Headwaters Outfitters Hosting Fundraising Event to Help PCTU Educate the Public about Coldwater Conservation | |
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Happy Fall! Our autumn display of color has been spectacular! I just wish we could get some rain. Articles about trout conservation, stream flow, and water temperature are featured in this edition.
I hope to see you at Headwaters Outfitters on Saturday, November 5 for the 2nd Annual Forks of the River Fly Fishing Festival. This will be great afternoon of family fun, followed by music and fellowship at the After Party at Pilot Cove in Pisgah Forest. This event will raise funds for PCTU to set up a live trout display at the Transylvania/Brevard Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center. Please see the details below.
We greatly appreciate Maria Wise, Executive Director of the Mills River Partnership and Betsy Gerwig, Conservation Engineer for Henderson County Soil and Water Conservation District for presenting at our October Chapter Meeting. It was exciting to hear all the areas that we can help them with their projects.
Please join us at Guidon Brewing on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30 for our November Chapter Meeting. We will hear from Cameron Mortenson, a highly-popular author and blogger about everything fly fishing - especially the superiority of fiberglass fly fishing rods. Cam will provide us fishing information and tips, and also will bring rods and other valuable items for our raffle during the meeting. Come to the meeting to hear from a fascinating expert and have a great chance to win a Moonlite fiberglass rod!
We will meet for another day of fishing, coaching, and fellowship on Friday, November 11 at North Mills Recreation Area. Hope to see you there. Please continue to read through this issue and learn about all that PCTU is doing to ensure trout fishing is enjoyed today and for future generations.
Jim Rumbough
President, Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited
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Brook Trout Educational Exhibit Coming to Brevard/Transylvania County Visitor Center | |
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Fundraiser at Headwaters Outfitters
Fork at the River Fly Fishing Festival
and After Party at Pilot Cove
Saturday, November 5
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PCTU is excited to be collaborating with the Brevard/Transylvania County Chamber of Commerce to help educate the public about coldwater conservation. With the flooding of the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in the Pisgah Forest, we lost a local opportunity for the public to view live trout, and learn about the importance of protecting watersheds, water quality, and aquatic habitat. PCTU volunteers will manage an aquarium displaying live brook trout at the Chamber's Visitor Center on 175 E Main Street in Brevard. We anticipate the exhibit to open in January.
Headwaters Outfitters is donating funds raised during the Forks of the River Fly Fishing Festival for this exciting project. Please attend this event on Saturday, November 5 to contribute to trout conservation by engaging and educating the public.
Forks of the River Fly Fishing Festival
25 Parkway Road (64 and 215)
Rosman, NC
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Saturday, November 5 is full of fun family events from noon until 4:30 at Headwaters Outfitters. | |
Also attend the After Party from 7:00 to 9:00 at Pilot Cove in Pisgah Forest. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased HERE. | |
You can support this exciting project by attending the Festival, the After Party, or by clicking the DONATE TO PCTU button below: | |
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November Chapter Meeting
Thursday, November 10
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Guidon Brewing Company
North of Downtown Hendersonville
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We will meet at Guidon Brewing on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy craft beer, tasty food, buy some raffle tickets, and make new friends. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, November 10 - 6:30 p.m.
Guidon Brewing, 415 E 8th Ave
Hendersonville, NC
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November Speaker: Cameron "Cam" Mortenson
Author, Blogger, Fly Rod Creator, and Host of
"The Fiberglass Manifesto"
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We are very excited to welcome from South Carolina, Cameron Mortenson, prolific author, blogger, gear reviewer, fly rod craftsman, and master promoter of fly fishing and conservation. Cam has tens of thousands of followers on Facebook and Instagram (@thefiberglassmanifesto), and has been featured in many articles and podcasts.
Besides his vast knowledge about fly fishing and equipment, Cam will donate a Moonlit fiberglass rod to a lucky winner of our raffle at the meeting. Cam will also bring Echo starter rods, fly lines,TroutRoutes PRO subscriptions, and other items - so this is one meeting you do not not want to miss!
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About Cameron Mortenson
As a dedicated "Glass Geek", I have been writing The Fiberglass Manifesto (T.F.M.) to promote the builders and companies that produce fiberglass fly rods. Over time the focus has broadened to include reel makers, artists, photographers, writers, fly tiers, gear makers, conservation, filmmakers, and really anything else that I feel is noteworthy within the fly fishing industry. T.F.M. is also my personal fly fishing journal where I chronicle trips (however infrequent) with photos and narrative.
I strive to provide readers with original content that is informative and enjoyable to read which includes interviews, press releases, gear reviews, photography, videos, and along with occasional contests and gear giveaways.
Besides writing T.F.M., I am a husband, father of two young children, and have a career that keeps me busier than you might believe.
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I continue to try to get better at what I am doing and am an active member of the Outdoors Writers Association of America and the South Carolina Outdoor Press Association.
Find links to podcasts, articles, photos, gear reviews, and videos on my website,
Image credit: Cameron Mortenson
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October Fishing Meet Up Photos
Next Meet Up - Friday, November 11
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We had a great time last month getting together for a day of fishing at North Mills Recreation Area. These Fishing Meet Ups are designed for anglers new to the area, beginning fly anglers, or folks looking for some coaching. You don't have be an expert to help out, and if you are looking for a fishing partner for safety, our fishing meet ups are a great chance to find a fishing buddy.
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Our next Fishing Meet Up is on Friday, November 11 from 10 to 2. Whether an angler looking for some help, seeking a fishing buddy, or want to help, just come out to North Mills Recreation Area (meet at first parking lot on the left) or send an email to news@pisgahtu.org. | |
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Upper Davidson River Update
Erosion and Sedimentation Abatement Project
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In August, the United States Forest Service (USFS) re-directed flow from a section of the upper Davidson River that was threatened by sedimentation from an eroding landslide. Floods from last year exacerbated a previous landslide where erosion was depositing a large load of sediment into the stream. Sedimentation is a serious threat to trout habitat in the Davidson River.
Contractors brought in equipment to create a barrier that re-directed flow into an older channel. Pools and glide habitat was created, and the re-directed stream also by-passed an old rock dam that impeded migration of trout and other aquatic animals.
Following the earthwork, PCTU volunteers spread seeds of native grasses to stabilize disturbed soil. Germination and survival of these seedlings were excellent. Additional re-vegetation projects are being planned for this fall and winter.
Flooding from Tropical Storm Fred also dropped a tremendous amount of trees and large woody debris in the river. While logjams created obstructions that threatened trails, roads, and bridges, the recruitment of large woody debris is beneficial to aquatic habitat for trout. A 2018 study by the USFS indicated that large woody debris in the Davidson had declined in abundance by 50% over the past 20 years.
Contractors placed downed logs in strategic locations to stabilize the floodplain and discourage illegal camping adjacent to the bank. The campsites reduced beneficial vegetation leading to increased erosion and sedimentation problems. Flooding certainly changed the river, but with timely projects like this, aquatic habitat is being protected and improved.
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Severe erosion at the landslide site along the Daniel Ridge Loop Trail (105). The slope is very steep in this section and drops into the upper Davidson River. | |
Downslope from the landslide, a tremendous amount of sediment was being deposited into the channel and carried downstream. | |
Downstream of the now-dry stream bed after being re-directed to an older channel. The landslide is on the left at the far end of this photo. | |
The diversion barrier is on right of this image. Stream flow was re-directed into the channel on the left that carried flow in the past. | |
Project design included rock and log vanes that created pool and glide habitat. This is important habitat for trout and other animals. | |
Looking upstream from the junction of the now-dry channel on the right and re-directed flow in the channel on the left. | |
shFoSky Islands and Southern Appalachian Brook Trout | |
What are Sky Islands?
The Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center at Craggy Gardens has an excellent display about Sky Islands; why they support species that originated from northern (boreal) regions of the North American continent, and why these habitats are threatened by climate change.
Over the history of the Earth, ice sheets have migrated from the polar caps many times. The latest major glacial advance period occurred over the past 2.5 million years ending with the Wisconsin Glacial Episode about 11,000 years ago. Since then, glaciers have retreated during the current inter-glacial period as a result of climate warming.
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Boreal plant and animal species, including eastern brook trout, had their geographic ranges expand during glaciation into the southeastern part of the country. As the glaciers retreated, these species persisted in the region as the climate warmed, and now exist in the higher elevations. The cool, moist conditions of the southern Appalachian mountains and ridges provide the last remaining refugia for many boreal species, and are referred to as ecological sky islands. | |
Glaciation terminated north of North Carolina near the southern borders of Kentucky and West Virginia. | |
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Climate warming is being accelerated by greenhouse gas emissions since the Industrial Revolution. Southern Appalachian Sky Islands will experience reduction in habitats that support many boreal plant communities and animal species.
Image credit: National Park Service
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What does this mean for Southern Appalachian Brook Trout?
It is uncertain how future conditions will affect Southern Appalachian Brook Trout (SABT). Scientists don't know how SABT will adapt to a warmer climate, but know that as water temperatures exceed 70 degrees, SABT survival is reduced. One thing is for sure: More frequent and prolonged periods of water temperatures over 70 degrees will imperil SABT populations in many western North Carolina mountain streams.
Key conservation strategies are the protection of headwater seeps, springs, and tributaries. Protecting and increasing groundwater inputs and riparian tree canopies along streams are critical to maintaining cooler water temperatures.
Collaboration between the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, the US Forest Service, and the Great Smoky National Park, TU, the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture, and other partners, has resulted in many conservation projects to improve aquatic habitat, increase conductivity between streams, increase SABT population size and genetic diversity, and reduce potential competition from non-native trout. The goals of these projects are to increase resiliency and redundancy of SABT populations by restoring habitat and SABT populations.
Resiliency: Enhance connections between SABT populations by improving water quality throughout watersheds, reducing sedimentation, removing barriers to fish passage, and enhancing aquatic habitat. Resiliency ensures that if environmental events decimate a particular population, SABT from other streams in the watershed can migrate to naturally re-populate impacted streams.
Redundancy: Even where SABT populations cannot effectively migrate, maintaining viable SABT populations throughout western North Carolina helps ensure SABT sustainability. Redundancy projects increase the abundance of SABT populations that have sufficient size and and genetic diversity to ensure population viability.
SABT population restoration consists of the introduction of SABT into fish-less sections of streams, and removal of non-native trout followed by SABT re-introduction. Sections of streams are selected for restoration by their habitat quality and the presence of waterfalls to prevent upstream migration of non-native trout.
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Real-Time River Flow and Temperature Data | |
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From your phone or computer, you can see what the water flow, levels, and temperatures are on many rivers in North Carolina. The United States Geological Service (USGS) has gages on the Davidson River (located near Hwy 64 behind Hog Wild BBQ) and Mills River (located east of Hwy 280).
The gaging station on the South Mills River in the Pink Beds recorded flow from 1926 until 1973. This data was used for the planning of a reservoir that was proposed to be constructed west of Hwy 280. Decades of local opposition to the dam and impoundment convinced the Tennessee Valley Authority to cancel all planning in the early 1970's.
Knowing flow rates and temperatures can be helpful for your fishing and safety. Long-term monitoring of water temperatures is important to reveal durations of physiological stress on trout populations, and the effects of climate change on our local streams. PCTU volunteers have maintained temperature records at several sites in the Pisgah Forest for a study conducted by the University of Georgia. There is a need to expand these efforts.
PCTU members can easily contribute to the long-term monitoring of stream temperatures as part of TU's Community Science program. While hiking, biking, or angling, you can measure water temperature with a thermometer (available at most fishing stores for under $10), and record your data using the TU's RIVERS cell phone application. RIVERS uploads the time, date, and geographical location along with your temperature measurements. Send an email to news@pisgahtu.org if you have questions about the TU's RIVERS program.
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Low rainfall this fall resulted in declining flows in the Davidson River. In late October, flow was 60% lower than its 90 year average. Low flow reduces trout spawning habitat and survival of young trout. | |
The Davidson River gage started measuring temperature in September 2022. Tracking temperature is important to evaluate trout population dynamics. | |
Mills River flows spiked following storm events from January through October. This fall, low rainfall resulted in October flow to be 49% lower than its historic average. | |
The Mills River gage is downstream of where most trout fishing occurs, and undoubtedly reflects increased temperature from upstream (South and North Mills). | |
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shFoTU Regional Meeting Coming to Asheville
March 10 - 13, 2023
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TU Regional Meetings are back in 2023! The Southeast Regional will be held March 10 - 12 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and Conference Center in Asheville. So save the date and details will be announced soon. Being in our backyard, we are one of the host chapters. The meeting and associated field/fishing trips are excellent opportunities for PCTU members to volunteer in a variety of ways. You will enjoy many interesting topics at the meeting, meet dedicated TU members from across the region, and learn how other chapters are working to make a difference. Send an email to news@pisghatu.org if you are interested in helping out.
Clink these links to review the minutes to the August Board Meeting and the Annual Chapter Meeting
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sThank you for reading and sharing Snags & Snarls!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @pisgahTU
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