Tuesday Trip Reportage...

Since I will be out of town the rest of the week on biznass in the great state of Norfcack, I figured I'd throw up a little mid week trip reportage. So Sunday KPV and I escaped for a couple of hours to a local, that is home to mostly stockers, with some wild trouts' mixed in for good measure. This stream gets a lot of play, but it's close to the casa and when your jonesin' it's all irrelevant anyways' no? The weather has been amazing as of late and it didn't disappoint Sunday either. We mainly took in the scenery and enjoyed the day. The fish caught were just a bonus! At one point while KPV was taking his customary mid-trip siesta I came up on a group of fish holding in a deep pool soaking up the sun. Even with my c+ game I was able to get into range without spooking them, and even talked one into eating. It's rare to play the sight game in small stream with gin clear water, and to watch it unfold was icing on the cake! I haven't been taking as many pic's lately but I managed to snap a few solid ones on Sunday. Enjoy the pics, as I'll be sure to take a few along on my trip to hold me over until the weekend!

J

Friday Cheer Through Pics...

Tuesday Tuneage

Friday night KPV and I ventured out to one of the finest local watering holes to enjoy some tunes from our favorite local band "Dem Fischer Boys" (formally Four Day Creep). Enjoy a live cut of the "Creepin' Blues"!

Trout Camp 2K11 Part III: Post Game Report

TC 2K11 Part III is officially in the books. The weather was amazing and the new locale will most definitely be revisited. The fishing didn't disappoint either as there were plenty of eager trouts' willing to gobble up a dry. The camera battery died, before I was able to capture the full on madness that ensued after sunset, which is probably a good thing! This was more than likely the last overnight'er of the year, and it was nice to go out with a bang!

J

Trout Camp 2k11 Part III: Electric Blanket Edition

First off on a rare serious note I'd like to mention that I have two immediate family members going through some health issues, one of which is very serious and I wanted to say our thoughts and prayers are with the both of you!
On a less serious note I'd like to direct your attention to the camp fire on the left, and assure you that our fire over the coming weekend will definitely be 7 times larger than that one!
If you hadn't already connected the dots, FLY will be constructing one last trout camp over the coming weekend (our local fair is in town so we had to get the hell outta' dodge). The cooler weather should provide some solid fishing and like always the break is a much needed one. Check in for the post game results and hopefully like the Bravo's we won't go o'fer and miss the playoffs...

J

Toccoa River Regulations Cont.

Our collective voices have been heard... (Although I think I should've yelled.) Below are the replies from some of the other government officials along with the official statement from the DNR. Also I'll post a link to the new petition drafted by the T.R.W.C. Sign that shit and keep those emails rollin' in!

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T.R.W.C Petition, Click here

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 September 19, 2011

Thank you for your recent correspondence to the Board of Natural Resources regarding the Toccoa River trout fishery downstream from Blue Ridge Dam.  We understand that you feel strongly with respect to this great trout fishery, are concerned about its recently diminished status, and feel that special fishing regulations should be considered. 

We share your appreciation for this resource and will continue to work to ensure the Toccoa Tailwater is restored and maintained as a quality trout fishing destination in Georgia.  Over the past decade, the Toccoa Tailwater has gained a reputation as an excellent trout fishery.  This is largely attributable to water quality improvements by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), fisheries management efforts by the Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (GAWRD), and the efforts of conservation-minded anglers.  The TVA water quality improvements included a steady minimum flow release from Blue Ridge Dam and the injection of oxygen into the dam discharge.

We recognize the significant impacts to the fishery during the last 14 months as a result of the necessary Blue Ridge Dam Rehabilitation Project by TVA.  GAWRD staff worked closely with TVA to minimize those warm water impacts to the extent possible.  In addition, GAWRD has restocked nearly 20,000 more trout, above the river’s annual stocking rate of 20,000 fish, to begin rebuilding what was lost.  While the warm water impacts to this fishery were acute and swift, the recovery will likely take more time as fish grow into the larger size classes.

Our agency has invested much time and effort in studying the trout fishery in the Toccoa Tailwater.  Recently, GAWRD fisheries staff completed an intensive tagging study and will finalize the report shortly.  The results of that study will allow us to evaluate specific management options on the trout population. Angling regulations are an important component of all managed fisheries.  GAWRD has always taken great care to manage its angling resources based on sound biological data and the desires of our diverse angling community.  As such, regulation changes are part of a carefully designed process which involves collection of biological data and angler input.  

Thank you once again for your interest in the management of the Toccoa Tailwater fishery.  We appreciate your input regarding special regulations and will take those comments into account as we continue our restoration and management efforts.  Feel free to contact GAWRD fisheries biologist John Damer (706-624-1161) if you have further questions or comments regarding this fishery.

                                                                                         Sincerely,
                                                                                         Dan Forster

cc:    Mr. Earl D. Barrs, Chairman, Board of Natural Resources

         Commissioner Mark Williams

         John Biagi, Fisheries Chief

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Dear Supporters of the Toccoa River Tailwater Special Regulation Area:

Thanks to all of you for your concern for the health of the Toccoa Tailwaters fishery.  The Fannin Chamber was a sponsor of the legislation supporting Fannin County’s designation as the Trout Capital of Georgia.  Subsequently we expressed our concern during last year’s drawdown to TVA about potential damage to the health of the tailwaters fishery.  We are also on record as supporting continued funding of the Chattahoochee National Fish Hatchery and have notified our state and US officials accordingly.  Members of the Chamber Board of Directors are well aware of the value of the tailwaters to our local businesses and to the economy of Fannin County.  Also, as sponsors of the annual Rivers  Alive Clean-up on October 1, part of our Chamber’s mission is to protect the natural resources that make our county the special place it is.

The Board will discuss the proposed regulations regarding the tailwaters at our October board meeting, and may take a position at that time.  In the meantime, I personally appreciate the work you are all doing to protect this valuable resource.

Kindest regards,

Jan

Jan Hackett

President

Fannin County Chamber of Commerce

& Welcome Center

152 Orvin Lance Drive

P.O. Box 1689

Blue Ridge, GA

706-632-5680

www.blueridgemountains.com

 

Georgia’s Blue Ridge...

Naturally perfect for people who love art, good food and the great outdoors.

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STATE OF GEORGIA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

ATLANTA 30334-0900

Nathan Deal

      GOVERNOR

            Thank you for taking the time to share your views regarding fishing regulations on the Toccoa River.  I take the custodial responsibilities over Georgia's abundant resources very seriously and want to know of any personal concerns you may have.

              I have referred your correspondence to Mark Williams, Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources, with the request that he or the appropriate member of his team respond to your inquiry more specifically.  You may also reach the agency directly:

Georgia Department of Natural Resources

Suite 1252, East Tower

2 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive

Atlanta, Georgia 30334-1703

404-656-3500

http://www.gadnr.org/

              I hope this information is helpful to you.  Thank you again for writing.