I just can't believe it. A few days from now will be one year serving as your chapter President. Twelve months down...twelve more to go!
However, I don't look at it that way. Serving in this role has been highly rewarding: it's taken me to Montana and our annual TU national meeting; I've gotten to know some really fantastic TUers here and around the country; and there's been some great conservation events and fishing trips. But this only covers a small part of what being president is all about. Sure, it all comes with the job, but there's a good deal of satisfaction in knowing the job is getting done and getting done in concert with a great group of people serving as your chapter officers, advisors and committee heads.
You see, not much would have been accomplished during the year without all of the collective energies and talents of this group of individuals. You put them in their roles last September and I think they all deserve your hearty congratulations and applause for a 'Job Well Done'
(you can do this at the upcoming September chapter meeting).
Joining your board members, who are coming back for the second year of their two-year term, are several new faces that want to tackle chapter leadership positions. Listed in this Newsline are the names of all board members who'll be returning and those who want to serve.
Be sure to come to this Month's meeting -
our Annual Chapter Meeting - on Tuesday, September 26 from 6-9pm. Meet these members and get to know who they are and why they want to serve our chapter. Also, come to hear our featured speaker Joey Walraven, Owner of
Rivers Edge Outfitters in Cherokee, NC who will be telling us how to rig up and fish for the monster trout lurking in the many streams and rivers in Cherokee during our upcoming November 2-5 fall chapter trip.
See you all on the 26th!
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Tight Lines,
Ken Mock, President
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436
Trout Unlimited
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Annual Chapter Elections and Meeting
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All chapter members should plan to come to the September chapter meeting for our Annual Chapter Meeting & Board Elections. The meeting will be on Tuesday, September 26 at
Ippolitos beginning at 6 pm. Here are the individuals being presented either for reelection (some new titles are shown) or election. Those presented for first time election are noted with an asterick (*). All positions are for a two-year term.
Officers
| President |
Ken Mock
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EVP & TIC Chair
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Jim Byrd
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VP & Education Chair
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Cullen McClure*
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Treasurer
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Mark Romzick
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Secretary
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Jack Killorin
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Past President
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Jim Harvey
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Advisors
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Mitch Muehring & Rick Kinkade
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Committee Chairs
Advocacy/Conservation
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Aaron Tyre*
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Communications
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Connor Reynolds*
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| Education |
Cullen McClure*
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Fundraising
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Denny Desmond
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| Membership |
Jim Owen
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Programs
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Charlie Bennett
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Events
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Dillon Mann*
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Trout in the Classroom
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Jim Byrd
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Special thanks to these two individuals who've served the chapter this year but will not be returning to the Board:
Tom Hayes - EVP & Education Chair
Bill Lott - Advocacy/Conservation Chair
Any member of the chapter can place their name in for nomination for any of these positions at the annual chapter meeting. If you are interested, please do so at the meeting.
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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 now are volunteers to help solicit donations of items...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 only one donation, that's a big Check with Denny Desmond and let him know what donation you'll be bringing and if you can help during the evening of the event: Email or 770-992-9242.
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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Kayak Raffle! Middle GA TU
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This coming
October 7th
the Middle GA Chapter of Trout Unlimited will be holding a fishing event and a raffle for a beautiful Jackson "Mayfly" kayak. This kayak was specifically designed with the fly fisher in mind. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $25. To buy your tickets call Bob Jaworski at
478-454-6607
or write Bob at
[email protected]
. Let him know how many tickets you want, send him a check and your tickets will be mailed to you. Don't delay!
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Guest Speaker This Month
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Joey Walraven, the owner of Rivers Edge Outfitters located in Cherokee, NC, is our
guest speaker this month. Joey will be sharing special tips and techniques for fishing
the rivers and streams throughout the Cherokee area. Come and find out how to rig
up your gear to prepare for this fishing adventure of this fall.
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Jim Owen Wins Wader/Boots Raffle!
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We all thought, "Heck...it's my turn to win this raffle!" Well, only one member took home the prize and that member was our membership chairman Jim Owen. Jim picked up his new Patagonia waders and a set of Korkers boots from our chapter sponsor Alpharetta Outfitters who gave us a great discount on both items.
As a result of the raffle, UCCTU generated $1,500 that will be used for conservation and education purposes.
Thanks to all who purchased tickets!
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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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Fall Chapter Trip to Cherokee
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This year, our fall trip will be to Cherokee, North Carolina from November 2 - 5. An email was sent out detailing this event and provided information on fishing, licenses, lodging, restaurants and other activities in the area. If you did not receive the email or would like another copy, please send a note to [email protected].
If you've never fished Raven Fork, the Nantahala, Little Tennessee, the 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 are filling up fast with travelers and late season leaf watchers 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. We'll be meeting up for dinner each night to swap stories and show pictures.
Be sure to come on this great trip.
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RHS Fishing Club Update
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Looks like the Roswell High School Fly Fishing Club is going strong this new school year! The club now has 36 members and they'll be organizing some local fishing outings this fall.
If you'd like to join in and help, contact Jim Harvey, club advisor at 404-933-5976.
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2018 Dream Trip Tickets Now On Sale
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It time again for our annual GA Council 2018 Dream Fly Fishing Trip!
Raffle tickets will be available at all upcoming meetings. Tickets are sold at $10 each. All UCCTU Board members have a supply of tickets. Buy your tickets soon so you won't be disappointed when they are gone.
As in the past, the Dream Trip is a two-person five day/six night fishing adventure at a private cabin in Island Park, ID, near the west entrance of Yellowstone. The trip includes:
- food and lodging
- a float trip on the Madison River
- choice of a Winston BIII-x or Sage ONE 4,5 ,6 or 7 wt. rod
- fly reel with Scientific Angler line
- box of flies (5-7 dozen)
- $500 in travel expenses
Also, there are many runner-up prizes for custom rods, trips and flies.
The winner will be drawn at the Georgia Foothills Chapter's annual banquet in March.
All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Councils many
projects including the annual Trout Camp.
Buy your tickets at chapter meetings.
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October Fishing Dayz
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Next month's Fishing Dayz is rescheduled for Sunday, October 15 at the private lake of Ron Cheslock in Ellijay. Ron is a chapter member who moved to the mountains to do more fishing, more hunting, more hiking, and also to take on a new career.
Each year, Ron opens up his lake to all UCCTU members for a morning of fishing for bream, bass and an occasional trout. Bring your float tube, kayak, canoe, , jon boat, up to Ron's house. The drive is about 1 ½ hours so plan to leave early and arrive around 8:30 am. Once everyone arrives, Ron will shuttle the crew down to the lake. Bring your 4/5 wt. rods and/or spinning rods. Use big flies, hoppers, beetles, streamers and, of course rubber frogs, worms and poppers for these hungry fish.
Instructions on driving to Ron's will be sent out soon in a special Fishing Dayz email. Last year we had around a dozen anglers on the lake. Come join the fun.
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Trout in the Classroom Update
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We have recruited four additional schools to participate in our Trout in Classroom program this school year, and with the four schools from last year, we now have eight schools participating in TIC!
The new schools include Laurel Ridge Elementary School in Decatur, Griffing Middle School in Smyrna, plus two schools
that focus on autistic students
Tapestry Public
Charter an
d Connections. This is an excellent fit for hands-on learning programs like Trout in the Classroom.
We will be setting up trout tanks in each school this month so they can "season" the tanks prior to the delivery of the
2,000 rainbow trout
eggs we ordered from TroutLodge in Washington. The eggs will be shipped to us on October 5th for delivery to all the schools.
Required release permits have been obtained from GA DNR and the National Park Service, which will cover all our release events next spring. Grants have been requested from our state council, which will cover one-third the cost to set up the three new schools!
Everyone pat Jim Byrd on the back when you see him because none of this could have been possible without his hard
work and dedication!
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2017 Autumn on the River Fundraiser
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Join us
Tuesday, October 24, 2017 from 6:00pm-
9:00pm for our 2017 Autumn on The River fundraiser. This is our annual fundraiser that supports our many activities: stream restoration and monitoring, fly fishing with veterans, Trout in the Classroom, Rizzio Clinic and other youth outreach programs.
It will feature a new Orvis film on our own
Chattahoochee River, and other select films from the Orvis Fly Fishing Film Fest, while offering a pizza and salad bar.
Special guest auctioneer, renowned guide Henry Cowen, will be offering fly rods (including a custom bamboo rod by our own Kelly Case), fishing trips in GA & NC like Chris Scalley's River Through Atlanta, and other exciting items for your bidding, while our silent auction will include a variety of exceptional items as well.
Join us and support the educational and conservation programs of Upper Chattahoochee Trout Unlimited.
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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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September Fly of the Month:
Barr BWO Emerger |
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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:
| Loren |
Carter |
| John |
Crowe |
| Morgan |
DiOrio |
| Mark |
Gibson |
| Sydney |
Lilly |
| Roger |
Schulz |
| Robert |
Slater |
New members, be sure to join us at our meeting Tuesday, September 26th and you will receive a free 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 more raffle tickets for great prizes.
As always, all proceeds go to UCCTU activities and conservation efforts!
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| Women's Fly Fishing Clinic |
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Coming this October 22 is a special half-day "Women's Fly Fishing Clinic" co-presented by our chapter and sponsor Alpharetta Outfitters from
1-4pm. Jim Owen is heading up this event along with Jeff Wright of AO. 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 Chattahoochee Nature Center 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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| New this month: The Sale Table |
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First of all, what is the Sale Table? Well, it's a new table we'll have set up at Ippolitos during each meeting for the chapter to sell small fishing related items that have been donated. If you have an extra rod, reel, vest or other item that you'd like to donate, put it on the table with a price tag for the amount you'd like to see it sell for. All monies generated from the sales will go into our general chapter fund for educational and conservation activities.
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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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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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