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TIGHT
LINES
July 2006 Newsletter of the Rabun Chapter
(522) of Trout Unlimited Editor –
Doug Adams edadams1@alltel.net Visit the
Rabun TU website: http://www.rabuntu.com/ “A trout
is a moment of beauty known only to those who seek it.” Arnold Gingrich |
THE AUGUST
MEETING is the ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC!
The
Chapter will provide the soft drinks, the fried chicken, plates, etc. Everyone is asked to bring a covered dish,
veggies, salad, chips, or a desert.
There will
not be a raffle at the Family Picnic.
"The
real sportsman does not hesitate to dress his share of the trout or to scour
the dirty dishes in the sand. He helps
the less-experienced angler in any way that he can and does not fear the
competition that may result. There is a brotherhood among anglers."
Ernest G.
Schwiebert, Jr
Important
Dates - See you there!
July 11 & 12 (Tues
& Wed) Electro-Shock Sampling of Chattooga River
(USFS, SC DNR & GA DNR). Lots of Volunteers needed! Meet Tuesday morning at 9 AM at the Cherry
Hill CG entrance on SC Highway 107 (pack a lunch and water). There will be a campout Monday & Tuesday
night in Cherry Hill CG (with hot shower, flush toilets & tables). Contact Terry Rivers, he plans the menu and buys the grub - Ph 706 782 7419 E-mail tlr1121@alltel.net
July 18 (Tues) Family
Picnic, 6 PM, Kelly’s Water Falls Park
July 25 (Tues)
Board of Directors meeting, Location TBD
Aug 4 & 5 (Fri &
Sat) Campout and Instream Work Day on Ramey Creek (A “Back the
Brookie” Project)
Aug 15 (Tues)
Chapter Meeting, 6:30 PM, Clayton Presbyterian Church Program: by Rusty Rhea, USDA Forest Health
Specialist “Update – Hemlock
Woolly Adelgid”
Aug 22 (Tues) Board
of Directors meeting, Location TBD
FLY OF THE MONTH
by Terry Rivers

THIS
PATTERN SHOULD ALSO BE WEIGHTED TO GET IT DOWN. THIS FLY SHOULD WORK GREAT DURING JUNE AND JULY. DROP THIS FLY BEHIND A GOLDEN STONE
STIMULATOR AND THE RESULTS SHOULD BE GOOD.
HOOK: 10/12 2X
LONG NYMPH
TAIL &
FEELERS: LIGHT BROWN GOOSE BIOTS
BODY: BROWN
RABBIT DUBBING LIGHT/OR DARK
RIB: MED. VINYL
RIB OR WIRE
WING CASE: BROWN
SWISS OR TURKEY QUILL
"Flies have a strong, marvelous power, and each is meaningful as a point of contact with nature.
Embodied in the fly is a message that reflects the tyer's point of view about nature.
By creating
an enduring fly, you convey your message to future fly fishers."
Nori
Tashiro
JULY HATCHES
The Bugs Time of
Month Time of
Day
Suggested Flies
Brown Stonefly All Month Early to Mid AM 10-14
Brown Stimulator
10-12
Brown Stonefly Nymph
Golden Stonefly All Month Early AM 8-12
Ginger Stimulator
6-10
Golden Stonefly Nymph
Light Cahill Mayfly All Month E to L pm
12-14 Light Cahill
12-14 Light Cahill Nymph
Trico Mayfly Early Mid AM 20
Parachute Trico
Trico Spinner Fall Late PM 20–22
Poly Wing Black Spinner
Midges
All Month All Day 18-22 Griffith's Gnat
18-22 Midge Pupa
TU Chapter ‘Website-of-the-Month’: http://www.tailwatertu.com/
(Take a
look at Here's Pictures of
Duane's Trip to Wyoming, July 2005”
Excerpt
with permission from the Chattooga Conservancy newsletter, “Chattooga
Quarterly”, Spring 2006
The Chattooga Conservancy favors keeping the ban for
two very simple and intertwined reasons. First, the Forest Service has not been
able to enforce the mandate to limit use in the Chattooga’s lower sections to
protect a “wilderness experience” as prescribed by the Wild and Scenic Rivers
Act, so how could we expect them to protect the experience in the headwaters,
should the ban be lifted? Secondly, AWA has stated that they are demanding
access without limitations. AWA’s demand violates our basic, ethical litmus
test for conservation: You should be willing to make sacrifices in terms of
reasonable limitations in order to protect the natural resource. To read the complete article:
http://www.chattoogariver.org/index.php?req=updateSp2006&quart=Sp2006
Excerpts
with permission from the Chattooga Conservancy website
The Chattooga Conservancy was established
as a conservation organization in 1991 to "protect, promote and restore
the natural ecological integrity of the Chattooga River watershed ecosystems;
to ensure the viability of native species in harmony with the need for a healthy
human environment; and to educate and empower communities to practice good
stewardship on public and private lands." The Conservancy places
protection of this resource at the forefront of all programs.
The Chattooga Conservancy believes the
key issue in the current debate about opening the Chattooga River to boating
above the highway 28 bridge is protecting the "outstandingly remarkable
resource" values of the area, both social and environmental.
We realize that this is a sensitive issue
and accept that this is a difficult position to take. However, as a
conservation organization we have an obligation to protect the Chattooga River
Watershed first, despite our own personal wants and activities. In this case, that is exactly what we have
done.
To read the complete article: http://www.chattoogariver.org/
Actions must protect all Outstandingly Remarkable
Values, regardless of where they are located.
When Outstandingly Remarkable Values lie within the boundary of the Wild
and Scenic River, the value must be protected and enhanced. When values are in conflict with each other,
the net effect to Outstandingly Remarkable Values must be beneficial. The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act stipulates
that agencies be given discretion to manage a river system with “varying
degrees of intensity for its protection and development, based on the special
attributes of the area.” http://www.nps.gov/yose/planning/sfbridge/ch5.htm
What’s
New with the Upper Chattooga?
On May 18th,
the boaters filed suit against the Forest Service: As
reported in the June issue of TIGHT LINES, several boating organizations and 3
individuals signed-on as the plaintiffs for the filing of a lawsuit against the
Forest Service. The suit seeks to
overturn the 30-year old zoning for immediate and unregulated access for
rafting, canoeing, and kayaking on the Upper Chattooga. The stretch of river at issue is presently
zoned for foot travel only (no horses, no bicycles, no boats) for those
visitors seeking solitude, remoteness, and a true wilderness experience.
On June 12th, the Forest
Service (FS) moved to dismiss the boater’s complaint on 3 separate grounds:
First, their
claims are not yet ripe for judicial review.
The FS is currently studying the issue and, as ordered, must issue a new
decision regarding the prohibition after the study is complete. Plaintiffs claim that delaying immediate
judicial review will cause them undue hardship is baseless. The floating
prohibition that they claim creates a judicial emergency and intolerable
hardship has been in place for thirty years. Primitive floating is already
permitted on the majority of the river (and all of the West Fork). Second, plaintiffs lack standing
because their claimed injury – the inability to float on a portion of the
Chattooga – is not traceable to the challenged 2005 Forest Service
Administrative Appeal Decision at issue, nor would their claimed injury be
redressed if the Court were to invalidate that Order. Third,
it does not appear that plaintiffs have served the Attorney General with a
summons and complaint as required by Rule 4(i) of the Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure.
On June 15th, the
Georgia Wildlife Federation (GWF) joined Friends of the Upper Chattooga
(FOTUC): GWF began
as a sportsman's organization in 1936 and since then has grown to become
Georgia's oldest and largest conservation organization. Today, GWF
members include bird watchers, hunters, anglers, educators, gardeners, hikers -
a diverse group of individuals united by their concern and compassion for the
environment. As an organization, GWF takes stands on issues based on
ecological and wildlife principles. Jerry McCollum, GWF President
and CEO, said, “We will be glad to be listed with the Friends of the
Upper Chattooga.” “ We intend
to keep this river an angler's paradise.”
http://www.gwf.org/
On June 19th,
the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club (AFFC) joined FOTUC: AFFC promotes stream
stewardship, catch and release, and enhancing fly-fishing skills. The Upper
Chattooga is favorite destination for members because of its unique combination
of solitude, remoteness, river size, spectacular scenery, and the wild brown
trout fishery. http://atlantaflyfishingclub.org/
On June 26th, the
South Carolina Wildlife Federation (SCWF) joined FOTUC: Founded by sportsmen in 1931, the
SCWF has maintained a diverse membership.
The SCWF facilitates effective habitat conservation and respect for
outdoor traditions for current and future generations through statewide
leadership, education, advocacy and partnerships. Angela Viney, Executive Director, said, “ - - everyone [on the
Fisheries Committee] is in full agreement that SCWF should be included -
-”. http://www.scwf.org/
Q & A
Q. With the
boaster’s lawsuit pending, is the Forest Service going ahead with the Visitor
Use Capacity Analysis?
A.
Yes. On May 26th, the FS
updated their user analysis plans: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/chattdata.shtml
In an
official document the boaters are telling the Forest Service, “Boaters
Coexist Peacefully With Other River Recreationists on All Other Southeastern
Rivers” “As on every other
similar river in the southeast, anglers and paddlers can peacefully coexist on
the Headwaters of the Chattooga River.” Quotes are from page 47 & 48
of the American Whitewater appeal to the Forest Service. http://www.americanwhitewater.org/resources/repository/Final%20Chattooga%20Appeal%20Document.pdf
Do you
have knowledge of some “similar rivers” the Forest Service should study?
Have you experience user interference from boating on
a trout stream? Have you had your day
spoiled by a parade of boats going through?
Have you been displaced to another stream because of conflict, disgust,
or interference caused by boating? Are
there trout streams you now avoid because of boating? (i.e. Lower
Chattooga, West Fork/Overflow, or Upper Chattahoochee (in Helen) in GA;
Davidson, Nantahala, Tuckasegee, Wilson
Cr, or Green in NC; Tellico or Little R. in TN; or any other stream in the
Southeast) What about up North? (i.e.
AuSable & Pere Marquette in MI or the Farmington in CT) What’s it going to be like in another 20
years? Do we need more stream sections
zoned like the Upper Chattooga, for “foot travel only”?
If so or
if you have an opinion, please take a few minutes and tell the
Forest Service.
Please be specific as to stream, time of year, type of boats
involved, behavior of boaters, effects on fish behavior, effects on fishing
experience, etc. Once you have shared
your own experiences, please pass this request on to other anglers.
Send your comments to: Project Coordinator - John
Cleeves, E-mail jcleeves@fs.fed.us ; US
Forest Service, 4931 Broad River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. For more info on the User Analysis, click
on: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/chatt.shtml
Sent: Thursday,
June 08, 2006 Subject:
Friends of the Upper Chattooga
As an example of incompatibility:
trout fishing & boaters, the West Fork of the Chattooga is a fine example.
I've been "in the way" by these kayakers & canoeists
while trying to have a bit of trout fishing solitude there. Of course they
scare the fish, so I either have to wait a long while or just give up & go
elsewhere. Paddlers do indeed affect the trout fishing. The Chattahoochee in Helen
is a "bust" for summer trout fishing. I don't want the Upper
Chattooga to end up being another loss to the boaters who then ultimately
control this river experience. There are many alternative places they can
paddle nearby but few alternative places like this left in the entire east
coast of North America for fisherman. What a mess. Brian Sandven - Clarkesville GA (OK to share)
Note: Unlike
narrow mountain trout streams, there are locations where trout fishing and
boating ARE compatible. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area
through Atlanta is a very wide tailwater trout stream. Because the river
is so wide, boaters can usually avoid infringing on and interfering with the
wading anglers. Most stretches of the river are too deep for wading.
The water level can rise rapidly when water is released at Buford Dam, making
wading in some locations hazardous - even with a PFD. Solitude
for anglers can be achieved only by boating away from access points.
The Eighth in a Series:
Stream Habitat Protection and Enhancement
The Forest Service defines Large
Woody Debris (LWD) as any piece(s) of dead woody material [e.g., dead boles (the main stem of trees), limbs, and large root
masses] on the ground in forest stands, or in streams. “A variety of aquatic species depend on the
natural accumulation of trees, branches, and root wads known as large woody
debris (LWD). LWD slows the flow of water, dissipates energy, traps sediment
and organic matter, and creates microhabitats for fish and macro invertebrates.
LWD in the form of overhanging logs, debris jams, and especially root wads
forms pools and provides complex cover. Removal of LWD typically results in
habitat simplification and fewer, smaller fish.” A quote by Dr. Andy Dolloff, PhD in Fisheries and
Wildlife, a researcher at VA Tech’s Southern Research Station. http://www.cnr.vt.edu/fisheries/Dolloff.htm
"Few elements of this
whole we call nature bring us into more intimate contact with its beauty, with
our wonder, than the creatures we call trout, or the activity we call angling.
To see the glow, to smell the
wood, to hear the water - to feel the heft of a good fish - is to be
alive."
From "The Nature of Fly
Fishing" by Steven J Meyers
What’s
New Elsewhere?
An Idea
Worth Throwing Back
Reprinted
from the New York Times (6/2/06)
After a yearlong
experiment with rainbow trout, researchers at the University of Missouri have
announced that feeding them creatine — the body-building supplement Mark
McGwire made infamous — can improve their fighting ability. Actually, these
experiments demonstrate that trout eating a 5 percent creatine diet can swim
against the current far longer than fish that aren't taking the supplement. No
one has tested these creatine rainbows against an actual angler. But that has
not prevented the researchers from leaping to an economic conclusion.
"Fishermen probably would pay a premium for a chance of catching fish that
fought longer and harder," one of them said.
Probably. But
also probably not. A trout that is being fed creatine is being fed by humans.
The ones at the University of Missouri were tested in double-walled plexiglass
tubes. The ones that anglers are likely to hook would be living in ponds, where
their diets could be supplemented with creatine. They would be hatchery fish. And
that's where the irony of a study like this becomes apparent.
If
you've ever caught a wild rainbow trout — truly wild, like those in the
Delaware or the Madison River — you know that it doesn't need any help from
creatine. A hatchery trout is a different creature entirely — a wan spirit
reared in concrete tanks, fed trout pellets, and dumped into a foreign world on
opening day. Creatine might make a difference to these fish and the anglers who
catch them, but it's the wrong difference, especially since the F.D.A. hasn't
approved creatine as a food additive. Anglers don't need creatine-enhanced
hatchery trout. What we need are more wild trout in more wild rivers.
Editor’s Note: Our thanks to Rabunite Elizabeth Allan for the
heads-up on this story. http://agebb.missouri.edu/news/ext/showall.asp?story_num=3769&iln=259
BLUE RIDGE, GA (5/28/06) - Top Honors were awarded
to Greenville, SC artist and illustrator Bruce L Bunch for his
artwork at the 30th Annual Art in the Park in Blue Ridge, GA. Bruce
participated along with over 100 other Southeastern artists in this
year's event which draws over 10,000 people. When asked, the surprised
artist said, "I was so busy talking to people about my work, that I
had forgotten about the contest. When I turned around to see what the
commotion was, there was the Arts Committee with cheering
people, cameras, ribbons and awards. I was stunned! I felt fortunate enough
to be juried in the show, let alone win 1st place for my art." Known as
the "Audubon of the Upstate", Bruce Bunch, an avid outdoorsman
and conservationist, has combined his passions for the arts and the
outdoors by creating "Art on the Fly". This series of bird and
fly-fishing art have been collected by sportsmen worldwide. Editor’s note: Bruce
has been a big supporter of Rabun TU, donating his framed L.E. prints of trout
for silent auctions at past Rabun Rendezvous.
http://www.brucelbunch.com/
Stekoa: To
Fish or Not to Fish?
By Jenny
Sanders, Chattooga Conservancy
Stekoa
Creek Monitoring Project Manager
(Reprinted
from June 2006 issue of “Rabun’s Laurel” magazine by permission of the author) http://www.themountainlaurel.com/
Ever notice
Stekoa Creek as you pass through downtown Clayton? Chances are you’ve overlooked it, because it generally looks more
like a drainage ditch than a creek.
Officially, Stekoa Creek is designated by the state of Georgia as a
trout stream, but it has not been supporting a native brook trout population
for many years. This decline is largely
caused by over development along the creek bank and pollution from the city of
Clayton’s sewer collection system.
Trout prefer cool mountain stream water, and when brush and plants that
provide shade are removed from a waterway, this can lead to increased water
temperatures. Additionally, increases in fecal coliform bacteria as a result of
leaking sewer pipes can harm the fish as well.
As a result, other species that can tolerate increased temperatures and
who are not susceptible to the bacteria produced from sewage that enters the
creek have become the dominant species found here.
We at the
Chattooga Conservancy are concerned about this trend because Rabun County is
and historically has been a wonderful source of recreational opportunity in
North Georgia. As such, we have started
the Stekoa Creek Water Monitoring Project to help bring Stekoa Creek back to
its designated use as a trout stream and to make it a safe waterway for the
citizens of Rabun County. Each month,
volunteers and staff members test Stekoa Creek for fecal coliform, turbidity,
pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and conductivity. Unfortunately, there are some tests that we cannot perform
ourselves, which means that we have to send them out to a certified laboratory
for analysis. This part of the program
has become costly and as such, we have created the Adopt-a-Sample program to
generate the funds needed to continue this important project.
Several local
businesses and individuals have become Adopt-a-Sample supporters already. When
a person becomes an Adopt-a-Sample contributor, he/she can agree to contribute
on a monthly basis for a minimum of one year to ensure the reliability of
data. There are three levels available
for this program: “Warpaint Shiner” at $20.00/month or $240/year, the “Coosa
Bass” at $45.00/month or $540/year and the “Brook Trout” at $75/month or
$900/year.
Our Adopt-a-Sample donors are the backbone of this project. Without the support of the community, the Chattooga Conservancy would not have been able to continue its important work on Stekoa Creek. We also feel that this project is particularly significant not only because it can help bring an end the pollution plaguing Stekoa Creek, but also because it has the potential to instill a sense of community pride in Rabun County. Here, we have the opportunity and responsibility to pull together collectively to make a change in our community which will benefit everyone. If you want to become a part of this collaborative effort, contact the Chattooga Conservancy about becoming an Adopt-a-Sample donor or a water monitoring volunteer at 706-782-6097. http://www.chattoogariver.org/
Editor’s note: The Rabunites have notified the GA TU Council
that Stekoa Creek is the most polluted trout stream in our area. Rabun & Upper Chattahoochee (Roswell)
Chapters, and the GA Council have become supporters with a joint contribution
of $900. We encourage our readers to
get involved “hands-on” in this important project and become a water-monitoring
volunteer.
New Wild
Brook Trout Stream Improvement Projects – 5 Are Approved and 2 More Are Being
Scoped: The USFS has decided to carry out stream habitat enhancement
activities on 5 brook trout streams in Union, Fannin, and Lumpkin
Counties. http://www.fs.fed.us/conf/sopa/documents/2006_StreamImprovementDecisionMemo.pdf
On June 20, the USFS issued a scooping letter that
proposed 2 more brook trout stream projects for the Tallulah District. They are on Flat Branch and North Fork of
Moccasin Creek. Public comments are due
in by 7/24/06.
The Administration’s USFS Land Sale is Unlikely to
Occur:
http://www.fseee.org/forestmag/0803mill.shtml
The Stop I-3 June Newsletter: A “must read” for the latest
update! http://www.stopi3.org/newsletter.html

R L Winston
Custom Fly Rod Raffle
BIIx, 4
piece, 4 wt., 9’ graphite fly rod
Drawing
September 19, 2006 at the Chapter Meeting
Tickets are
$3 each or 4 for $10
Contact Ray
Kearns for Tickets
706 782 9913 raykearns@alltel.net
Proceeds
will be used to help pay the GA Trout Camp fees for local youngsters.
Our good
friend Mack Martin of North Georgia Custom Rods has donated this fly rod to
Rabun TU.
http://www.mackmartin.com/CustomRods.htm
“Deep down I've always known
fly fishing is to the rest of fishing what high seduction is to rape."
Robert
Traver
Four Rabunite Fishing Reports
From: Tom
Landreth
Sent: Saturday, May 06, 2006 8:29 PM
Subject: Shenandoah Fishing Report
Headquartered at
Graves Mountain Lodge, Syria, VA (West of Culpepper on the eastern side of the
Shenandoah National Park. Was within a half hour or less of the Conway,
Rapidan, Richardson and the Rose Rivers. Fished the Conway and the lower
reaches of the Rapidan one day. Caught nice Brookies ranging from 5-6” up to
10-11”. Both are freestone streams with huge boulders in the stream bed,
similar to the Tallulah..
However, the
Rose was the jewel as far as I am concerned. Hiked in from the park boundary
about one mile before I got in the stream. Only fished for two hours but it was
fast and trout were willing to hit anything as long as it was a beetle. Largest
was about 11”.
Beautiful water.
Ran into three park rangers doing an aquatic insect study, and naturally, they
advised me that I should have gone further up stream for bigger Brook Trout…oh,
well, next time! Graves is most
definitely the place to stay!!! Tom
From: Jim Barrett – On the Road somewhere in PA
Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 9:18 AM
Subject: Recalling old memories and making new memories!
1st. Fishing report on the Brandywine (PA): Fished
yesterday from 9 - 4. Not the best time but had conflicts. "0" Hatch,
mostly sunny, and low 70's. Caught 5 fish...all Browns - 10 to 14 inches. 3
were obviously stocked fish. I guess for no particular reason, I was expecting
Rainbows. I think, under optimum conditions, it could be excellent fishing.
Easy wading, very scenic. Did not see another fisherman. Not a big stream but
adequate room to work a fly wood. Used a parachute coachman, irresistible, and
a #10 grasshopper. Caught the two biggest fish on the latter, (ala B.K.) Big
flies, big fish. Also, I can see the
sucker. Fly, not B.K.
Oh by the way, stream has lots of large hornyheads. Wish you could be here to
fish with me. Take care and keep'em tite.
From: Jeff Durniak
Sent: Wednesday, June 14, 2006 11:55 AM
Subject: Fwd: A Wonderful Day (S!)
Enjoy this
attached (below) tale from Rabunite Mike Fuller. You might catch him at
Clayton Wal*Mart's sporting good counter if you need some good tips.
I woulda thought ole Mike was
stretching his river measuring tape just a wee bit if.... I hadn't had a heartbreaker myself last
Friday, where I was reminded of the distinct difference between fishing and catching.
C...... River above Burrell’s Ford. Best friend "Ski" flies
down from MI for a long awaited getaway with his fishing buddy from our
undergraduate days at VA Tech. I take a long weekend off and we go to a
traditional hangout to celebrate younger, carefree days afield (and some
backcasting without laurel snags).
Water temp 69 at lunch (ouch!!)
goes up to 71F. We manage about a half dozen each for the day, slap til
dark. Not too bad, considering the hot water. But that first strike
of the day.....
You may remember I call the
Chattooga's wild browns "groundhogs" because of where they
hide. Well, I found some good looking water in a shaded boulder field
somewhere in the wilderness area (where, exactly - - - I DON’T BELIEVE I SAID),
tossed my tandem fly rig in there, and it swept into the shadows under a rock.
It stopped. Then it moved,
slowly and deliberately. And then he showed himself. And then I hollered
for my buddy to see the biggest GA river brown I've ever hooked (shocked 'em up
to 27 inches, but have only angled them to 14 here in GA, not counting one
Norris tailwater monster). Big and brown and copper, with spots as big as
quarters and a dorsal fin wider than a dollar bill. Ski waded around the
bend, sprinted the last hundred yards, and had a ringside seat to our
war.
Down thru 3 pools we go, with
Adrenalin Dude babying the 6X leader and freeing it from two debris jams that
the groundhog dove into. So close, I even touched him as I backed him out
of jam #2. Alas, on the third, the tippet parted, we parted, and my
thrill of victory plummeted straight down into the agony of defeat (felt like
the Wild World of Sports ski-jump dude that cart wheeled off the side of the
ski-jump ramp, bounced and broke, and slid to a crumpled heap on the bottom of
the course).
I asked Mike to hold his hands
apart at the unexaggerated length of the fish he saw just a couple feet from
his vantage point in the low, crystal clear water. I held my marked fly
rod up to his hands and it said 24 inches.
Sympathy cards welcome.
I know '