Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436 - Trout Unlimited
January 2017 

For those of you whom I've not yet met,  I would  l ike to introduce myself and menti on some of the exciting events coming up during the early months of 2017.

I live in Roswell with my wife Kay and our three cats Bailey, Fiona and Rusty. My two daughters are grown and married. For the past five years, I've been working for an employee benefit communications firm in Buckhead as a senior consultant.
 
Before joining Trout Unlimited, roughly 14 years ago, I learned to fish for rainbow and brook trout in western Pennsylvania with some business acquaintances from Pittsburgh (I had moved to Roswell in 1987). After years of drowning too many night crawlers and mealworms, I was handed a fly rod on one trip to try out. I didn't have much luck at first (sound familiar)? However, I was bitten by the fly fishing bug and have never looked back.
 
Upon joining UCCTU, I took immediate interest in the management of the chapter and have since served as Membership Chair, Fundraising Chair, and most recently Programs/Fishing Dayz Chair. I've always enjoyed the fact that UCCTU is a leader amongst the 400 TU chapters across the country and now hope to continue this tradition built by our past presidents and their boards.
 
I hope to see you all at our chapter meeting next Tuesday, January 24th at 6pm! Also, we will have   Dream Trip tickets  available for purchase at the January and February meetings and please remember your  2017 chapter dues .

Sincerely,
Ken
Ken Mock
President
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436 - Trout Unlimited

New Faces Join Old Faces!
We have several new faces on the UCCTU Board for 2017/2018:

Conservation & Advocacy - Bill Lott is working on our Sweep the Hooch activities coming up on April 8.
Education - Tom Hayes is planning our April 22 Rizzio Fly Fishing Clinic for local youth and is working with the Chattahoochee Nature Center on several events for this summer.
Programs - Charlie Bennett (new) is busy lining up our speakers for the year and has Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper coming to our January meeting.
Fundraising - Denny Desmond is already planning our fall fundraiser and could use a few volunteers to assist.
Membership - Jim Owen (new) is planning several activities including our participation at the upcoming Feb 3/4 Atlanta Fly Fishing Show in Gwinnett.
Trout in the Classroom - Jim Byrd has four schools active in raising trout and already has held one release into the Hooch.
 
Our Board Secretary is Jack Killorin and Treasurer is Mark Romzick. Jim Harvey is serving as Past President. Other chapter members lending a hand include Daniel Fifield, Newsline Editor; Thomas Perrie, website and media coordinator; and Gracie and Cullen McClure, working on social media.  Jason Hernandez will be our Fishing Dayz Coordinator, and  Chris Smith has taken on the role of Fishing Trips Coordinator. Finally, we have two new Director-at-Large members, Rick Kinkade and Mitch Meuhring providing input.

Upper Chattahoochee in the AJC!
From Jim Byrd, TIC Chairman:

On December 2nd, we held our first trout release of the school year as part of our "Trout In the Classroom" program. The science class from Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit School traveled from downtown Atlanta to Jones Bridge Unit in Johns Creek to release 200 Rainbow Trout they successfully  raised this School Year.

Four schools in Metro-Atlanta are participating in the Program. Three schools received Trout eggs on October 13th of last year, and the final school's eggs will be delivered next month. Each school has a 55 gallon fish tank where they raise Trout from eggs to fingerlings for at least 6 weeks. Excited students have been experiencing hands on learning  about water chemistry, feeding techniques, Trout life-cycle  and water conservation measures.

This learning experience culminated in an event December 2nd to celebrate the release of their rainbow trout into the waters of the Chattahoochee River. Along with the release, several of our members provided additional educational experiences for the students. Bob Schmitt presented his healthy/unhealthy stream display, insect life-cycle  display and many of his own flies that represented the displayed insects.  We also discussed with the students history of the Hooch and conservation measures so important to sustaining a healthy stream. Jim Harvey conducted a casting demonstration and gave students a unique opportunity to try casting on their own. The Release was a perfect experience to a stimulating program.  We have three more schools raising trout which will be releasing their crop of Rainbow Trout this spring. 

The AJC wrote an article on this project titled "City Kids Learn About Biology, Chemistry and Conservation". To read it click HERE.

For more information on this program visit TroutIntheClassroom.org.

Fall Fishing trip Recap
Brevard, North Carolina
November 2016

Low Flows -- But Plenty of Fish

T he rivers and streams around Brevard and the Pisgah National Forest were far different from years past. The members of UCCTU who braved the drought found record low levels of crystal clear water. However, that didn't stop everyone from catching brookies, browns and rainbows, and for the most part, they were of decent sized (12"+)! 


Larry Long on the hunt for big browns on the West Fork of the Pigeon River.
 
NOTE: Fall Trip 2017 will be to Cherokee, North Carolina in early Novemeber.
#BigFishTuesday
Fly fishers chase their quarry for a variety of reasons. But no matter the logic behind our endeavors, there's nothing quite like catching a trophy and snapping that "hero shot" before turning a big fish loose to be caught again another day.
 
In honor of those trophies, we're launching a new contest, starting Jan. 3, through Trout Unlimited's Instagram account, @troutunlimited. Every Tuesday-Big Fish Tuesday-TU Creative Director Josh Duplechian, who runs our Instagram account, will pick from trophy fish photos using the #BigFishTuesday identifier, and showcase a winner on I nstagram. The winning photo will also be posted on TU's Facebook and Twitter feeds, and each weekly winner will receive a TU-labeled Montana   Fly Company travel mug (below). 

For more info, or a list of full rules click HERE.
To browse submitted photos click HERE, (you do not need an account to view the pictures)

The first winner will be announced on Tuesday, Jan. 3, and winners will be picked every Tuesday thereafter, so start sifting through those trophy shots and pick the best one you've got. When you find the photo you like, upload it to your Instagram account and tag it under #BigFishTuesday.
Dream Trip Tickets Now on Sale
The Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited is once again holding its annual "Dream Fly Fishing Trip" and tickets are now available. 

One winner will be drawn for the grand prize of a trip for two of five days (July 23-29, 2017) and six nights food and lodging at a private cabin in Island Park, ID, near the west entrance of the Yellowstone National Park.

The winner also receives a float trip on the Madison River, choice of Winston BIII-x or Sage ONE 4, 5 or 6 wt rod, fly reel and line, fly boxes with 5-7 dozen flies for the trip and $500 in travel expenses.

Winner will be picked at the Georgia Foothills Chapter of TU annual banquet, the "Hoot on the Hooch," in Helen, GA in March. There are also many other runner-up prizes and the seller of the grand prize ticket also receives a prize.

Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased from any UCCTU board member or at the January and February chapter meetings (until tickets are sold out).

Don't pass this one up -- buy several tickets and start packing!

Trout Camp 2017 applications are here!  
Applications are now available!

At Georgia Trout Camp your camper will :
  • Learn and Practice the Sport of Fly Fishing
  • Study Sound Conservation Practices
  • Enjoy a Fun and Rewarding Experience with Other Youths. 
Consider sending your son, daughter, grandchild, or another deserving youth to this year's week long event scheduled June 4-9 at Rabun Gap--Nacoochee School.

Campers can expect to learn many skills including: knot tying, line selection, stream tactics and etiquette, tackle handling & maintenance, entomology, and lots and lots of fishing (at least 2 hours daily) with a mentor.

Every youth participant will also receive their own fishing equipment to take home and a certificate of completion.

Trout camp is $500 per camper.

You are encouraged to submit your application ASAP. We have two campers already signed up. Additional applications will be considered for unfilled spots from any other chapters.


Special Note: Ryan and Myles Hartley have both volunteered to participate as Youth Mentors to the campers this year. Thanks guys!!!


GA TU Trout Camp
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In This Issue

Coming Events
Select for Calendar view

January
15 - Fishing Dayz & BBQ at Paces Mill Park with GWFF & PHWFF
24 - Chapter Meeting

February
2 - Board Meeting
3/4 - Fly Fishing Show - Infinite Energy Center
5 - Fishing Dayz
12 - Sweetwater & Georgia River Network Fundraiser
28 - Chapter Meeting

March
4 - GA Council Meeting
5 - Fishing Dayz
28 - Chapter Meeting

Fly Of the Month
 
Fly of the Month
January  Fly of the Month:
Jake's Gulp Beetle
January Guest Speaker
Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper for the Chattahoochee River will return for the third year in a row as our first speaker of the year! Meeting is at Ippolito's Italian Restaurant on Tuesday, January 24. Drinks, dinner and social hour starts at 6 pm. Meeting begins at 7 pm. Join us.

All of Us are TU Ambassadors
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.

Every member of UCCTU will be given two packets of cards (5 in each) in a convenient plastic carry protector to put in your wallet and fishing vest. Use the cards to solicit new members. There's information on the reverse side about our monthly meetings and a QR scan code that will take the reader to our chapter website.

Be sure to pick up your cards at the January meeting!

Annual Fundraiser-- Success!!
Our 2016 fundraiser was a huge success with over $10,000 raised. This money will help fund our conservation and other activities throughout the year.

Help!!! We need a few volunteers to contact and pick up donations for our 2017 Autumn on the River Fundraiser next October. PLEASE contact our Fundraising Chair  Denny Desmond and ask how you can help. Thank you. 
Quick Links

The Fly Fishing Show
The Fly Fishing Show  is coming to Gwinnett County's Infinite Arena at the beginning of next month (February 3rd and 4th). There will be seminars on fly tying, river reading, Southern fishing opportunities as well as celebrity fishermen and casting demos. 

Adult, one day tickets are only $15 ($10 with military ID). Two-day passes are $25.  12 and under are only $2.  Scouts under 16 in uniform and Children under 5 are free! 

Purchase advance tickets  HERE.  
Cash only at the gate.

(This will be a great opportunity to hand out our "UCCTU business cards"!)

Chapter Fishing Shirts 
If you ordered a shirt and have not picked it up, you can do so at the January meeting.  We also have a few shirts for sale in case you did not order one.
Must Watch Videos YouTube.com...



Must Read Articles, Blogs.....




Show Your Support!
TU License Plate
Buy a Georgia TU Plate

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.

News Bites
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
Cell: 404-997-3214

Check out our Chapter Website at  UCCTU.org and leave comments in the Shout Out box.

Social Media:
Visit our info-packed  FacebookTwitter, and Instagram. Don't forget to share us with your friends!  



   
      

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Atlanta Fly Fishing School  






Project Healing Waters/Share Military Initiative
We are rerunning this article from the last issue of Newsline. Please consider helping Denny, Cullen and others who've stepped up to help our veterans.

Seeking Volunteers -- Can you Help?

PHW - FFFV
UCCTU is involved in Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing (PHWFF) and provides a tremendous opportunity for our members to give back to our veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country. Right now we guide and teach vets how to fly fish, while others teach them how to tie flies and build rods. However, the SHARE Military Initiative at Shepherd Center https://www.shepherd.org/patient-programs/care-for-us-service-members, "a comprehensive rehabilitation program that focuses on assessment and treatment for service men and women who have sustained a mild to moderate traumatic brain injury and PTSD from combat in post-9/11 conflicts," will be doubling in size by offering its services to 20 vets at a time. Accordingly, PHWFF will need more volunteers for this effort, including members who would like to be involved in fly tying and rod building instruction.

Many times when you meet these vets you don't realize that they have already gone through quite a transformation and have improved so much, but weren't that way when they started the program - quite the opposite. And if you don't think we make a difference, I encourage you to read this testimonial from one of our vets, Gary Herber. On 9/11 (how ironic), he wrote me:

"Thanks for dinner, but most of all thank you for what you are doing in giving of your time every weekend in support of wounded veterans. (New vet) reminds me a lot of myself when I first started this program over 4 years ago. Through God's grace and the hard work of those He has put in my path, I have grown from that scared, distant shell-of-a-man that I once was. What you and your volunteers are doing is not just teaching men to fish; what you are really doing is teaching wounded men to get out of their comfort zone. You are also giving them a great opportunity to meet and talk to new people, which can be a scary thing. The great thing about that spot we've been going is that there is almost no chance of being around crowds or loud noises or anything that may trigger PTSD. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you do. This fight is far from over for so many of us. It is going to take guys like you doing what you do to help to heal so many.  Keep up the good work."

When I asked Gary if I could use his name, he replied,

"Absolutely! Please do. I can't thank those guys enough for what they are doing for us. Anything I can do or say would never be enough to thank the people who have taught me what I consider to be a new way of life."

We have been taking them to a great new spot on the river where we have been the only people on the water the last three Saturdays (thank you Cullen McClure!). And they've been catching fish. Our newest vet, who held a fly rod in his hands for the first time in his life, caught 3 trout on Saturday evening.

So, if you want to get involved and truly make a difference in this world, please contact Denny Desmond at ddesmond@mindspring.com or 770-992-9242.

Backcasts

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Jim Williams and guide on Courthouse Creek, NC

Jim Harvey at work on Lake Lanier

Jim Harvey at work on Lake Lanier




Friends of Ken Mock on a small stream leading to Lake Erie...now these are steelheads!