THE FLY PAPER Volume II, Issue II

April-May 2002 A Publication of Triangle Fly Fishers, An Affiliate of Trout Unlimited

The BIG Trout Speaks

S C H E D U L E D PR O G R A M S

Some words from the president…

FLY FISHING NORTH CAROLINA, A PRIL 26TH & 27TH

John Allman, President, Triangle Fly Fishers As many of you know, we are fast approaching the 27th of April, and the fly fishing event with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences, Lefty Kreh, Bob Popovics and Bob Clouser. See page 6 to read the press release, which describes all the happenings. I am sure it will be a fantastic day, and I hope to see you there. What you will not see in the press release, is all the hard work Ed Mcgee, Dan Cooney and Tom Earnhardt have put into it. The TFF board members deserve credit too, and I don’t want to forget them. Thanks to all of you! Perhaps more impressive still, is the forty to fifty members of TFF and others in the community that have volunteered their time to help run the event Saturday. We will have some of the best fly tiers in the state, if not the country, in town to help anyone who wants to learn more about fly tying. Thanks to all of the TFF members who are donating their time to help make this event possible. Our chapter is lucky to have such a great group of people.

Things get started on Friday April 26th with a ticketed event sponsored by the Friends of the Museum. Kreh, Clouser, and Popovics will speak, and a Jones Brothers Bateau will be auctioned off.

See Page 6 for More on, “Fly Fishing North Carolina” April 26th and 27th at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences

The BIG Trout Speaks…A word from the President

On Saturday the 27th , the masters will demonstrate tying and casting techniques throughout the day and each will present a 40-minute program in the Museum’s auditorium. More than 40 fly tyers from around the state will also be on hand to demonstrate their craft, and kids will have an opportunity to try their hand at casting and fly tying.

Scheduled Programs and Upcoming Events

Due to this special event, there will be no April meeting.

Conservation News…Rocky Fork Land Acquisition

MONDAY, MAY 27TH, 7:00 P.M .:

This is a great start to the year, and I would like to do whatever I continued on page 3

IN S I D E T H I S IS S U E

1 1 2 3 4 4 6 7

Make plans now to attend Fly Fishing North Carolina, a special event being held at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh on April 26th and 27th . Cosponsored by Triangle Fly Fishers, the event features three of fly tying and fly fishing’s most highly acclaimed masters: Lefty Kreh, Bob Clouser, and Bob Popovics.

Featured Water…Santeetlah Creek Fishy Stories…Rafting for Roanoke River Shad My Favorite Fly…The Red Ass Press Release…Fly Fishing North Carolina Fly Fishers Wanted (Classifieds)

“A Fly Fishing Dream in Montana Solitude” John Martyn from Martyn’s Sea & Stream will give a presentation on fishing out of Five Rivers Lodge in Dillon, Montana. Located in a mountainous section of the Lewis and Clark Trail, Five Rivers Lodge offers guests comfortable elegance in a place considered to have the last uncrowded blue ribbon fisheries in the U.S. ô

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Volume II, Issue II

Conservation News Fly Fishing for the Future

ROCKY FORK/SAMPSON MOUNTAIN PROPOSED LAND ACQUISITION Greene and Unicoi Counties, TN, Cherokee National Forest This undeveloped 10,000-acre tract of wild, forested mountain land within the Cherokee National Forest contains mixed hardwoods of various sizes, and its rugged terrain is prime habitat for black bear, deer, turkey and peregrine falcon. Sixteen miles of streams, some with waterfalls, drain the property. The Rocky Fork watershed is classified as blue ribbon native trout waters. The Rocky Fork also includes scenic high elevation heath and grass balds and the upper watershed of streams draining into the Sampson Mountain Wilderness, which adjoins the property to the north. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency currently leases the tract on a year-to-year basis for its fisheries and wildlife habitat. Two years ago the property owner increased the lease fee, threatening the end of the Rocky Fork Wildlife Management Area. Anonymous donors and private assistance bridged this funding gap, but future funding for this lease is not assured. For several years, the US Forest Service has been supporting efforts to bring this property into public ownership. In late 1990’s, The Conservation Fund attempted to buy the tract for public use, but the owners sold to another party, New Forestry, LLC, in January 1999. New Forestry is a pension fund investment firm affiliated with TimberVest of Woodstock, Georgia. Status of Negotiations: Amicable negotiations with New Forestry are now underway, for purchase of approximately 2,130 acres of their property needed for protection of the trail corridor and much of the view shed. Approximately 1,500 acres are located in Greene County, with the remaining 630 acres being in Unicoi County. In his FY 2003 budget request to Congress, President Bush included $4.4 million for purchase of lands in the Tennessee Mountains. These LWCF funds are needed to pay the estimated cost for the Rocky Fork/Sampson acreage, together with a 212-acre inholding near Max Patch and the recently acquired Gulf Tract in Cocke County, the purchase of which is also being negotiated.

April-May 2002

No April Program: There will be no April meeting and therefore no April program. See page 6 for information on “Fly Fishing North Carolina” April 26th and 27t h at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.

May’s Program, 7:00 p.m. " A Fly Fishing Dream in Montana Solitude " presented by John Marten, Marten’s Sea & Stream. Five Rivers Lodge in Dillon, Montana boasts some of the finest fishing in the U.S. Lodge guests enjoy miles of wading access on spring creeks, several private ponds, the Ruby, the Beaverhead, and the Big Hole Rivers. Guests can also float the Big Hole, the Upper Beaverhead, and the Jefferson Rivers. John Martyn had a chance to fish many of these waters last September as a guest at Five Rivers Lodge. He’ll talk about both the fishing and the accommodations at the May meeting.

The House and Senate Subcommittees on Interior Appropriations will soon begin considering the request, as decisions are made on Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act allocations. LWCF funds come from offshore oil leasing revenues paid to the federal government, not from income taxes. This fund is authorized to receive $900 million annually. President Bush’s FY 2003 budget proposed $335 million of LWCF for federal land acquisitions, including $131 million for US Forest Service land purchases. Competition for these funds is keen, and projects that actually receive appropriations depend on local and regional support. There’s a couple of key dates in the appropriation’s process to keep in mind. Senators have until March 22 to make FY 03 funding requests to the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee. On the House side, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has set aside April 18 as “Members Day”, when individual representatives can make funding requests to the committee. Congressman David Price (NC), who represents the Raleigh/Durham area and is a native of Unicoi County, sits on the full House Appropriations Committee. You can fax your letters supporting this proposed land acquisition to him at 202-225-2014 (DC office) or 919-789-0372 (Raleigh office). ô The Fly Paper 2

Volume II, Issue II

April-May 2002 From the President continued from page 1

can to continue to make our chapter better. Notice I said, “our chapter”, not my chapter. I would like to make you all aware of something else that we have been planning, and how I need your help. (Ever notice I am always asking for help?) I want the chapter to do whatever the members want. As such, we will shortly be sending you a survey, in which we’ll ask for your input on the direction you would like to see Triangle Fly Fishers proceed. We are looking for input on what other events you want to see us do; what kind of speakers you would like for the monthly meetings; what events, prizes and entertainment you would like at the annual pig pickin’ and any other input that you would like to provide. This will be your chance to help direct the future of Triangle Fly Fishers, and the board and I are looking forward to listening to your comments. By the way, did I mention that we will be giving a gift certificate prize to whomever gives us the best idea? Regards, John Allman. ô

Member’s Tips

Featured Water (Editor’s note: Special thanks to Richard Warren for this issue’s Featured Water column.) Santeetlah Creek, Graham County, NC Santeetlah Creek is one of the most beautiful creeks I have ever fished with lots of pools, pocket water, riffles and runs. It is not so tight that casting is difficult but I would favor my 7.5 foot 3 weight rod. According to some Santeetlah has a steelhead run in the late fall and winter. I really don't know, I just know I have not seen any . . . then again I have never been there in the late fall. A section of this stream is hatchery supported and a section is wild trout with the designated wild section being from the intersection of fire road 81 and fire road 81C. Santeetlah varies in size from about 75 feet at the lower sections to 10-20 feet in the upper sections. The upper stretch has no fisherman's trail to speak of so you have to make do the best way you can. However, it is not difficult fishing. There are several pulloffs along fire Road 81 and fire road 81C where the best pools are located. I have a feeling there is a lot of water on the Santeetlah that never sees a fisherman . . . the place is really isolated.

Members, please e-mail your tips to Brian M. Thomas at [email protected]

Flies Stay Put With Inner Tube Patch Malcolm Finlayson writes: Tired of losing flies off of foam fly patches? Here is a suggestion: Go to your local bike shop and ask for a worn out and ready to be discarded bicycle inner tube. You should be able to get this for free. When you get home cut a 6 inch section out of the tube and then split the inner tube so it is like a rectangle. Poke two holes about 3/4 of an inch apart and snap on a safety pin. Clip this to your vest and when you want to change flies, put the just used flies on the patch. The rubber will hold the flies very securely. I have been doing this for a year or so and have lost very few flies. One problem is that the hooks stick clear through the material and will, on occasion, get caught on your vest. This year's model will have some foam glued to the back to deal with this problem. Tight lines and flies, Malcolm. ô

USGS topo map of Santeetlah Creek, near Robbinsville, NC Also, there are several designated camping spots along the creek so if you are interested in combining a camping trip with a fishing trip this is a good choice. At the intersection of fire road 81 and fire road 81C be sure and take fire road 81C as fire road 81 follows Johns Branch . . . not Santeetlah. Click here to continue exploring this area online: http://terraserver.homeadvisor.msn.com/image.asp?S=14 &T=2&X=72&Y=1222&Z=17&W=1 ô

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Volume II, Issue II

Fishy Stories And other words of wisdom from our members

Rafting for Roanoke River Shad By Mark “BT” Zimmerman Had a great shad trip on March 18th with Capt. Gordon Churchill and Coln. Edward L. (The L. Doesn't Stand For Anything) "Chainsaw" McGee up on the Roanoke. This was a TFF Pig Pickin' Auction Special, which Gordon had donated to the club, and he did a great job of getting us on fish and helping us catch a raft-load (all hickory shad). I don't even know how many we caught, didn't bother counting since it was so many. Highly recommend the trip if you get a chance to go with Gordon—he floated/paddled us in his three-man raft from the boat ramp near the paper mill in Gaston down to the boat ramp at Weldon (I was the ballast up front, so you know Gordon got a work out). He also did an emergency bank-side repair job on a small puncture "wound" which helped keep Coln. McGee afloat in the back (with a couple of foot-pump top-ups, but that's another whole story for a later date). We caught almost all fish on one fly, a 1 1/2 inch chartreuse and pink job with dumbell eyes that Gordon had tied. I was using an intermediate sinking line on my 5-weight and a 2foot piece of 20-lb mono for a leader, and that rig seemed to be just right in terms of depth—kept the fly above the fish, and they would come straight up and grab the pinky (on virtually every cast once we hit the fish, sometimes three and four strikes per retrieve).

April-May 2002

There weren't many fish until the last 1/2 mile or so of river above the falls at the Weldon boat ramp, but in that stretch they were thick —lots of 16-18 inchers, and a few in the 2022 inch range with plenty of aerial activity as well. Despite the weather reports, we didn't even get rained on -it stopped just about the time we hit the river, and held off the whole trip. And we never saw another boat until we got to the falls -- had the whole place to ourselves, along with the osprey, eagles, ducks, and island goats (another story for another time). For a bonus, we met General Dan Cooney in the Weldon ramp parking lot at the end of trip, all decked out in his trout-fishing outfit (western-style hat and stogie included), stringing up to go wading for a few silver sides -hope you caught one or two, Dan. All in all, a great fish trip with some good company. ô

TFF Casting Clinic — Tuning Up for Roanoke River Striped Bass By Dan Cooney The first good run of stripers should be showing up at Weldon, NC, on the Roanoke River as this article goes to press. If this spring’s shad run is any indication, it promises to be a banner season for the striped bass. Late in the run, generally around the second or third week in May, stripers can sometimes be taken on top water with poppers, or similar flies. As a general rule, though, more than 90% of the striper fishing you do on the Roanoke will be done using heavy sinking lines and weighted Clouser-type flies that will get down near the bottom where the fish are. Depending upon the river levels and flow rates you must use a 300 to 500 grain sinking line. Conventional casting techniques will not work effectively with the heavy sinking lines and weighted flies. In fact, trying to false cast a sinking line and Clouser fly can be hazardous to you and those around you. Specialized techniques must to be employed to cast a sinking line, sometimes referred to as a sink tip line. It is strongly suggested that if you are not familiar with casting a sinking fly line that you learn how before heading up to the Roanoke. You’ll save yourself a lot of frustration and possible injury if you do.

Brian Thomas with a Roanoke River hickory shad caught above the Weldon boat ramp.

The instructors were all pleasantly surprised at how proficient most of the casters had become by the end of the

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Volume II, Issue II

April-May 2002

In spite of near record low temperatures, 18 club members turned out for the “Roanoke Cast” clinic held at Lake Crabtree County Park on Saturday morning, March 23. TFF members Dan Cooney, Chip Chescheir, Malcolm Finlayson and Jim Rice were on hand to demonstrate a casting method dubbed the “Roanoke Cast.” The unorthodox technique utilizes a backhand cast to present the fly. Though it is an unusual approach to casting, you can cast a sinking line over 100 feet effortlessly and with no false casting whatsoever.

My Favorite Fly Recipe, photo, and tying instructions by TFF member, Richard Warren.

Red Ass Recipe: Hook: Thread: Body: Hackle:

Scud hook, size 12-16, with a brass bead sized to match Red Peacock herl Partridge wing feather

Really dedicated fly casters dressed for a record low temp The Roanoke Cast combines a backhand casting technique pioneered by Malcolm’s friend Mark Sedotti, nationally known casting expert, columnist and instructor, with a technique known as the “waterhaul.” The waterhaul utilizes the surface tension of the water to increase the loading of the fly rod and in effect turbo charges the cast and adds significantly to the distance you can reach. Casting clinic attendees were instructed in how to execute the Roanoke cast and the results they achieved were pretty amazing. two-hour session. Just goes to show you what a talented group of anglers we have in the Triangle Fly Fishers! Several were casting a 390 grain shooting head line 80-100 feet without false casting. This was accomplished without the benefit of the waterhaul because we were all casting on the grass. Nice job, class!! We wrapped up the morning with a ‘how to’ session on building your own sink tip fly lines and exchanged an assortment of hints and tips on fly line care and maintenance. All in all, a great way to spend a chilly March morning. If you are interested in learning more about the Roanoke cast or other more conventional casting techniques for casting sinking fly lines, contact Dan Cooney for information. e-mail address is [email protected] ô

Tying Instructions: Place bead on hook, clamp in vise, starting at front, cover hook with red thread to partially around the bend. After the fly is finished some red thread should be visible near the rear of the fly ... hence the name Red Ass. Wrap thread forward to a point about 1/3 of the way back to the bead. Tie in two strands of peacock herl. Form a dubbing loop at the point where the peacock herl is tied in. Grasp peacock herl and thread dubbing loop and hold all parallel by the end of the loop. Clasp the thread/herl strands with hackle pliers and twist forming a chenille-like strand. The thread reinforces the peacock herl making the fly much more durable. Wrap the thread forward to just behind the bead then wrap the herl/thread strands forward forming a body. Anchor the thread with a half hitch. Select a partridge feather and strip the feather barbs off of one side. Then strip most of the feathers off the side you’re going to use as hackle. Tie the feather in by the tip with the shiny side up, make one or two wraps around the hook, tie off, whip finish and add head cement. ô The Fly Paper 5

Volume II, Issue II

April-May 2002

Learn from the masters at ‘Fly Fishing North Carolina’ Lefty Kreh, Bob Clouser, Bob Popovics headline Museum special event What’s the best way to catch that elusive brown trout, largemouth bass, or false albacore? Whether you’re an expert, a beginner, or somewhere in between, you can sharpen your knowledge and skills at Fly Fishing North Carolina, a free, family-friendly event at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, April 27, 2002, from 10 a.m to 5 p.m. The event offers a rare opportunity to learn from three of the sport’s most esteemed masters, Lefty Kreh, Bob Clouser and Bob Popovics, who will demonstrate fly casting and fly tying techniques. In addition to the masters, more than 40 fly tyers from around the state will demonstrate their art, tying trout, bass and saltwater flies. Children can try their hands at casting and tying. Displays highlight coastal, Piedmont, and mountain waters. Visitors also can take their challenging questions to Buzz “Ask the Professor” Bryson, columnist for Fly Rod & Reel magazine, and examine all types of tackle. Learn about stewardship of aquatic ecosystems; fish form, functions and habitats; and the art and science of good fishing. Fly Fishing North Carolina is generously sponsored by Grady-White Boats of Greenville, Golden Corral Corp., and Triangle Fly Fishers. Special thanks also to Great Outdoor Provision Company, Jones Brothers Marine and DTS Software. Golden Corral will give away 1,000 free buffet meal passes to children ages 3 to 12 during the event. “These sponsors have made Fly Fishing North Carolina possible—the first, free event of its kind in North Carolina that combines the art of fly tying and fly fishing with exhibits about aquatic stewardship and fish biology,” said Betsy Bennett, Museum director. “We’re thrilled that three of the sport’s best-known anglers will be here to share their expertise and love of the sport.” Kreh, Clouser, Popovics will demonstrate tying and casting techniques throughout the day. Each master also will offer a 40-minute auditorium program in the Museum’s 265-seat WRAL Digital Theater. North Carolina fly fisher Tom Earnhardt will serve as master of ceremonies. Free tickets to the auditorium programs will be distributed at the event. ? 11 a.m.: “In the Beginning, Lefty Created the Deceiver”—Lefty Kreh talks about the origins of his famous “Deceiver” pattern, developed more than 30 years ago for striped bass in Chesapeake Bay, and characteristics of all great flies. ? 1 p.m.: “Fly Tying from a Hardware Store”—Bob Popovics, America’s most innovative tyer, demonstrates how to make effective flies from commonly available materials. ? 3 p.m.: “When is a Fly Not a Fly?”—Bob Clouser, creator of many of the world’s most popular fly patterns, talks about “boundaries” for fly tyers. In the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Inland Fisheries Mobile Aquarium, get a close look at aquaria filled with crappie, bass, bluegill, and trout. Rick Dove, North Carolina’s first riverkeeper, and Frank Tursi, Cape Lookout CoastKeeper, will be on hand to talk with vis itors about efforts to safeguard water quality. See the “Fly Fisher’s Dream Fleet,” including a sea-going center console deep “V,” a 17-foot Mackenzie River drift boat, a flats’ boat, and an assortment of kayaks, canoes and float tubes. Participants also may enter free drawings for fishing equipment, and see a collection of antique fishing tackle from the Angler’s Club of New York. Food will be for sale at the event. For more information, please call Museum Educational Event Coordinator Bob Flook at 919/733-7450, ext. 503. Kreh, Popovics and Clouser also will speak at a ticketed event sponsored by the Friends of the Museum on Friday, April 26. A fly-fishing edition Jones Brothers Bateau will be auctioned off. Please call Margaret McCoy at 919/733-7450, ext. 352, for details and to check for ticket availability.

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Volume II, Issue II

April-May 2002

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Volume II, Issue II

April-May 2002

TRIANGLE-FLY-FISHERS Officers and Board Members, 2002 President................. John Allman, 846-8709 (H) [email protected] Vice-President ....... Dan Cooney, 467-8995 (H) [email protected] Treasurer ................. Mary Dorsey, 956-7582 (H) [email protected] Membership........... Dave Maeda [email protected] Programs................. Ed McGee, 460-9011 (W) [email protected] Monthly Meetings: Last Monday of every month @ 7:00 PM except December at Durham County Wildlife Club (DCWC) in RTP off Hopson Rd

Directions: Take I-40 to the Davis Drive exit (exit 280) and go south 1 mile to Hopson rd. Turn right and go one mile to Innovation Drive and turn left. Go about 25 yards and turn left on to the gravel drive and follow it back to the wildlife club. The pre-program starts around 6:45 and the regular meeting starts at 7:00.

Publicity .................. Debbie Griffith, 876-0073 (H) [email protected] Website .................... Marty Gooch, 554-3852 (H) [email protected] Member-at-Large.. Jim Cappy, 851-5520 (H) [email protected] Past President ........ Mark Zimmerman, 490-5230 (H) [email protected]

Davis Dr.

Alexander

NC 55

Newsletter............... Terry Hackett, 644-8202 (H) [email protected] Brian Thomas, 773-1117 (H) [email protected]

TU NATIONAL OFFICE: 1500 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22209 Membership: (800)834-2419 Merchandise etc. (800)805-4607 www.tu.org

DCWC

The Fly Paper 8