This month Charles Bagley will discuss how to plan a Western fishing trip. He'll discuss what is involved in planning, how to spend and save money, and where one might fish. In addition to Charlie's presentation, we'll discuss the Stream of the Month, Little River Chapter's Troutfest and banquet, and the Hiwasee Chapter's upcoming fish fry and Fish Festival.

We'll have hot dogs and drinks, so plan on eating with us.  

On June 3rd, several members of the Appalachian Chapter and a couple from the Nashville area met up on the Conasauga River. Jim Herrig and Petra Setlich from the National Forest Service graciously volunteered their Saturday to taking us snorkeling on the river. We started with a  short class on the fish species available in the Conasauga watershed. Its 70+ species far outnumbers the species in the Colorado River and other western watersheds, which is interesting based on its small size in comparison to he western streams. This shows that this system is old and diverse.

On May 27th, Greg Fairchild, Jim Herrig, Sandy Macey, and Robert Wilson attended chainsaw training at the Ocoee Ranger Station. This training certifies them as Level A chainsaw operators which will allow them to operate chainsaws in the National Forest. These skills will be used to trim overgrown rhododendron which causes streams to flood their banks, resulting in stream siltation. 

At 11:00 AM on June 3rd, Jim Herrig, a fisheries biologist with the National Forest Service and member of the Applachian Chapter of TU, will lead a snorkeling trip on the Conasauga River. Those interested in attending need to bring swimming suits, wading shoes (or old shoes/sandals), towels, lunches, and water to drink. Changing tents will be provided as well as all gear needed for snorkeling. The wet suits fit people that are around 12 years old and up. On a recent trip, the water was 57 degrees. Hopefully it will warm up some by the 3rd!

Click here to download an Adobe PDF file with complete information.

Dane Law from Southeastern Anglers sent the following fishing reports from the Hiwassee River, Toccoa River, Tellico Basin, Clinch River, and Holston River. Thanks for the report Dane.