WOW!
If you were at our recent Stream Restoration Workday at Wilks Creek in North Georgia you couldn't move forward or backwards or side to side without bumping into another UCCTU chapter member. Sixteen members ventured up to the creek and worked alongside members of other Georgia TU chapters and the U.S. Forest Service toting logs (huge logs) down to the creek to shore up the banks creating increased water flow and pools. Thanks to Bill Lott our Conservation Chair for organizing a great morning and to all our fantastic UCCTU volunteers!
Speaking of volunteers a few others have stepped up to lend a hand on another important chapter project... Our Chapter website. Long-time chapter member Jim Williams noticed that the website hadn't been updated in a while so he asked to head up a small group to make some changes. And changes have been made! Through the efforts of Jim, Bob Schmitt, Bob Foster, Daniel Fifield and TU National web advisor Doug Agee, the site ucctu.tu.org has been streamlined and new content and photos added throughout.
Take a look and tell them, "Great Jobs Guys!"
I hope everyone will come out to our August 22 chapter meeting. We'll be visited by
not one, not two, but three guest speakers!
First up will be chapter member Peg Novotny who will show slides and discuss her experience helping out at our recent stream restoration workday at Wilks Creek in North Georgia.
Following Peg will be Eric Wiggins from Sweetwater Brewing Company who'll be talking about his company's Save the Water campaign.
Wrapping up the evening will be chapter member Sam Mothner who has started up a fly fishing guide service with partners Parker Garrett and Elijah Dwoskin - Blue Lines Fly Company - as part of a summer project for Dunwoody High School's Finance Academy.
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See you on Tuesday!
Tight Lines,
Ken Mock, President
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436
Trout Unlimited
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Our Annual Fundraiser Needs Your Help!
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Our 'one and only' annual chapter fundraiser is coming up fast and we need your help. Volunteers are needed for many roles during the event, however, most importantly, and of greatest need today are volunteers to help solicit donations of gifts -- gift cards, fishing gear, gift baskets, dinner coupons, sporting gear, etc.
This is your event and it can only be a success if everyone takes ownership. Even if you can solicit only one gift, that's a big help. If you can spare some time, contact Denny Desmond at [email protected]. Remember, that UCCTU supports many local and regional conservation groups and youth activities with the money raised at the fundraiser.
Please give us a hand and make our 2017 Autumn on the River event the biggest and best ever! Gifts are already coming in: a custom built bamboo fly rod, a Fishpond vest from Cabela's, Jena Mason's certificate for a painting, an Orvis chest pack and a Flambeau fanny pack. You should see the custom 'Canary Wood' fly rod case donated by Lefty Kreh's brother. It's a beauty!
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Annual Chapter Elections
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All interested chapter members should come to our September meeting for our Annual Chapter Meeting & Board Elections. The meeting will be on Tuesday, September 26 at Ippolitos beginning at 6 pm. Information on Board nominations for the coming year and other items to be voted on will be sent out soon.
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Helping to Maintain Atlanta's River Trails
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We are happy to help the Chattahoochee Parks Conservancy promote their current campaign to maintain, restore and connect the CRNRA river trail system. The Trust for Public Land will match all collected donations that are raised. Details can be found on the CPC home page at
ChattahoocheeParks.org. Make a donation today!
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UCCTU in the Press, Again
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Dutch Earle, past chapter president, was interviewed by "
Visit Roswell" and they published the interview in their recent newsletter.
Visit Roswell
Dutch Earle is the past President of the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Vice President of the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited, and on the Board of Directors of the Chattahoochee Nature Center. When Dutch moved to Roswell, he selected a subdivision on Riverside Road, across the street from the Chattahoochee River where the Georgia Department of Natural Resources stock trout on a regular basis. He quickly developed "a passion and an interest" for fly fishing. We asked Dutch about the sport in Roswell.
What makes fly fishing so unique?
You can use a fly rod to catch just about any type of fish, though trout fishing and fly fishing go
hand in hand. Dutch says "fly fishing brings people to some of the most beautiful places in the
world" and it is a challenge to tie flies that "match the hatch" of the many invertebrates on the
river.
What draws people to fly fishing in the Chattahoochee?
It is not necessary to go into the North Georgia Mountains because we have a unique and
productive trout stream running through Roswell. In fact, the "Hooch" has experienced natural
reproduction of brown trout for the past dozen years and the DNR predominately stocks it with
rainbow trout. That says volumes about the good health of the river. An unlimited amount of people can fish in the Chattahoochee. From Buford Dam at Lake Lanier down to south of Atlanta, there are around 38 river miles of designated trout water.
Who can learn to fly fish?
People of all ages can fly fish! Dutch says "we encourage youth to get involved." Roswell High School has an active fly fishing club and Trout Unlimited provides orientation through structured programs and demonstrations throughout the community. The best place to start is to attend the local Trout Unlimited meetings and other events and meet some of the many members who are happy and willing to work with beginners.
What do you need to begin fly fishing?
Dutch says "equipment can be very specialized and expensive," but you don't need a lot of equipment to start out. A combination fly rod kit from a local sporting goods store is inexpensive and will do the job.
The Chattahoochee River is the perfect place to fly fish for beginners and pros alike. Trout Unlimited named it a Blue Ribbon trout stream, making it one of the top 100 streams in America! Kayaking and fly fishing out of the kayak is also a fun activity for the entire family to enjoy!
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Outdoor Adventure Day: Volunteers needed!
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Consider helping out at this year's Unicoi State Park Outdoor Adventure Day to celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day: Saturday, September 23! You don't have to be an expert outdoorsman to help. The event needs all types of volunteers from parking to registration. Contact Jeff Durniak for details.
[email protected] or 770-535-5498.
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Riverkeeper Climate Conference this September
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The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization has scheduled a two day Climate Change Conference for September 27-28 from 8am-5pm. The event is being hosted by Georgia Tech - Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at the Global Learning Center.
During the conference, leading scientists and experts will share knowledge of changing climate conditions, impacts to human and ecological interests, risk assessment and resiliency, planning tools and innovative measures for mitigation and adaptation.
Conference programming includes dozens of speakers, exhibits and networking opportunities.
If your passion is climate and you'd like to attend this important conference visit their site at
Chattahoochee.org/conference for the most current updates on conference programming and speakers.
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Fall Chapter Trip to Cherokee Announced
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This year's fall trip to Cherokee, North Carolina from November 2 - 5 has
officially been announced.
An email was sent out detailing this event and provided
information on fishing,
licenses, lodging, restaurants and other activities in the area.
If you've never fished Raven Fork, the Nantahala, Little Tennessee, Tuckasegee,
Cullasaja or Snowbird Creek you've missed some of the best fishing in this part of
the country. Early November is a great time to hit these rivers.
Reservations at area hotels and motels will fill up fast with travelers and sightseers
so you are highly encouraged to book your room reservations ASAP. Information on
who's going and how to connect with them will be sent out to all attendees before
the trip. Plan to fish with old friends and someone new.
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Across the Isle, Across the Country
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In the decades we've been in business here at Trout Unlimited, we've seen politics come and go.
Whether you're from a red state or a blue state doesn't matter. But your commitment to conservation does.
We are dedicated to being part of the process of protecting our rivers and the lands we as sportsmen and women depend upon in a proactive and respectful way.
These days there are a lot of issues that stand to divide us if we let them. But fundamentals such as clean water, clean air, protecting public lands and working toward leaving these resources better for the next generation are not now, nor should they ever be divisive.
As anglers, we know the importance of coming to the table and being part of the conversation.
This is a dynamic time for conservationists so check in, speak up and keep fighting the good fight!
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TU's Annual Meeting is Open to All!
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TU's Annual Meeting brings together hundreds of dedicated members, volunteers, supporters and staff to celebrate all TU has accomplished in the past year and commit ourselves to the important conservation work ahead. It is an inspirational weekend full of fishing, conservation tours and training, important workshops, sessions and business meetings, and a host of evening social activities that connect members from across the country to others who share their passion for trout and cold, clean water.
Spend time learning from and talking with some of TU's top staff, scientists and active volunteer leaders. See first-hand how the TU mission is brought to life in Virginia and across the U.S. Share ideas and tips on protecting your home waters and enjoy presentations on important conservation topics such as advances in conservation and river restoration tactics, engaging the public in angler science to protect local streams, educating the next generation of river stewards and much more.The annual State of TU presentation by Chris Wood, President & CEO, is an inspiring and educational look at how your support drives TU's mission forward each year and is not to be missed!
Open to all members - and your friends -
the 2017 Annual Meeting is a great way to celebrate our mission, improve your conservation knowledge, accelerate your ability to help your favorite, local trout waters and to build relationships with people who share your passion for fishing and conservation.
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TIC Adds Two More Area Schools
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Congratulations to Jim Byrd on signing up two more schools for our ever-expanding Trout in the Classroom program. Joining five other schools are new additions Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Decatur and Tapestry Public Charter School in Doraville.
We're sure to hear great things coming out of these new TIC programs! Come to a trout release next Spring! |
| Another Great TU Raffle Comes to an End |
This year we are again offering a pair of Patagonia Skeena River Waders along with the winner's choice of either Patagonia Ultralight or Korker's White Horse wading boots from our friends at Alpharetta Outfitters. This is a $600 value!
Tickets are $3 each or 4 for $10. There is a nominal fee added to your purchase if buying online or you can also buy tickets at the August meeting from any board member. The drawing will be held at our August 22nd chapter meeting. If you purchase your tickets online, a copy of the purchase will be made and emailed to you.
Your support of this fundraiser is vital to our conservation and educational efforts. Click HERE to purchase tickets online.
If you have any questions contact Denny Desmond, Fundraising Chair at [email protected] or 770-992- 9242. |
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The Guide's Angle from Chris Scalley
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Sweet summer browns and rainbow trout! My client reluctantly called me to inquire about summer fishing opportunities for trout in July and August he was concerned about how the heat would affect both the angler and the trout. My answer is a simple question; "do you like fishing in an air conditioner?" Most customers don't believe me until they actually get on the river. I tell them too that if they do get hot out there we can pull along the shadows of the old growth trees on the riverbanks where the air temps are 20F cooler out of direct sun where the 52F river flow conditions the air. The sure cure is always to just jump in so bringing a bathing suit is always great idea.
So now that we can assure the angler we can keep him or her comfortable in the heat what about the trout. All I can say is the river is surprisingly resistant to temperature change and trout during this drought year are healthy and happy for about 30 miles downstream of Buford Dam as long as our minimum flows remain consistent. These fishing photos are trout caught here on the Chattahoochee in summertime this July and last July/August. Notice that nice cool fog in the background!
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August Fly of the Month:
Black Foam Beetle
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Be Safe and Check the FLOW Before You GO!
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Call
770-945-1466
, or toll free at
1-855-DAM-FLOW (1-855-326-3569)
, for the Buford Dam water release schedule. Or visit their
Hydropower Generating Schedule
website for release times and amounts for the current day.
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New members since our July Newsline are:
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Michael
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Bailey
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Chris
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Binger
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Connor
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Bryan
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Blake
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Clem
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Brad
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Cummings
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Ben
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Hinson
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Robert
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King
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Andrew
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May
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Sean
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Muscio
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Protis
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New members, be sure to join us at our meeting Tuesday, August 22nd and you will receive a raffle ticket for a great prize!
Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of every month at
Ippolitos Roswell. Dinner/happy hour starts at 6 pm and "business" starts at 7 pm! Be sure to bring some cash if you want to buy raffle tickets for great prizes. All proceeds go to UCCTU activities and conservation efforts!
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September's Fishing Dayz is scheduled for Sunday, September 10 at
Settles Bridge Park
.
The plan is to meet at the Waffle House on the corner of Holcomb Bridge Road
and Old Alabama Road at 7:30 for breakfast, then drive up to Settles Bridge. The
group will hike up river about one mile (there's a great path) to fish some fantastic
water away from the crowds..... SHHH!!!
You are advised to bring a wading staff and PFD or
float vest since the bottom can be tricky. But, the fishing can be very good especially
if dry flies pick up late in the morning.
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Ladies Day is Coming!
Coming soon is a special "Ladies Only Fly Fishing Clinic" co-presented by UCCTU and our sponsor Alpharetta Outfitters. Jim Owen, Membership Chair, is heading up this event along with Jeff Wright of AO. Details will be sent out soon -- but we're planning on holding this event on a Sunday in mid October. If you know of someone who'd like to learn our great sport this would be the perfect time for an up close and personal introduction.
We are planning to have some of our members at the site helping out with casting, entomology, fly tying and more. If you can help, please let Jim know. His number is 678-643- 6274 or you can email him at [email protected].
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Unfortunately, Dukes Creek fishing remains closed and no reservations for fishing will be taken until October 1, 2017. However, the stream may be reopened sometime during September depending on water flow and temperature conditions. Re-stocking plans are underway and will be initiated sometime before the stream is reopened. During this time, no fishing at all will be allowed on Dukes Creek except to cabin guests who may fish the cabin section only.
To make a reservation in October or later call the reservation number 706-878-3087. |
UCCTU has a new business partner,
Compass 360! And d
ue to this partnership we all benefit! Use the promo code in the picture below at checkout to receive our exclusive discount!
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Bring Equipment to the Meeting
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Don't forget to bring new or gently used fishing gear to our monthly meetings for our ongoing "Donate Gear to the Vets" program. So far we've received some great items including rods, reels, boots, fly tying materials, a rod building kit and much more.
Also, bring any unwanted magazines and books to share with other chapter members.
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If you have a new or gently used piece of fishing equipment or a boat, float tube, or other related item and would like to sell it to another chapter member, here's your opportunity. Just send a short description of the item(s) to:
President
with a photo (if possible).
Ads received before the 15
th
of the month will be placed in that month's issue of Newsline. Clean out your cave or garage and get some cash for items you no longer want.
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Embrace-A-Stream (EAS) is a matching grant program administered by TU that awards funds to TU chapters and councils for coldwater fisheries conservation. Since its inception in 1975, EAS has funded more than 1,000 individual projects for a total of $4.4 million in direct cash grants. Local TU chapters and councils contributed an additional $13 million in cash and in-kind services to EAS funded projects, for a total investment of more than $17 million.
To donate to the Embrace a Stream Program click
HERE
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Be a Trout Unlimited Ambassador
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Next time you are out on the river, in the parking lot at Jones Bridge, or in a business meeting and the subject of Trout Fishing comes up -- hand the interested party one of your UCCTU Chapter Cards.
Pick up extra cards at the monthly meeting.
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Click the Fish to See the Story
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Fly fishing during a Nor_easter (youtube)
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| Catching a Smallie on a fly rod (youtube) |
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When you buy a new car or renew your tags, consider getting a Georgia TU plate and help support this important wildlife effort. Go
here for more details.
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Don't forget to pay your 2017 UCCTU Voluntary Dues
Here
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President and CEO of Trout Unlimited, delivers the 2016
State of TU speech at the TU Annual Meeting in Bozeman, MT.
Contact Fulton County's DNR Officer Mark Puig if you see any poaching or violations while you are out fishing.
Hotline: 800-241-4113
Check out our Chapter Website at
UCCTU.tu.org and leave comments in the Shout Out box. The site has been completely updated. Check it out and recommend it to your friends.
Social Media:
Visit our info packed
Facebook
,
Twitter
, and
Instagram
pages. Don't forget to share us with your friends!
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