Can you believe we're about to close out another year? What happened to 2017?
Whatever happened...it was a fantastic year for the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Here's a quick re-cap.
We started out with a Fishing Dayz (no fishing) & BBQ at Paces Mill park with the Georgia Women's Fly Fishers and members of our new Roswell High School Fishing Club. Although several of our Fishing Dayz events were subsequently cancelled due to inclement weather, overall those attending the events had a good time.
In April, we helped to clean up the river at the annual Sweep the Hooch, fished up at Fern Valley, ventured up to the South Holston River in July and caught dozens and dozens of trout in Cherokee this past November. We also participated on the Wilkes Creek stream restoration project in North Georgia with other Georgia chapters.
We elected several new chapter members to our Board in September and held a highly successful Autumn on the River fundraiser in October. We monitored several local streams flowing into the Hooch as part of our Adopt-a-Stream program.
We held 10 chapter meetings with fantastic speakers covering both conservation issues and fishing techniques. Many speakers were new to UCCTU and would like to return.
It goes without saying that we worked hard this past year. Congratulations and thanks to all who helped make each and every event a SUCCESS! It just shows that UCCTU is a leading chapter not only in Georgia, but across the country. We hope to continue this work in 2018 while tackling a wide range of new projects and activities designed to strengthen and grow our membership.
As I've said before, "You can sit back and take it in or jump in and help make it happen!" I hope you'll join me in "making it happen next year."
One way to help right now is to make a generous donation to UCCTU for 2018. You can make your donation at the next meeting or via the chapter's web site.
I hope to see you in 2018 at our January 23 chapter meeting where Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper of the Chattahoochee Riverkeeper will give us his annual update on our favorite river...the Hooch.
|
Tight Lines,
Ken Mock, President
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter #436
Trout Unlimited
|
|
Fly Fishing Show Atlanta
|
This February marks The Fly Fishing Show's 2nd year in Atlanta. The show will be held of Friday the 2nd and Saturday the 3rd.
The producers of the show are excited to present an amazing expo loaded with manufacturers, retailers, lodges/outfitters, guide services, local shops, a watercraft zone, celebrities, fly tying booths, seminars, casting demonstrations, featured fly tiers, authors booth, destination theater, classes with the experts and the International Film Festival (IF4). Be sure to check out the IFFF Learning Center as well.
You can purchase tickets at the door or in advance through the ticket link on the show website at
flyfishingshow.com.
|
|
Warm Water Fly Fishing
|
|
Local author Lucas Walrod is on a mission to
help bring warm water fly fishing further into the mainstream.
"I really think it's an untapped wellspring to bringing more people to the sport, says Walrod"
Click the image below to read an article he wrote about "
Fishing the lower Chattahoochee."
|
|
Speakers for 2018 Chapter Meetings
|
You might want to mark down these dates to attend our upcoming winter chapter meetings. We have some great programs lined up and hope you'll be there. Meetings are held on the 4
th
Tuesday of every month except Nov. and Dec. at Ippolitos Italian Restaurant, 2270 Holcomb Bridge Road, in Roswell.
January 23
:
Jason Ulseth, Riverkeeper - Update on the Chattahoochee River
February 27:
James Serra and Tim Patrick, chapter members - Dry fly action on the Missouri River in July and fly fishing Christmas Island
March 27:
Chris Nelson, Executive Director, Chattahoochee Nature Center - CNC history and update on new programs and displays
|
|
Revamping our Fishing Dayz
|
Fishing Dayz...no matter how it's spelled...is a morning or afternoon event where chapter members and guests can spend a few hours on a local river or stream with others to enjoy our great sport. Next year we're changing up Fishing Dayz to make them more engaging and educational.
First, we'll be scheduling Fishing Dayz events for both Saturdays and Sundays to accommodate a wider range of participants. And, we'll be holding the events every other month--not monthly. This new schedule, although shortened, will feature guest mentors and guides giving tips and advice. Before we fish...we learn. The idea is to have an expert or two on hand to discuss the flies and techniques required to match the river and weather conditions that day.
The first Fishing Dayz of 2018 will be held on Sunday, February 11 at Paces Mill Park from 10-2 pm. Joining us again will be the Georgia Women's Fly Fishers and members of the Roswell High School fishing club. We'll also be inviting the teachers and students participating in our seven Trout in the Classroom schools. It'll be a fun day of fishing, BBQ, and lessons (casting, knot tying, fly selection).
Come out and help if you can.
|
|
January Meeting Announcement
|
|
The January meeting is the one chance you'll have to hear our 'Riverkeeper', Jason Ulseth, give us a complete update on the status of the Chattahoochee River and action plans for 2018. Jason always comes prepared to answer your questions on past, present and future conservation plans for the Hooch. Gather at Ippolitos Restaurant, 2270 Holcomb Bridge Road on Tuesday, January 23 from 6-9 pm for our first meeting of the year.
|
|
By-law Change in Procedure - Vote at Meeting
|
Our January chapter meeting will also serve as a Special Meeting of the Chapter Membership to hear and vote upon a change in procedure for our By-Laws involving the requirements for writing, signing and issuing certain checks or warrants.
Currently the last sentence of Article VI, Treasurer, Section 7 of the By-Laws reads, "All checks or warrants in excess of an amount set annually by the Board of Directors and for the disbursement of funds of the Chapter shall be signed by the President and countersigned by the Treasurer."
New wording is suggested as follows:
"For all checks or warrants for items exceeding an amount set annually by the Board of Directors and for the disbursement funds of the Chapter that have not been previously approved in the annual budget, the Treasurer shall provide written notice of the amount and purpose to the member of the Executive Committee."
We will review this change, why it has been proposed and ask for a vote of approval at the meeting.
|
|
How About Volunteering Next Year?
|
We have many events scheduled for 2018 and our committee chairs could use some help. Please think about joining them. If you'd like to help one of our committees, just contact one or more of these committee chairs:
Advocacy/Conservation: Aaron Tyre
Education: Cullen McClure
Fundraising: Denny Desmond
Membership: Jim Owen
Programs: Charlie Bennett
Events: Open Position
Trout in the Classroom: Jim Byrd
|
 |
Also, Jim Harvey could use some help with conducting fishing events with members of the Roswell High School Fly Fishing Club: [email protected].
|
|
Final Days of UCCTU Discount at Rivers Edge Outfitters
|
Time is running out!!! Our speaker in September, Joey Walraven of
Rivers Edge Outfitters in Cherokee NC, gave a great presentation on the euro-nymphing technique of fly fishing. Several members tried out this technique and were very successful on our fall trip. The shop is offering our chapter members a 10% discount on all purchases, including guide trips! This discount is available through the end of the year.
use promo code UCCTU at checkout.
|
|
Jeff Durniak for Fly Fishing Hall of Fame
|
|
From Southern Trout Magazine
The Southern Trout "Legends of the Fly" Hall of Fame was first to recognize and commemorate southern trout anglers' historical contributions to fly fishing. Beginning immediately, you may vote for the six nominees to be inducted at the ST "Legends of the Fly" ceremony at The Fly Fishing Show in Atlanta, Georgia, on Friday, February 2, 2018. Master of Ceremony, John Reinhardt, will present the prestigious awards at the event that is sponsored by The Fly Fishing Show, Sweetwater Brewing Co., Thomas & Thomas Rod Co, and Southern Trout Magazine.
Along with the seven new candidates, online voters may also choose from the inductee candidates from last year. There are a total of 26 anglers eligible for induction. Voters have the option of voting for as many as six. The winners will be announced January 5, 2018.
Click this link to cast your vote and help us nominate the newest members of the Southern Trout "Legends of the Fly Hall of Fame!"
Among the nominees is UCCTU's dear friend Jeff Durniak of the GA DNR!
|
|
Sale Table Open at January Meeting
|
The Sale Table introduced at the September meeting was a big hit with members. Gear donated by a former chapter member sold quickly and helped raise money to fund our many chapter activities.
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.
Clean out your fishing
supplies over the holidays.
|
|
RHS Fishing Club Update
|
Through a generous UCCTU donation of $1,000 matched fully by the Georgia Council, our Roswell High School Fly Fishing Club was able to purchase new gear for their members (rod sets, boots and waders).
The equipment will be owned by our chapter, but will be housed at the school for use by the RHS club members. If you'd like to join in and help with a future fishing event, contact Jim Harvey, club advisor at 404-933-5976 or contact Jim at
[email protected].
Jim is shown seated and chapter president Ken Mock is standing with members of the club during the hand-off of the new equipment. Alpharetta Outfitters, our chapter sponsor, helped coordinate the purchase of the gear.
|
|
Free TU Membership for Veterans
|
TU offers a free, one-year trial membership for veterans. It's only offered for a new TU membership and cannot
be used for a renewal. The requirements are that the individual is a veteran and is involved with our chapter's Veterans Service Partnership program.
The veteran will receive all the benefits of a paid membership 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.
If you know of a Veteran interested in Trout Unlimited and becoming a member of TU and our chapter, have them get in touch with Cullen McClure: [email protected].
|
|
2018 Dream Trip Tickets Now On Sale
|
Raffle tickets will be available at 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
- and much more
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 in Helen, GA.
All proceeds from the raffle benefit the Council's many
projects including the annual Georgia Trout Camp.
Buy your tickets at chapter meetings.
|
|
Trout Camp 2018
|
|
Only one spot left! Read this brochure and get your application submitted ASAP. Rules and regulations for Trout Camp attendees are detailed in the brochure. Click the image for a larger view.
|
|
|
|
Be Safe and Check the FLOW Before You GO!
|
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.
|
New members since our last issue of Newsline are:
| Richard |
Adams |
| Finn |
Bernhardt |
| Julian |
Brown |
| Carson |
Chang |
| Pete |
Conroy |
| Richard |
Daniel |
| Peter |
Densmore |
| Mark |
Dent |
| Chris |
Edmondson |
| Ronald |
Fister |
| Chris |
Kayser |
| Daniel |
Kern |
| Preston |
Kimbrel |
| Debbie |
Lu |
| Andy |
Wardner |
| Robert |
Moultrie |
| William |
Thomsen |
| Mike |
Rothfarb |
New members, be sure to join us at our next meeting!
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 some raffle tickets for great prizes.
As always, all proceeds go to UCCTU activities and conservation efforts!
|
|
SweetWater Brewery Stocks the Hooch Photo
Gallery
|
Click the photo to view more...
|
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!
|
|
| Jim Harvey is modeling the new Compass 360 jacket with the first trout of the day caught on the Raven Fork during our recent fall trip. He used the European nymphing technique on this big boy. |
|
|
Bring Equipment to the Meeting
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
Be a Trout Unlimited Ambassador
|
|
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.
|
|
Click the Photo to See the Story
|
|
|
| Kelly Galloup using a couple of interesting dubbing loop techniques |
|
The Executive Committee of the chapter completed its review and update and the Board has approved a 5-year Strategic Plan for the chapter.
The first Strategic Plan developed for UCCTU covered the period from 2012 through 2017. The new plan covers 2018 to 2022. Check out the plan Here. |
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.
|
Don't forget to pay your 2017 UCCTU Voluntary Dues
Here
.
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. Recommend it to your friends.
Social Media:
Visit our information packed UCCTU
Facebook
and
Instagram
pages. Don't forget to share us with your friends.
|
|
 |
|
