“FORWARD CASTING” Important Dates - See you there!

Mar 4 (Sat) GA TU Council Meeting, 9 am, Location - Atlanta Fly Fishing School

Mar 7 (Tues) Fly Tying, 7 pm, with Terry Rivers at his home near Persimmon (3^rd session). Call or email for directions (706) 782 7419 tlr1121@alltel.net

Mar 11 (Sat) Hoot on the Hooch, 6:30 pm, Black Bear Dinner Theater off Hwy. 75 between Helen and Cleveland; Bar-B-Q, Bluegrass, and more

Mar 14 (Tues) Fly Tying, 7 pm, with Terry Rivers at his home near Persimmon (4^th session)

Mar 21 (Tues) Chapter Meeting, 6:30 pm, Clayton Presbyterian Church

Program: Duane Stalnaker – Stealth Tactics and Reading Trout Waters

Mar 25 (Sat) Opening Day for Seasonal Trout Streams

Mar 28 (Tues) Board of Directors meeting, 7 pm, followed by Fly Tying at Terry Rivers’ house (5^th and final 2006 session)

April 18 (Tues) Chapter Meeting, 6:30 pm, Clayton Presbyterian Church

Program: Roy Lovell, County Marshall – Erosion Control & Sedimentation Laws and Enforcement

April 20 – 22 (Thurs – Sat) Camping, Fishing & In-Stream Work Day with USFS leading work on Heddon Creek and camping at Double Bit.

April 25 (Tues) Board of Directors meeting, Location TBD.

April 28 – 30 (Fri - Sun) 5th Annual Regional Rally, Abington, VA

REMEMBER - GEORGIA TROUT CAMP! June 11-16th! We need you to mentor our campers – put it on your calendar!

FLY OF THE MONTH

by Terry Rivers

BLACK STONE NYMPH

This is a general impressionistic stone fly pattern that can be tied in a variety of sizes and colors as needed. Use this during the month of March and you should have success. We will be tying this during one of the tying sessions in March.

Hook: 12-18 Mustard 3906B (or equivalent standard nymph)

Thread: 6/0 black

Tail: Black goose biots

Rib: Vinyl, medium

Underbody: Lead wire (optional)

Abdomen: Black dubbing

Thorax: Black dubbing

Wing case: Black Swiss straw or your choice

"We may say of angling as Dr. Boteler said of strawberries, 'Doubltless God could have made a better berry, but doubtless God never did.' And so, if I might be judge, God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling." Izaak Walton

March Hatches

The Bugs Time of Month Time of Day Suggested Flies .

Early Black Stone All Month L am to M pm 16-18 Black Elk-hair Caddis or Griffith's Gnat

16-18 Black Stone Nymph

Small Dun Caddis All Month E pm to L pm 16-18 Brown Elk-hair or Deer-hair Caddis

(Important) 16-18 Grey Caddis Pupa

Blue Winged Olive & All Month L am to M pm 16-18 BWO, Blue Quill or Adams Parachute

Blue Quill 16-18 BWO or Pheasant Tail Nymph

Quill Gordon All Month L am to M pm 12-14 Quill Gordon

(Important) 12 Quill Gordon Nymph

Cream Caddis Late M day to L pm 12-14 Elk Hair Caddis

(Important) 12-14 Dark Cream Caddis Pupa

Red Quill Mid to Late M day to L pm 14-16 Red Quill or Hendrickson

(Hendrickson) 14-16 Pheasant Tail Nymph

March Brown Mid to Late L am to M pm 12-14 March Brown or Adams Parachute

(very Important) 10-14 March Brown, Dark Hare's Ear, or Pheasant Tail Nymph

Midges All Month M am to L pm 18-20 Griffith's Gnat

18-22 Midge Pupa

" There's something about fly fishing a stream or river that grows on you. It affords more opportunities to meld with nature than other types of fishing, although each has its own special magnetism. In what other kinds of fishing can you smell the sweetness of the native flowers along the banks of the stream, see the eagle as he searches for his next meal, or the bear fishing for breakfast, watch the different hatches and try to identify and match them, listen to the sounds of the stream from the tinkling of a small brook as you wade upstream, to the throaty roar of a whitewater river as you dart and dip along in your drift boat, searching for that special "seam" where you know there'll be a big trout? Yes, there's something about fly fishing a stream that grabs you and won't let go. I was grabbed a long time ago and I must say that I won't let go either." Jimmy D Moore

The Seventh in a Series:

Stream Habitat Protection and Enhancement

In some situations, whole trees dropped and secured can provide critical habitat enhancement:

Trout and other fish are, for better or worse, confined in pools like these at low flow. In this case the Large Woody Debris (LWD) benefit is pretty clear - no wood, no pool, no fish - but tradeoff is that the fish are vulnerable to snakes, birds, raccoons, anglers, etc.

(Our thanks to Dr. Andy Dolloff - USFS Southern Research Station, Blacksburg, VA - for sharing this one with us)

Visitor Use Capacity Analysis, Upper Chattooga River

“I assert that a man does not go fishing or hunting in order to obtain, or kill, as much game as he can. I assert that he does it in order to achieve a certain relationship between himself and wildness, to match himself against the land and against certain of its creatures, possession of which he has taught himself to desire. It is not merely his skill with rod and gun which he wants to exercise … there is a more spacious feeling, the feeling of free agency within a large solitude … the feeling of being alone and unhampered in one’s pursuit, to follow it as one sees fit, by no man’s sufferance.”

Vance Bourjaily

Q & A

(Continued from January and February Issues)

Q. What do you mean by “River Ecosystem Conservation - Wildlife and Resource” as an Upper Chattooga user group?

A. Butch Clay of South Carolina ForestWatch expressed this very well in his written comments to the Forest Service:

Part 3 of a 3 part Series (Editor’s note: Our thanks to Butch Clay for permission to reprint here.)

Message Subject: Recreation Use Form, Visitor Capacity Analysis, Upper Chattooga River

Social conditions: The upper Chattooga as a wild “sanctuary” and as a place of wilderness instruction.

One of the best boaters I know referred to Overflow Creek as his “church.” I can respect and honor that. I would do nothing whatever to ever jeopardize that place or, likewise, the sense of connection that that person has with Overflow Creek.

There are portions of the headwaters — more than one -- that are also a kind of “church” to other, non-boating Chattooga users. These places, like Overflow, are kinds of “wild sanctuaries.” These places, and the experience and sense of communion and connection that these places provide should be safeguarded. I believe that this USFS analysis process should take into consideration how this initiative — and the possible drastic influx of floaters that results — will affect the social values of those seeking sanctuary and retreat in the headwaters. Such values currently available north of 28 bridge will be essentially lost under this initiative. If Overflow is a church, the Rock Gorge is a cathedral. We should, I believe, do everything to ensure that both these places retain the qualities that make then so special to some users. Also, with regard to the river as a place of wilderness instruction for young and old (but especially for young people): The floating stretches allow opportunities for invaluable wilderness lessons for young people in navigating a wild mountain torrent. The headwaters, under current management regulations, provide for equally important, if different, kinds of wilderness lessons — lessons about human limits and vulnerabilities that generations of humans learned at large on the land, for thousands of years, and which have only begun to be substantially forgotten in recent, motorized times. We need both kinds of experience, and both kinds of places.

Initial indications of what it would take to manage for these experiences (managerial conditions): We can look to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act for guidance here, Section 10, Management Direction: “Each component of the national wild and scenic rivers system shall be administered in such manner as to protect and enhance the values which caused it to be included in said system without, insofar as is consistent therewith, limiting other uses that do not substantially interfere with public use and enjoyment of these values. In such administration primary emphasis shall be given to protecting its aesthetic, scenic, historic, archaeologic, and scientific features. Management plans for any such component may establish varying degrees of intensity for its protection and development, based on the special attributes of the area.”

I respectfully submit that a singularly important question that the USFS must deliberate in reviewing this issue is, “Will the suspension of restrictions against floating above Highway 28 inaugurate a level and intensity of new visitation above Highway 28 that would “substantially interfere with public use and enjoyment of…the special attributes of the area?” I would argue that inevitably it will, to the extent that it will facilitate new and easy access to an area whose altogether unique and irreplaceable “special attributes” have accrued as a result of reasonable limitations on human travel imposed upon the headwater reaches by the governing agency, acting entirely within the letter and spirit of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.

The river was zoned in order to protect and provide for varying kinds and intensities of human use. The USFS inaugurated reasonable, justifiable limitations on means of travel to ensure that certain kinds of traditional river experiences would be retained after designation and throughout the increase in use that the agency knew would follow designation. Those zoning restrictions were and are entirely within the USFS legal purview, and the same restrictions, to my mind, are even more important today than they were 30 years ago, when river floaters were far, far fewer, and paddling sports not nearly as popular or well developed. Moreover, the restriction against floating above 28 is, after all, only imposed upon the means of travel, not upon the user. There is not a single boater whose use of the Chattooga headwaters is categorically restricted. All citizens have equal access under the laws and regulations of the USFS.

The zoning solution arrived upon more than 30 years ago has worked well in maintaining a delicate balance of human use of a rare, limited and ever diminishing resource. I would ask that the Forest Service focus their deliberations more on the critical importance of maintaining that overall balance for future generations of “users”, and less on the urgent importunities of any one sub-group of current users.

“I’ve had the good fortune to fish innumerable waters over the years, and as my fly fishing skills developed, I began focusing less on the piscatorial pursuit, and more on simple aesthetic pleasures. With fly fishing it may be the natural progression of things, but for me, while catching trout is important, catching them in wild pristine settings is paramount.” “Sights, Sounds and Solitude of High-Country Streams” by Chuck McGuire in June 1995 Fly Fishing

Take a few minutes, tell the Forest Service what the Upper Chattooga means to you by sending your comments to: Project Coordinator - John Cleeves, E-mail jcleeves@fs.fed.us USDA Forest Service, 4931 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212

For info on the User Analysis, click on: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/chatt.shtml

The First of a Series:

Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Fly Patterns

Rabunite Clay Hudgins has spent about 10 years researching, information collecting, and compiling a wealth of pictures and data on the Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Fly Patterns. Clay has given us permission to share the results of his hobby with the readers of TIGHT LINES.

Editor’s Notes: It was 41 years ago this month that I met Rabunite Bill Kelly. He and I hit it off immediately because we shared a deep affection for the Upper Chattooga River backcountry. Soon I was wading behind him in THE RIVER as I was being indoctrinated into the wonderful world of “Kellyisms”. One of the earliest Kellyism was “There are only 3 flies, the Deer Hair, the Thunderhead, and the Yellow Forky Tail.” Now, thanks to Clay, we begin a new series on the Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Fly Patterns. What better 3 to begin the series with?

Adams Irresistible, Deer Hair (size 12) Thunderhead (size 10-18) Smoky Mtn. Orange Forked Tail (size 12-16)

a.k.a Natural Deer Hair (Sorry Kelly, no picture of a yellow one)

One day on THE RIVER, Kelly gave me my very first deer hair fly. I thought it was too big to fool trout, but I was wrong. We caught plenty! Kelly told me where I could get more deer hairs. He said go to Dickerson Hardware on Main Street in Clayton. All the regular flies were on display with the other fishing tackle, but not the deer hairs. You had to ask Charlie Mac Dickerson, the storeowner, just to get to see the deer hairs. Charlie Mac would go around behind the counter, look around to be sure no one was watching, then reach down under the cash register to pull out a box of Phillips Deer Hair Flies. They came in 4 colors: natural, black, blue, and ginger (I liked the ginger). He would stand there with you as you picked out your flies, then he would return the box to its hiding place beneath the cash register. I believe they were $.65 each. Pretty darn expensive for those days, but they were worth it! Back in 1965 (before I started tying my own), most of my flies were “mail ordered” from LL Bean for $3.60 per dozen.

If you would like to have the original receipt for any of these Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Flies;

just send an E-mail request to: edadams1@alltel.net

" If you are a passionate angler, the chances are that someone caused you to be that by hooking you on fishing when you were young. Those of us who are hooked young, by someone who knows what he (or she) is doing, rarely get off, and often we turn into fishers of kids ourselves. "

From The Next Valley Over by Charles Gaines

The Proceeds from the Rabun Rendezvous are funding 22 Line Items

In the 2006 Rabun TU Budget of $9,790

(2/20/06) - Dear Members of the Natural Resources Committee:
     Last Thursday, February 16th, I spoke to you on behalf of the Georgia Council of Trout Unlimited. We opposed SB 510 as written. I appreciated your undivided attention as you listened to what I, and others, had to say. Now I am writing as a citizen of Georgia, as well as a member of Trout Unlimited.
    It was evident from the wide range of those who spoke in opposition to SB 510 that there are great concerns...concern about flooding, concern about financial impact, concern about wildlife habitat and, for all, concern about water quality. If we continue to encroach on our waterways, both large and small, we will continue to harm the environment with which we have been blessed. Those who spoke were not just a bunch of emotional "tree huggers;" they had first hand knowledge of present and potential problems, along with scientific evidence of the impact of reducing buffers.
    The question was asked about "economic impact to those upstream" because they can't use all their property as they might want. While most of us don't want government...local, state or national...to interfere with our lives, there are times when government must make tough decisions for the good of all, both now and for the future. The protection of our water resources is such a situation where we must look at the common good and must plan for years to come.
    I urge you not to reduce buffers in any way. The report presented by Dr. Judy Meyer clearly showed that the reduction of buffers seriously effects the quality of the water. Her report focused on trout waters, but the same evidence can be applied to other waterways...wider buffers protect the streams. Georgia is fortunate that most of our waterways begin within our state boundaries so we can control what comes downstream. We need to have that same control within our state so our citizens can enjoy the quality of life they deserve. Good water is not a luxury, it is a necessity for life and you have the authority to ensure that for all Georgians. Some may think their property has been "de-valued" because they can't build right beside a stream or river but others, who live downstream, are assured a healthier and better life because Georgia protects its waterways.
    Remember..."Everyone lives downstream” and "your freedom ends where my nose begins."
    Thank you for reading this and, please, do what is right for Georgia and our citizens.    Sincerely, Charles C. Breithaupt, Jr. - Chairman, GA Council of Trout Unlimited; A Concerned Citizen

Feb 21 (Tues) Chapter Meeting There were 23 attendees, including several guests from as far away as Metro Atlanta, Clemson, Hiawassee. Mike Crane, USFS Pickens District Ranger (SC), gave an excellent update on the status and future plans for the Upper Chattooga River user analysis. There will be 2 types of boater trials. One trial will be structured and regimented with expert panels consisting of researchers, boaters, and anglers. The other will be restricted, supervised, and monitored public boating trials at specific times to collect specific information. In addition there will be a thorough review of existing related information and studies, focus groups, and user surveys. When all the details are worked out there will be another public meeting with questions and feedback. Mike also spoke about the proposed sale of USFS lands (see lead story in WHAT’S NEW?). The list of proposed tracts is composed of the parcels the Forest Service considered available for “land exchange” to consolidate holdings. On Feb 28 they released details of tract locations and a 30-day public comment period began. Raffle: There were 9 super neat items for the bucket raffle at this meeting, including 3 fly assortments, 4 draws for toe warmers, 2 free haircuts (donated by City Barber Shop), and a $29 value Oil Change (donated by Rabunite Allison Adams and Clayton Texaco Express Lube). A strange thing happened, Lea didn’t win the flies; he donated flies he tied! The raffle raised $120. A special ‘thank you’ goes to all that contributed items.

Feb 28 (Tues) Board of Directors meeting, 7 pm, followed by Fly Tying at Terry Rivers’ house was attended by 5 directors and 3 more Rabunites for the fly tying session (prince nymph). Items discussed included membership, the Chapter position on the proposed USFS land sale, the Chapter position on GA SB510, the USFS User Analysis on the Upper Chattooga, the nomination of Jimmy Whiten to fill the Vice President position (Ralph & Sandy Morgan are moving to the flatlands), candidates to fill 2 vacant Director positions, the Chapter selection of 3 kids for Trout Camp, Dream Trip raffle ticket sales, Chapter gift for Hoot on the Hoot, and the Chapter Effectiveness Index. We departed the tying session at 10 pm. Fun evening! Thanks, Terry.

Jimmy Harris, recipient of the GA TU Council’s “Appreciation Award”. The Rabunites also thank you Jimmy, for all of your support through the years for

The Rabun Rendezvous.

Letters to the Editor

Thanks to the Rabunites!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you very much for the plaque on Saturday night. The ovation overwhelmed me. Honestly, there was no need, but it was very much appreciated, and I accept it on behalf of all our fine folks in DNR who try hard to conserve your trout resources and provide you with good fishing opportunities.

You see, I have already been rewarded. For 20 years, I've been rewarded every day at "work," every time I watch you pound steel in a stream structure, each instance you bait a hook at a kids fishing rodeo, each instance you speak up on a conservation issue, each time Patrick eats a hush puppy at Salmon Camp, and every time you catch a good'un and smile at me.

Most importantly, I am rewarded every time I see a Rabunite and he or she warmly says, "Hello Jeff."

Thank you for accepting me here in north Georgia. I am truly blessed to be able to call you friends, fishing buddies, and conservation partners.

Makin' Memories - - - thanks for my deep, deep banking account of life's joys! How do ya'll say it? WAAAAAA-HOOOOO!!!!!!!!

Jeff “The Dredger” Durniak, Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Editor’s note: The Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited proudly presented to Jeff the 2006 Distinguished Service Award. All 250 attendees at the Rabun Rendezvous gave him a standing ovation.

More Info About Specifically Placed LWD

Andy Dolloff's brief statement concerning habitat simplification due to timber harvesting doesn't tell the entire story, and needlessly casts a bad light on the timber program. (See article in February issue of TIGHT LINES.) First of all, high gradient Appalachian streams are primarily dependent upon boulders and bedrock for providing habitat. LWD is not the primary habitat even in the Smokies where they do not harvest timber. Saying this, I don't mean that LWD is not desirable and doesn't occur to some degree in these streams. The main point I would like to make is that placing LWD could be written into timber sale contracts, achieving far better results than random placement by Mother Nature. Dolloff's own research showed that specifically placed LWD was more effective than random accumulations. Working through the sale contract could mean more woody debris than would occur normally, in addition to more effective placement at little or no cost.

Monte Seehorn – Retired USFS Regional Fisheries Biologist

Help Wanted: Correct Use of the Hair Stacker

Here's a suggestion for the next Tight Lines: How about a piece on the correct use of the hair-stacker.

As many years as I've made flies, I have never mastered this infernal gadget. I'm beginning to think the hair-stacker is a cruel joke old timers play on us younger folks... like a left-handed monkey wrench.

As a result, my caddis wings, humpy bodies, and Muddler Minnows all look like Don King's hair or something Phyllis Diller would wear to a seduction.

Thanks and best to all, Erwin Ford - Americus, GA

GA Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee hearing on Senate Bill 510:

Stream Buffers - Digest the Facts and Do Something

(Reprinted “Letter to the Editor” in Atlanta Journal-Constitution on 2/20/06)

It is hard to imagine that a $300,000 study commissioned by the state Legislature to examine the effects of reduced stream buffers would be given five minutes for its presentation to the Senate Natural Resources & Environment Committee. It is even harder to imagine that its chairman, Ross Tolleson, "can't get comfortable" with the information presented.

It took me more than five minutes to read the report, and it made me uncomfortable --- sometimes facts can do that.

That committee should sift through that report and prepare legislation to protect the fragile mountain streams being damaged, perhaps beyond repair, because of poor decision-making three years ago. Eventually that lower-quality water will reach the taps of metro Atlanta.

Paul O'Mara – Rome. GA

(Editor’s note: Paul’s daughter, Kelly, attended the 2004 GA Trout Camp)

President's Budget Proposes USFS Selling Land

(see lead story in WHAT’S NEW?):

Sell the Timber and Keep the Land for Future Generations

I've already sent an e-mail to my Ruffed Grouse mailing list suggesting that they recommend simply harvesting the timber on the land to their Congressman, and sell it rather than the land, as one possibility if it looks like the land will really be sold. My guess is that they could generate about as much money and still keep the land. With even a halfway reasonable timber program on the National Forests to generate 25% funds they wouldn't have to depend on taxpayer dollars to fund the counties. It was a "given" when Clinton passed the legislation, that these taxpayer funds would dry up during lean years. He and the preservation groups didn't care. They were basically pushing this program to take emphasis away from the timber program.

Monte Seehorn – Retired USFS Regional Fisheries Biologist

President's Budget Proposes USFS Selling Land: (2/10/06) The FY 2007 President's Budget proposes to reauthorize the Secure Rural Schools program for another five years. To help fund this initiative, the Administration recommends selling over 300,000 acres of National Forest System lands in 34 states around the nation, including 30 tracts in the Chattahoochee National Forest totaling 3973 acres. In Rabun County, 4 tracts totaling 788 acres were identified as potentially eligible for selling. The plan, which requires congressional approval, would funnel the money from sales to rural counties, in part to replace proposed cutbacks of federal dollars that now help pay for schools and roads. Lands that are potentially eligible have been identified and are displayed in a table at the following website: http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/spd.html

For more info on the proposal, go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/rural_schools.shtml

USFS - Data Gathering Techniques Announced for Chattooga Wild and Scenic River's Visitor Use Capacity Analysis (2/3/06) There will be 2 types of boater trials. For more information see the “Backcasting” report of Feb 21 Chapter meeting presentation and the News Release by Sumter N F: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/news/2006/FMS0603.shtml

GA Senate Bill 510 – Stream/Reservoir Buffer Bill

(see “Backcasting” Feb 16 & “Letter to the Editor” by O’Mara)

A bill that makes it possible for landowners outside metro Atlanta to build closer to drinking water reservoirs and their feeder streams passed a Senate committee Feb 24^th.

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/sum/sb510.htm

I-3 Update - Mountain People Represented! Habersham, Rabun, White, and Towns County Commissioners in GA have all issued statements formally opposing the construction of I-3, a proposed interstate highway connecting Knoxville, TN to Savannah. In NC, Macon and Clay County are also formally opposing the I-3 proposal, and leaders in Swain and Cherokee counties said that they would take similar stances. Most agreed that the proposed Interstate 3 would have a devastating impact on the environment, economy, culture and aesthetics. In addition, the “Stop I-3 Coalition” made up of 27 citizen groups (including Rabun TU and the GA TU Council) has issued the following statement: “The Mission of the Stop I-3 Coalition is to protect the mountains, rivers, lakes and forests for this and future generations by preventing "Interstate 3" or any similar highway project from being built in the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, or along a route approaching the mountains, in that it would do irreparable harm to mountain economies, forest, farms, and streams, and to rural qualities of life rooted in a strong sense of place.” The federal government plans to spend $1.3 million to study the feasibility of I-3, but no path has been chosen for the interstate. For more info, click on: http://www.stopi-3.org/

USFS - Chattahoochee National Forest Concessionaire Prospectus: The USDA Forest Service Chattahoochee National Forest is seeking qualified businesses interested in operating 7 government owned campgrounds and day use recreation areas (none in Rabun County are included). One business will be selected and will be issued a Special Use Authorization to operate these sites. Proposals will be accepted now through the close of business on April 3, 2006. For more info: http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/su/200601-ghc.htm

USFS – Tallulah Ranger District: 05-182 - Fish Passage & Habitat Enhancement; Brook Trout Restoration/Renovation (10 - 20 Streams); Scoping in Feb. 2006; Decision/Review in April 2006; Implementation from 2006 – 2008. For more info: http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/sopa/documents/200601-sopa.pdf

SC DOT – New US76 Bridge Over the Chattooga River: Construction is underway for the replace bridge over Georgia’s only National Wild and Scenic River. The new bridge is being constructed immediately upstream of the existing bridge. http://www.scdot.org/ArtMan/publish/printer_179.shtml

GA WRD News Story - Gov. Sonny Perdue Announces Forestry for Wildlife Partners (2/1/06) Gov. Sonny Perdue recently recognized five major corporate forest landowners in Georgia for their good stewardship in land management and their outstanding practices benefiting the state’s wildlife. Georgia Power, International Paper, MeadWestvaco, Temple-Inland and Plum Creek received awards for participating in the 2005 Forestry for Wildlife Partnership, a program administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). The Forestry for Wildlife Partnership (FWP) is a voluntary annual program that promotes blending wildlife conservation into corporate forestry practices and offers a variety of choices from which landowners can build a program compatible with their forest management objectives.
For more information about Forestry for Wildlife or other private lands initiatives call (770) 761-1697 or go to: www.georgiawildlife.com

GA House Bill 1211 - Southern Appalachian Brook Trout as the State Cold Water Game Fish was passed in the House by a vote of 161 - 1. Now the bill is in the Senate.

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2005_06/sum/hb1211.htm

GA WRD – Plans to Establish a 5^th D.H. Trout Stream

(reprinted from the Unicoi Outfitters February Newsletter)

The really exciting story on the Toccoa is the announcement that DNR plans to establish a new Delayed Harvest stream on the upper Toccoa. Approximately 1.5 miles of the river from Sandy Bottoms canoe launch downstream to the Forest Service property boundary just above Shallowford Bridge is scheduled to be managed under delayed harvest regulations beginning this coming November. This is a fantastic announcement! We predict this section of the Toccoa will become one of the most popular trout streams in the state. Here the river is big and provides a variety of habitat for the fish. It will be a great stretch for wade fishing or fishing from a pontoon boat. Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will hold a public meeting to present a proposal to implement a Delayed Harvest regulation on a portion of the Toccoa River and to receive public input on the proposed regulation change. The meeting will be at the Blue Ridge Mountains Arts Association building at 420 West Main Street in Blue Ridge, Georgia on Thursday, March 16, 2006 at 7:00 pm.

“Fishing for browns requires stealth, patience, a lot of hiding behind bushes and limited wading. About the only time you'll see me hiding behind a bush is when I encounter a bear. I'd rather be on the water heading upstream.

Doesn't seem to bother the rainbows and it's probably the reason I don't catch a lot of browns. “

Jimmy D Moore

5th Annual Regional Rally - April 28th thru 30th - Abington, Virginia

“Deep in the Heart of Trout Territory and Dead Center of the World”

Join over 100 of your closest TU buddies (or future TU buddies) from across the Southeast along with a few of your favorite National TU staffers for a weekend to remember. The Rally takes place at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center near Abingdon, VA.

The $65 per person registration fee includes a bunk for Friday & Saturday nights, workshops centered on Conservation and Leadership programs, meals from Friday evening through Sunday breakfast, and a whole lot of fishing. There is also time to have discussions on both programs so you can get answers to your questions. Accommodations are very basic buildings with single bunk beds and group “facilities”, but do have heat and air.

The Conference Center rooms are reserved for couples only.

What to bring: sleeping bag and/or blankets, pillow, towel, all personal toiletries, flash light, hat, Fishing gear (of course). Coolers with adult refreshments are welcome.

Contact Charlie Breithaupt for registration form: Ph 706 782 6954 E-mail knc615@direcway.com

You may make payments either by check or credit card. Payment in full is required at the time of registration.

Fishing Report

A. Flyfishing Best Bets

Spring (March – May)

Hint- #14 Adams or Caddis dry and a Prince dropper

1. Chattooga River - Rt 28 to NC line (Rabun Co)

2. Smith DH (White Co)

3. Chattahoochee in Atlanta

4. Dukes Creek (White Co.; reservations 706-878-3087)

5. Waters Creek Comeback (Lumpkin Co; need WMA stamp)

Summer (June – September)

Hint- six foot rod and six foot leader, Royal Coachman trude, small wild rainbows!

1. West Fork Chattooga – “Three Forks” tributaries

2. Most national forest extreme headwaters (Hooch, Moccasin, etc)

3. Noontootla (Fannin Co)

4. Toccoa River tailwater below Blue Ridge Lake

5. Dukes Creek in the mornings

Fall (October – December)

Hint- use light leaders with clear water; no fishing pressure; spawning browns.

1. Seasonal headwater streams (open til 10/31)

2. Upper Chattooga (follow the water temperatures)

3. DH streams (open Nov 1)

4. Chattahoochee in Atlanta

Winter (January- February)

Hints - long leader, split shot & eggs and buggers DEEP, 40F, fish the afternoons!

1. Chattahoochee in Atlanta (DH and upstream sections)

2. Dukes Creek

3. Chattooga DH

4. Smith DH (never muddy)

5. Toccoa tailwater (Feb caddis)

B. Fly Shops

1. Unicoi Outfitters - Helen, Blue Ridge (great newsletter): http://www.unicoioutfitters.com/

2. Upper Hi Fly- Hiawassee: http://www.upper-hi-fly.com/

3. North Georgia Fishing Center – Cumming (Hwy 400): http://hammondsfishing.com/

4. Bass Pro Shops – Lawrenceville (Hwy 85): http://www.basspro.com/servlet/catalog.CFPage?appID=94&storeID=3

C. Kid-Friendly Trout Waters

1. Smith Creek / Chattahoochee River (Helen Area)

2. Dicks & Boggs creeks (Lumpkin Co)

3. Wildcat Creek/ Moccasin Creek State Park (fish hatchery, kids catfish pond, nearby streams)

4. Rock Creek (near Suches; USFWS hatchery)

5. Amicalola State Park (Dawson Co)

6. See “Northeast GA Fishing Guide” at www.gofishgeorgia.com

D. “Catch Your Limit” Trout Waters

1. Hooch – Helen and Buford Dam

2. Tallulah River (Rabun Co)

3. Dicks Creek (Lumpkin Co)

4. Cooper Creek (Union Co)

5. Blue Ridge Tailwater (Fannin Co)

E. Easy to learn:

1. North Georgia Trout Online: http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/, then “message board” and “jump right in.”

2. New fishing friends/mentors with Trout Unlimited (http://georgiatu.org): Cornelia chapter contact is Jimmy Harris (706-778-5377), Cumming chapter contact is Duane Stalnaker (770-560-9723).

3. State park and hatchery loaner fishing pole program, education programs (http://www.gastateparks.org/ ).

4. April-June kids fishing events (www.gofishgeorgia.com, click on “fishing,” then “take a kid fishing.”

F. References

1. GA fishing licenses cost $9 for annual resident license and $5 for trout stamp ($24 and $13 for nonresidents); available online (www.gofishgeorgia.com), at 1-888-748-6887, and in local sporting goods stores. Kids under 16 – no license needed.

2. GADNR (Wildlife Resources Div. offices, trout maps, Parks Division): http://www.gadnr.org/. WRD - Gainesville regional office: 770-535-5498.

3. U.S. Forest Service (maps, campgrounds): http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/ or call 770-297-3000.

4. Trout Fishing in North Georgia: book by Jimmy Jacobs: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561452432/103-8204175-6703026

5. Chattooga Delayed Harvest fishing article: http://www.orctu.org/fly_paper_jan_2004.htm

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

A Big Rabunite welcome to 9 new members this month: Dave Lash (transfer), 1871 Aspen Drive, Atlanta, GA 30345; Lynda & Reb Hester, 92 Gleneagle Court B202, Clayton. GA 30525; Patsy & Ray Gentry (transfer), 264 Laurelwood, Sautee, GA 30571; Ron Robeson, 307 E. Breckinridge, Macon, GA 31210; Michael Hoffer (transfer), 371 Owensby Mill Drive, Ellijay, GA 30536; Mitch Logan (transfer), 2314 Meadow Isle Lane, Lawrenceville, GA 30043;

and David Cannon (transfer), 1024 Avery Creek Drive, Woodstock, GA 30188-2357

Thanks for re-upping: Brooks & Amanda Adams, Lea Richmond, Fritz Vinson, and John Martin

It is time to renew your membership: M. Pierce, Hal Northrop, Maria Rodeghiero, and Andrew Wylie

Q&A

Q. How many folks joined the Rabun Chapter last year?

A. In the last 12 months, we welcomed in 41 new Rabunite Memberships! 29 with NEW TU memberships and 12 more that transferred their TU memberships to Rabun TU. Waaaah WHOooooo!!!

Honest, I’m Not a “Bonafide” Flatlander, - - - like Doug “Banker” Hickman: As you now know, I have just recently transferred my membership to the Rabun Chapter and figured I needed to give you a little information about myself. Doug Hickman is the person most responsible for getting me into your chapter so if you need to blame someone, he is that person. The big difference between us is that I am a transplanted flatlander while he is bonafide. I am originally from Ellijay, Georgia (thank God!) but I have lived in Lawrenceville since I graduated college in the mid 80’s. My daddy raised me on the trout streams of Gilmer and Fannin Counties and I owe him large for that. Doug and I have been fishing together for several years now and he has attempted to get me to attend the Rendezvous for the past few years. This year I was able to attend with my friend Alan Cobb, Doug and his son Ross, and cannot tell you how much fun I had that night. (I was fortunate enough to have the high bid on a trout print by Bruce Bunch.) (Doug and I jointly bid on your Chattooga map but someone slicked us at the end.) Since then I have visited your website several times and gleaned a lot of good information from the back issues of Tight Lines. Doug and I also made an attempt at fishing the Chattooga on Feb 2 when the air temperature did not exceed about 40 degrees. He did much better than I that day but revenge will be sweet later this spring. Needless to say, I was thoroughly impressed with your Chapter and look forward to meeting you and more of the members in the future. New Rabunite Mitch Logan (2/20/06)

Newest Rabunite David Cannon Now Writes a Monthly Trout Fishing Article for GA Outdoor News. Grab a copy of the March issue and turn to pages 138 & 139 for “Cannon’s Creel”. Nice work. Congratulations David! Waaaah WHOooooo!!! http://www.gon.com/

Rabun TU Officers & Directors

President - Terry Rivers, PO Box 371, Clayton, GA 30525 Ph 706 782 7419 E-mail tlr1121@alltel.net

Vice President - Ralph Morgan Ph 706 782 4857 E-mail rtsc8745@alltel.net

Treasurer (w/Newsletter) - Doug Adams Ph 706 746 2158 E-mail edadams1@alltel.net

Secretary - Tom Matthews Ph 706 782 0369 E-mail tmatt@hemc.net

Past President (w/Membership) - Ray Kearns Ph 706 782 9913 E-mail raykearns@alltel.net

Director (w/Programs) - Bill Kelly Ph 706 746 2104 E-mail bkjk1@alltel.net

Director (w/Website) - Kathy Breithaupt Ph 706 782 6954 E-mail knc615@direcway.com

Director (w/Campouts & USFS Work-outings) - Charlie Breithaupt Ph 706 782 6954 E-mail knc615@direcway.com

Director (w/Publicity & Hospitality) - Tom Landreth Ph 706 746 2295 E-mail landreth@alltel.net

Director - Jimmy Whiten Ph 706 886 6546 E-mail jimmywhiten@alltel.net

Director – (vacant)

News from the President...... Terry Rivers

Hi All,

The fly tying sessions are going great. We welcome all who would like to attend, or just to socialize. There’s a lot of tall tales told and you don’t want to miss them.

Just a reminder, we have planned some great camping trips this year. So I want to invite not only our members but also members of other chapters or anyone else interested in protecting our natural resources and cold-water streams

I hope that everybody that can will attend the monthly meetings not only for the great programs we have, but also for the bucket raffles and refreshments. We have had some new members to transfer-in and new ones that have joined. I want to personally say welcome and looking forward to meeting you all.

Thanks again to all the members for your help.

Terry

Have a great day - Hope you catch a lot of fish!

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For more pictures, info, and back issues of TIGHT LINES, visit the Rabun TU website: http://www.rabuntu.com/ Georgia TU Council website: http://georgiatu.org/ & National TU Website: http://www.tu.org/index.asp We would love getting your “Letters to the Editor”, suggestions, stories, articles, and questions for our panel of experts in the Q & A section, or your comments about our Website and Newsletter.

Send them to: edadams1@alltel.net Or to: Rabun TU, PO Box 65, Rabun Gap, GA 30568

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Please tell us if you have E-mail, it will save the chapter $1.09 per newsletter mailed: E-Mail edadams1@alltel.net

RABUN CHAPTER of TROUT UNLIMITED PO BOX 371 CLAYTON, GA 30525

Clayton Presbyterian Church (Located behind the Post Office) - Clayton, GA 3^rd Tuesday of the Month 6:30 pm – Social & Yarn Spinning 7:00 pm – Program & Meeting (you don’t have to believe the yarns - - if you don’t want to)

At every regular chapter meeting there will be a raffle for fishing or camping items to help pay the cost of mailing the newsletter to members without E-mail. Bring an item to donate and a dollar or two for raffle tickets - you might win something.

BLACK STONE NYMPH

Visitor Use Capacity Analysis, Upper Chattooga River

If you would like to have the original receipt for any of these Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Flies;

just send an E-mail request to: edadams1@alltel.net

The Proceeds from the Rabun Rendezvous are funding 22 Line Items

In the 2006 Rabun TU Budget of $9,790

More Info About Specifically Placed LWD

Help Wanted: Correct Use of the Hair Stacker

GA Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee hearing on Senate Bill 510:

Stream Buffers - Digest the Facts and Do Something

Sell the Timber and Keep the Land for Future Generations

For more info on the proposal, go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/rural_schools.shtml

GA Senate Bill 510 – Stream/Reservoir Buffer Bill

GA WRD – Plans to Establish a 5^th D.H. Trout Stream

Fishing Report

Georgia Trouting Through The Seasons

A. Flyfishing Best Bets

B. Fly Shops

C. Kid-Friendly Trout Waters

D. “Catch Your Limit” Trout Waters

F. References

Q&A

Terry

Clayton Presbyterian Church (Located behind the Post Office) - Clayton, GA 3rd Tuesday of the Month 6:30 pm – Social & Yarn Spinning 7:00 pm – Program & Meeting (you don’t have to believe the yarns - - if you don’t want to)

At every regular chapter meeting there will be a raffle for fishing or camping items to help pay the cost of mailing the newsletter to members without E-mail. Bring an item to donate and a dollar or two for raffle tickets - you might win something.

BLACK STONE NYMPH

Visitor Use Capacity Analysis, Upper Chattooga River

If you would like to have the original receipt for any of these Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Flies;

just send an E-mail request to: edadams1@alltel.net

The Proceeds from the Rabun Rendezvous are funding 22 Line Items

In the 2006 Rabun TU Budget of $9,790

More Info About Specifically Placed LWD

Help Wanted: Correct Use of the Hair Stacker

GA Senate Natural Resources and Environment Committee hearing on Senate Bill 510:

Stream Buffers - Digest the Facts and Do Something

Sell the Timber and Keep the Land for Future Generations

For more info on the proposal, go to: http://www.fs.fed.us/land/staff/rural_schools.shtml

GA Senate Bill 510 – Stream/Reservoir Buffer Bill

GA WRD – Plans to Establish a 5th D.H. Trout Stream

Fishing Report

Georgia Trouting Through The Seasons

A. Flyfishing Best Bets

B. Fly Shops

C. Kid-Friendly Trout Waters

D. “Catch Your Limit” Trout Waters

F. References

Q&A

Terry

Clayton Presbyterian Church (Located behind the Post Office) - Clayton, GA 3^rd Tuesday of the Month 6:30 pm – Social & Yarn Spinning 7:00 pm – Program & Meeting (you don’t have to believe the yarns - - if you don’t want to)

GA WRD – Plans to Establish a 5^th D.H. Trout Stream