Return to Unicoi Outfitters Home page

May 2002 Unicoi Newsletter

Hi, all! Lots of things going on here these days. Not the least of which is some fantastic fishing. This may have been the best Spring season we've had in a number of years. Not only is everyone catching lots of fish, but we're seeing more dry fly activity within the last couple of weeks than usual. It doesn't seem
to have much bearing on dramatic hatches; we're seeing the normal sporadic hatches of caddis, light cahills, sulfurs, and hendricksons. The exciting thing is, we're catching fish on big dry flies; tarantulas, Chernobyl ants, humpies and even sofa pillows as well as elk hair caddis, parachute cahills and stimulators. When you combine these dry flies with a dropper like pheasant tails, hares ears, or most any soft hackle, it becomes a really effective method of catching fish.

We are very grateful for the rains we've had this Spring (although they have been accompanied on occasion by muddy runoff from Helen and Robertstown). This, as much as anything, has probably contributed to the good fishing we're experiencing. If this weather pattern continues, we should make it through July
and August just fine.

So, what can we expect for the next few weeks? With warming weather we will see even more opportunities to fish terrestrials: ants, hoppers, yellow or green stimulators, and beetle patterns. We'll also see an increase in yellow jacket activity around the water. The downside of this is the obvious danger to those allergic to bee stings. The upside is the fact that a lot of these little critters find their way into the streams where trout, oblivious to the stings, munch away on them. The perfect pattern to match this "hatch" is a good old Tellico nymph; plain, no bead. Fish it as a dropper beneath your terrestrial or under an indicator for the deeper pools and runs. As early June arrives, look for gray or mottled brown caddis in size 16, light cahills in 16-18, sulfurs in 16-18, small stones in size 16 green or yellow, and the giant stones (Pteronarcys) in size 4-6 nymphs.

What's Up

As we mentioned in last months newsletter, Unicoi Outfitters will again be featured on ESPN2. Chad Foster's "Fly Fishing America" was filmed at Nacoochee Bend and Frog Hollow a few months back and will be broadcast on the following dates and times:

May 20th at 11:00 AM, May 22nd at 11:30 AM and Saturday, May 25th at 10:00 AM. There are brief, goofy, appearances by Jimmy (if they didn't end up on the cutting room floor) but Chad and guest Skip Barnett got into some good fish.

We were also involved with filming a segment of an upcoming episode of "Georgia Outdoors" for GPTV on Jones Creek, fishing for wild browns. We don't have an air time for the show, but it should be broadcast around the first of June. Unicoi Outfitters has also been fortunate to receive some exposure in the June issue of "Georgia Sportsman". Their article "Catching A Monster Trout In Georgia" highlights both Nacoochee Bend and Frog Hollow among other special streams in the area. Pick up a copy when it hits the newsstands. There's also good information on several public streams which may offer up truly large trout.

More of What's Up

Unicoi Outfitters is proud to support the efforts of the Foothills Chapter of Trout Unlimited. On May 25th, the Foothills TU members will host an "Introduction to Fly Fishing". The one-day course includes casting instruction, knots and stream entomology. It will be held at North Georgia Technical College on Hwy. 197
north of Clarkesville. The class begins at 8:30 AM and wraps up at 12:30 PM with lunch. Admission to the class is $25 per person, $15 for students. Along with lunch, each participant will receive a copy of Walter Jarck's "Northeast Georgia Fly Fishing Reference Book". For more information, contact Walter
Jarck at 706-754-0422. This is a great, inexpensive way to introduce someone to the sport of fly fishing. Make your reservations now.

We are also lending our support to assist the Georgia TU Council in their effort to restart the Flint River Chapter of Trout Unlimited. This chapter was, at a time, one of the most successful TU chapters in the state. However, due to attrition in interested leadership, it has become inactive in the past few years. TU has quite a few members in this area south of Atlanta, just no organized group with which to identify. On Thursday, May 30th, as part of the Flint River TU re-organization effort, Jimmy will be on hand to present our program on trophy streams and other trout fishing opportunities in north Georgia. Along with the show, there will be complimentary munchies and a raffle. The meeting will be held at the Y Knot Sports Bar, Aberdeen Village Shopping Center at Peachtree City. The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM. If you live in this area and would like to become active in Trout Unlimited (or simply meet other folks with an interest in trout fishing), we hope to see you there.

Unicoi Outfitters also has several regularly scheduled classes coming up in June. If you, or someone you know, would like to attend one of our classes on fly fishing or fly tying, give us a call. In June we will have the following classes:

June 1st Fly Fishing at Tallulah Gorge State Park
June 15th Fly Fishing at Unicoi Outfitters
June 22nd Basic Fly Tying Class at Unicoi Outfitters
June 29th Fly Fishing at Tallulah Gorge State Park

These one-day classes provide an excellent opportunity to learn more about the sport of fly fishing and are a convenient alternative to the multi-day classes offered elsewhere. The cost is also easier on the pocketbook. All gear and equipment are provided in both the fly fishing and fly tying classes. Call the shop (706-878-3083) to make your reservation.

As always, we want to thank everyone for allowing us to be your fly shop. You are all very important to us and we are grateful. If you know someone whom you think would like to receive our monthly updates, please send us their email address.

Tight lines!

The Liars Club

Return to Unicoi Outfitters Home page