fly is donated to the chapter for a future raffle at the cookout; you will receive a ticket for the other fly which is placed on the FLYSWATTER. The Flyswatter Flies are raffled that night. Tickets may be purchased for $3.00. Chapter Report Deborah Scott Hey Folks, Just a few things! Hope you all will come to the swap meet, even if you don t have anything for trade. We will have a great dinner, lots of fishing stories, and a video to show. I will be collecting all Dream Raffle ticket money at the meeting. Please try to sell all your tickets. Don t forget to bring those flies some of you promised me for council s dream vacation raffle. We still need to find two campers for trout camp. If you know of any years old, boy or girl, have them complete the application below. Deadline is 1 May, but there is a waitlist with Charlie, so if we don t have anyone by the time we have our meeting in April, I will contact Charlie and relinquish our spots to someone on his waitlist. So, if you are interested or know of someone, please let me know. I got a check from council for for our TU National Rebate. The next council meeting will be 15 March in Dahlonega, 9am-12n, at the Methodist church just off the square. All members welcome to attend. I received the official letter, Congratulations! The EAS Committee has approved your grant application and has decided to fully fund your Stover Creek project. The EAS program was extremely competitive this year with a large number of outstanding applications. I know you are all anxious to get started working, but DNR and Forestry Services has some work to complete before we can get started. DH has been fishing quite well for a drought season. Trout season will open sooner than you think, best be getting those flies tied and ready, clean up those rods, and check your line. Take someone fishing!! FISH ON!! Deborah 1

2 Gold Rush TU Officers & Directors for FY 2008 President Deborah Scott, (Newsletter & Membership) Ph Williamson Dr. Gainesville, Ga Vice President Fred Ruppel(Programs, Publicity &Membership) Ph Treasurer Raymond Deblois (Education) Ph Secretary Richard Trotter Ph Director Sherman Head (Programs) Director Henry Johnson Director David Stubblefield Director Frank Shirley Director Ritchie Gilreath Director Clyde Edwards (Budget) Director Gloria Pattillo (Website) Director John Vermont (Stream Improvement) Director Marge Ruppel (Sunshine) Ph Director Pat Pattillo (Council Rep & Programs) Director Bret Nelson (Stream of the Month) Gold Rush Chapter #733 Membership Welcome New Members: Ken McKinnon Renewed Membership: William Attridge, Jack Barnett, Ernie Elliot, Doug Powell, Frank Shirley, Richard Smith, Michael Thornton Soon to Expire, RENEW TODAY: Sam Johnson, Randall Pinson, Mark Weaver, Boyd Young Expired, renew immediately: John Browning, Raymond Deblois, Hartman Eager, Lynn Howard, Alexander Tryba, Michael Vanderhoff Transferred in from Ga. Foothills: Michael Thornton You can join/renew by logging on to or calling If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten"...unknown author Upcoming Events 4 Mar - Gold Rush Chapter Meeting Swap Meet for all fishing, hunting, and camping equipment. 8 Mar - Hooch River Rescue, Cohutta NPS 8 Mar (Sat) Mountain Bridge TU Chapter Banquet, Greenville, SC, Visit 15 Mar (Sat) GA TU Council Meeting in Dahlonega 22 Mar - NGTO Spring Fling Buford Hatchery 29 Mar - OPENING DAY OF TROUT SEASON 29 Mar (Sat) Hoot on the Hooch with drawing for the 2008 Dream Trip! For details, visit 12 Apr (Sat Morning) Rabun TU s Fly Fishing School for Adults; Rabun County Recreation Center A half-day fly-fishing for trout seminar for adults (male and female age 16 years and older). The seminar will cover equipment, casting, knots and entomology. To attend of volunteer to help, contact Charlie Breithaupt. Ph knc615@windstream.net 12 Apr (Sat Evening) Oconee River TU Chapter Banquet in Athens. For details, visit Apr(Wed Sun) Camping & Fishing, the Upper Chattooga backcountry with camping at Cherry Hill Campground. Y all Come! WHaaaahWHOoooo! 19 Apr (Sat) Smith Creek Workday with GA WRD Apr (Fri Sun) Southeast Region TU Rally, Hungry Mother State Park, Marion VA 2

3 Stream of the Month Make plans for these future fishing trips. If you would like to guide one of these trips or have a favorite stream you d like to share with the chapter members, please let us know. Nov 07: Smith s Creek DH Dec 07: Dukes Creek (flexible) Jan 08: Noontootla/Stover Creek Blue Ridge WMA Feb 08: Amicalola DH (flexible) March 08: Chattahoochee DH or Tallulah (Caddis Hatch) April 08: Chattooga DH Camping (Can t miss trip!!!) May 08: Davidson, NC (Green Drakes?) June 08: Upper Chattahoochee (Stockers and wild fish) July 08: Coopers/Rock Creek (Nice wet wading and dry fly action) August 08: Toccoa Tailwater (Best bet) Sept 08: Oct 08: Conasauga River, Cohutta Wilderness Area March Stream of the Month Caddis! Caddis! Caddis! Are you ready? They ve already started to make an appearance in North Georgia. Soon the trout will be rising with reckless abandon and will throw all caution to the wind. Reports are that they are coming off on the Toccoa in the afternoon. A few were seen before the big rain last week on the Chattahoochee tailwater and DH. 2 weeks ago, this 12 beauty took a #18 black EHC in some riffled water on the Hooch DH. This month s stream of the month is the Chattahoochee DH. The first week in March marks the first of several large Black Caddis Hatches on the DH. It s a great transition away from nymphing and throwing streamers in the winter. Come on down to the southern most trout stream/river in the country and enjoy this incredible natural resource in the heart of the city. I promise you won t be disappointed. Wide open casting and easy access. Keep an ear open for the stream of the month next month. Last year in April Chapter members made a day trip to the Chattooga DH and had 25+ catch days on dries. Tight lines, Bret Nelson aka Gatorbyte Wally Wing Caddis Hook: Mustad #10-18 This is a #16 Thread: UTC 70 Der Black Body: Black Superfine Dubbing Wings: Wally Wings Hackle: Black 1. Debarb hook, place in vice and start thread. 2. Run thread base to rear of hook, apply black dubbing in a tapered caddis form. (Thicker at rear, tapering down towards the head) 3. Form 2 Wally Wings and tie in with stems up. (To form Wally Wings, take a black hackle and strip the barbs off one side, on the other side stroke the fibers out and then fold the fibers towards the butt of the hackle. Tie in and then cut at end of wing and trim excess at head of fly.) 4. Form a good base and tie in hackle, wrap hackle, tie off, remove excess and whip finish. Add head cement and clean up stray hackle fibers. 3

4 March Hatches The Bugs Time of Month Time of Day Suggested Flies. Early Black Stone All Month L am to M pm Black Elk-hair Caddis or Griffith's Gnat Black Stone Nymph Small Dun Caddis All Month E pm to L pm Brown Elk-hair or Deer-hair Caddis (Important) Grey Caddis Pupa Blue Winged Olive & All Month L am to M pm BWO, Blue Quill or Adams Parachute Blue Quill BWO or Pheasant Tail Nymph Quill Gordon All Month L am to M pm Quill Gordon (Important) 12 Quill Gordon Nymph Cream Caddis Late M day to L pm Elk Hair Caddis (Important) Dark Cream Caddis Pupa Red Quill Mid to Late M day to L pm Red Quill or Hendrickson (Hendrickson) Pheasant Tail Nymph March Brown Mid to Late L am to M pm March Brown or Adams Parachute (very Important) March Brown, Dark Hare's Ear, or Pheasant Tail Nymph Midges All Month M am to L pm Griffith's Gnat Midge Pupa Essential Fly List Lightning Bug Hare's Ear Nymph Midges - small, smaller and darn near invisible Blue Wing Olives Caddis nymphs and...the ever-popular Y2K Ants, Beetles and Hoppers - especially now. Wooly Buggers - black, white and olive, and mixed 1: Caddis 2: Copper John/Bob/Willy/Josephus (nymph) 3: BWO (Blue Winged Olive [small mayfly]) 4: Wooly Bugger 5: Y2K (egg imitator) 6: Soft Hackle 7: Pheasant Tail (nymph) Dries: Adams #12-#20 Blue Winged Olive #18-#22 Griffith's Gnat #18-#20 Elk Hair Caddis #12-#18 Light Cahill #14-#18 Sulphur #14-#18 Stimulator #8-#14 Ant #18-#20 Nymphs: Pheasant Tail #14-#20 Copper John #12-#20 Hares Ear #12-#18 Prince Nymph #12-#18 Various Soft Hackles #12-#18 Caddis Pupa #14-#16 Also throw in Wooly Buggers in #6-#12 in black, olive, brown, and white. 4

5 Website-of-the-Month : Pennsylvania s Donegal Chapter received the National TU s 2007 Best Website Award.. This is the home chapter for our ole buddy, Bob Bachman (as in Chattooga s Bachman s Rock ask Nugget Nixon to tell the story at the next campout). Checkout a picture of Bob on a salt water fly fishing trip: Check out these websites and The Soque River Watershed Association (SRWA) is having its 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash. Saturday March 15th at the Old Clarksville Mill Ballroom 6:30 PM -10PM Cost $30/person For more info...(706) The Smith Crumley Band will perform. The SRWA has been very supportive and helpful with our Summer Intern Program. Here is an opportunity to show our appreciation. Please spread the word about this. It's a fund raiser with raffles and auctions. "The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, But they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night." ~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow~ FLY-FISHING SEMINAR Ever wanted to try your hand at fly-fishing for trout but never learned the in s and out s of it? Ever wonder why some people seem to get so hooked on it? Now s your chance! The Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited is planning a half-day fly-fishing for trout seminar for adults (male and female 16 years and older). The seminar will cover equipment, casting, knots and entomology (the bugs we imitate for fish to eat). Instructors include Federation of Flyfishermen Certified Instructors and other experts for a hands-on learning experience that will be helpful and fun. WHAT: Fly-Fishing Seminar Rabunite 101 WHEN: Saturday April 12, :30 am until 1:00 pm WHERE: The Rabun County Recreation Center off Highway 441 near the middle and high school complex. HOW MUCH? Cost is only $25 and includes lunch. WANT TO SIGN UP??? FIRST COME FIRST SERVED! The session is limited to 25 participants. Send the form below along with your check made payable to: The Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited Charlie Breithaupt 194 Kitchins Lane Clayton, GA knc615@windstream.net (706) You will receive notification when you have been registered Please Print (NEATLY!) Yes, I want to attend the fly-fishing seminar! Name Address City, State Zip Telephone 5

6 Jeff Durniak NEWS Despite the flurries, Spring's here! Well, it will be "in and out" with the weather fronts, but I certainly hope you're ready with new baits, fresh line, RENEWED FISHING LICENSES, and some phone numbers of new fishing buddies. The upcoming weekend looks a lot warmer than today, so I hope the following info helps put you into the proper spring fishing mindset. Pass this report on to others, too. Water temperature is the key. Some warming days will turn the fish on. Sunshine hitting the muddy waters (thanks to some rain!) on the upper ends of reservoirs should attract baitfish and the predators that follow. Some early caddis and mayflies should start hatching on our trout streams. Stocking trucks should "hatch" from our state and federal hatcheries, too, beginning at mid-month in preparation for the March 29 Opening Day of seasonal trout streams. Make plans to enjoy. And remember to pass on your angling knowledge and talents to some new anglers this spring. They'll help pay your fuel bill! CRAPPIE * Now thru March. Try muddy upper ends of Lanier: places like Clarks Bridge and Wahoo Creek at Mt Vernon Road (gas station at Mt Vernon and Hwy 60 sells minnows). Same for Hartwell- try Eastanollee Creek. WALLEYE * Look for spawning runs up Hooch during first half of March. Look at GA Power Company lakes about a week after the Lanier run gets going. Watch for our press release, due here shortly. Anthony Rabern thinks there's a new state record swimming in Lake Rabun, and many good fish in Tugalo, too. Locals have been on them for a year or two, but aren't saying much about these secrets. BASS, STRIPERS, HYBRIDS * Look for "transition zone" of stained water in between the muddy and clear zones of the lake. Lanier and Hartwell now, Nottely toward end of month as that mountain lake finally starts to warm. Lanier spots: Balus Creek, Ada Creek, Yellow Creek, Wahoo/Little R juncture. The Bass Fishing Home Page reports are hard to beat for last minute info on where to go and what to use, thanks to Shane Watson, Ryan Coleman, and other forthcoming anglers. Ken Sturdivant's lake reports are also great. TROUT * March 1: Smith DH Outing: Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of TU's Fishing DAYZ starts February 2nd with a trip to the Chattahoochee Delayed Harvest at Cochran Shoals! Fishing DAYZ will be a local day's fishing on the first Saturday of every month. We'll meet for breakfast at the Waffle House on Holcomb Bridge Road and Old Alabama Road at 7 AM. Anglers should plan to depart at 8 AM sharp for our destination. Casting and fishing instruction will be available to anyone interested. No experience is necessary. We'll team you up at breakfast with a mentor. Locations for Fishing DAYZ are selected with the following in mind: An easy drive from Roswell GA. Large enough to provide wade fishing for 10 to 12 anglers. Comfortable wading and open casting, adequate parking available, space for casting instruction. March 1st Smith Creek DH Unicoi State Park; Helen GA Wade Only * March 6- Amicalola DH volunteer stocking. Details and volunteer application on NGTO. New trout anglers should have Y2K flies ready for March 7! 6

7 * March 22: NGTO Spring Fling (open house) at Buford Trout Hatchery. Details on NGTO. Note group float tube trip down the Hooch. * March 29: OPENING DAY OF TROUT Season for seasonal streams. Thanks to some great efforts by state and federal hatchery staffs, we'll have about 88% of our annual goal of 1.1 million catchable (nine inch or better) fish ready for you this year. We may struggle a bit on the stocking size, but surviving this well thru two very bad droughts is commendable. * March 29: Helen Trout Tournament on the Hooch. * March 29: GA TU's Dream Trip Raffle prize winners announced at Foothills TU banquet (see below). Get your tickets soon. Proceeds help fund TU kids trout camp. * All month: Wild trout and DH stream trout bite better as water temps inch toward 50F. Remember to do your homework to increase your success rate: 1) weather channel, 2) USGS stream flow gauges, 3) hatch charts by Chris Scalley, rabuntu.com, and those great, small, local fly shops that are truly in-the-know. MISC: * March 6-9. Bass Pro Shops seminars and Reel Turn In Program. The old reels you turn in (for some credit toward purchase of new reel) are redistributed to kids clubs, civic groups, and DNR for more kids to enjoy fishing. I've got two orders to fill already, once I get the Bass Pro donation later this spring. Id=-1&appID=94&template=listallevents.cfm&storeID=3#28006 (scroll way down to see fishing workshops, from crappie to trout) * March 29. Foothills TU's "Hoot on the Hooch" banquet in Helen. Barbecue, bluegrass, and fibbing anglers. Dream trip winners announced. Details on NGTO or here: 7

8 Sam Rizzio Youth Fly-Fishing Clinic July 12, 2008 The Upper Chattahoochee and Tailwater Chapters of Trout Unlimited, The Fish Hawk and Georgia Women Fly Fishers are pleased to announce a comprehensive one-day fly-fishing clinic for young men and women, ages 10 through 15 years old. The clinic is designed for the beginning fly fisher and will provide basic instruction in all phases of flyfishing, including equipment overview, knot tying, insect identification and fly-casting. Instructors from the Atlanta Fly Fishing School, Trout Unlimited and Georgia Women Flyfishers will work with students providing individual instruction in casting techniques and answering questions about fly-fishing. Upon completion of the clinic each student will be awarded a Certificate of Completion and a drawing will be held to award some lucky students with fishing equipment from The Fish Hawk in Atlanta. The clinic will be held at the Buford Trout Hatchery (3204 Trout Place Rd, Cumming, GA 30041) on July 12, 2008 between 8:30 AM and approximately 3:00 PM. Lunch will be provided at the hatchery for all participants. The class will be limited to 36 students and is offered at a cost of $15 per student. Parent or guardian may stay and observe the clinic or drop-off the student and pick him/her up later. What to Bring Students will be provided with all necessary equipment. The only items to bring are casual seasonal outdoor clothing, a brimmed hat, sunglasses (preferably polarized), insect repellent and sunscreen. Students who prefer to use their own fly rod may do so. The on the water fly casting instruction will take place from the shoreline of the pond at the hatchery, so life jackets will not be necessary. No hooks will be used on the line, for safety reasons. This is an instructional day. All instructors will be eager to teach the art of fly-fishing, so bring lots of interest and enthusiasm to class. Students who have previously attended this clinic are not eligible to attend again. For More Information Contact: Carl Riggs- Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited or at 7turns@bellsouth.net. Registration info on reverse and at Sam Rizzio Youth Fly Fishing Clinic (Ages 10 through 15 only) Registration & Release Form ($15/per Student) July 12, 2008 (8:30 am approx 3:00 pm) In consideration of Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited (UCCTU), the Tailwater Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TCTU), The Fish Hawk Atlanta, the Georgia Women s Fly Fishers (GWFF) and for permitting me to participate in The Sam Rizzio Youth Fly Fishing Clinic, I hereby release UCCTU, TCTU, The Fish Hawk, and GWFF for all injuries, damages, or losses of any nature whatsoever in any manner connected directly or indirectly to the clinic and I hereby agree to indemnify and hold harmless UCCTU, TCTU, The Fish Hawk, GWFF, their helpers, and agents from any injuries, damages or losses arising or that may incur from participating in the clinic. All students must have parents or legal guardian s signature on this release form. Student s name Age Address City State Zip Home Work In case of emergency Phone( ) Phone ( ) Notify: Emergency contact Address City State Phone( ) Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date Questionnaire: Have you fished before? Have you fly fished before? How would you describe your fishing experience? Beginner Intermediate What would you like to achieve from this clinic? VERY IMPORTANT! Due to the limited number of students that can be included in this clinic, we ask that either student or parent notify Carl as soon as possible if unable to attend. We maintain an alternate list of students for cancellations. Return this form to: Carl Riggs at 2392 Fawn Ridge, Stone Mountain, Georgia along with a check for $15 made payable to UCCTU. 8

9 Support the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited Buy a $10 raffle ticket to win a week of guided fly-fishing. TO PURCHASE YOUR DREAM TRIP RAFFLE $10 EACH, CONTACT: Deborah Scott littlebee7@yahoo.com Rules for 2008 Dream Fly Fishing Vacation Winner will be drawn at the Georgia Foothills Chapter of Trout Unlimited annual banquet in March 2008 One winner will be drawn and the winner will choose a partner to accompany them on the trip Ticket price is 10$ and proceeds will go to the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited to help fund the annual Georgia Trout Camp and the Back the Brookie campaign which helps brook trout restoration and educational projects The trip will take place from July 26 to Aug 1, 2008 (NON- NEGOTIABLE) The winner and their partner will each receive: 5 days fishing and 6 night s food and lodging at the Green River Guest Ranch in Cora, Wyoming RUNNER UP PRIZES for 2008 Custom built Thomas and Thomas rod, 9 5 weight 4 piece horizon series. Built and donated by Garland Stewart. Custom built rod, Temple Fork TiCr, 8 wt., 4 piece, 9' fly rod. Great rod for casting heavier flies to bass, trout, pike and stripped bass. Built and donated by Mack Martin. One half-day unguided fishing for two people at Nacoochee Bend (Unicoi Outfitters; Chattahoochee River). Donated by Jimmy Harris. 3 Drawings of Fly boxes with 6 dozen flies. Donated by the Chapters of Trout Unlimited in Georgia. The drawing will be held on 29 March 2008 during the Foothills Chapter s Hoot on the Hooch. After the winning ticket has been drawn, 6 more tickets will be drawn for the runner up prizes. A 9ft 5wt Winston Boron II X custom made fly rod An Orvis Battenkill Barstock reel with Scientific Anglers line A fly box and flies (approximately 5 to 7 dozen per box) for the trip $1000 in travel expenses (this is total, not per person) to cover airfare NOTE: If winners choose to fly into Jackson Hole, they will be picked up at the Jackson Hole airport, shuttled to the Green River Guest Ranch, and returned to the airport at the end of the trip. If the winners choose to fly to any destination other than Jackson Hole, they will be responsible to get to and return from the guest ranch on their own from their chosen airport Travel arrangements will be the responsibility of the winners and they must arrive together to be picked up at the Jackson Hole airport Fishing licenses, gratuities, and alcoholic beverages will be the responsibility of the winners during their stay The winners will be required to sign a waiver releasing the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited and the Green River Guest Ranch of any responsibility of injury that could occur during the trip. 9

10 Georgia Trout Camp 2008 Application Please fill out the application below and give it to your Local TU Chapter President. Dates: June 8-13 Age: years Fee: $ Includes room, board, and all activities for the five-day camp. In May, after your application and fee have been received, you will be sent a list of what to bring, as well as the required health and release forms. Please make your check payable to the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited. Deadline for applying: May 1, 2008 (Please Print) Name Name you wish to be called by Address City State Zip Phone Date of Birth Male Female (Must be within the ages of at time of camp) T-Shirt size (adult size only; circle one) S M L XL I have a friend attending camp and we would like to room together. His/her name is I am sponsored by: The Chapter of TU President/Chapter Trout Camp Representative Signature Mail application and check made out to the Georgia Council of TU to: Charlie Breithaupt, GA Trout Camp Coordinator 194 Kitchins Lane Clayton, GA For more information call: (706) or knc615@windstream.net 10