Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436 - Trout Unlimited

Communications Chair: Jeffrey M. Hammen   communications@ucctu.org
April 2016


I feel compelled to share an experience I had earlier this month with the Casting for Recovery program. 

This is a national program that introduces fly fishing as therapy to women recovering from breast cancer. My role was to take one of the participants fly fishing for a couple of hours at Nacoochee Bend. The participant assigned to me could not have been more enthusiastic about learning to fly fish. She was absolutely beside herself after landing her first fish ever - an 18 inch rainbow trout. She plans to continue her pursuit of fly fishing and hopes to involve her husband!

UCCTU is proud to be a supporter of Casting for Recovery, but this was my first hands-on experience working with the program. I was impressed with how well it was organized, and was moved by how much the participants enjoyed it. It was one one of the many rewarding experiences I have had as a volunteer for Trout Unlimited, and I hope to participate again next year.
Sincerely,
Jim
Jim Harvey
President
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436 - Trout Unlimited

UCCTU News
Our April Speaker:   Dr. Dale Greene, Dean Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources, UGA
Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources - Our Ongoing Support of the UGA Fisheries Program
UCCTU has been a long-time financial supporter of the Forestry & Natural Resources program at the University of Georgia's Warnell School, but do we know much about what they do and how they are helping our state fisheries and brook trout conservation and restoration efforts?
 
Now's the time to learn by attending our next chapter meeting. Come hear from a panel of Warnell School representatives including Dale Greene, Dean of the Warnell School. Dr. Greene will present a brief overview along with James Shelton, Associate Professor of Fisheries. We'll also get a short update on the outreach of the program from Bridget Harden, Director of Development. Alex Kiser, recipient of Trout Unlimited's Coldwater Conservation Scholarship, will give the featured presentation. Alex will speak about his thesis entitled, "The Effects of Habitat Improvement Structures on Brook Trout Conditions in Streams of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
 
Come join us on Tuesday evening, April 26 from 6 to 9 pm. The meeting will be held at Ippolitos Restaurant near the intersection of Holcomb Bridge Road and Eves Road in Roswell. 

If you are interested in speaking at future UCCTU meetings contact Ken Mock, Programs Chair at  programs@ucctu.org
Education - Sam Rizzio Youth Fly Fishing Clinic
The Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited, The Chattahoochee Nature Center, The Fish Hawk, Atlanta Fly Fishing School, Alpharetta Outfitters, Bass Pro Shops and the Georgia Women FlyFishers are pleased to announce a comprehensive one day fly fishing clinic for young men and women, ages 10 to 15 .  

The clinic is designed for the beginning fly fisher and will provide basic instruction in all phases of fly fishing including  fly casting, knot tying, insect identification and conservation.  Certified Instructors and Mentors will work with students to provide individual instruction and answer questions about fly fishing and conservation.  Each student will be awarded a certificate upon completion and a drawing will be held for a fly rod and reel. In addition there are hundreds of dollars of prizes and giveaways to help the kids get started, including 10 complete fly rod and reel combos! 

SOLD OUT!!!!!

The clinic will be held on April 23, 2016 at The Chattahoochee Nature Center  near the Chattahoochee River in Roswell from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm. Open to the public. All are invited.

Lunch will be provided.  The clinic will be limited to 36 students and is offered at a cost of $20. 

If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please contact Tom Hayes at rizzioclinic@ucctu.org 

Click on the link below to register.
Education - Trout in the Classroom Fish Releases

Trout in the Classroom had two releases since our last chapter meeting 

St Pius X Catholic High School
Saturday, March 19 at 10:00
Jones Bridge Park (Fulton County side)
parking lot at the end of entrance road
 
St. John Neumann Regional Catholic School (elementary)
Friday, April 1 at 9:30
Jones Bridge Park (Fulton County side)
boat ramp parking area

If you have any questions about Trout In The Classroom or would like to assist contact Jim Byrd at tic@ucctu.org
Fishing - Spring 2016 Trip to South Holston River

June 9, 10 and 11th

R and R Fly Fishing
South Holston River Fly Shop


No Spots Left!!!!

First Come -- First Served
The three houses available are described below. Your TOTAL "per bed fee" is ONLY $115 for the trip -- that includes two or three nights and a special dinner! Call 404-309-1368 or email Brad Cruickshank  with your reservation request and let him know which home is your first choice. Rooms/Beds will be assigned as reservations are made. The rooms/beds are described on the Holston Castaways website 
Holston Castaways .

Don't delay! Reservations for the Holston Castaways homes are limited to 15 . After that, if you want to go, you'll have to find other accommodations. There are other lodges nearby and several campgrounds.

Future emails from will list those who have reserved a spot and which home they've been assigned to. We'll also talk about guide services available in the area. If you want a guide for one or more days you are encouraged to book early since June is a prime month on the South Holston and other nearby rivers and streams.

Maps and Directions

Directions to Holston Castaways


Directions to South Holston River

If you have more questions please email Ken Mock at programs@ucctu.org or call Ken at 404./725.3979



Fishing Dayz - May - Ron Cheslock's Private Lake

Last October, a large group went up to long-time member Ron Cheslock's 17-acre private lake in Ellijay and had a great time. This time we're moving the event to May for a day of catching bass, bream, and an occasional trout (if you're lucky).

Ron has graciously again offered to host a BBQ lunch after the fishing. For those who want to watch the Kentucky Derby --stay and watch it on the big screen TV.
It's always a fun day on the lake and only a short drive to Ellijay.

Since we'll be driving north early in the morning, we'll skip our usual breakfast gathering at Waffle House on Holcomb Bridge Road. Plan on a 1 1/2 hour drive to Ron's. You should plan on arriving between 8:30-9:00 am. Directions will be emailed to all those who contact programs@ucctu.org.

You should bring:
> canoe, kayak, float tube or jon boat.
> life vest
> 4-6 wt. rod/reel, floating line or sink tip.
> 3-5x tippet
> poppers, beetles, frogs, ants and hoppers, clousers, streamers, rubber-legged patterns. If you're using spinning gear bring worms, spinnerbaits and rapalas.
> water and snack
> sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, change of clothes and bug spray.

If you have more questions contact Ken Mock, Programs Chair at  programs@ucctu.org
Conservation
Sweep The Hooch - April 9th - Huge Success

The results for SWEEP THE HOOCH are in 15 + TONS OF TRASH! That is 25,975 POUNDS of Trash and 4950 tires that were recycled for a total of 30,975 POUNDS. Review the press release for more info. Press Release>>>>
 
Thank you to our volunteers, partners and sponsors. 

Look at all the sites and stats on this story map: http://tinyurl.com/SweepMap

Many thanks to all our chapter members who were able to participate. If you participated please complete the short survey. Your feedback helps us continue to grow this event:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SPSX9VJ
 

In 2015 more than 500 volunteers removed 7.16 tons of river refuse with more than half ton of trash recycled. That's 14,320 pounds!!! 

For more details about Sweep The Hooch, visit our webpage http://sweepthehooch.org

Plan on joining us next April for Sweep The Hooch 2017. 

If you have any questions about Sweep The Hooch contact Bill Lott at  sweepthehooch@ucctu.org
Conservation
Adopt-A-Stream Class 

UCCTU Bill Lott and Bob Schmitt with help from Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Chelsea Hopkins instructed 9 students at the Johns Creek Environmental campus. Many thanks to Chelsea for helping and supplying the  classroom materials, field test kits and expertise.

Participants learned how to test the health of our streams by checking the pH, conductivity and dissolved oxygen.  Additionally, volunteers will learn how to test the bacteria level in our streams. Upon successful completion of the one day class, volunteers were certified as Adopt A Stream water testers and can be part of a team to test one of the streams that feeds into the Chattahoochee. Volunteers will be able to select a testing site and will be assigned a buddy to work with them on once a month testing . 

If you are interested in attending a Adopt-Stream workshop contact Bill Lott at  conservation@ucctu.org

More information about Georgia Adopt-A-Stream program
Blue Ride TROUT FEST
More details about Blue Ridge Trout FEST>>>>

Here is an update on the upcoming Blue Ridge Trout Fest & Outdoor Adventures.     
 
The Trout Train will happen at 5:30 on the evening of April 29
th.  Meet at the Blue Ridge Scenic RR Depot for appetizers served by Harvest on Main.  Board and depart for a ride along the beautiful Toccoa River and have complimentary adult beverages and snacks.  Return to more appetizers, drinks and a small silent Auction including some of the following items:  TFO 4 wt., 9 foot rod, Golf & Cart for 4 at Polo Country Club, Golf & Cart for 4 at the new Old Toccoa Farm course in Blue Ridge, Walker River Waders & Boots, Folstaf Wading Staff, Simms Gore-Tex Rain Jacket and Shirt Combo, all day guided Fishing Trip on the Hooch for 2.  You can purchase tickets at brscenic.com.    
 
On Saturday, April 30 from 9AM to 5PM local outfitters and fishing guides, fishing gear and tackle reps, kayak liveries, hiking clubs, whitewater outfitters and an impressive list of local experts in all things outdoor will gather at the Park in downtown Blue Ridge.  There will be music, food trucks and a Beer Garden with Sweetwater Brewery choices, Wine and even hard cider available.  Music will be provided by Blue Blood, Dave Anderson Trio and Thomas Fountain. Commercial vendors will be representing such brands as Orvis, Simms, Scott, Thomas & Thomas, Rio, Sage and Redington.  Local Blue Ridge shops will be showcasing their latest outdoor products and services such as fishing gear, clothing, hiking gear, kayaks and other items of outdoor recreation.  Fly and Outfitter shops will be represented such as Sportsman Warehouse, Simms, Unicoi, Blue Ridge Fly Shop, Lake Blue Ridge Outfitters and Cohutta Fishing Co. Fishing guides will share inside information on trout-fishing in the North Georgia mountains, Atlanta Fly Fishing School will have seminars in the morning and local guides will have afternoon classes.  There will be a casting pond along with fly tying demonstrations. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand to satisfy every appetite including Cousins Maine Lobster, Angel Fire, Williamson Brothers Barbecue, Cape Pies, Sugar Rush and Merciers. And we have been given the designation with Resolution #1039 as the official Trout Festival in Georgia. 
 
You can contact them at blueridgetroutfest@gmail.com or call 706-374-2390.  And don't miss the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/BlueRidgeTroutFestival/?fref=ts  where you can like and share and enter to win a Grizzly Sweetwater Cooler.
 
There has never been a Festival like this in north Georgia and you do not want to miss it.
News Bites
Don't forget to pay your UCCTU Voluntary Dues  Here

New 2016 Georgia Fishing Regulations.  All Mountain Trout waters are now OPEN year round.

Contact Fulton County's Georgia DNR Officer Mark Puig if you see any poaching or violations while your fishing next time.
Ranger Hotline: 800-241-4113
Cell: 404-997-3214
Email:  Mark.Puig@DNR.STATE.GA.US

Check out the new Chapter Website at  ucctu.org and leave comments in the Shout Out box. 
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Fishing Dayz - Fern Valley at Soque River Fishing Trip - April 2 - 3, 2016








Adopt-A-Stream Taught by UCCTU - April 16, 2016





   

Sweep The Hooch - Jones Bridge - April 9, 2016



 
 
Upper Chattahoochee Trout Unlimited | | president@ucctu.org
30 Golf Circle, NE
Atlanta, GA 30309