I know you all don't know this but it's been years since I've been on a stream restoration project headed up by our TU chapter. I'm embarrassed by this and have committed to change this behavior on Saturday, July 29.
You see, as your President, it's not enough to lead meetings, go to Fishing Dayz events, create emails about this, that and the other...it's about giving one's time and effort to the conservation model that is the heart and soul of Trout Unlimited.
I'll cast off the memories of the heat, the bugs, the sweat, the humidity and focus on the real meaning of what we're (TU) all about - donating our time, energy and financial resources to the Trout Unlimited mission - To Preserve, Protect and Restore our Country's Coldwater Fisheries and Their Watersheds. And, what better way to honor that pledge that to help out at OUR SPONSORED event on Saturday, July 29.
Come join us at Wilks Creek. It's about 20 minutes north of Helen, GA.
Bill Lott, our Conservation Chair and leader of this event needs your help. Will you give it to him?
If so, let Bill know by contacting him at: 404-735-9989 or email at [email protected].
Let get 25 or more UCCTU members to help out on this important conservation project. We have 900+ members scattered about metro Atlanta. Make the commitment and bring a friend, neighbor or fellow UCCTU member.
Remember - many hands make lighter work for all.
Thanks to all our fantastic UCCTU volunteers!
See you all on the 25th at our next chapter meeting and on the following Saturday, July 29th at Wilks Creek in north Georgia.
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Tight Lines,
Ken Mock, President
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436
Trout Unlimited
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SOHO Trip - A Lifetime of Memories
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21 fished. And fished. And Fished. Some better than others, BUT a fantastic time was enjoyed by all participants in this year's Summer Trip to The South Holston River. We stayed in three houses on property owned by The Holston Castaways and the accommodations were fantastic. All the conveniences of a home away from home.
Most of us fished in small groups - some also went out with guides on all three days. The river's schedule of water releases was again sporadic, but still afforded us plenty of time to catch both browns and rainbows.
On Saturday night we had a BBQ feast with steaks and all the fixin's. After dinner we held a cashless raffle of several great prizes including the grand prize of a Fishpond wader/dry bag won by Kelly Case. Next year we hope to add more prizes to the mix.
Speaking of next year, mark down June 28-30 for another trip to the SOHO. Details will be sent out early next year.
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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 scientist 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 our 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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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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The 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., etc. This is your event and it can only be a success if everyone takes ownership. Even if you can solicit one gift that's a big help. If you can spare some time to help, 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. You should see the custom 'Canary Wood' fly rod case donated by Lefty Kreh's brother. It's a beauty!
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| Online Form Gives New Veterans a Free Membership |
 The TU
Veterans Service Partnership (VSP) is an initiative to serve our nation's military family, all veterans, able and disabled, active military, spouses, and their families. Our goal is to involve them in TU chapter activities and ultimately in a meaningful, life-long, and sustaining way with the TU community locally and in TU conservation programs and initiatives.
In order to sustain that involvement with TU, we offer a free, one-year trial membership for veterans that have participated with a TU chapter or council. It is only for a new TU member not for a renewal, and we ask the sponsoring TU chapter to use its own good judgment when offering the membership. The veteran will receive all the benefits of a paid membership for a year and the satisfaction of knowing they're a part of a growing community of individuals who enjoy angling and want to keep America's rivers cold, clean and fishable now and in the future.
To get access to the online form where you can sign up veterans that participate with your chapter, please email TU Veterans Services Partnership Coordinator
Dave Kumlien. Dave can work with you to ensure that your veteran is signed up to the correct chapter based on their ZIP code assignment, and he's always excited to talk with TU volunteers about starting or growing a VSP program locally.
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Fishing Dayz is Back in August!
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We've committed to getting the jinx off our backs and "Hit the Hooch" for some big browns and rainbows on Sunday, August 6. We'll be floating the river from Medlock Bridge Boat Ramp to the Jones Bridge Steps. It's a 1.5 to 2 hours float without stopping to catch a boatload of browns and rainbow trout. We can meet at Jones Bridge Park off of Barnwell at 8 am and transfer gear and floats to those vehicles driving up to Medlock. Come out and join in the fun. Please let Ken Mock know if you are going on this float:
[email protected] or 404-725-3979.
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| Riverkeeper Climate Conference Scheduled This Sept! |
The Chattahoochee Riverkeeper organization has scheduled a two-day Climate Change Conference for September 27 - 28 from 8 am to 5 pm. The event is being hosted by Georgia Tech - Ray C. Anderson Center for Sustainable Business at the Global Learning Center.
During the conference, leading scientist 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 our 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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| It's Raffle Time again!! |
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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 on-line. You can buy tickets at our monthly meetings in July or August or directly from any board member. The drawing will be held at our August 22
nd
chapter meeting. If you purchase your tickets on-line, 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.
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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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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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Useful Fly Patterns on the hooch
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New members since our last Newsline went out are:
| John |
Burke |
| Fred |
Christian |
| Eduardo |
Crespo |
| Brandon |
Hill |
| Kaitlin |
Hill |
| Patrick |
Kassin |
| Pete |
Lollar |
| Donald |
McGuffey |
| Todd |
Woody |
New members, be sure to join us at our meeting Tuesday, July 25 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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Coming soon is a special "Ladies Only Fly Fishing Clinic" co-presented by your chapter of TU and our great partner Alpharetta Outfitters. Jim Owen is heading up this event along with Jeff Wright of AO. Details are still in the works, but we are hoping 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 email him at
[email protected]
.
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Unfortunately, Dukes Creek fishing will be closed and no reservations for fishing will be taken from Jun 1, 2017 to October 1, 2017, however, the stream may be reopened sometime earlier during September depending on water flow and temperature conditions. Re-stocking plans are under development 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.
Fishing reservations will be taken starting for October 2017. To make a reservation in October or later call the reservation number 706-878-3087. |
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Discount Code for UCCTU!!
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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.
We have also been contacted by FlyVines which takes old fly line and creates useful and beautiful gear out of it (like the lanyard below!).
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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 new UCCTU Chapter Cards.
Pick up your 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
.
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.org and leave comments in the Shout Out box.
Social Media:
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