“FORWARD CASTING” Important Dates - See you there!

Aug 15 (Tues) Chapter Meeting, 6:30 PM, Clayton Presbyterian Church Program: by Rusty Rhea, USDA Forest Health Specialist & James Johnson, GA Forestry Commission: “Update – Hemlock Woolly Adelgid”

Bring a neighbor. The public is invited!

Aug 18 & 19 (Fri & Sat) Campout and Instream Work Day on Ramey Creek (A “Back the Brookie” Project) Volunteers needed!

Aug 22 (Tues) Board of Directors meeting, 6:30 pm at the Church

Sept 9 (Sat) GA TU Council Meeting 9 am at Atlanta Fly Fishing School

Sept 16 (Sat) Waters Creek Work Day (USFS / GA WRD / NGTO / TU)

Sept 19 (Sat) Chapter Meeting, 6:30 pm, Clayton Presbyterian Church Program: TBD

Sept 23 (Sat) Outdoor Adventure Day at Unicoi S.P./Smith Creek

Sept. 26 (Tues) Board of Directors meeting, 6:30 pm at the Church

Sept 27-Oct 1 (Wed – Sun) Fishing & Camping West Fork, Holcomb & Overflow Creeks with Camping at the Blackwell Place

Rabun Rendezvous; Sat, 1/20/ 07; Program Presenter – Jeff Durniak

FLY OF THE MONTH

by Terry Rivers

JOE’S HOPPER

Summer and fall grasshoppers are present in all streams this time of the year. This fly will produce hard-hitting strikes. Look for grasshoppers while walking into THE RIVER. This just may be the fly of the day.

HOOK: 3X NYMPH 6-14

BODY: YELLOW WOOL YARN

THREAD: BLACK

HACKLE: BROWN& GRIZZLY MIXED

WING: MOTTLED TURKEY WING

BUTT: YELLOW POLLY FOAM

RIB: BROWN HACKLE CLIPPED

TAIL: RED HACKLE FIBERS

“Even with all the manmade alternatives available, most of us are still fascinated by natural fly-tying materials—and some people won’t craft flies with anything else. That’s because natural furs and feathers possess a magic that even the finest-looking artificial materials can’t come close to matching. And if tying with natural materials is a magical experience, then it just makes sense that gathering and preparing your own ingredients only adds to the power of Mother Nature’s spell.”

“Warm (Sometimes) and Fuzzy” in April 2004 Fly Rod & Reel by Paul Guernsey

AUGUST 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

Midges All Month All Day 18-22 Griffith's Gnat

18-22 Midge Pupa

Terrestrials – Ants, Beatles, Crickets, Inch-Worms, Hoppers, Etc Various Times & Sizes

Editors Note: The warm weather and light hatches of July and August are two of the reasons many Rabunites make annual treks to fish and camp “West of Hiawassee”.

TU Council ‘Website-of-the-Month’: http://67.191.188.190/gatu/

Check “Back the Brookie” http://www.brookie.org/site/pp.asp?c=liKVL3POLvF&b=1506247

The Sixth of a Series:

Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Fly Patterns

(Trimmed Hackle) (Split Biot Stem) (Peacock Body)

A set of 3 Different Yallarhammer Wet Flies

If you‘re gonna take some back to camp, you need to tip your fly with a Georgia nymph (cricket)

A Kellyism

Would you like to have the original recipe for any of these Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Flies?

Do you have a favorite Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Fly Patterns you would like to see featured here?

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

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.

In 1974, Congress designated 57 miles of the Chattooga River as a Wild and Scenic (W&S) River in part because of the Outstandingly Remarkable Value (ORV) of Recreation. For the past 30 years, the lower two-thirds of the Chattooga River, including the lower 4 miles of the W&S West Fork, have been zoned to permit boating. The proliferation of boaters in the Lower Chattooga River has conflicted with, and essentially driven out, many other users from the great majority of the W&S River. Meanwhile the remaining North Fork of the Upper Chattooga river corridor, above the Highway 28 Bridge, has been zoned for "foot travel only" (no horses, no bicycles, no boats).

The Upper Chattooga river corridor is unique in the Southeast in terms of the high-quality solitude and wilderness experience.

This area includes the Rock Gorge, Big Bend Falls, and the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. Now the “steep creeking” whitewater boaters are demanding that the Forest Service open the North Fork for immediate and unregulated access (any number of boats, anytime, any water level) for rafting, canoeing, and kayaking. This threatens the area’s Outstanding Remarkable Values of Recreation, including backcountry solitude and remoteness. In response to the boater’s demands, the Forest Service is conducting a Visitor Use Capacity Analysis for the Upper Chattooga. http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/forest/projects/chattdata.shtml

The Upper Chattooga has always been a haven for hikers, hunters, naturalists, bird watchers, swimmers and trout anglers. This group is now working together as Friends of the Upper Chattooga (FOTUC) to preserve and protect this area. The primary goals of the FOTUC are to help protect the Upper Chattooga’s wild and scenic values, to educate the public of threats to these values, and to assist the Forest Service in arriving at a responsible decision that, above all, protects this river’s resources. FOTUC include the Chattooga Conservancy, GA ForestWatch, GA Wildlife Federation, SC Wildlife Federation, NC Wildlife Federation, Wilderness Watch (of Missoula, MT), GA Council of TU, SC Council of TU, NC Council of TU, Whiteside Cove Association, Atlanta Fly Fishing Club, and several private landowners along the upper corridor of the Chattooga, a Congressionally designated Wild and Scenic River. Members of the group, individually and collectively, possess decades of experience on this river.

For experienced boaters, the Upper Chattooga is just another “creeking” stream; for the tradition backcountry visitors it is the area’s last refuge for remoteness and solitude. The FOTUC want to help the Forest Service do what is best for the long-term future of the Upper Chattooga.

July 5 – FOTUC files a Friend of the Court Brief in the Boaters Lawsuit Against the Forest Service: The following are excerpts from the 24 page brief: “The Plaintiffs claim that boating does not substantially interfere with other recreational values. The Plaintiffs also claim that only the northernmost 21 miles of river are at issue. Both claims are untrue. In short, the proliferation of boaters in the Wild and Scenic River portion of the Chattooga River has conflicted with, and essentially driven out, many other users from the great majority of the Wild and Scenic River, i.e., the lower two-thirds of the Wild and Scenic River area, and the Forest Service has taken (and should continue to take) such impact into account. Granting an injunction and opening the last remaining portion of the river to unlimited boating would substantially interfere with and harm the other uses that make up the Outstandingly Remarkable Value of Recreation.” “The U.S. Attorney has already adequately demonstrated why the Complaint should be dismissed. The Friends of the Upper Chattooga argue that the Motion should be denied as well because the Complaint has little likelihood of success on the merits, the Plaintiffs suffer no irreparable harm, granting the injunction would instead harm the other users of the Chattooga River, and granting the injunction would not serve the public interest. This brief touches upon all four prongs, but focuses on the incorrect claim that Plaintiffs are suffering some unique and irreparable harm, and also demonstrates the harm to non-boating users of the Wild and Scenic River that would be caused by granting the injunction.”

“CONCLUSION: WHEREFORE, the Friends of the Upper Chattooga urge the Court to dismiss the Complaint and deny the Motion. As Mr. Gates* aptly put it: ‘Boaters already have access to the majority of the river … something should be set aside for solitude and wilderness experience.’ “ (*See Mr. Gate’s affidavit in the June 06 issue of TIGHT LINES http://www.rabuntu.com/aboutme.htm )

July 7 - Wilderness Watch in Missoula, MT joins FOTUC. http://www.wildernesswatch.org/ Founded in 1989, Wilderness Watch is the only national organization whose sole focus is the preservation and proper stewardship of lands and rivers already included in the National Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS) and National Wild & Scenic Rivers System (NWSRS).

July 7 - Highlands Biological Station in Highlands, NC supports FOTUC http://www.wcu.edu/hbs/ Founded in 1927, Its principal mission is to promote research and education in biodiversity studies (ecology, systematics, evolution, and conservation), with special emphasis on the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

July 7 – Update on Lawsuit: The federal defendants filed a brief responding to Plaintiffs' motion for a preliminary Injunction. The following excerpts are from the 28 page brief: “They have no likelihood of success on the merits under the Administrative Procedure Act (“APA”), because the 2005 Order at issue does not violate the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (“WSRA”) and is not arbitrary or capricious. Plaintiffs’ argument to the contrary assumes that WSRA mandates that the Chattooga be opened to floating in all places, at all times, and by all users. But nothing in WSRA requires that result; to the contrary, WSRA confers broad discretion on the Forest Service to regulate and limit recreational uses to accommodate competing river values.”

“The agency has already spent several hundreds of thousands of dollars in contracting fees and, at this point, is projected to spend well over one million dollars to complete the study.”

“CONCLUSION: The government respectfully requests that the Court dismiss and deny the motion.”

July 19 – NC Wildlife Federation joins FOTUC http://www.ncwf.org/ NCWF is North Carolina’s largest wildlife enthusiast conservation group with 60 years experience, 12,000 general members, and 23 affiliated sportsmen’s clubs in all regions of North Carolina. The mission of the NCWF is to be the leading advocate for all North Carolina wildlife and its habitat.

July 20 - Update on Lawsuit: The Plaintiffs (the boaters) filed an 11 page brief asking the Court to reject the Friend of the Court brief filed by FOTUC on July 5. The Plaintiffs have aggressively acted to have the Forest Service ignore the impact of boaters on non-boating uses of the Chattooga River, and the Motion to Strike is simply another attempt to silence non-boating users.

July 21 – NC Council of Trout Unlimited joins FOTUC http://www.nctu.org/

July 26 - Update on Lawsuit: FOTUC files a 10 page brief (in response to Plaintiff’s 7/20 brief) that concentrates on the premise that the Plaintiffs are seeking in yet another context to silence the voices of all non-boating users of the Chattooga.

July 27 – USFS Pubic Meeting: See “Backcasting” for complete details and opportunities to volunteer.

Editor’s note: As a direct result of the AW appeal of the Chattooga zoning, the User Analysis is projected to cost over $1.5 million, including the Forest Service staff costs. Why are the boaters investing so much and costing the taxpayers over $1.5 million dollars just so the experienced boaters can have some high water access to a few miles of another “creeking” stream, the Upper Chattooga? That does not even include the additional taxpayer’s cost in defending against the AW lawsuit. That’s more than the President’s F/Y2007 budgeted LWCF for GA and SC combined. Just imagine what $1.5 million could have done towards cleaning up Stekoa Creek. Such a waste of our tax money! It’s just a shame!

Editor’s note: The following letter was posted on the Sumter NF website on 6/18/06 and reprinted here with permission of the writer.

Sent: Saturday, June 03, 2006

Subject: Chattooga River - Preserving the ban on boating on the upper portion of the Chattooga River.

Dear Mr. Cleeves:

As a long-time user and supporter of the Chattooga River, I am totally opposed to the permitting of boating on the upper reaches of this outstanding river.

My introduction to flyfishing began in 1963 on the Chattooga River. It wasn't an officially designated Wild and Scenic River, but it was wild and unbelievably scenic. My skills at flyfishing grew, as did my appreciation for this river, and what it provided in the way of a nearly unblemished wilderness area. As a trained professional forester, employed by the South Carolina Forestry Commission, I may have been in a privileged position to realize what a tremendous value this area represented for the citizens of South Carolina and Georgia, and for visiting non-residents. Even back in those days of the early 1960's, I remember reflecting on how wonderful it would be if my children could experience the same solitude this river and adjacent land provided. And so it came to pass that a son born in 1959, and a daughter born in 1960, were able to do just that. They have fished, hiked, bird watched, and have been able to experience "the Chattooga", just as I did over forty years ago. I am thoroughly convinced that if boating in the upper portion of the Chattooga had been approved in 1970, the solitude of the river would have been severely impacted. The studies of the river at that time were adequate, and clearly showed that a detrimental impact would be experienced. The correct decision was made then, and is even more applicable now. Just look at the areas of the lower Chattooga where boating is allowed, and one can see that the impact on the river is not something acceptable to folks seeking the solitude of a Wild and Scenic River.

My children are now allowing their children, my grandchildren, to experience the wonders of a quiet walk from Burrell's Ford to Ellicott's Rock. Hiking and fishing the Chattooga still gives this 74 year old man a tingle. Why spoil this solitude with the presence of rafts, canoes, and kayaks, just because the water is there? I still fly fish the Chattooga, as well as premier trout streams all over the United States, and seriously...none are any more beautiful than our Chattooga. As my forestry career progressed, and I became State Forester, Director of the SC Forestry Commission, and retired in 1993, I never stopped being concerned about the future of the Chattooga River and its beautiful wooded corridor. Threats of nature in the form of forest fire, insect and disease attack are ever present, and are often beyond our control. The proposed impact of boating in the upper reaches of the Chattooga River is something we can control, and I urge you and other representatives in decision making positions to stand fast in keeping this portion of the Chattooga boat free.

Very truly yours, Robert J. Gould - State Forester, Retired

===================================================================

Editor’s note: The following excerpt is from a letter dated 1/10/06 sent to the Sumter NF by Whiteside Cove Association, Cashiers, NC, a member of FOTUC"

CREEK BOATING SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED UNDER THE 1968 WILDERNESS ACT

Wilderness Act Sec. 2. (a) ”In order to assure that an increasing population, accompanied by expanding settlement and growing mechanization, does not occupy and modify all areas within the United States and its possessions, leaving no lands designated for preservation and protection in their natural condition, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the Congress to secure for the American people of present and future generations the benefits of an enduring resource of wilderness. Lands should be “administered for the use and enjoyment of the American people in such manner as will leave them unimpaired for future use as wilderness, and so as to provide for the protection of these areas, the preservation of their wilderness character...”

This is the preamble to the Wilderness Act not a random footnote buried deep in it’s pages. The following two points from above should be considered in the Chattooga boating LAC analysis.

I. Growing Mechanization:

The wilderness drafters were aware that “growing mechanization”, or technology advancement, increases usage and negatively impacts the wilderness. They intended to protect the forest from the increased demand associated with easier access from technology.

“The Need for Wilderness is for areas of the earth within which we stand without our mechanisms that make us immediate masters over our environment” – Howard Zahniser, arguing for the Wilderness Act before Congress

It is the growing mechanization of manufacturing processes that has created high-tech plastics, improved production methods and cutting edge designs that now enable the modern kayaks to float the Chattooga headwaters.

In 1971 “Available equipment prevented all but a handful of boaters from navigating [the Chattooga] headwaters.” Pg 4. Additionally, “Advancements in equipment helped self-guided boaters switch from using [rubber] rafts to specially crafted canoes and kayaks for running whitewater” pg. 3-15 From the AWA appeal to the USFS April 2004:

Regarding the Section 0 , “This section can only be floated in a rubber raft.” 1971 Chattooga WSR study.

“They [Creekers] tend to use the latest in high performance equipment specifically designed for creeks,” From The Sumter National Forest Revised Resource Management Plan January 2004. Appendix H

These high-tech boats being considered “primitive” is absurd. A birch-bark canoe is a primitive mode of river transport; these truly primitive boats could never float the headwaters. A “creeking” roto-molded kayak made with cross-linked polyethylene is a modern invention to conquer all whitewater. Being a product of growing mechanization, these modern boats should not be considered for wilderness access.

Similarly, advancements in bike design now allow another mode of transport to enter further into the wilderness. There are plenty of national forest and other public land for these activities; the small percentage of public land declared wilderness should not be forfeited to these new demands.

Wilderness areas are supposed to be protected from easy access resulting from growing mechanization. History has told us we simply do not know the hazards associated with these new materials nor do we understand the associated environmental impacts.

"For not only are ecosystems more complex than we think--they are more complex than we can think."

Former Forest Service Chief Jack Ward Thomas

II. Unimpaired for Future Use as Wilderness …Future Generations:

“It is time to re-examine the "enjoyment equals support" equation and to encourage public support of resource protection at a higher level of understanding. In giving priority to visitor services, the Park Service has paid less attention to the resources it is obliged to protect for future generations.” From “Rethinking the National Parks for the 21^st century,” NPS July 2001.

The Wild and Scenic River and Wilderness Act are less than 40 years old. The Chattooga River and Ellicott wilderness have been declared and protected for only thirty years. Yet we are already considering squandering the lands protection as a result of an increase in recreational demand.

Boating demand on the lower Chattooga has increased over 6,000% since the WSR study in 1971.* A comparison between the worn access and portage trails alongside Chattooga section III to those of the pristine headwater riverbanks confirms the long-term ecological impact of boating. The narrow stream and low-water associated with the headwaters will not permit boating without scraping the boulders, down trees, bedrock and pebbles in the creek bed.

History tells us that demand will increase with population and that whitewater gear will continue to develop. The purported boating demand level on the headwaters is already greater than the 1971 recorded demand. Fewer than 1,000 boaters per year were floating the lower Chattooga prior to 1971; the lower river now has over 80,000 boating visitors every year.* Demand for floating the headwaters in thirty years can logically be predicted by this history. Imagine the ecological impact of 80,000 visitors on the stream-sized headwaters in thirty years.

It is likely that the invention of some new boating gizmo will make floating more easy for future generations. Predicting future demand based on current interest levels employing existing boating equipment is imprudent. Boating demand will leapfrog with whitewater technology advancements much quicker than the increase in population.

It would be premature and tragic to assume that we are the “future generations” for which the wilderness was declared.

* All Chattooga visitor data is directly from the Sumter USFS Chattooga River statistics.

“Today’s river activities reflect these changes [equipment and technique ]. “Old-school” cutting-edge expert runs like the Gauley and Upper Youghiogheny are now crowded with hundreds of mainstream paddlers, and more difficult rivers like the Green and Tallulah, once considered unrunnable, are now quite popular. For example, in the late ‘70’s a handful of paddlers first ran the Class V+ “Bottom Moose” in upstate New York, portaging many of the big drops. Today hundreds of paddlers line up to run these very same rapids at a popular river festival each fall.” AWA posting on www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/stewardship:risk

Momentum Keeps Building for STOP I-3 Coalition

(Excerpts reprinted with permission from “Smoky Mountain News” article by Sarah Kucharski) http://www.smokymountainnews.com/

(6/28/06) The Stop I-3 Coalition — the grassroots organization that aims to prevent construction of a proposed interstate running from Savannah to Knoxville — has received a boost to its efforts as the Southwestern Regional Planning Commission has come out against the proposed interstate’s construction. “Construction of an interstate highway through the rugged terrain of southwestern North Carolina would have a devastating environmental, economic, cultural and aesthetic impact on these mountains, including the Nantahala National Forest and Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” according to the resolution issued by the Southwestern Commission. Southwestern Commission is one of 17 regional North Carolina Councils of Governments (Region A) established by the North Carolina General Assembly for the purpose of regional planning and administration. Headquartered in Bryson City, North Carolina, it serves Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Swain, Haywood, Jackson, and Macon counties. The commission is the first regional planning commission along the I-3 corridor to publicly oppose the interstate. “That’s enormous,” said Elizabeth Wells, the coalition’s executive director.

Local coalition member Roger Turner agreed. “You’ve now got a chunk of North Carolina that would be impacted by I-3 saying we don’t want it,” said Turner, also a member of the WNC Alliance and Jackson-Macon County Alliance. Of the local governments in the 34 counties along what’s thought to be the I-3 corridor, nine have passed resolutions opposing the interstate including Habersham, Lumpkin, Rabun, Towns and White in Georgia, Clay and Macon in North Carolina. The Town of Highlands was the first municipality to come out in opposition to the interstate. The Stop I-3 Coalition opposes construction of Interstate 3 or any similar highway in the Southern Appalachian and Piedmont Region. The proposal for the interstate came from Georgia’s 12th District Republican Congressman Max Burns, who called for a highway to be built from Savannah to Knoxville via Augusta, GA. Burns gave legislators and local government officials in the highway’s path no notice of his intentions.

As of yet a route for the highway has not been officially designated. In August 2005, Congress appropriated $1.3 million to study the highway. For the complete article: http://www.smokymountainnews.com/issues/06_06/06_28_06/fr_stop_I3.html

For more info about STOP I-3 Coalition http://www.stopi-3.org/

Fisheries Update for Dukes Creek Anglers

by Lee Keefer, Cold Water Fisheries Biologist - GA WRD

http://gastateparks.org/info/Smithgall/

     (7/5/06) Trout fishing is an important part of the program at Smithgall Woods. During the first few years after Dukes Creek was open to the public, anglers enjoyed excellent fishing, with overall catch rates ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 fish/h. In addition, anglers enjoyed catching significant numbers of larger fish that enhanced their angling experience. The area was in the grip of a long-term drought in the mid 1990's and by 1998 angling quality appeared to have declined somewhat. Management changes implemented in response to these changes such as increased supplemental feeding were adapted in an effort to improve fish growth and survival.
     These measures, combined with adequate rainfall, appeared to have been successful, and by the end of 2005, overall catch rates have increased to 0.84 fish/h, and catch rates of anglers that caught at least one fish were 1.07 fish/h. The percent of anglers catching a 16" or larger fish increased to 39% in 2005, up significantly from 12% in 2002. The average largest rainbow caught was 16", a significant increase from the 11" average of 2002.   Anglers caught a total of 7510 trout from Dukes Creek in 2005, down slightly from the all time high of 7656 in 2004. The catch consisted primarily of rainbow trout, and this is consistent with previous years.
     The total number of anglers visiting Dukes Creek peaked at 2500 anglers/yr in 1996, and declined to about 1400 anglers/yr in 2002. About 1800 anglers fished Dukes Creek in 2004 and 2005. The decline in the total number of anglers from 1996 to 2002 was expected, since the development of four new delayed harvest streams has undoubtedly lured some anglers away from Dukes Creek. The resultant lowering of fishing pressure has reduced angler crowding and has increased the quality of the angling experience for the remaining anglers. Another benefit of reduced angling pressure is a potential reduction in hooking mortality. Other good news is that the percent of anglers catching fish has increased to 76.1% in 2005, up from a low of just over 40% in 1996.
     Overall, the fishery on Dukes Creek remains sound, with good catch rates and overall angler success. The catch of larger fish seems to have improved significantly, and population samples indicate good numbers of large fish. The enhanced feeding program, combined with favorable hydrologic conditions that occurred during 2003 through 2005 seem to be responsible for the observed changes. We can expect that extreme natural events such as high or low rainfall, temperature etc, can and will cause future variations in fish populations and angling success.
DNR-GA, Lee Keefer: Lee_Keefer@mail.dnr.state.ga.us

Change at USFS Highlands Ranger District

District Ranger Erin Bronk has left Highlands and accepted the Ranger’s job at Oconee NF in Eatonton, GA. Mike Wilkins, the District Ranger in Franklin, NC is Acting Ranger for Highlands in addition to his current position.

Editor’s note: Best of luck to you, Erin. We will miss you.

Rabun TU Wholeheartedly Supports Brookies

Sent: Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Subject: Brook Trout Habitat Improvement

Attention: Steve Cole – USFS Tallulah RD

The Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited wholeheartedly supports the plans for improving the Brook Trout Habitat on Flat Branch and the North Fork of Moccasin Creek as outlined in the Forest Service scoping letter dated June 20, 2006.

The Chapter has no objections to the other projects outlined in the letter as long as there are no negative effects on the riparian areas of the district's watersheds.

We would appreciate notification of the dates of the planned projects on Flat Creek and the North Fork of Moccasin Creek.

Tom Landreth - Rabun Chapter of Trout Unlimited

Poachers Caught with the Help of an Alert Angler

From this Clayton Tribune "Police Blotter” on 6/29/06:

http://www.theclaytontribune.com/

"Crisoforo Rios, 31, and Simitrio Rios-Vazquez, 29, both of Rabun Gap, were arrested and charged with fishing without a license, fishing without a trout license and illegal fishing."

Editor’s note: An angler observed these guys while they were fishing the West Fork with a throw net. The angler got their vehicle tag number and reported it to 911. He followed them into Clayton where they were apprehended and arrested. They were taken to the Rabun County jail and had to post a $1000 cash bond. http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/forum/showthread.php?postid=408167#poststop

A poacher is a thief who steals wildlife that belongs to you and all other Georgians. Poachers rob you of recreational opportunities that you pay for through hunting and fishing license fees. As a reminder, a good tip on a wildlife violation from a concerned citizen includes: 1) alleged violation, 2) location, 3) description of suspect, and 4) vehicle description/tag number if possible. Tips can be called in to our region office during the work week (770-535-5499) or to DNR's 24/7 hotline at 800-241-4113. http://georgiawildlife.dnr.state.ga...txtDocument=208

Plan to Sell National Forest Lands Dealt Setback, But Still Alive (Associated Press) (7/7/06) The Bush administration's plan to sell national forest lands, including thousands of acres across the South, to help pay for rural schools is drawing widespread opposition and suffering legislative setbacks. But the administration isn't backing off its proposal to raise $800 million for the Secure Rural Schools program for another five years by selling 300,000 forested acres in 35 states. The administration's plan was seen as virtually dead after the Senate Appropriations Committee, following the lead of its House counterpart months before, refused last week to include the proposal in a $26 billion Interior appropriations bill. But Dan Jiron, Washington spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service, contends the obituary is premature. "What you have heard isn't an indication of anything at this point," he said Thursday. Agriculture Undersecretary Mark Rey, who oversees the Forest Service, told The Post and Courier newspaper in Charleston, S.C., two weeks ago the proposal has drawn more than 130,000 comments. He said except for a few real estate agents, most were opposed. But Rey, a former timber industry lobbyist, defended the plan as a way to help counties pay for schools and roads when large portions of their property tax base are tied up in national forest lands and timber sales that normally subsidize them are slipping. Rey said if the plan failed this year, he would be back next year with an alternative.

Smaller higher elevation headwater streams report:

From: "Jeff Durniak" <jeff_durniak@dnr.state.ga.us>

Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 12:48 PM

Subject: Fishing report: Trouting 101
     New fishing friend Steve from downtown Atlanta wanted to learn how to trout fish so he could teach his young son. Last weekend, our duo grabbed a container of nightcrawlers and two ultra light spinners and headed for the Hooch headwaters above Helen, where the stream is small but the water is cold at such a high elevation.
     We used a third of a nightcrawler on a size ten hook knotted to 4 lb test, with zero or just one tiny (size B) split shot crimped to the line a foot above the hook. We hiked in about a half hour and then fished three hours back up to the road.
     Steve was a quick learner! He cast that bait upstream and drifted it back thru the shadowy pools and, after a few "fans," counted to ten before setting the hook. Fish on! Fish in creel!   Between us, we cleaned and iced a dozen stocked trout from 9 to 12 inches for Steve to take home for a fish fry.
     And I'll bet he'll be back soon, son in tow, for another shot at Georgia trout fishing in the crystal clear waters under the cool shade trees of the Chattahoochee National Forest.
    And in his son's eyes, he will be The Man! Congrats Steve!
Good luck this weekend. www.gofishgeorgia.com

A Green Trout (red eye or small mouth bass) report:

From: "Jim Kidd"

Sent: Friday, June 30, 2006 11:48 AM

Subject: Fishing Report

Headed up north to Franklin NC and went down to the Little Tennessee. This area around Needmore was just purchased by the State of NC by using 3 million dollars of Clean Water Trust Fund Money and other supporting partner funds. This purchase bought 17,000 acres and 15 miles of classic water on the Little Tennessee, protecting it forever and providing outstanding fishing for the public (does anyone besides me wonder what the hell is wrong with our state politicians and their refusal to provide funding for protecting our states waters? Go take a look at NC clean water trust fund web site and you will see what I mean. Just google North Carolina Clean water trust fund. http://www.cwmtf.net/ Anyhow, having learned the secret that it pays to fish this water toward the evening and I jumped into the stream. This stream also is way down and easy to wade around and fish. Be very careful as these small mouth bass will hurt your wrist. They were taking on top with gusto. I took down around ten bass approaching one pound. As I was looking around, I saw some top water action in a fast flowing section, and cast a god awful looking white popping bug over to the main flow. The bug was blasted and a very large silver fish jumped two feet out of the water. Was it a sucker? This fish took me down the river to the backing and then came slowly back. I got it to my feet and then it took off across the river, making the reel scream. What could it be? I finally landed a beautiful 20-inch rainbow!!!!!! Where it came from who knows, but fact is that they are in the river. This fish did not take the graceful, beautiful high floating dry, but an ugly large white popping bug!!!! As darkness closed in, I walked to the head of the run and as I started to the bank, I cast into the slow water around a submerged rock and gave my popper a little jiggle. Out of the darkness came a huge form of a large smallie - the bottom line here is that as I trudged to bank, I was missing popper, leader and dignity. I guess that around three pounds of dynamite had attacked my bug.

A West of Hiawassee report:

From: Kyle Burrell

Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 8:30 AM

Subject: Hello From WY

Hey Folks,

Here's a quick review of the last week....

I left home last Wednesday at 5am. Arrived at Butch's house at 6pm on Thursday. Water is a little high. Difficult for wading but perfect for float fishing.

Green Drakes, Gray Drakes, PMDs, dun caddis all out in force! Fish are feeding on top almost all day. I've had two guide trips and have fished every other day on my own or with Butch. Lots of nice browns and rainbows 18-20 inches :-)

I've attached some photos for your enjoyment. Positive waves +~~~~~ to you all. Kyle

PS It was 39 degrees this morning and the high yesterday was about 70.

A Bream Pond report:

From: Tom Matthews

Sent: Saturday, July 15, 2006

Subject: Ben’s First Fly Rod

My grandchildren, Ben (9 yrs.) and Cait (7 yrs.), came from TX to visit for a week. Both have caught their share of fish on spinning outfits. I gave Ben his first fly rod, a new Courtland outfit. Five minutes after his first lesson, with no help from “Poppa Tom”, Ben landed his first fish on a fly – a bass, a goodun! Then a few minutes later his first bream – another goodun! He’s hooked for life on fly-fishing!

Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:00 AM

Subject: RE: TIGHT LINES July 2006 Newsletter

What an awesome newsletter! I love seeing this happening online. Thanks for sending it to me and adding me to your mailing list.

I had so much fun at the camp, and please accept my most sincere congratulations on a job well done to all involved. I’ve visited some other camps since yours, and let me say…you all have the program down to an exact science. We in VolOps are going to try to organize, streamline, and formulate a “program” to help other states jump into the youth camp arena and your program is definitely highest on the list to base it from.

Thanks again for letting me crash the party. I got a lot out of it.

Liz Ogilvie, Volunteer Operations Organizer Trout Unlimited, Arlington, VA

Subject: Traditional Southern Appalachian Trout Fly Patterns

Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 11:22 AM

I would like the fly recipe for Hugh Hartsell's Smokey Mountain Blackbird (soft hackle). Thanks so much!

Michael B. Bridges, Greenville, SC

Sent: Saturday, July 01, 2006 11:54 AM

Subject: Thanks--from Eliz and Frank

We bet not many new babes have their arrivals celebrated by Trout Unlimited! (July issue of TIGHT LINES) What a unique honor! Thanks. We've told Matt and Karin---and will send them a hard copy of that page for Sophie Grace's scrapbook!!!

Elizabeth and Frank Allan – Atlanta, GA

Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 1:36 PM

Subject: RE: TIGHT LINES July 2006

Thanks for the Ellie Wescott note in this month's "Tight Lines". Her very first notice in a nationwide newspaper.

Grandpa Don “Broken Knee” Atkinson - Sylvania, OH

From: "Jeff Durniak" <jeff_durniak@dnr.state.ga.us>

Sent: Friday, July 14, 2006 12:48 PM

Subject: Mark Your Calendar- Sept 23- Unicoi Outdoor Adventure Day!

     DNR organizers met this week to kick off plans for this annual event, scheduled for September 23, 2006 at Unicoi State Park. For those of you who have not attended one of these in the past, it's a ton of fun. Attendees are treated to trout fishing, archery, BB gun, and skeet shooting, live animal demos (snakes and hawks), hunting dog demos, hayrides, and much more.
     The event is held at Unicoi State Park, along Smith Creek below Unicoi Dam, from 10 AM til 4 PM. It will cost you only three bucks for a Georgia park pass for your vehicle.   Last year's event was canceled due to recent tornado damage at the venue site but we hope for better luck with the weather this year! (http://www.gofishgeorgia.com/content/displaycontent.asp?txtDocument=455,)
     The event is only possible due to the large (150+) volunteer force that helps Wildlife Resources and State Parks Division staff to host and teach our visitors. This volunteer force will be even more critical this year, as we are faced with fewer DNR staff members to tap into.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
     1) Consider volunteering. You can help register guests, direct traffic, be a creekside fishing guide, teach fly tying, etc. As the event staffing coordinator, l'll find a niche for you. Once again, working thru organized groups like Trout Unlimited, The UGA Widlife Society, and the Wild Turkey Federation, I'm gonna need about 150 conservationists to step up and volunteer their Saturday. The number of smiles and "thank you's" from suburbanite families will make you glad you volunteered, and you will help recruit our newest generation of Georgia conservationist.
     2) Bring your kids!
     3) Encourage other folks to come - spread the word to family, friends, schoolmates, scouts, and church
members. This is a great chance for non-outdoorsy types to learn from real experts!
     4) WISH FOR GREAT WEATHER!!!!
I'll be in touch with more details and an appeal for your help in the near future. In the mean time, mark your calendars and spread the word.

Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 9:01 AM

Subject: Budget - LWCF

Thank you for your thoughts regarding the Land and Water Conservation Trust Fund. I appreciate your thoughts and the opportunity to respond.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has been the principal source of funding for four federal agencies -- the Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Forest Service -- to acquire recreational lands. In addition, the LWCF funds a matching grant program to assist states (and localities) in acquiring recreational lands and developing facilities. The Fund accumulates $900 million annually from designated sources. The funding becomes available only after Congress appropriates it. As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, I am well aware of the important role the LWCF plays in ensuring the protection of the critical habitat and green space in our state. I will work to ensure that the LWCF has the funds it needs to meet its responsibilities to the numerous projects it funds within the State of Georgia , as well as around the country.

Thank you again for contacting me. Please visit my webpage at http://isakson.senate.gov for more information on the issues important to you and to sign up for my e-newsletter.

Sincerely, Johnny Isakson - United States Senator

Sent: Thursday, July 06, 2006 1:49 PM

Subject: Responding to your message

Thank you for your letter of support for the Land and Water Conservation Fund. I appreciate hearing from you. Like you, I too, believe this is a valuable program. It is imperative to conserve and protect Georgia's resources for future generations to enjoy. I can assure you, I will continue to support and encourage sufficient funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely, Saxby Chambliss – United States Senate

"You will find angling to be like the virtue of humanity, which has a calmness of spirit and a world of blessing attending upon it”

Izaak Walton

“BACKCASTING”

July 11 & 12 (Tues & Wed) Electro-Shock Sampling of Chattooga River: The weather cooperated this year and the water level was low enough to permit sampling both sites. Professionals from the USFS, SC DNR, and GA WRD along with about 7 or 8 TU volunteers electo-fished 150 meters of THE RIVER each day. On Tuesday the sample site was in the Backcountry and about 100 wild brown trout were collected, measured, weighed and released. The Wednesday sample site was in the Wilderness area and data was collected on about 140 wild brown trout. These quantities were the highest in the 20 years this annual sampling has been conducted. The population of young-of-the-year brown trout was excellent at both sites. The volunteers camped for 2 nights at Cherry Hill C.G. compliments of the USFS District Ranger. The hot showers were much appreciated! As usual the meals were great and the Tuesday evening concert was outstanding. We made wonderful memories.

Another shocking experience with professionals from the USFS, SC DNR, and GA WRD along with about 7 or 8 TU volunteers

Prez Terry on spoons, with singer / songwriter Jon Durham (http://www.jondurham.net/jon_durham001.htm ) & Jim Nixon on guitars.

July 18 (Tues) Family Picnic: A wonderful evening of fellowship and good food (about 45 to 50 attended). Thanks to the Kelly Family for providing a beautiful place for us to gather.

July 25 (Tues) Board of Directors meeting: Attended by 7 officers and directors. Items discussed included moving the Ramey Creek BtB workday back 2 weeks, nomination of a new director, the “Hemlock Woolly Adelgid” program for the 8/15 meeting, financial status of $5623 in checking, the meeting program for 9/19, Increasing Chapter membership, conducting one half day fly fishing workshop open to the public, and the USFS Meeting in Highlands (NC) on the Upper Chattooga Zoning, User Analysis.

July 27 (Thurs) USFS Meeting in Highlands (NC) on the Upper Chattooga Zoning, User Analysis: To view the WSB TV (Ch 2 Atlanta) coverage of the USFS Public Meeting in Highlands, click on: http://www.wsbtv.com/video/9594902/index.html There were about a dozen Rabunites in attendance. After the meeting, one Rabunite commented, “As for the meeting, this was your standard Forest Service "divide and conquer"-style meeting. Very little hard information provided to the entire 115-plus in attendance, they refuse to answer questions to the crowd, and then shunt everyone off to the "break-out" tables for more info. Regarding "biological and physical" data collection, I found out something slightly interesting from that table. Seems the FS is trying to retain a well-known hiker and writer, John Ray, to inventory the status of all trails, campsites, etc. along the ENTIRE stretch of river, from Grimshawes down to Tugaloo Lake. Ray and his sidekick from the Upcountry are the ones who authored that useful map/book on the Bartram Trail. The three Forest Service districts also appear willing to accept information from the public, but only if we can provide them both GPS waypoint locations and photos of the specific site or problem we give them. Regarding "public use" data collection, we are on a "short fuse," by August 15, to identify individuals who might collect and send in such data over the next year. My only idea is to contact our own individual lists to try to encourage our members and friends to get on the list to provide such information.”

What’s next? As individuals, we can volunteer to help the Forest Service with the User Survey Analysis. Here is something we can all do, “Chattooga River Corridor - Public Use Data Collections”. Each person needs to sign-up as a volunteer by Aug 15^th. Data Collection starts Aug 16and continues for a full year. Basically you count the number of vehicles you see parked at THE RIVER each time you visit. Sign-up forms to follow soon by E-mail.

Another opportunity for helping is as a volunteer for the “Chattooga River Corridor – Expert Panels” as either an angler or boater. There will be about 16 members selected for each panel. The basic purpose for the angler panel will be to estimate acceptable and optimal flow ranges for different types of fishing opportunities. Panel members need knowledge of THE RIVER and experience in fly-fishing, spin fishing, etc. Sign-up forms to follow soon by E-mail.

Within the next few days we will send out more information by E-mail on both of these volunteer opportunities.

"Few fly-fishing experiences are as thrilling as seeing, stalking, and then hooking the quarry.

It's undoubtedly the appeal of dry-fly fishing in streams.

In my opinion, some stillwaters offer opportunities for even more visible, heart-pounding moments."

From "Stillwater Fly Fishing" by Paul Marriner (2003)

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

A Big Rabunite welcome to 8 new members this month: Kevin Lash, 1871 Aspen Dr, Atlanta, GA 30345; Ben Houston, PO Box 369, Clayton, GA 30525; Andrew Rose and Greg Rose, 4210 Canterbury Walk Dr, Duluth, GA 30097; Logan Justice, 716 Messer Creek Rd, Rabun Gap, GA 30568; Tyler Kearns, 1131 Beaver Dam Rd, Hoschton, GA 30548; Arthur Guthas (transfer), 340 Rose Conley Rd, Carnesville, GA 30521; and Mike Brod, 250 Underwood Ln, Clayton, GA 30525

Thanks for re-upping: Cecil Greene, Rick Hires, David Smith, Mike Fuller, and Robert Womsley.

It is time to renew your membership: Pat Hopton, Jeremy Strauss, Eugene Nolte, Daniel Rabern, Patrick Gorman, Andy Gaston, and M. Pierce.

Congratulations to Rabunites June and Tom Landreth on their 50^th wedding anniversary.

We wish Rabunite Monte Seehorn a speedy recovery from his recent eye surgery.

Congratulations to Rabunite John Starinchuck for being able to dance around at the picnic on his brand new left knee.

Check out Rabunite David Cannon’s monthly “Cannon’s Creel” on pages 110-111 in the Aug. issue of GON 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 - Jimmy Whiten Ph 706 886 6546 E-mail jimmywhiten@alltel.net

Treasurer (w/Newsletter & Meeting Raffles) - 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@hughes.net

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

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

Director – Larry Walker Ph 706 244 4345 E-mail amosndixie@alltel.net

Director – Lea Richmond Ph 706 782 6898 E-mail learichmond@alltel.net

The Officers and Directors are up for re-election at the September Chapter meeting. Tom Landreth has accepted nomination as Secretary since he handles publicity and writes the Chapter letters, anyway. Ray Gentry has accepted nomination as a Director. Nominations from the floor may be made at the August and September meetings.

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

Hi Folks,

As the hot days are still with us there are some things that are coming up where we need your help. The first is the work project coming up on Ramey Creek. We need all the help we can get. We’re planning to campout Friday night before the work project. Check “FORWARD CASTING” in this newsletter for more details.

Those of you that missed the Family Picnic at Kelly’s Waterfalls Park missed a wonderful evening of fellowship and great food. Thanks to those that attended (about 45 to 50) and those who prepared the food. Also thanks to the Kelly Family for a beautiful place for us to gather.

Hopefully soon we will have some much-needed rain. The fish are stressed and looking for cool water. Fish those high mountain streams this time of year and the results should be good.

I want to give a big “thank you” to those that attended the shocking and campout on the Chattooga. I hope you found where the wild browns hide.

The August meeting program is an update on the hemlock woolly adelgid. Experts Rusty Rhea and James Johnson will present the program. Those who would like to invite friends or interested parties feel free to do so.

I want to thank all the fellow members that support me and for all the help I get. We all have the same goal, but without your support it would be impossible.

See Ya’ll On the stream,

Terry

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

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

Please tell us if you have E-mail, it will save the chapter $1.23 per newsletter mailed:

E-Mail edadams1@alltel.net

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