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Get'cha FLY On Fisha'

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Riders of the Storm

I know it has been awhile since we have posted a report of any significance, mainly this is because I assume people get tired of reading the same ole generic shit. " I went to ______ creek, the midges were coming off in droves and we caught the shit out of 9" stockers on y2k's." I enjoy catching fish as much as the next and I'm not prejudice no matter the species or size, I just know from a personal stand point I don't want to hear report after report of vanilla, give me some turtle tracks for Christ sakes.
So anyway KPV and I had decided at a Christmas party we were both merrily attending that if Ken Cook was correct like he often tends not to be, and we did in fact receive the snow that was forecast for the northern part of the peach state we would would hit one of our favorite trickles the day after Christmas to see how she looked in a white dress. Low and behold Ken knocked this one out of the ball park and I received a text message from my Dad Christmas day with a picture and a report of snow fall totals of  10" around his home in the Blue Ridge area. So plans were set and we agreed to meet up the next morning at the usual spot. Morning came, I loaded the truck and set out not really knowing what we would be getting into as far as road conditions. Surprisingly I made it to our agreed meeting spot with no problems. Ken had called for sketchy road conditions thanks to the below freezing temperatures, but most of the primary roads had been salted good and I only encountered ice on the back roads. The forest service road was a bit more dicey, with the first part of the trip over the mountain being primarily on ice, and turning to snow the farther up the mountain we got. When we reached the summit we were greeted with around zero degree temperatures and powdered west coast snow. It was as if we had driven out of GA and into Aspen... I had not personally seen that much snow in the "A" since the blizzard of '93 and even then from what I can remember it was more of a wet snow (I have consumed numerous tall boys since '93 so my accounts may not be totally correct). We shot some pics of the summit and then continued down the other side toward the creek. We located a pull off mostly out of memory since the area was almost unrecognizable, and began to gear up. It had started to snow once we crossed over the mountain and by the time we started to fish the wind had turned it into blizzard like conditions. We were able to fish for only two hours before it became unbearable and virtually pointless being on the water. Basically I was unable to feel my hands, and found myself picking ice out of the guides more than fishing. Unfortunately no fish were brought to hand, but the scene was amazing and worth it none the less. We shagged ass outta there before dark, and the ride back was a little crazy dealing with the ice on the backside of the mountain. We made it back to the casa unscathed with some sick nasty pictures of the trip, some of which I will share with you now...








While we may get out again before we ring in the new year I couldn't imagine a better trip to end the year on! See ya on the other side...

J

Monday, December 20, 2010

Toccoa River Update: Part II

Below is the most up to date Toccoa River info, along with the "Official DNR summary regarding the impacts of the Blue Ridge Lake drawdown". Get involved muchachos', our rivers and streams can't stand up for themselves!

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11-19-10 Via: Becky Hulsey / Unicoi Outfitters
According to the Fannin County News Observer, Tom Gilliland of Blairsville is going to ask TVA to help provide funds to restock trout in the tailwater. Tom is on the TVA Board.

He stated its a "good thing for TVA to do." Sounds like he might of heard the comment of Kevin McGrath to do the "neighborly thing."

Thanks to Duane Miller for speaking with Tom. And, thanks to Fannin County News Observer for keeping on top of the situation.

Big Kudos to John Damer and others to working hard to putting fish back in the river. We have had some major stocking lately.

We officially organized the Toccoa River Watershed Coalition yesterday!!!

Thanks to everyone that has stepped up to help the Toccoa. Your voice does make a difference!


12-20-10 Via: Becky Hulsey / Unicoi Outfitters
Recovery is going good!

DNR has put around 13,000 fish in the river.

The water continues to be a greenish sometimes a brown color. TVA does not say they are generating because they are working on the penstock. But, they are releasing from the another area so be sure to check the website for an accurate release. The river has changed since the heavy generations of the past months and the water is not clear so be careful wading or floating.

Fishing reports are great when you can fish. Reports of large fish and large numbers. We are asking folks to return large fish to the river so they can get bigger and help reproduction in the river. Some nice size browns were able to make it through the drawdown. And, we do have natural reproduction of browns and rainbows in the tailwater.

Tom Gilliland of the TVA board was in the shop today. He said TVA is working on getting us fish to put in the river. 

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Assessment and Preliminary Restoration Plan for the Toccoa
River Trout Fishery Following A Deep Drawdown of Blue Ridge
Lake 2010

John Damer
Fisheries Biologist
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
11/15/2010
Introduction
To ensure public safety and meet increased dam safety standards, TVA
conducted a deep drawdown of Blue Ridge Lake as part of a rehabilitation
project on Blue Ridge Dam. The objective of the project is to repair the penstock
and stabilize the intake tower and both faces of the dam. TVA began to draw
down the lake on July 15, 2010 to an elevation approximately 66 feet lower than
normal summer elevation and intends to hold that level for roughly 6-months.
During the drawdown period, water temperatures as high as 26.4ºC (79.5ºF)
were recorded in the Toccoa River below the dam, as warm water from the lake
passed through the dam into the tailwater (GADNR, unpublished data). Water
temperatures in the tailwater as measured at the dam remained above 22ºC
(71.6ºF) for 41 consecutive days (TVA, unpublished data). Prolonged exposure
to temperatures above 22ºC can stress trout severely and lead to trout mortality.
The purpose of this assessment was to determine the extent of any impact these
high temperatures had on the trout fishery below Blue Ridge Dam. The findings
can then be used as a baseline for rebuilding the trout population.
Methods
Nine evenly spaced stations were sampled on July 19-20, 2010 (at the beginning
of the drawdown period) using boat-mounted electrofishing gear. The same sites
were sampled again on October 13-15, 2010 (at the end of the drawdown
period). Personnel, equipment, and methods were the same for all samples.
Electrofishing equipment consisted of a 5.5 m tunnel-hulled aluminum boat
equipped with a Smith-Root Type VI-A electrofisher supplying power to two boom
mounted electrodes. Electrofishing occurred moving downstream near the
shoreline and 30 minutes of effort (pedal time) was expended at each station. All
trout observed were netted and placed in a recirculating livewell. Each fish
collected was weighed to the nearest gram (g), measured to the nearest
millimeter (mm) and returned to the river.
Results
A total of 347 trout were collected during the July 2010 sample, while only 57
trout were collected during the October sample. This represents a total decline
of 83.6%. Catch rates at all nine electrofishing stations were lower in October
than in July (Figure 1). In the July sample brown trout represented 41.8% of the
total catch, increasing to 71.9% in October.
Catch rates declined across nearly all sizes of trout from July to October 2010
(Figure 2). No trout larger than 483 mm (19 in.) were captured during the
October sample. In the July sample 10 fish larger than 483 mm were captured,
with the largest measuring 567 mm (22.3 in.).
Mean condition (relative weight, Wr) declined significantly (t = 9.21, df = 77, p <
0.0001) from 96.5 to 80.2 in July and October, respectively (Figure 3).
Discussion/Conclusions
The decline in catch rates of trout over the 3-month drawdown is substantial. For
reference, sampling during a similar period in 2009 (a non-drawdown year) also
showed declining catches from July to October, but this decline was much less
severe than was observed in 2010 (15.3% decline in 2009 vs. 83.6% in 2010).
It is important to note that an 83.6% decline in catch rate does not translate
directly into an 83.6% mortality rate. Mortality certainly would have contributed to
this decline, but there are other factors that could have contributed as well.
Like many other tailwater trout fisheries in the Southeast, the Toccoa tailwater
fishery is supported mostly through stocking. As a result, the timing and
numbers of fish released during stocking events plays a large part in the
numbers of trout present in the system at any particular time. In both 2009 and
2010 trout were stocked between July and October sampling periods,
confounding any direct estimation of mortality. The last major stocking event in
2009 occurred on 9/2/09, while stocking ceased roughly one month earlier this
year (8/4/10) as a direct result of the drawdown. By itself, this certainly could
have contributed slightly to the relatively higher decline in numbers in 2010
relative to 2009.
On the other hand, 27,995 trout were stocked between sampling periods in 2010.
This was more than 6 times the number stocked between sampling periods in
2009 (4,153 stocked in 2009). In reality, the 83.6% decline may have been
higher had GADNR not stocked so many fish late in 2010.
Migration of trout into or out of the Toccoa tailwater could have also influenced
catch rates. When environmental conditions are not favorable, trout often move
to seek better conditions. Unfortunately, record high average air temperatures
meant water temperatures in Toccoa River tributaries were also high during part
of the critical period. Water temperature measurements taken in several major
tributaries in August routinely showed temperatures in excess of 22ºC with
individual readings as high as 26.4ºC (GADNR, unpublished data). Tributary
temperatures moderated somewhat during the latter part of the critical period,
allowing for an unknown amount of emigration into these cool refuges. It is
unknown how many trout may have left the river or if they will return.
The lack of larger fish in the October sample may suggest that mortality was
especially high for the larger size classes of trout. It is important to note that fish
larger than 20 inches have been routinely captured in electrofishing surveys in
the tailwater over the past two years, with trout measuring over 28 inches and
weighing 14lbs observed. Anglers also commonly reported trout of similar sizes.
These fish were conspicuously absent in the latest sample.
The low mean relative weight of trout collected in October was consistent with
the severe stress to which these fish were subjected. Although the main stressor
(temperature) has now been removed from the environment, some of the
remaining trout may still struggle to survive due to their poor condition. It is
possible that elevated mortality rates could continue to act on the remaining
population.
At first glance, it would appear that the brown trout population was better suited
to tolerate higher temperatures than the rainbow trout population. In mid-July
2010 (at the beginning of the drawdown) brown trout were outnumbered by
rainbow trout; comprising only 42% of the total trout community. By October
brown trout were in the majority comprising 72% of trout collected. While
rainbow numbers declined by 92%, browns only declined by 72%. It is important
to note that more catchable brown trout (averaging >9 inches) were stocked
between sampling periods in 2010 than were rainbow trout (5,035 and 2,560
catchable brown trout and rainbow trout, respectively). Once again, differences
in stocking regimes confound any direct estimation of brown and rainbow trout
mortality. From these data alone, it is difficult to separate superiority in thermal
tolerance from differences in stocking.
Management Approach
Although a precise estimate of trout mortality cannot be determined, this
assessment indicates the loss was severe. As mentioned previously, one goal of
these electrofishing samples was to formulate a recovery plan to rebuild the
population as quickly as possible within the constraints of available resources. At
the same time, these early restoration efforts are moderated by the realization
that a delay in this project and lake refilling could cause temperature problems
next summer. Thus, the approach taken must balance the risk of additional loss
against the value of a winter fishery and early start to rebuilding the population.
With these considerations in mind, GADNR’s short-term objectives are as
follows:
Objective 1: Using estimates of survival and supplemental trout stocking, target
a standing crop of roughly 1,000 trout per mile by mid-November 2010 to provide
a winter and spring fishery.
Objective 2: The Federal Hatchery system will stock available surplus broodfish
to add diversity and interest to the winter fishery. This contribution by the
Federal Hatchery system is outside current capabilities of GADNR and is greatly
appreciated.
Objective 3: Resume a normal stocking schedule in 2011. If spring 2011
electrofishing samples show moderately depressed numbers, consider the
tailwater for receipt of any surplus fish that hatchery inventories might identify.
Objective 4: Discontinue stocking if water temperatures in the tailwater exceed
20ºC during the refill period in 2011. Revise restoration strategy, taking into
account current conditions in the tailwater and available resources in the
hatchery system.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

It's Christmas Time Pretty Baby.

With Christmas only 13 days I want to wish everyone of you a Merry Christmas. Here are some Christmas tunes to help you get in the Christmas spirit.

Bootsy Collin wants to wish you a Very Funky Christmas.


Merry Christmas for those with the blues from Derek Trucks, Gov't Mule, Susan Tedeschi, Little Milton, and Johnny Neel


Elvis too...


Oh yeah, I would like a fine dark haired lady and a new Sage 7wt fly rod and if possible an Abel reel to go along...

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Another One Bites The Dust

October 2, 2010                                                                           
ROSS REELS BOUGHT BY 3M

By TIF in NEWS | 0 comments

MONTROSE — Ross Reels U.S.A./Ross World Wide Outdoors of Montrose, a 37-year outdoor sporting goods company, was bought by the 3M corporation Thursday morning in a deal whose details remain unclear.

Ross Reels employs 30 workers at its headquarters at One Ponderosa Court in Montrose. The company is world-renowned for making high-quality fly rods, fly fishing reels, fly fishing outfits, rod cases, fishing pliers and other outdoors products.

•by William Woody via GJSentinel.com•
-------------------------------------------

While this may be "old news" I would like to point out that we are still very disheartened... so much so that KPV has been pacing around in fear, for that if his precious EVO has to be sent in for repairs that it will be returned to him with a Post-It-Note drag system. Never fear KPV it could be worse... they could return it lined with Sharkskin!

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Print is Dead...

I would have to disagree with that one! Check out some of our recent shots on film. LONG LIVE PRINT!




Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Four Day Creep "Jigglin' Boogie"

F.D.C is what I like to call local talent and no I am not referring to the local snatch. (Although if you know of any good "local talent" you can send it my way to.) Back to business, F.D.C is a local band and we got the privilege of putting some FLY video to one of their songs. It's the Jigglin' Boogie baby... enjoy!


Four Day Creep "Jigglin' Boogie" from FLY on Vimeo.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Man, John Gierach has me profiled out like a motherfu%#&@. He speaks the truth...pass me the patchouli.

An excerpt from John Gierach's, "Standin in a River Waving a Stick."

"God must have invented fly-fishing to keep old hippies from getting rich or ruling the world.
But then some of us who have it bad for fishing either don't care much for money and power or don't care to do what it takes to get them. All we really want is bigger trout, better rods, and a happy sex life."

That's what I'm talkin' about...




S . C . O . F


"Southern Culture On the Fly is a quarterly online journal devoted to the warm, salt, and cold water fly fishing opportunities available in the South. Our first issue will be available October 1st, 2011.
Enjoy and participate because here at Southern Culture on the Fly we consider ourselves to be the FUBU of fly fishing, For Us By Us."

Here at FLY we feel the south really doesn't get the press it deserves! Maybe that's a good thing, but either way the guys at S . C . O . F will be giving you low down on how the dirty south became known as dirty. Don't expect them to drop g.p.s cords to their favorite locale, but you can expect to see plenty of what the south has to offer. I for one cannot wait!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Neoprene is so Neanderthal

Dressing your favorite beer in 100 weight fleece since 1856
                                    

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Big Browns Beware!

Ran into Jeffery Dahmer on the RIVER this past Saturday. Apparently he has risen from the dead and was in search of some of the larger Brownies in the RIVER. I know what your thinking Jeff Dahmer was on the RIVER looking to sodomize and eventually cannibalize some of the large Brownies.. crazy shit I know. I didn't get a chance to snap a picture of the man himself, but I did sneak a shot of his twig when he went to relieve himself. Brownies beware he's ripin' meat!

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Toccoa Tailwater Update

 

Trout Unlimited Hosts Panel on Toccoa Tailwater


The Toccoa River Tailwater (below Blue Ridge Dam) is a premier trout fishery with enormous importance to the economic, social, and recreational well-being of Fannin County. *Trout fishing and the quality of water in the Toccoa is at risk of collapse as a result of a drawdown of Lake Blue Ridge so the TVA can make essential repairs to the dam and penstock. *Water temperatures and clarity are suffering, and the weather thus far is not cooperating. *The reason the river is in extremis is the timing of the protracted drawdown, which coincided with an unusually hot and dry summer and start to the fall season. * The full extent of damage to the fishery, if any, has yet to be determined. *However, it is not too soon to develop a plan for recovery of the river post-drawdown in order to minimize damage or improve the fishery.*​


No one doubts that the dam repairs were needed, and that the TVA carefully considered many factors in timing the drawdown, including weather patterns, safety, environmental impact, and the like, with input from the public and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. * The question is, however, where do we go from here if trout die and the fishery collapses? *This question and more will be answered in a public forum hosted by Blue Ridge Mountain Trout Unlimited at the Fannin Chamber of Commerce, 9 am, October 9, 2010. *Representatives of the TVA, DNR, Trout Unlimited, and the Chamber of Commerce will comprise a panel to discuss the immediate future of the Toccoa Tailwater and to answer questions from the audience. The purpose of this discussion is not to probe how, why, or when the drawdown was done or to criticize anyone in the process. *This meeting focuses on what can be done from this point forward to protect and restore the fishery.*​


Trout Unlimited is an organization dedicated to the preservation, restoration, and protection of coldwater (trout) fisheries like the Toccoa.


Latest Report On The Toccoa Tailwater
Posted by Becky Hulsey 10-20-2010

Well, latest news from the Toccoa River is a 83.6% fish kill. Most of us are not surprised at this news due to the reports and posts of fishing the Toccoa tailwater. In the shop, David, Chad, and I have spoken numerous times to people coming to fish the tailwater. And, we have given tailwater reports to people concerned about the river over the phone so as you can imagine its been rough on us and the local economy of Fannin County.
However, we have decided to focus on what we can do and not what we can't. So, here are a few things you also can do to help restore the Toccoa tailwater:

You don't even have to leave your computer:
Send an email to TVA asking them to do the "neighbourly" thing and supply funds to help in the restoration.
Send an email to Rep. David Ralston telling him how important the Toccoa is to you and how you want to get the fishery back. (OR other govt reps)
Send an email to John Damer and Wayne Probst offering to help them in the restoration and how important the Toccoa is to you.

Contact your local Trout Unlimited Chapter and ask them to get involved in the restoration project.
Look for future fundraisers posted on NGTO that support the recovery of the tailwater.
Volunteer to help with the restocking of trout.
Tell your fellow fishermen to keep what they need and not to waste the fish.
Educate other fishermen about the recovery efforts on the tailwater.
Turn in poachers!!!

Remember you can make a difference and your support is greatly appreciated!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Are you a real man? If not this could save your life on The River...


During this Summer a man was attacked by a beaver on the Hooch tail waters below Buford Dam. This recent event heightened my curiosity and I thought to myself,"What would KPV do in that situation?" Well I did a very thorough search on the Interweb and could not find any tips or advice on beaver attack awareness so I found the next best thing...Gator Wrastlin'. I know, I know what you're thinking. Crazy! But think about it. You could get attacked by a gator on the Hooch and if you never do at least you are prepared for an attack by a beaver(not that beaver, bud, you(I) wish). Enjoy this article below from The Art of Manliness.
Keep it real ya'll!


How to Wrestle an Alligator

Editor’s note: This is a guest post from Ty Karnitz.

Imagine this situation—you take a break from your exploration of cannibal-infested, uncharted jungle to set up camp along the river when your female traveling companion informs you she’s off to bathe in the river. She leaves you to set camp and start the fire. And start a fire you do, without matches.

But just as you’ve gotten the fire going, a scream breaks the jungle’s tranquility. You race down to the river bank and find yourself faced with a situation bred to test your mettle.

An alligator is approaching your lady love, and the only way to save her is to wrestle the cold-blooded terror into submission.

Here’s how to wrestle an alligator.


Step One: Getting on the Alligator’s Back
Possibly the most dangerous part of wrestling an alligator is getting on its back. Never attempt to jump an alligator from the side or from the front. Doing so is the easiest way to get bit. You want to approach the alligator from behind. If possible, have someone distract the animal so it doesn’t turn to keep an eye on you.

However, if that’s not possible, take off your shirt and use it as a blindfold (or use a towel). Throw your shirt on the top of the gator’s head, making sure to cover its eyes. Without sight, the alligator is much slower to react.

Draw a straight line down the alligator’s head and back, and tail if possible. Get a running start down that line and, staying low, leap onto the animal with hands extended forward. You want your hands to land at the alligator’s neck, between the back of its jaws and the front legs. When you land on the animal, push down with all your might on the neck to force the head to the ground.

Alligators open their mouths the same way humans do. That means the bottom jaw moves—the top doesn’t. By pinning the head to the ground, you’re preventing the jaws from opening.

You should be high on the gator’s back, near the front shoulders. Your knees should touch the ground but squeeze the animal’s flanks. The lower part of your legs should be pinning the hind legs while keeping the feet from touching the ground.

Keeping the rear legs from the ground helps prevent the alligator from “death rolling” (spinning around violently). When an alligator does this, you’ve lost control of the animal.

Step Two: Getting Control of the Mouth
Once on the gator, it’s important to gain control of the mouth. Both hands should still be firmly on the alligator’s neck, pressing down hard with your full body weight.

Rule of thumb: you’re not going to hurt the alligator, but it can certainly hurt you. Always use all your strength. But remember, technique is more important than brute force.

Rotate the dominate hand (right or left) forward. Remain in contact with the alligator and keep pressing down as you slide the hand forward down the middle of the alligator’s head. You want to cover both eyes with your hand. Alligators retract their eyes into the skull, so just coming into contact with them should be enough. Again, you’re blinding the animal to give yourself the advantage.

Now, press down on the eyes with all your weight. Again, pin the head to the ground to prevent its jaws from opening. Slide your other hand forward and down and run it along the bottom jaw line. Put your fingers under the gator’s jaw and you’ll feel soft skin around bone. With fingers under the jaw and palm and thumb on top, grip firmly.

All of an alligator’s jaw power is on the down stroke. They have almost no muscle power when it comes to opening their jaws. What that means is that you can hold the animal’s mouth shut with one hand. It doesn’t mean you should hold it closed with one hand, though.

Still keeping the head pinned to the ground, slide the hand covering the eyes down until it too can hook the lower jaw.

Both hands should now be holding the mouth shut.

Step Three: Submission
Lift the alligator’s head off the ground and toward your chest. Once the head is at close to a ninety degree angle, the gator can no longer fight back.

Congratulations, you’ve just wrestled an alligator into submission.

Step Four: Getting Away
Now comes the tricky part… How do you get off?

When you’ve saved your lady love, it’s time to release the animal and make a quick retreat.

Push the alligator’s head back to the ground. Slide the dominant hand back into a position to cover the eyes. Pushing down with the dominant hand, slide your other hand back along the jaw until it is pressing against the neck. Slide your dominant hand back from the eyes to the neck. You should be in the same position now that you were in when you first jumped onto the animal.

Take your knees off the ground and get your feet under you, so you’re squatting on the gator’s back. Keep your legs tight against the gator’s body. It’s much more difficult for the alligator to bite you when you’re on its back than when you’re off to the side. If the animal struggles, push down again. Don’t let the animal struggle free.

Grip around the neck. In one motion, throw the alligator as far forward as you can while you jump back. Depending on the alligator’s weight, you might not be able to throw the animal far and that’s okay. Six inches may be all you need to throw it forward. By throwing the animal forward you’re putting it off balance and giving yourself more time to escape.

Jump back as far as you can, and then keep moving backward. The gator is likely to turn and open its mouth at you and snarl or hiss. Let it. Keep your eyes on it and slowly back away. If the gator chases you, run directly away from it in a straight line. It will quickly grow tired and turn back to the water.

That’s how to wrestle an alligator.

Now you too can be like Michael Douglas in Romancing the Stone or Tarzan. You can save your Jane.