NORTH CAROLINA COUNCIL OF TROUT UNLIMITED — Serving TU members in the Old North State
TheMend Land and Water Public Access Panel Discussion Members of the trout fishing and outdoors communities in North Carolina have become alarmed at the loss of public access to large areas of NC rivers and streams. Many factors seem to contribute to this problem. On March 19, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., the Hickory Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) will hold an expert panel discussion about how to deal with the loss of public access to trout fisheries; from causalities to practical solutions.
The discussion will take place at the Market on Main Cellar in downtown Hickory as part of Hickory TU’s regular monthly meeting. Free parking is available at 325 1st Ave. SW and the entrance to the Cellar is across the street. A $10 optional buffet dinner is available for purchase prior to the meeting at 5:30 p.m. The panel discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and members of other TU chapters, conservation organizations,
and outdoor advocacy groups are encouraged to attend. The panel will include Ron Beane, Board Chairman of the Foothills Conservancy; Doug Besler, Mountain Region Fishery Supervisor for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC); Andy Brown, Southern Appalachian Stream Restoration Manager for TU; Mike Johnson, Commissioner, NCWRC; and Jacob Rash, Coldwater Research Coordinator, NCWRC.
How This Panel Discussion Happened, and Why It Matters “When you come to a fork in the road, take it!” This is one of my favorite Yogisms. If you’re very young or just not into sports, that’s the Hall of Fame baseball catcher, Yogi Berra. He’s famous for witty sayings that make you scratch your head before you realize how much truth they hold. Well, as trout anglers, we’ve come to a big fork in the road, or, in our case, river. Last August I wrote about the trip Editor Chick and I took to follow the course of the three great rivers in the High Country: Watauga, Elk, and Linville. I recounted how shocked we were by how much of the water on those great fisheries was now closed to the public. Private water fishing clubs,
high-dollar developments with fishing access limited to the residents, landowners with “No Trespassing” signs on every tree, and other factors have taken much of our public trout water away.
by those who have influence. We’ve invited neighboring chapters, other conservation groups, and outdoor advocates. We have reached a crucial fork in the river of public trout waters, and we better take it!
The ball that started rolling during our trip has led to the panel discussion we’ll have at the March Hickory TU meeting. (See details above.) I have assembled an impressive panel of experts who understand the problem and have the knowledge and wherewithal to begin to affect some fixes. We will discuss how serious the problem is now and explore possible solutions. You need to be there. Bring anyone you know who shares our concerns or needs to. We have an opportunity to be heard
One of the other great Yogisms says, “Nobody goes there anymore, it’s too crowded!” If we don’t find ways to preserve public access to trout waters, we may well find the few that are left are so crowded there is no need to go. See you on March 19. Dr. Joel Miller, Hickory TU Panel Organizer
Image courtesy of Due South Outfitters
VOLUME 1 • NUMBER 2 • MARCH 2019
WHAT’S INSIDE • Panel Discussion • Natural Resources Management Act • DH Stocking Resumes • Budget Process Wrapping Up • Southeast Regional Rendezvous • Rivercourse • Fly Fishing Museum • DRO Offers Free “Getting Started” Classes • Chapter News About “The Mend” “The Mend” is the monthly newsletter and update of the North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited. It is meant to work in concert with our quarterly feature magazine, “The Drift” to keep our membership informed about and engaged in what’s happening with Trout Unlimited here in the Old North State. Connect with the North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited On the web: https://northcarolinatu.org On Facebook: https://facebook.com/ northcarolinatu Via Email: news@northcarolinatu.org The North Carolina Council of Trout Unlimited P.O. Box 2351 Brevard, NC 28172
COUNCIL
NEWS
TheMend
Natural Resources Management Act (S
Note: The exquisite photographs in this article are courte TU member, fishing guide and author Heath Cartee (hea pisgahoutdoors.com, http://www.pisgahoutdoors.com). T Heath!
We learned late Tuesday that the Natural Resources Act (S was passed by the House of Representatives with an overw majority. In something that’s increasingly rare in congres days, the bill passed with strong bilateral support.
The final vote in the Senate was 92-8; in the House, 363 president has 10 days to sign off, after which it will becom of the land. The act itself is a sweeping package of land and water bills negotiated between leaders in the House and Senate. This bipartisan package includes several priorities for Trout Unlimited members that will help protect and restore trout and salmon fisheries and support local collaborative restoration projects. Of significant interest to NCTU members is the act’s permanent authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). The LWCF is our country’s premier conservation, fishing and hunting access program, and has bipartisan support in both chambers. Permanent authorization ensures the LWCF continues to sustain our outdoor traditions for generations to come. Over its more than 50 years, the LWFC has invested more than $246 million in North Carolina’s public lands, parks and outdoor recreation. LWCF has made a difference in our state, from improving recreation access for hunters and anglers, to providing grants supporting local community trails and parks.
February 2019
How Here’s on the
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Also of note for NCTU members is The USFWS’ Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, reauthorized through 2023. This program supports collaborative conservation partnerships between willing landowners and partners like Trout Unlimited to protect and restore fish habitat on private lands.
how the legislators from North Carolina voted Natural Resources Management Act (S.47)
strict istrict istrict istrict istrict istrict istrict istrict istrict District District District District
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George Holding *
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* Mark Meadows
Alma Adams Ted Budd
and 9th District seats are currently vacant
courage you to visit http://standup.tu.org/ nk your legislators for their votes.
We are excited and pleased that both houses of Congress, though deeply divided on so many issues, came together in resounding support of our nation’s wild places; particularly our streams and watersheds. We would also like to acknowledge and thank two council members for their tireless work in support of NCTU’s position on this important act. Legislative Affairs co-chairs John Rich (Pisgah TU) and Ned Jones (Triangle Fly Fishers) went far, far above and beyond the call of duty writing letters, making phone calls and ensuring that North Carolina TU’s voice was heard loud and clear, and every single member of TU in North Carolina owes them a tremendous debt of gratitude. And thanks to all of you who made calls, wrote letters and sent emails. Our voices, and ultimately our votes, can and do make a difference for our wild places, and for the legacy we entrust to the next generation of outdoor adventurers, conservationists and explorers. 2
COUNCIL
NEWS
TheMend
Stocking Resumes, Regulations Chang
Stocking of Delayed Harvest water resumes in March. Ma chapters participate in this popular program once describ “brilliant compromise”; an effort to engage more anglers and take pressure off wild and native fish populations by p additional angling opportunities with higher success rates that don’t usually support trout populations.
While a few of our members choose not to participate in t for philosophical reasons, for others it’s a huge componen life. We understand the differences of opinion, and we re sides of the discussion. The schedule for Delayed Harvest available on our council website, as is the schedule for the Hatchery-Supported waters.
Speaking of Hatchery-Supported waters, all angler should of the spring “layoff”, which takes place this year from Ma until April 6, 2019 at 7:00 a.m. Be aware that during thi
February 2019
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any of our bed as a s in the sport providing s in waters
the program nt of chapter espect both t stocking is e stocking
d be aware arch 1, 2019 is time it is
ILLEGAL to fish in Hatchery-Supported waters, even if you’re not keeping fish. While fishing is closed, Commission staff will stock approximately 930,000 trout in preparation for opening day. Also be aware that some waters (thinking of the Davidson) have an abrupt transition between designations, so it’s possible to literally have one foot in Catch-and-Release, Fly-Only water and the other in Hatchery-Supported water, so give the regulations a good look before you go out. The time and money you save may be your own. Whether you enjoy fishing for stockers or not, make sure you get out and enjoy a beautiful North Carolina springtime. After the winter we’ve had, we deserve it. And WATCH YOUR STEP! These high-water events have reshaped some of the streams, and it’s easy to float your hat if you’re not paying attention.
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COUNCIL
NEWS
TheMend
Budget Process Wrapping Up
The NCTU Budget & Finance Committee have prepared submitted a draft budget for the 2020 TU Fiscal Year, wh April 1, 2019. All Council officers and chapter president copies of the draft and have been asked for their question comments.
After incorporating any last-minute corrections or adjust the Committee will prepare a final budget to circulate to t group, so that it can be shared with Chapter Leaders who participating in the March 13 Council Meeting via Confe When a final budget is approved by council vote, a copy w available to all TU members in the state.
Planning and budgeting are essential to keeping any organ strong. It forces us to be forward looking, helps us establi financial goals and priorities as and ensures that funding programs and projects is available in the future. Many tha who have contributed and continue to contribute to this i process.
Southeast Regional Rendezvous Updat
Join friends and fellow TU members and volunteers for t Southeast Regional Rendezvous on May 3–5 at The Dillar in Dillard, Ga. Located near the banks of the beautiful C River, and nestled in the raw lands of the Nantahala Natio Forest, this location provides a perfect mix of scenery, gre opportunities to engage in hands-on trainings and more!
We learned recently that Chris Wood, CEO of Trout Unli will be joining us to share TU’s vision and plan for the ye You’ll walk away motivated, engaged and ready to take on The online registration form is available online now.
February 2019
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Rivercourse Applications are being accepted for NCTU’s Rivercourse Coldwater Conservation & Fly Fishing Youth Camp. The camp is sponsored by the North Carolina State Council of Trout Unlimited and emphasizes Trout Unlimited’s Mission — the conservation, restoration and preservation of coldwater fisheries and their watersheds – while teaching campers the basics of fly fishing, a sport for a lifetime. We’ll select and notify campers in mid-April, so there is still time to apply but don’t wait! To learn more about the program, or to learn about applying for Rivercourse, volunteer opportunities or to give a gift in support of the program please visit the Rivercourse website or contact Administrative Director Reba Brinkman or Camp Director David Vigue for more information. Our chapter leaders were asked last month to consider supporting Rivercourse with a contribution from the chapter. We hope you’ve heard about that and have either made the commitment or are planning to discuss it soon. With the continued generosity of TU chapters and members, we can keep tuition more affordable for students and maintain the high quality and standards for which the camp is famous. You can also give an individual gift to Rivercourse by visiting https://rivercourse.org/give. Thank you for your support! 4
COUNCIL
NEWS
TheMend
Fly Fishing Museum of the S Four North
Alen Baker
The Fly Fishing Museum of the Southern Appalachians 4th Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon & Induction Ceremony will be held Saturday, March 30, 2019 at the Warehouse at Nantahala Brewing, located at 116 Ramseur Street in Bryson City. Reservations are required. A 'Meet and Greet' will be held from 11:30 a.m. - noon, when lunch is served. Beau Beasley, well-known author and angler, will emcee the induction ceremony, which will begin at 1:00 p.m. At 4:00 p.m. join us for a soft opening of the
Bob Nanne
Museum’s Appalachia Aquarium, 117 Island Bryson City.
A Friday, March 29, a pre-event ‘Lagers with Legends’ fundraiser will be held at Nantahala Brewing Company, 61 Depot Street, beginning at 7 p.m. Each inductee will sel be renamed after them event, and Nantahala donate $1 per rename during the evening. T will honor the induct
DRO Offers Free “Getting Started” Cla
Davidson River Outfitters has announced their “Orvis 10 get new anglers started in fly fishing, including basics like up and the essentials of fly casting. The class is open to an older. Participants under 16 must be accompanied by an a
February 2019
Southern Appalachians Hall of Fame Weekend Carolinians among inductees
ey
Jim Estes
an Rivers d Street,
funds for Casting Carolinas, a non-profit organization that utilizes fly fishing as a means of helping patients deal with and recover from various cancers.
lect a beer to m during the a Brewing will ed beer sold The event tees and raise
Squeak Smith
Four North Carolinians — Alen Baker, Bob Nanney, Jim Estes and Squeak Smith join Joe Brooks (posthumous), George Gaines and Dave Whitlock to comprise the 2019 Hall of Fame inductees. Congratulations to these gentlemen on their accomplishments and
inductions, and thanks to all of them for their contributions to the sport we all love so much. We’ll be attending the ceremony and touring the museum and will post a full feature story on the event and facility in our spring edition of “The Drift.” For more information and photos, visit flyfishingmuseum.org/fame To buy tickets for the ceremony ($35), please use the order form on flyfishingmuseum.org/fame or e-mail info@flyfishingmuseum.org. or call 828-488-3681.
asses
01” classes to e how to rig nyone 10 or adult.
Class size is limited to 10 participants, and classes will be held throughout the summer. Openings disappear faster than salmon patties at a cat picnic, so act now. Call 888-861-0111 or email info@ davidsonflyfishing.com. http://www.davidsonflyfishing.com/school/orvis 5
CHAPTERNEWS Blue Ridge Chapter Meeting Information The Blue Ridge Chapter meets every 3rd Tuesday at the Carolina Ale House on Hanes Mall Blvd. We get together at 6 p.m. to eat, drink and, socialize and then at 7 p.m. we start with our chapter events followed by a speaker. We adjourn at 8 p.m. The speaker in March is Chris Franzen from Headwaters Outfitters. While we’re not sure 100% about the topic, we believe it’s about a recent trip to Patagonia (which will be featured in our upcoming spring “Drift” magazine. On Wednesday evenings from 6-8 p.m. we have our fly tying and rod building classes at the Southfork Community Center on Country Club road.
Cataloochee Meeting Tuesday March 12, 2019 The Cataloochee Trout Unlimited Chapter meeting will be held on Tuesday the 12th with our special guest speaker Skip Thompson Area Specialized Agent — Aquaculture for the NC Cooperative Extension of North Carolina State University. Skip has been with NC Cooperative Extension for 29 years providing technical support to the trout and carp aquaculture industries in 42 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) in western North Carolina. Fish health, production management, and waste management educational programs will assist trout farmers, fee-fishing pond managers, carp ponds and trout fingerling producers with the management and sustainability of their facilities. We will begin the meeting with a story telling session that is always entertaining and truthful. The social hour will include a Fly Fishing Flea Market to sell your old and new gear. We will have a 50X50 drawing to support the chapter. Tickets are $1 each and 6 for $5.
TheMend
February 2019
Our meetings take place at the Rendezvous Restaurant, Maggie Valley. Get there at 5:30 p.m. for our social hour and swap meet — speaker starts at 6:30 p.m. Come early and eat if you like, the food is great!
Stocking the West Fork of the Pigeon River March 6 Our mission is to support the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission to disperse trout throughout the Delayed Harvest section for a better fishing experience for all. TU Cataloochee members, volunteers and friends are all welcome. Please meet at the West Fork upper parking lot at 10:30 a.m. for an experience you will never forget. Bring a clean 5 gallon bucket or 2 and a friend or 2. Waders recommended but not required. The Wildlife Resource Commission will bring somewhere around 1500 pounds of fish. Stocking takes about 3 hours. We could use at least 25 volunteers. Take Highway 215 South from Bethel and go past Lake Logan. We will meet at the upper DH parking area on the left across from the gun range, below Sunburst Campground.
Dogwood Anglers Chapter — No Report
continued ➜
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CHAPTERNEWS Hickory Chapter Announces Robust Meeting Schedule In March, the Hickory Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) will hold an expert panel discussion about how to deal with the loss of public access to trout fisheries (detailed on the cover of this newsletter); in April, a presentation on the Trout Unlimited Veterans’ Service Project and how Camp Eagle Rock fits in; and in May, tips for getting your gear clothing and body ready for a saltwater fishing trip. The chapter meets the third Tuesday of each month at Market on Main cellar in Hickory. Dinner ($10) starts at 5:30 p.m., program at 6:30 p.m.)
Fishing Tournament For A Clean Wilson Creek Bruce Gray, the owner of Betsy’s Ole Country Store has been Mission Control of a Wilson Creek Cleanup effort since 2008 and started the Wilson Creek Clean Up Fund in 2017. It has now been rebranded as “A Clean Wilson Creek.” The organization has planned a two man fly fishing team competition on Saturday March 23. The teams will fish and control a 1-day event on the delayed harvest water in Mortimer, NC. For more details and registration visit https://www.flycomps.com/events/wilsons-creek-clean-up-3-23-2019. Note that while the event currently shows as fully registered, there are frequently cancellations, so get on the waiting list. In addition, they are looking for volunteers to help with the event. If you can help, please contact Brandon Harrison at Brandon@wilkieconst.com. To learn more about the organization, volunteer, or make a donation you can visit the website at https://acleanwilsoncreek.org/.
Chapter Member Donates Laptop A big thank you to chapter member and council Veterans’ Services Chair Lynn Marilla for the donation of a used laptop for a Trout In the Classroom teacher’s project use. Teacher Ryan Rowe has set up 24/7 viewing of the fingerlings in their tank system but since it was on his personal computer, he frequently had to take it down to use his computer. Now he can keep it up all the time with the computer donated by Lynn. Thanks, Lynn!
TheMend
February 2019
High Country — No Report
Land O’ Sky 2019 Fly Fishing Film Tour Mark your calendars for Friday, March 22 and Asheville’s annual showing of the Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3t), brought to by the Land O’ Sky Chapter of Trout Unlimited and our friends at Hunter Banks and Highland Brewing Company. This event sells out every year, and this year we have only ONE showing instead of TWO. So get your tickets while they’re still available. It’s a great evening featuring most of our favorite vices when we’re away from our vises: drinkin’, lyin’, movie watchin’ and gamblin’. Do you feel lucky? Well, do ya? Then bring a Fistful of Dollars, because Land O’ Sky is putting on a raffle that’s gonna make your day. Chapter volunteers will be roaming the brewery selling raffle tickets for some VERY choice goods and merchandise from companies like Simms, Costa, and Yeti. Tickets are cash-only and are sold 1 for $5, 3 for $10 and 7 for $20. All the raffle money raised goes to support your favorite TU chapter — Land O’ Sky, of course — so raid the couch cushions and bust the plastic pig because you’ve gotta enter to win. Land O' Sky continued ➜ 7
CHAPTERNEWS The event is being held in the newly updated and renovated Event Center at Highland Brewing Company, which boasts a downstairs bar and stage, with a mezzanine for overlooking the stage. The whole shindig is family-friendly, and food trucks will be on hand at the brewery to make sure you don’t go hungry. And of course, there will be plenty of delicious craft beer available, plus other selections for those who don’t want to get sudsy. When: Friday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) Where: Highland Brewing Company, 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville NC Tickets: Just $15, limited supply available! https://www.hunterbanks.com/fly-fishing-film-tour-tickets
March Meeting Scheduled Our next regular chapter meeting is set for Tuesday, March 12. As usual, we’ll be meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the REI conference room, upstairs, at REI in the Biltmore Park center. Our speaker for the evening is Caleb Abramson, fishery biologist from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Caleb will be speaking to us about brook trout restoration and conservation in the park, and some of the science and methods they employ to help ensure the survival of this native, millions-years-old species while balancing the public pressures on the streams and other park resources. It’s sure to be a dynamite presentation, and a meeting you won’t want to miss!
TheMend
If you haven’t seen this spectacular video featuring Caleb’s colleague Matt Kulp, we urge you to take a few moments and enjoy it. The footage and message are spectacular.
February 2019
Nat Greene Fly Fishers Regular Chapter Meeting Our regular monthly chapter meeting will take place Tuesday, March 12, 7 p.m. at Leonard Recreation Center
Special Offer for The Women of our Chapter On Saturday, March 16, Linda Heller is conducting a casting class for a group of women in Winston-Salem and they have extended the offer to women in our club. It will be at a farm pond in Germanton from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The class is limited to 8 and the cost is $60. A second date if needed will be March 23. If you are not familiar with Linda she is an excellent caster and instructor. Linda partners with Bob Clouser taking clients fishing all over the world.
Pisgah March Chapter and Board Meetings Set The next Pisgah TU chapter meeting is Thursday, March 14 at the DFR Room in downtown Brevard. This month’s guest speaker is Michael Cheek, the Assistant Regional Forester at the new Headwaters State Park. The meeting starts at 7 p.m., but many arrive early to grab a beer and a bite from the DFR Room’s bar and new kitchen, next door. The PTU board of directors meets two weeks later on Tuesday, March 28 at the United Community Bank’s conference room located 10 Park Place in Brevard. All members are welcome.
Free One-Handed Spey Casting Clinic Scheduled The chapter is partnering with JEB Hall from Davidson River Outfitters to offer a FREE one-handed spey casting clinic on March 5. JEB is a skilled and entertaining presenter and guide, and participants are sure to get a lot of first-rate tips and instruction to take the humble roll cast to a new and more powerful place. Morning and afternoon sessions are scheduled, and as you might imagine they filled up quickly. Check back with the chapter’s Facebook page https://facebook.com/pisgahTU for more exciting events in the works. Pisgah continued ➜ 8
CHAPTERNEWS The 2019 Pisgah TU Fly Fishing School The Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual regional fly fishing school at Harmon Field on the Pacolet River in Tryon, North Carolina on Saturday, May 11, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. The school is offered to beginning anglers and to those who’d like to learn more about the basics of the sport of fly fishing. Attendees will receive a full day of instruction in a wide range of essential knowledge and skills including equipment selection, line systems, casting and line management, fly selection and stream tactics, stream etiquette, ethic, and safety, and basic fly tying. Upon completion of the school, the attendees will be paired with angling “mentors” from Pisgah TU for a half-day on the water; practicing what they’ve learned as they fish. This unique experience gives the student a chance to ask questions and enjoy time on the water with a knowledgeable partner; translating the classroom learning in to a real, hands-on learning opportunity. Cost for the ranges from $150 for adults to $100 for youths aged 12 – 18. All classroom materials and fishing equipment are provided. The school is run entirely by chapter members and volunteers. All proceeds go to benefit conservation projects in western North Carolina. Given the value and quality of the school, early registration is encouraged because class size is limited and the slots fill quickly. For more information or to register for the school, visit: https://pisgahTU.org or see the form at the back of this newsletter.
Highway 276 (Davidson River) Cleanup, March 14 At 10 a.m. on March 14, volunteers from the Pisgah Chapter will meet at the Coontree Parking lot along 276 to pick up a hard winter’s worth of litter along the highway. After coffee and donuts, teams split up to patrol well-marked sections of the road while occasionally sneaking a peek at the river for choice fishing spots. Gloves, litter-getters, trash bags and vests are provided and volunteers are welcome and appreciated. Come on out — the more the better!
TheMend
February 2019
Rocky River Chapter Banquet a Big Success What a great night we had at our Friends of Rocky River Celebration! It was great to see everyone, great to talk with old friends and meet new ones, great food, and great auctions. Lots of cool stuff went out the door. Thanks to everyone for their generous donations and contributions making it so successful. This has been and continues to be one of the best nights of the year for us and we look forward to another successful year of Rocky River Trout Unlimited.
March Meeting — Fly Fishing Film Tour The chapter meeting this month is an outing to see the “Fly Fishing Film Tour”. The event will benefit Young Adult Fly Fishing organizations in CLT. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. They’ll have a great raffle with some amazing prizes. Plus, representatives from local flyfishing organizations. Tickets ($14) are available locally in advance at Jesse Brown’s-Charlotte or online. For more information contact Jesse Brown's — Charlotte at 704/556-0020 or bill@jessebrown.com or visit https://flyfilmtour.myeventscenter.com/event/Charlotte-Nc-31229 9
CHAPTERNEWS Stone Mountain Chapter Banquet The chapter will be hosting a banquet on April 21st at the Dodge City Steakhouse in Wilkesboro. Proceeds from the banquet are used to fund our stream restoration projects and educational programs. Some of our projects include stream cleaning and restoration on The New River and The Mitchell River, Sponsor Kids Fishing Day, providing the necessary equipment and support for Trout in the Classroom (TIC). There are currently eight TIC programs in Ashe County, Surry County, Wilkes County, and Yadkin County; all of which are supported by Stone Mountain Trout Unlimited. The program begins with social hour at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, live and silent auctions, bucket raffles, door prizes, and more. Tickets are $35/individual, $60/couple. For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/809674642566228/
Fly Fishing Clinic The Stone Mountain chapter is hosting a Fly Fishing Clinic on March 17 at Kernersville Lake in Kernersville, NC. Drop in to ask about fly tying, casting techniques, and advice on how to get started (what equipment one needs, where to go, etc.). Come learn everything you always wanted to know about fly fishing, from the experts with the Stone Mountain chapter of Trout Unlimited. It’s free and it’s hands-on, so you really can learn to cast a fly!
TheMend
February 2019
Table Rock — No Report
Triangle Fly Fishers For those of you in and around the Triangle, be sure to make plans now to check out Triangle Fly Fishers’ showing of the International Fly Fishing Film Festival on March 25. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the films start at 7:15 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available online by visiting https://www.showclix.com/event/if42019raleighnc/tag/widget or from Triangle Fly Fishers Board members. For more information about the films, visit: https://www.flyfilmfest. com, and be sure to check out the awesome preview reel, here: https://vimeo.com/307334561 Proceeds will help support our conservation and education programs. For more information about the event, please contact Chapter President Terry Hackett (flyfishing-hackett@msn.com).
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CHAPTERNEWS Tuckaseigee Chapter Participates in Scott’s Creek Cleanup We had an amazing turnout on a sub 20° morning! Nearly 50 folks from across serval organizations came out to help clean up Scott’s Creek in Jackson County. Official weight for amount of trash picked up Saturday is 3.5 Tons. Last year we picked up the same amount. In two days spent cleaning up, 7 tons or 14,000 pounds of trash have been removed from Scott’s Creek. Thank you to the Town of Sylva, WCU Fly Fishing Club, WCU Community Outreach and others! Tuckaseigee TU was glad to be part of this important effort, and we were happy to meet so many folks from across all age groups that care about our water!
TheMend
Unaka — No Report
February 2019
2019 Leadership Contacts Directory NCTU Committees
Name
NOMINATING
Mike Mihalas, Chair
mike@mihalas.com
BUDGET AND FINANCE
John Miko, Chair
jlmiko@charter.net
YOUTH EDUCATION
Joyce Shepherd, Chair
jjshepspie@yahoo.com
CHAPTER DEVELOPMENT
Sam Ogburn, Chair
dryfly@triad.rr.com
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Rusty Berrier, Chair
rustyberrier@outlook.com
CONSERVATION
John Rich, Co-Chair Ned Jones, Co-Chair Mike Mihalas, Chair
troutstalker01@gmail.com emt.trout@gmail.com mike@mihalas.com
VETERANS SERVICES
Lynn Marilla, Chair
lmarilla@eaglerockcamp.org
COMMUNICATIONS
Charles Crolley, Chair
charles@coldriverstudio.org
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
NCTU REPRESENTATION IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS Nantahala-Pisgah Forest Partnership
John Rich
troutstalker01@gmail.com
Mills River Partnership
Jay Hawthorne
johnjhawthorne@gmail.com
French Broad Partnership
Jay Hawthorne
johnjhawthorne@gmail.com
The Pisgah Conservancy
Mike Mihalas
mike@mihalas.com
RIVERCOURSE CONTACTS Administrative Director
Reba Brinkman
tu.rivercourse@gmail.com
Camp Director
David Vigue
david_vigue@bellsouth.net
Volunteer Coordinator
Joyce Shepherd
jjshepspie@yahoo.com
COUNCIL OFFICERS Chair
Mike Mihalas
mike@mihalas.com
Vice Chair
Tim Schubmehl
schub444@gmail.com
Secretary
Charles Crolley
charles@coldriverstudio.org
Treasurer
John Miko
jlmiko@charter.net
NLC Representative
Rusty Berrier
rustyberrier@outlook.com
Rivercourse Administrative Director
Reba Brinkman
tu.rivercourse@gmail.com
Immediate Past Chair
John Kies
johnkies@bellsouth.net
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Congress passes S.47, lands and water bill Bill now advances to President for signature into law
February 26, 2019
What’s News? On Tuesday, February 26, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives voted 363-to-62 to advance the Natural Resources Management Act (S.47), a bipartisan, sweeping package of land and water bills of importance to sportsmen and women. Today’s vote follows one week after the Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill with a vote of 92-to-8 in favor. The legislation now goes to the President for signature. Visit http://standup.tu.org/ to thank your Members of Congress for their support of this important legislation.
What Does This Means for Trout Unlimited? S.47 is a uniquely bipartisan, sweeping package of land and water bills negotiated between leaders in the House and Senate. This bipartisan package includes several priorities for Trout Unlimited members that will help protect and restore trout and salmon fisheries and support local collaborative restoration projects. These provisions include: •
The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), permanent reauthorization. The LWCF is our country’s premier conservation, fishing and hunting access program. While dedicated funding for this program is still needed, this step of securing permanent reauthorization is a critical step toward ensuring that the LWCF will continue to sustain our outdoor traditions for generations to come.
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The USFWS’ Partners for Fish and Wildlife program, reauthorized through 2023. This program supports collaborative conservation partnerships between willing landowners and partners like Trout Unlimited to protect and restore fish habitat on private lands. The Partners for Fish and Wildlife provisions of the bill will ensure that the benefits of conservation and restoration extend to private lands in places such as West Virginia where we have installed over 300-miles of fence to protect creeks from over-grazing.
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The Yakima River Basin Water Enhancement Act includes federal authorizations needed to advance the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, a balanced package of actions that will restore hundreds of thousands of salmon and steelhead to the basin, improve water quality and quantity, and support a healthy agricultural and recreational economy. The Plan was agreed upon by a diverse coalition of conservation groups, irrigators, farmers, sportsmen and women, local, state, and federal governments and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.
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The Methow Headwaters Protection Act would place 340,000 acres of U.S. Forest Service land in the Upper Methow Valley off limits to large-scale mining. This much-needed measure is critical to protect crucial coldwater habitat for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, bull trout, mountain whitefish, Chinook salmon, and steelhead.
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The Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Special Management Area Designation Act would protect around 100,000 acres on Steamboat Creek, an important spawning tributary of the North Umpqua River used by wild summer steelhead and spring Chinook. The designation is titled in honor of World War II veteran, Frank Moore, and his wife, Jeanne.
S.47, The Natural Resources Management Act House and Senate passage. (February 26, 2019)
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The Oregon Wildlands Act would designate more than 250 new miles of Wild and Scenic Rivers in iconic fisheries like the Rogue, Chetco, Elk and Molalla basins, and create new wilderness in the Devil’s Staircase area east of Reedsport.
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The California Desert Protection and Recreation Act would protect approximately 76 miles of streams, including Deep Creek, which provides a rare opportunity for freshwater fishing in Southern California and is one of the region’s few designated Wild Trout streams. The fish, and fishing opportunities, would be improved and sustained by better protecting their habitat as Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River segments.
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The Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act would prohibit new mining claims at the doorstep of Yellowstone National Park. Fisheries in the area include the North Fork of Sixmile Creek, which supports an important population of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout, as well as headwater streams that feed the Yellowstone River, a world renown blue ribbon trout river.
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The Cerros del Norte Conservation Act designates areas within the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument as wilderness areas. The Rio San Antonio Wilderness area (8,120 acres) and the Cerro Del Yuta Wilderness area (13,240 acres) will benefit public land conservation and local economies.
This legislation also includes measures to reinvigorate the nation’s Conservation Corps and to promote access to public lands and the outdoors. The package of bills is not without compromise. For instance, we are disappointed with provisions related to Alaska Native Vietnam Veterans Allotments, which we believe run counter to the spirit and intent of Alaska’s original Allotment Act and will unnecessarily fragment and privatize important federal public lands in Alaska. Despite these concerns, S.47 includes a great number of provisions that Trout Unlimited and our members strongly support. Advancing this legislation into law would be an unprecedented victory for land and water resources.
Thank you, TU Advocates! Thank you, TU volunteers, staff and partners, for your efforts to protect these special places. These bills collectively represent years, and in some places, decades of work from volunteers and advocates in their home watersheds. “The bill is a testament to Trout Unlimited’s commitment to organizing, educating and mobilizing sportsmen and women about the need to protect and restore their public lands and waters,” said Chris Wood, TU CEO and President. “It is a tribute to the power of collaborative stewardship where communities of place and interest come together to protect and preserve the places they live and the rivers they love to fish.” “There is more work to follow, and our efforts to protect and restore the lands and waters that we cherish is never done, but today is a day to celebrate. We offer our true thanks to our members of Congress and their staff who worked hard to advance this historic agreement, and we celebrate the hard work of sportsmen and women in our efforts to protect these special places across the country.” What Comes Next? This legislative package now moves to the President for signature. We urge you to take a moment to thank your Senators and Representatives for their support. Take Action: Visit http://standup.tu.org/ to thank your Members of Congress for their support of this important legislation.
For questions, please contact: Corey Fisher Public Lands Policy Director corey.fisher@tu.org
S.47, The Natural Resources Management Act House and Senate passage. (February 26, 2019)
Kate Miller Director of Government Affairs kate.miller@tu.org
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2019
Saturday, May 11, 2019 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM Harmon Field, Tryon, NC on the Pacolet River A complete class on fly fishing for beginners including: - Equipment used for fly fishing
- Casting, including overhead, side arm and roll casts
- Entomology, what trout eat and fly selection
- On the water demonstrations and techniques rer
- Line Management and Knots
- Fly Tying - materials provided
- On River Safety and Etiquette 
 Plus a separate half day of on-stream fishing with a mentor! Adults: $150 Youth 12 to 18: $100 5-Rivers Students: $125 Bring your own bag lunch or add $15 for a Mediterranean wrap from the Purple Onion. Lunch is only 30 minutes thus you will need to stay on site. Registration form can be found at PisgahTU.org or below. Mail registration and make check payable to:
Pisgah Trout Unlimited PO Box 2439 Brevard, NC. 28712 Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone
Registration Deadline is April 16, 2019
Our Mission Conserve, protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their watersheds in the Western North Carolina region.
Public Mountain Trout Waters are Managed by Seven Different Classifications Consult the North Carolina Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest for current regulatory information
Definitions: • An artificial lure is defined as a fishing lure that neither contains nor has been treated with any substance that attracts fish by the sense of taste or smell • Natural bait is defined as any living or dead organism (plant or animal), or parts thereof, or prepared substances designed to attract fish by the sense of taste or smell
Hatchery Supported Trout Waters
• Season is open from August 1, 2018 to February 28, 2019 • No bait restrictions • No minimum length limit • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit • No fishing allowed from March 1, 2019 to April 5, 2019 • Then from 7:00 a.m. April 6, 2019 to July 31, 2019 • No bait restrictions • No minimum length limit • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit • There is no closed season for fishing on power reservoirs and city water supply reservoirs designated as trout waters
Delayed Harvest Trout Waters
• October 1, 2018 to May 31, 2019 • No trout may be harvested or possessed • Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used
• No fishing allowed at all between 1/2 hour after sunset on May 31, 2019 and 6:00 a.m. on June 1, 2019
• At 6:00 a.m. on June 1, 2019 these waters open to fishing for youths under 18 years old under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations • No bait restrictions • No minimum length limit • Seven (7) trout per day creel limit
• At 12:00 p.m. on June 1, 2019 these waters open for all anglers under Hatchery Supported Trout Waters regulations
Wild Trout Waters
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Season is open year-round Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used You can only keep four (4) fish The four fish must be at least seven (7) inches long It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
Catch and Release/Artificial Lures Only Trout Waters
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Season is open year-round No trout may be harvested or possessed Only artificial lures having one single hook may be used It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
Catch and Release/Artificial Flies Only Trout Waters
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Season is open year-round No trout may be harvested or possessed Only artificial flies having one single hook may be used It is unlawful to possess natural bait on your person while fishing
Wild Trout/Natural Bait Waters
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Season is open year-round: You can use a single hook artificial lure (or) You can use a single hook with natural bait, except live fish You can only keep four (4) fish The four fish must be at least seven (7) inches long
Special Regulation Trout Waters The Special Regulation classification allows the Commission to implement site specific regulations on unique trout fisheries in the state that do not fit into existing categories. The regulations for each water body managed under Special Regulation will be displayed on each sign.
MOUNTAIN TROUT MAP
Please visit ncwildlife.org/trout for more information about trout regulations, stockings, and angling opportunities.
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2019 DELAYED HARVEST STOCKING DATES COUNTY
Brook, brown and rainbow trout require cold, clean water and are therefore generally restricted to mountain streams and lakes. Those mountain waters that support trout and are open to public fishing are desig nated as “Public Mountain Trout Waters” by the Wildlife Resources Commission and are managed for public trout fishing. A significant amount of trout fishing oppor tunities in western North Carolina are locat ed on private property. These landowners have generously allowed for public access for fishing. Please respect their property. Your cooperation is needed to protect fishing opportunities for future genera tions. The Commission conspicuously marks Public Mountain Trout Waters with regulation signs that indicate locations for public access. When anglers encounter “posted against trespass” signs along these designated sections on private lands, they should respect the property owner’s rights and choose another location along that stream to fish. Maps of trout waters and their classifications may be viewed at ncwildlife.org/trout.
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
OCTOBER
Alleghany
Little River
LOCATION
6
4
6
4
NOVEMBER
6
Ashe
Helton Creek Trout Lake Big Horse Creek South Fork New River
1 1 6 6
1 1 4 4
1 1 6 6
1 1 4 4
1 1 6 6
Burke
Jacob Fork
5
3
3
3
5
Caldwell
Wilson Creek
4
2
2
2
4
Clay
Fires Creek
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8
7
9
19
Graham
Big Snowbird
7
8
7
8
14
Haywood
West Fork Pigeon River
6
1
6
8
15
Henderson
North Fork Mills River
4
1
3
1
14
Jackson
Tuckasegee River
Macon
Nantahala
Madison
Big Laurel Creek Shelton Laurel Creek Spring Creek
STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS!
5 2 2, 3 CLEAN AND2 DRY ANYTHING THAT 5, 7 7 4 6 7 18 COMES INTO CONTACT WITH1WATER 1 1 1 1
Mitchell
1 1 1 1 Invasive aquatic plants, such as hydrilla and 1 4 1 7 giant salvinia; exotic mussels, such as zebra Curtis Creek 5 3 3 3 and and3 even algae, Mill Creek 5 quagga mussels; 3 3 like Catawba River 3 3 and boating 3 didymo or rock snot, 5can hitch a ride on fishing gear. Cane CreekOnce established, they5 cause extensive 3 3 3 damage to aquatic systems.
McDowell
North Toe River
4
2
Polk
the spread of Green RiverWe need your help to prevent 4 4
Surry
Ararat River Mitchell River
5 1
Swain
Tuckasegee River
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Transylvania Watauga
Wilkes
Yancey
1 8 5 5 5 5 4
2
2
3 1
3 1
3 1
5 1
3
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When you leave a body of water:
nuisance species . 7 2
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• Remove any visible mud, plants, fish or animals before transporting equipment. East Fork French Broad River 4 3 12 • Eliminate water from equipment before3transporting.6 Little River 1 5 1 1 4 • Clean and dry anything that comes into contact with water (boats, trailers, Watauga River 1 1 1 1 1 Coffee Lake equipment, clothing, dogs, 1 etc.). 1 1 1 1 NeverRiver release plants, fish East Prong •Roaring 1 or animals into 1 a body of water 1 unless they 1 came out 1 of that Stone Mountain Creekbody of water. 1 1 1 1 1 Reddies River 4 2 2 2 4 recommendations for that 4 Elk Creek For more information, including 4 2 2 cleaning anything 2 Cane River
comes into contact 7 with water, visit: 5 ProtectYourWaters.net 7 7
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Dates listed are subject to change due to unexpected events, such as snow. Changes will be announced through press releases, Twitter, Facebook and on ncwildlife.org.