Steve D
04-07-99, 11:56 AM
Hey Y’all!
This is an announcement I posted to FlyFish@ this morning. I'd like to extend an invitation to NEG Clave to the NGTO folks. Sometime between now and clavetime please let me know if you can make it co we can plan on enough eats and such.
NEG Clave IV is just over two months away. This is a repost of the announcement I sent out about 3 months ago but I thought it might be a good idea to post it again. If you’re planning to make NEG or even just thinking about it, save this post – its got a lot of handy information in it
Here goes:
The Date
This year NEG will be held in June (June 25-27 to be exact) instead of later in the summer. Why? Most who have been at previous editions of NEG know why. In late summer, Georgia trout water conditions are conditions are pretty much in the worst condition they’ll be in all year. Temperatures (both water and air) are up, oxygen levels are low, and the fishing just don’t cut it. Hopefully by having the clave earlier in the summer the water will be in better shape and the fish will be more cooperative.
Also, the September date isn’t too great with folks that have kids in school (which includes me now) or for folks that work at schools (including colleges) because things are just starting to get back in session about that time.
So, earlier last winter I took a poll of past NEG participants and folks who said that they would liked to have been there but the late August/early September to see which weekend might suit the most folks. I eliminated weekends of other claves where participation might have some significant overlap, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and July 4th. The unanimous consensus of those who responded to the poll was for the weekend of June 25-27. 1999
The Location
NEG IV will be held at Unicoi State Park near Helen, Georgia. Thats right, NEG Clave will finally be held in its entirety in the State of Georgia (meaning this Clavemeister takes no more crap from certain listers, Mikee Ray, about being “geographically challenged”!!). Unicoi SP is a prime location. Its in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains and is in very close proximity to a lot of good trout water. Heck, there is even a trout stream that runs through the park itself.
Unicoi is one of the jewels of Georgia’s state park system. The park features 84 tent/trailer/RV sites (all reservable - I will be contacting the folks at the park to see what we can do about reserving spaces adjacent to, or in close proximity to one another), 30 cabins, and a very nice 100-room lodge (read “hotel"), a 53-acre lake, row-boat rental, a trout stream (Smiths Creek), tennis courts (who would want to play tennis when there is so much more around to do?), very good buffet-style restaurant, a craft/gift shop and a campground store. There are playgrounds for the kids and there’s a beach for swimming (definitely has its possibilities in summer!). Water is available at every campsite.
I would suggest that folks make reservations at least 2 to 3 (or more is possible) weeks in advance - June/July are peak usage months at Unicoi. I’ll post information regarding camping/lodging rates at Unicoi a little closer to time.
The Waters
As I mentioned earlier, Smiths Creek runs through the park. The headwaters of Smiths Creek are above Anna Ruby Falls, a beautiful set of falls just a few minutes from the campground. Smiths is fishable downstream from the Anna Ruby Visitor’s Center to Unicoi Lake and again downstream of the dam at Unicoi Lake. The section of Smiths downstream of the dam to its confluence with the Chattahoochee River has been designated a “Delayed Harvest” stream by the GA DNR. Its C&R only from October through March. Fish caught during clave-time may harvested but, as always, C&R is encouraged. Note, to fish Smiths Creek, anglers must sign in at the Lodge and there is a $2 “parking” fee.
The Chattahoochee River has its origins a few miles north of Unicoi SP. By the time the “Hooch” reaches Helen, its a sizeable waterway, comparable in width (but not gradient) to the Chattooga. The Hooch is stocked but there are generally a good number of holdover fish from previous years and there are wild fish up near the headwaters. Other streams in the immediate area (within about 5 miles) include Sautee Creek, Spoilcane Creek, Low Gap Creek and Dukes Creek.
Dukes Creek may be of particular interest to some folks. Dukes runs through the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and is intensively managed by the GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division. This stream is C&R only and may be fished by reservation only on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. During the summer reservations may be made for ½ day sessions with 15-20 angler slots open per session. You must have a valid GA fishing license (resident or non-resident) and there is a $2.00 “parking” fee.
Other trout streams somewhat further away include Little Tesnatee Creek, Turner Creek, Dicks Creek, Dodd Creek, Frogtown Creek, Boggs Creek, Nottley River, Town Creek, Soapstone Creek, Hiwassee River, Swallows Creek, Corbin Creek, Wildcat Creek and Sautee Creek. For those who would like a map of Georgia’s trout streams, you can request a copy by calling the DNR and giving them your name and address. I’ll have a few copies at the clave with me as well.
For those interested in pay-to-play fishing for big trout, Nacoochee Bend is located on the Chattahoochee just south of Helen and Brigadoon’s is located on the Soque River a few miles away between Clarksville and Batesville. I can provide information regarding these two areas if anyone wants it (usual disclaimers apply - no affiliation with either).
Other Stuff To Do
For those that come but aren’t fishing, or for those that care to do something different for a little while, there’s a lot see and do in the area. There are hiking trails (including sections of the Appalachian Trail), waterfalls to see (Anna Ruby Falls, High Shoals Falls, Helton Creek Falls, just to name a few), and places where you can rent and/or ride mountain bikes. You can go tubing through Helen on the Hooch (commonly known as the summer doughnut hatch). There is the lake and beach at Unicoi SP for swimming and fishing and there are also usually nature or crafts programs at the park. Mini-golf can be found just south of Helen and there are a couple of “real” golf courses nearby as well.
Want to stand on the top of Georgia? Brasstown Bald Mountain (Elev. 4784 ft.) is just a short drive from Helen and you’ll cross or drive parallel to a number of fishable streams along the way.
For those more interested in the touristy stuff and/or shopping, Helen offers quite a bit. Many years ago Helen was a sleepy little mountain town. Like any number of small towns in the late 60s and early 70s, younger folks were moving away and the town was in danger of dying out. However, thanks to a few folks with a visions and dreams, Helen was transformed into a alpine village reminiscent of Barvarian Germany. In the mid to late 1800s, long before Helen’s transformation, the town was a gold mining town. There is at least one gold mine in the Helen area that offers tours of the old works.
Helen itself is filled with shops and restaurants. Some of the shops carry the typical tourist clutter but there are many treasures to be found if one looks hard enough. For those interested in shopping but who don’t care much for the touristy stuff, Helen also has an outlet mall with many of the popular stores (funny thing is they’re built just up the hill from a couple of prime sections of the Hooch!) For those interested in antiques, there are shops in Helen and in nearby towns such as Cornelia, Batesville, Clarksville, Hiawassee, Dahlonega, and Cleveland.
Eats and Drinks
For the most part, eats and drinks will pretty much be a BYO affair. As usual Donald Yelton will be cooking his now-famous jambalaya and cannolis. We ask that each person that partakes ante up $3 to $4 to reimburse Donald for the fixins. A word of advice about Donald’s cannolis that I feel compelled to give every year - whatever you do, *do not* get between L.J. or Wayne Clodfelter and the cannoli plate - especially if its down to just one or two. Those of you who were at NEG I may remember that we thought were going to have to take someone to get stitches after we got down to the last cannoli. It wasn’t a pretty sight.
Alcohol. Unicoi, like all state parks in Georgia has a no alcohol policy. Please use your own judgment here.
Raffle
Unless something changes we’re only going to have one raffle this year and it’ll be the customary bring-a-prize/win-a-prize clave raffle. Doc Shaffer will again take care of the raffle. As usual we will also be talking with local flyshops and manufacturers to see if we can come up with some extra prizes to spice things up a bit.
The pay-to-play raffle has caused some confusion in the past so instead, we’ll “p****the hat” for donations for the FF@ Youth Camp Fund - remember folks - if you know a youngster who is likes flyfishing and worthy of sending to flyfishing camp get in touch with Ben Benoit or one of the FF@ Youth Camp Fund Committee members to nominate the young’un for consideration.
Licenses, Flies, and Such
Now that the clave is totally in Georgia, the license questions should pretty much go away. Georgia offers a 7-day non-resident fishing licenses. You’ll also need a trout stamp which is good until March 31, 1999. Total cost for license plus a trout stamp for the 7-day license plus trout stamp is $20. Licenses can now be purchased by phone or on-line here in Georgia at the phone number and/or URL listed below. If you’re more comfortable having paper-in-hand you can obtain a license at Unicoi Outfitters, located on the banks of the Hooch just south of Helen near Nora Mill (no affiliation, usual disclaimers apply), or at one of a number of nearby convenience stores.
What flies do I need? Those of you that frequent the small streams of the southern Appalachians know that hatches on these streams are few and far between. There are almost always some bugs coming off but very few actual “hatches”. Based on my experience in the area I’d suggest attractor drys such as Wulff patterns and Adams, EHCs, and typical nymphs/subsurface patterns like PTs, GRHEs, and buggers. Don’t forget to bring your terrestrials boxes - terrestrial patterns can be deadly in the area around clave time. In fact, a year or two ago I had one of my best days in the N. Georgia mountains throwing only a Steeve’s UFO.
If you want up-to-date information about what’s productive locally, give Unicoi Outfitters (UO) in Helen or the Fish Hawk (TFH) in Atlanta a call. BTW, I’ve mentioned Unicoi Outfitters and the Fish Hawk a couple of times now. UO and TFH are both full-service flyshops. UO just happens to be located just south of downtown Helen. TFH is located in Atlanta. Both shops are staffed by friendly folks that are glad to help (note, both shops have provided prizes for our raffle, otherwise, I have no financial interest, just good friends that work at each of the shops).
For those of you who are interested, the Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer for Georgia has been updated. Most stores carry them sell them for $16.95. I have found them at Sam’s for about $10 plus tax (yes, we’re talking about the most current edition with the GPS ticks). If anyone would like me to pick them up a copy before the clave, contact me off the list and we can work out the details. For anyone interested in obtaining the USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps, the following quadrangle maps will cover Unicoi State Park and the surrounding area: Helen - GA, Tray Mountain - GA, Jacks Gap - GA, and Cow Rock - GA. The quadrangle maps can be obtained at the Wildwood Shop in Helen, and at the Wa La Si Yi Center at Neel’s Gap as well as at other locations further from the clave area.
Phone Numbers and URLs
The following is a list of phone numbers and web addresses that you might find useful and/or informative:
Phone Numbers:
Unicoi State Park - 706-878-3982 (park), 706-878-2201 (lodge)
Unicoi Outfitters - 706-878-3083
GA-DNR (Free Trout Stream Map) - 770-918-6418
GA Fishing Licenses - 888-748-6887
Dukes Creek (Reservations) - 706-878-3087
Web Addresses
Unicoi State Park - http://www.ganet.org/dnr/parks/ppage2.cgi?linkval=unicoi
Unicoi Outfitters (Helen) - http://www.unicoioutfitters.com
The Fish Hawk (Atlanta) - http://www.thefishhawk.com
White County Chamber of Commerce - http://www.whitecounty.com/chamber
Helen Convention and Visitor’s Bureau - http://www.helengeorgia.net
North Georgia Trout On-Line - http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/frame.html
Hatch Chart from L.J.’s Flyfishing Page - http>//web.utk.edu/~ldecuir/hatch.htm
GA Fishing Licenses - http://www.georgia/org/dnr/wild
OK folks, this was a mighty long post. Thanks for bearing with me on this one. As usual I’ll be posting brief (I promise) updates as we get closer to clave time.
Steve D.
Clavemeister - NEG IV
June 25-27, 1999
This is an announcement I posted to FlyFish@ this morning. I'd like to extend an invitation to NEG Clave to the NGTO folks. Sometime between now and clavetime please let me know if you can make it co we can plan on enough eats and such.
NEG Clave IV is just over two months away. This is a repost of the announcement I sent out about 3 months ago but I thought it might be a good idea to post it again. If you’re planning to make NEG or even just thinking about it, save this post – its got a lot of handy information in it
Here goes:
The Date
This year NEG will be held in June (June 25-27 to be exact) instead of later in the summer. Why? Most who have been at previous editions of NEG know why. In late summer, Georgia trout water conditions are conditions are pretty much in the worst condition they’ll be in all year. Temperatures (both water and air) are up, oxygen levels are low, and the fishing just don’t cut it. Hopefully by having the clave earlier in the summer the water will be in better shape and the fish will be more cooperative.
Also, the September date isn’t too great with folks that have kids in school (which includes me now) or for folks that work at schools (including colleges) because things are just starting to get back in session about that time.
So, earlier last winter I took a poll of past NEG participants and folks who said that they would liked to have been there but the late August/early September to see which weekend might suit the most folks. I eliminated weekends of other claves where participation might have some significant overlap, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and July 4th. The unanimous consensus of those who responded to the poll was for the weekend of June 25-27. 1999
The Location
NEG IV will be held at Unicoi State Park near Helen, Georgia. Thats right, NEG Clave will finally be held in its entirety in the State of Georgia (meaning this Clavemeister takes no more crap from certain listers, Mikee Ray, about being “geographically challenged”!!). Unicoi SP is a prime location. Its in the heart of the North Georgia Mountains and is in very close proximity to a lot of good trout water. Heck, there is even a trout stream that runs through the park itself.
Unicoi is one of the jewels of Georgia’s state park system. The park features 84 tent/trailer/RV sites (all reservable - I will be contacting the folks at the park to see what we can do about reserving spaces adjacent to, or in close proximity to one another), 30 cabins, and a very nice 100-room lodge (read “hotel"), a 53-acre lake, row-boat rental, a trout stream (Smiths Creek), tennis courts (who would want to play tennis when there is so much more around to do?), very good buffet-style restaurant, a craft/gift shop and a campground store. There are playgrounds for the kids and there’s a beach for swimming (definitely has its possibilities in summer!). Water is available at every campsite.
I would suggest that folks make reservations at least 2 to 3 (or more is possible) weeks in advance - June/July are peak usage months at Unicoi. I’ll post information regarding camping/lodging rates at Unicoi a little closer to time.
The Waters
As I mentioned earlier, Smiths Creek runs through the park. The headwaters of Smiths Creek are above Anna Ruby Falls, a beautiful set of falls just a few minutes from the campground. Smiths is fishable downstream from the Anna Ruby Visitor’s Center to Unicoi Lake and again downstream of the dam at Unicoi Lake. The section of Smiths downstream of the dam to its confluence with the Chattahoochee River has been designated a “Delayed Harvest” stream by the GA DNR. Its C&R only from October through March. Fish caught during clave-time may harvested but, as always, C&R is encouraged. Note, to fish Smiths Creek, anglers must sign in at the Lodge and there is a $2 “parking” fee.
The Chattahoochee River has its origins a few miles north of Unicoi SP. By the time the “Hooch” reaches Helen, its a sizeable waterway, comparable in width (but not gradient) to the Chattooga. The Hooch is stocked but there are generally a good number of holdover fish from previous years and there are wild fish up near the headwaters. Other streams in the immediate area (within about 5 miles) include Sautee Creek, Spoilcane Creek, Low Gap Creek and Dukes Creek.
Dukes Creek may be of particular interest to some folks. Dukes runs through the Smithgall Woods Conservation Area and is intensively managed by the GA DNR Wildlife Resources Division. This stream is C&R only and may be fished by reservation only on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. During the summer reservations may be made for ½ day sessions with 15-20 angler slots open per session. You must have a valid GA fishing license (resident or non-resident) and there is a $2.00 “parking” fee.
Other trout streams somewhat further away include Little Tesnatee Creek, Turner Creek, Dicks Creek, Dodd Creek, Frogtown Creek, Boggs Creek, Nottley River, Town Creek, Soapstone Creek, Hiwassee River, Swallows Creek, Corbin Creek, Wildcat Creek and Sautee Creek. For those who would like a map of Georgia’s trout streams, you can request a copy by calling the DNR and giving them your name and address. I’ll have a few copies at the clave with me as well.
For those interested in pay-to-play fishing for big trout, Nacoochee Bend is located on the Chattahoochee just south of Helen and Brigadoon’s is located on the Soque River a few miles away between Clarksville and Batesville. I can provide information regarding these two areas if anyone wants it (usual disclaimers apply - no affiliation with either).
Other Stuff To Do
For those that come but aren’t fishing, or for those that care to do something different for a little while, there’s a lot see and do in the area. There are hiking trails (including sections of the Appalachian Trail), waterfalls to see (Anna Ruby Falls, High Shoals Falls, Helton Creek Falls, just to name a few), and places where you can rent and/or ride mountain bikes. You can go tubing through Helen on the Hooch (commonly known as the summer doughnut hatch). There is the lake and beach at Unicoi SP for swimming and fishing and there are also usually nature or crafts programs at the park. Mini-golf can be found just south of Helen and there are a couple of “real” golf courses nearby as well.
Want to stand on the top of Georgia? Brasstown Bald Mountain (Elev. 4784 ft.) is just a short drive from Helen and you’ll cross or drive parallel to a number of fishable streams along the way.
For those more interested in the touristy stuff and/or shopping, Helen offers quite a bit. Many years ago Helen was a sleepy little mountain town. Like any number of small towns in the late 60s and early 70s, younger folks were moving away and the town was in danger of dying out. However, thanks to a few folks with a visions and dreams, Helen was transformed into a alpine village reminiscent of Barvarian Germany. In the mid to late 1800s, long before Helen’s transformation, the town was a gold mining town. There is at least one gold mine in the Helen area that offers tours of the old works.
Helen itself is filled with shops and restaurants. Some of the shops carry the typical tourist clutter but there are many treasures to be found if one looks hard enough. For those interested in shopping but who don’t care much for the touristy stuff, Helen also has an outlet mall with many of the popular stores (funny thing is they’re built just up the hill from a couple of prime sections of the Hooch!) For those interested in antiques, there are shops in Helen and in nearby towns such as Cornelia, Batesville, Clarksville, Hiawassee, Dahlonega, and Cleveland.
Eats and Drinks
For the most part, eats and drinks will pretty much be a BYO affair. As usual Donald Yelton will be cooking his now-famous jambalaya and cannolis. We ask that each person that partakes ante up $3 to $4 to reimburse Donald for the fixins. A word of advice about Donald’s cannolis that I feel compelled to give every year - whatever you do, *do not* get between L.J. or Wayne Clodfelter and the cannoli plate - especially if its down to just one or two. Those of you who were at NEG I may remember that we thought were going to have to take someone to get stitches after we got down to the last cannoli. It wasn’t a pretty sight.
Alcohol. Unicoi, like all state parks in Georgia has a no alcohol policy. Please use your own judgment here.
Raffle
Unless something changes we’re only going to have one raffle this year and it’ll be the customary bring-a-prize/win-a-prize clave raffle. Doc Shaffer will again take care of the raffle. As usual we will also be talking with local flyshops and manufacturers to see if we can come up with some extra prizes to spice things up a bit.
The pay-to-play raffle has caused some confusion in the past so instead, we’ll “p****the hat” for donations for the FF@ Youth Camp Fund - remember folks - if you know a youngster who is likes flyfishing and worthy of sending to flyfishing camp get in touch with Ben Benoit or one of the FF@ Youth Camp Fund Committee members to nominate the young’un for consideration.
Licenses, Flies, and Such
Now that the clave is totally in Georgia, the license questions should pretty much go away. Georgia offers a 7-day non-resident fishing licenses. You’ll also need a trout stamp which is good until March 31, 1999. Total cost for license plus a trout stamp for the 7-day license plus trout stamp is $20. Licenses can now be purchased by phone or on-line here in Georgia at the phone number and/or URL listed below. If you’re more comfortable having paper-in-hand you can obtain a license at Unicoi Outfitters, located on the banks of the Hooch just south of Helen near Nora Mill (no affiliation, usual disclaimers apply), or at one of a number of nearby convenience stores.
What flies do I need? Those of you that frequent the small streams of the southern Appalachians know that hatches on these streams are few and far between. There are almost always some bugs coming off but very few actual “hatches”. Based on my experience in the area I’d suggest attractor drys such as Wulff patterns and Adams, EHCs, and typical nymphs/subsurface patterns like PTs, GRHEs, and buggers. Don’t forget to bring your terrestrials boxes - terrestrial patterns can be deadly in the area around clave time. In fact, a year or two ago I had one of my best days in the N. Georgia mountains throwing only a Steeve’s UFO.
If you want up-to-date information about what’s productive locally, give Unicoi Outfitters (UO) in Helen or the Fish Hawk (TFH) in Atlanta a call. BTW, I’ve mentioned Unicoi Outfitters and the Fish Hawk a couple of times now. UO and TFH are both full-service flyshops. UO just happens to be located just south of downtown Helen. TFH is located in Atlanta. Both shops are staffed by friendly folks that are glad to help (note, both shops have provided prizes for our raffle, otherwise, I have no financial interest, just good friends that work at each of the shops).
For those of you who are interested, the Delorme Atlas & Gazetteer for Georgia has been updated. Most stores carry them sell them for $16.95. I have found them at Sam’s for about $10 plus tax (yes, we’re talking about the most current edition with the GPS ticks). If anyone would like me to pick them up a copy before the clave, contact me off the list and we can work out the details. For anyone interested in obtaining the USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps, the following quadrangle maps will cover Unicoi State Park and the surrounding area: Helen - GA, Tray Mountain - GA, Jacks Gap - GA, and Cow Rock - GA. The quadrangle maps can be obtained at the Wildwood Shop in Helen, and at the Wa La Si Yi Center at Neel’s Gap as well as at other locations further from the clave area.
Phone Numbers and URLs
The following is a list of phone numbers and web addresses that you might find useful and/or informative:
Phone Numbers:
Unicoi State Park - 706-878-3982 (park), 706-878-2201 (lodge)
Unicoi Outfitters - 706-878-3083
GA-DNR (Free Trout Stream Map) - 770-918-6418
GA Fishing Licenses - 888-748-6887
Dukes Creek (Reservations) - 706-878-3087
Web Addresses
Unicoi State Park - http://www.ganet.org/dnr/parks/ppage2.cgi?linkval=unicoi
Unicoi Outfitters (Helen) - http://www.unicoioutfitters.com
The Fish Hawk (Atlanta) - http://www.thefishhawk.com
White County Chamber of Commerce - http://www.whitecounty.com/chamber
Helen Convention and Visitor’s Bureau - http://www.helengeorgia.net
North Georgia Trout On-Line - http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/frame.html
Hatch Chart from L.J.’s Flyfishing Page - http>//web.utk.edu/~ldecuir/hatch.htm
GA Fishing Licenses - http://www.georgia/org/dnr/wild
OK folks, this was a mighty long post. Thanks for bearing with me on this one. As usual I’ll be posting brief (I promise) updates as we get closer to clave time.
Steve D.
Clavemeister - NEG IV
June 25-27, 1999